Sharp R959SLM Freestanding, microwave

+ Good family-sized oven, flexibility of all forms of cooking

- door closes as you are putting food in and out of the oven, especially bad when food is hot

+ ease of use..its power save mode which saves electricity..large capacity oven

- the 1 minute press point is showing signs of ware on the control panel due to it being the most used press point

+ Nice looking microwave. Easy to use and the oven heats up very quickly.

- When using as a oven it is very noisy. Other than that it is a great machine.

+ The huge oven capacity.

- It doesn't do a normal defrost, only programmed.
The whole machine is hard work

+ Great size, easy to use, looks very expensive and 2 supplied shelves very useful
Tend to use during the week to save energy cost of heating up main oven
Steel interior and ceramic rotating plate easy to clean

- none

+ The best value large capacity microwave oven on the market.

- Tends to burn at back of oven when using convection, so you must turn the food.
But most other brands also do this...

+ Had this type before, and now even better.
Very big capacity

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Easy to use, nothing complicated! Easy to clean; smooth surfaces. Looks good.

- Had same m/wave previously - after time touch pad controls degraded; hope this one doesn't do the same.

+ Very nice all round product. Not had too much use yet so unable to comment on it's full functionality. Needs quite a large area to sit as somewhat larger than a lot of usual microwaves. This is not a bad point for me as I specifically wanted one the size of this cooker to accomodate built in space I had constructed for my old Sharp Microwave,

- Reviewer left no comment

+ No done enough with it to say it's easy yet, compared to my old Sharp combination. However the Grill is great, compared to our other little micro/grill, so cheese on toast is again on the menu! The quick cook bits, forget liquid, so you still have to time each cup of milk etc. As usual oriented to carnivores, but we can get over that. Lovely accessories, great size for those big casseroles and stews, and reasonably easy to clean. Only disappointment was - the handle did not show up on illustrations, and we were surprised to see it sticking out! Our old one was a button push, but once we're used to it, it is nice to use, once I stopped hitting my little shoulder on it! It's appearance is smart, and looks almost like our old combi, and I love the same flat, glass front for cleaning. Our old Sharp lasted for 25 years with one repair [disgraceful!], so if this one does the same it will be excellent value for money, and see us out! Definitly recommended if you have the space for it.Though you don't need a conventional oven, this is still our main oven, so space and cleaning saved there.

- see above, can't retype it all ~ sorry

+ Ease of use, big size. Easy to clean.

- none so far

+
specifications for the price

- External colour scheme, dull silver cabinet with a black front? (white would have been more acceptable in a kitchen)The large protruding opening handle, a flush mounted push button would have kept the front with more of a clean line. A brighter internal illumination would be an improvement. But performance so far has been good. My last Sharp combination, very similiar specification had lasted 15 years with no problems

+ Large capcity, multiple cooking functions, easy to use

- Conventional Oven cooking temperature not as hot as cooker rates it.
Shelf height is either very low or very high - no middle ground for grilling
Large turntable seems to require frequent cleaning
Oven has cooling function at end of cooking time, regardless of the fact one might wish to cook for longer - thus requiring frequent monitoring to reset to 'cook'.

+ Large capacity; wide range of capabilities; oven-shelves for convection-cooking; nice and easy-to-clean glass/ceramic turntable. Quite good-looking. And it all works!

- It is a bit complicated and slightly unintuitive to start cooking (setting the cooking-time before selecting cooking-mode; unintuitive icons on display for different cooking-modes; I would prefer to enter cooking-temperatures with a numeric keypad; I find the pre-programmed cooking options for different dishes a bit pointless). A couple of worries about construction-quality: I really don't like the 'cardboard' cover of the wave-guide on the right-hand side of the interior, and the external case on mine doesn't quite sit flush above the control-panel. Very short power-cable. The grill should really occupy the whole of the roof of the oven, not just the rear, so that it could be used with the fixed shelves, not just the turntable: this would allow the whole horizontal space to be used for grilling, as opposed to just what can turn on the turntable.

+ large capacity oven

- Reviewer left no comment

+ large capacity, easy to use. I purchased this as a supplement to my cooker, but in fact find myself using this in preference to my cooker.

- slightly odd oven temp graduation ie 160 degrees, then 130 degrees - nothing inbetween.

+ Extremely easy to use. The buttons are easily pressed and the display is clear, so are great for people with dexterity problems are poor eyesight. My whole family uses this microwave and I personally use it more for the grill and oven than the actual microwave itself! Fantastic capacity inside and there are removable wire shelves just like a normal oven. The oven heats up really quickly because it is not as cavernous as a normal oven. The grill is hot and grills VERY QUICKLY. Absolutely superb appliance!

- The only bad point is the grill doesnt grill the food evenly. You have to turn the item around to get it to cook at the other end as well.

+ Large capacity, just about anything fits in.
Quick preheat. Quick set-up.

- It weighs a lot, 29Kg or something like that.

+ a larger oven and able to use conventional heating in a progrmmable way

- Can't think of any. Had the previous model to this one so i knew exactly what I was buying.

+ good design for a modern kitchen useful 3 program function stainless steel interior good all round product

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Easy to use good range of programmes

- None

+ size, to be able to use as another oven. power, high level. good to look at. very pleased with this product.

- I have no bad points to say up to date.

+ A very big microwave, suitable for any one with a big family. Dont be put off by the size as this microwave/oven/grill looks nice. Has many features too many to list. It's almost like having a second oven. I wouldn't buy this if majority of the time you are just using the microwave only function. Overall a excellent quality microwave, but only worth if you are likely to use all the functions.

- Havent found any so far, even though it makes you wonder where to store all the extra trays you get with it.

+ Spacious Oven/Microwave does roast potatoes beautifully as well as Baked Potatoes everytime no fail! I did a Lasagna the other dayand used combination with grill and it came out Perfect evenly browned excellent looking dish. I havn't got it that long that I have used all the different settings, but so far Great Oven!

- Can't think of any!

+ It is quick, efficient and easy to clean.
This is the 3rd of this model that I have purchased over the past 16 years and I have been very pleased with the 1st and 3rd purchase.

- It is quite noisy and can be expensive to repair.

+ Large capacity.
Multi functions are excellent.
Easy to use and lean.
Nice display.
Nice easy to grip handle.

- Having to buy and replace wave guide. Which is very fragile.

+ I had a previous version of this microwave and what i liked about it was the auto cook features,to be able to cook from frozen also crispy crumb for coated foods.
This new version has all the features that i loved with the old microwve, + the added new features and shelving making it possible to make my cooker obsolete

- I haven't found any but i would love with all cookers & microves to be able to slide the insides out for cleaning.

+ Large capcity combi-function microwave which is what I was looking for. Roasts a whole chicken excellently. Jacket potatoes cooked on the 'auto' function produces excellent results, as does pizzas on the same programme. Defrost - excellent. Haven't tried all the many functions yet but am gradually getting there! Have not used my old built in oven since taking delivery of this microwave So I should be saving on energy as well. It comes with a very informative instruction book which includes many recipes. The complete unit looks good and attracts and few nice comments from visitors!

- Slightly complicated to understand at first [well, I am a pensioner!] but eventually 'got there'. Weighing food [for whatever function is requested] before placing in the microwave can be a bit of a 'bind'. Towards the end of some cooking functions I needed to 'add on' a few minutes however, I was not able to do so [I now just over-estimate slightly]. The inside needs wiping down after nearly every use. However, don't let this put you off purchasing one - It is the best combi I have ever had.

+ Its size, cooking options, and flexibility.

- Having to turn round items being cooked on convection half way through. Also the clock has a maximum time span of only 90 minutes. However these things are only monor irritants and certainly not showstoppers.

+ Large capacity and great to have 2 shelves as well as a turntable. Turbo cook facility great for things like Roasts and cutting down time to cook a stew. About a third of normal time.

- Not easy to clean, have to use strong oven cleaner. Very noisy. Can only use pre-programming for things like baked potatoes with pre-set weights of food rather than set own weights. Could do with a hour button when setting time rather than combinations of 10 mins. Have to press buttons a lot and maximum time you can set is 90 mins. So can't slow cook for longer than that like a normal oven. Grills unevenly.

+ Largest freestanding microwave oven on the market.
Will do everything you want.
Looks good.

- May be too big for some kitchens.
Workmanship could be better.
Electrical Lead too sort.

+ very big
automatic sleep mode when not used

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Seems to do almost everything well but often requires longer cooking times from frozen than on the product information.

- None found as yet, other than the small comment above

+ It looks good, it works like a dream, and the design is excellent.

- The recipe book isn't foolproof. My original Sharp Microwave bought in 1983 had a much more comprehensive recipe book. This one seems skimped in comparison.

+ Loads of space inside and lots of inbuilt programmes that work well. Previous similar Sharp model gave around 10 years of frequent use trouble free.

- Fairly large outside (not surprising re. space inside). Not much of a complaint really.

+ It's just the best microwave I have ever had. I make my breakfast & dinner on it. I also bake. I never have to wash a pot.

- Havent found one yet.

+ Loads of room inside microwave, to get large steak plates in, also has a timer on the microwave which is handy when cooking other things on my stove. I had the older model, which gave up, but it done a lot of stuff, thats why i ordered the same make again.

- This model's casing seems a bit less solid than the older model i had, but still seems to function as good!

+ Had identical model 21 years ago.Never once let us down.Bought latest model due to new kitchen (out with the old etc). Also holds (and cooks) a LARGE chicken.

- There aint none !

+ Easy to use, reliable . Cooks meat joints lovely and very easy to keep clean..I had the same microwave before and it has lasted many years of regular service

- Reviewer left no comment

+ capacity is great, dont need to use conventional oven at all suits any type of cooking GREAT APPLIANCE!

- auto defrost is just for small chops and portions ect and I like to do jints this way toobut it keeps stopping to turn food over ect which is a bit of a nuisance but otherwise its a great appliance

+ Fantastic product. I had an earlier version of this microwave for over seven years so when it finally died, there was no other option but to purchase another Sharp. The extra large capacity is great - my old Sharp had the same large capacity and I used it as my only oven for over four years. It is very very easy to use. I just hope this one lasts as long as the old one. Incredibly good value for money.

- None

+ Our previous microwave was a Sharp, which we were very pleased with.
Easy to use. Constructive instructions, Good overall size

- None to date

+ Good size oven with the option of two shelves.
Power saving mode.

- No time display when in power save mode.

+ Easy instructions. The only large combination microwave that has shelves, so it is a proper small oven. Very easy to keep clean and holds a big enough dish for at least 6 people. This is my second or third one and I actually went to the shop and asked for a Sharp as they have been so successful before. I use it at least two or three times a day, it is certainly my preferred method of cooking - both combi and micro. I've never used the grill as I don't need to, having an electric double-sided one, which is quicker.

- Can't think of any!!!

+ Clean & easy to keep clean, brilliant conventional oven, microwave very good but not tried grill as yet. Recipe book at rear of manual very helpful. Extremely satisfied with performance of oven & also the decrease in the amount of electricity I am using since I purchased it.

- Some of the instructions could be a little clearer. Reference to cooking frozen food not at its best. Cooker itself at the moment beyond reproach.

+ very large dish and easy to understand controls without needing to refer to the instruction book. very flexible and easy to keep clean. cooks very evenly without hot and cold spots.

- not as fast at cooking as the 900 watt rating would lead you to believe. it's no faster than my old one rated at 700 watts.

+ I love this oven and would whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a large-capacity combination microwave. I've made some great cakes in it and a whole range of dishes. I believe I could cook a Christmas dinner in it! I like having the two shelves, which gives much more flexibility.

- I wish the grill was more even .... it's very important to turn things as they cook more at the back.

+ lots of useful functions

- slightly large and awkward being 900w instead of 1000w when calculating power levels

+ Great value for money seems to be well made (only had it 2 months) Does all it says on the tin.

- Grill works well but would prefer a bigger grill with a slide in grill pan. Riser with a plate or cooking dish is a little awkward in comparison. Brecause the grill is relatively small food needs to rotate under grill.

+ more convenient than gas oven

- Round racks fiddly making it difficult to remove hot food.

+ easy to use and saves electricity and time.very easy to keep clean

- rather large and heavy to move for cleaning underneath.

+ Powerful

- Don't forget the size, it's bigger than your average microwave

+ The size is very good & also the turntable is a good size.

- The shelves are either too low or too high for good cooking. The instructions in the book were not very easy to understand & were not very good for cooking frozen roast potatoes.

+ Ease of use especially for routine cooking - many comments about baked potatoes on combi being as good as oven cooked (only much quicker) are accurate. Easy to learn how to use - but like most technology will take some time to use its full features. Found combi reheating precooked meals I made a bit of trial and error initially (probably underestimated the time needed) but it gives good results. Cookbook is comprehensive (snacks, mains, bread I have made) and recipes are easy to follow and give good results. There is a good selection and people should find at least 10-20 they would use - ones I have done so far have been well received - and better than I expected.

- None so far - but wise to read the instructions/cookbook and do a bit of experimentation before using it to cook an important meal. Common sense really - forewarned is forearmed.

+ Reviewer left no comment

- size

+ This microwave is perfect for a family and does everything we need and compliments the normal ways of cooking

- Reviewer left no comment

+ just so easy to use and looks good in the kitchen

- Can't find any

+ A versatile large capacity microwave

- It broke down after 3 weeks

+ Does everything except but the washing up.

- Still cannot fathom how to do dual cooking. No colour choice except silver.

+ Large capacity, conventional oven heats up quickly

- None

+ This product can be used as a integrated appliance if used with a fitting kit, But info for this use was not available when we were asking in the shop.

- None

+ Prior to puchasing this product I did a lot of seaching around for this item. So if you like me are looking for a combination microwave/oven that you can use to cook a family meal in, then this could be the product for you. The capacity of the oven is much larger than most at 40L, and there are 2 shelves that can be used in the oven allowing a chicken and roast potatoes to all fit in. It is larger than most, but to be honest I have not needed to put my traditional cooker on since I bought it, and its saved loads of time and energy. - Averall - very pleased.

- This was the third microwave that we had delivered (on the previous 2 the door did not shut properly), I have to say its been worth the wait though.

+ Large capacity. Touch controls. (as long as the print doesn't wear off.)

- Not easy to clean inside. A self clean function would be nice. Initially found it complicated and had to keep referring to booklet, more so than with other appliances.

+ Easy to operate, excellent capacity, attractive appearance and generally performs well.

- Could do with a further rotating shelf between the two sizes supplied. (I made one by bending legs of earlier model it replaced - which had same size shelves). This model does not appear to have the programme to automatically weigh and cook and lacks some of the programmes of our previous model although it is improved in some other ways. Unfortunately we could not find the outer trim in white but only silver so I will spray this white after guarantee expires (which it would otherwise invalidate).

+ Big, can cook 3 different dishes at the same time. Good vision and easy to use.

- The timer only goes up to 99 minutes.

+ This microwave combi cooks really well on all functions. Design is quiet modern looking and is well built all be it the first one delivered was damaged.

- Check the size this microwave is huge!

+ Large capacity at a reasonable price, just hope that it has a longer life than the Panasonic Microwaves we have had before it.

- We didn't need the grilling facility but had to have it to get the size of Microwave we required.

+ I love the way that I can cook a Sunday roast for 6 people just using this micro-oven. This product rescued my meals - I had a fire in my kitchen and didn't want to rush into spending alot of money on a 'proper' oven - this was the ideal solution!! I have 4 children and can easily cook 2 pizzas in here - an essenttial!

- Having had my new micro-oven for 6 weeks I am still having to refer regularly to the instruction manual to get the different results I need - am not sure if I had the option of using a conventional oven that I wouldn't havee given up by now.

+ Easy to use. Good auto settings

- Auto de-frost limited. Manual de-frost setting complicated.

+ Excellent all round cooker with large capacity, which has taken over from my main oven. Cooks with ease and very fast. Simple to use and easy to clean and looks good. Great idea having two shelves as I have never had this feature in similar combination ovens I have owned in the past. I would recommend this product and my mum is considering buying one! 10/10 from me!

- No bad points

+ It's a combination oven

- Not enough choise

+ IT IS AMAZING HOW MUCH YOU CAN COOK (CONVECTION) ONCE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT SIZE CONTAINERS AND THE RIGHT PLACING FOR THE FOOD. I AM TOLD I AM A PERFECTIONIST AND IT IS STILL IN MY KITCHEN.

- YOU MUST MUST PREHEAT THE CONVECTION. I NEED TO USE HIGHER TEMPS THAN MY OLD ONE

+ Excellent duel cook facility saves time and money.

- The inner casing can be difficult to clean especially after grilling.

+ Economical use compared with conventional oven (especially for two/one persons).
Good range of useful features.
Upgrade of previous SHARP model, which gave us good service.

- Outer casing gets very hot (our previous model did not).
China turntable not as resilient as metal version in our previous model.

+ Large capacity

- Cooking control buttons too close together.

+ Lots of features

- Too big
Instructions on the button too small and very fiddle to use

+ Good size, easy to use features, useful efficient alternative to main fan oven.

- Might be too big for some kitchens

+ Roasted Chicken cooked in 1 hour from frozen

- The door closing while your trying to get hot food out and the hot glass burning the back of your hand

+ This is a brilliant addition to my kitchen. I use it daily. The grill is a real boon, makes wonderful toast.

- None

+ Large Capacity ideal for family cooking

- Display can be difficult to read in bright light.
Auto start uses increments of 1 minute rather than 30 seconds as with most similar devices

+ Very efficient, a good back up to my gas oven. Cooks quickly. Very good for baked potatoes using the auto menu

- Ihave not had a combination microwave before, so have had to get used to it. Can't use the oven at the same time as the timer.

+ Good capacity with excellent multi function usuage, cooks meals well, and easy to maintain and keep clean

- missing sensor re-heat function

+ size of oven and shelves for convection cooking.

- None that I can think of

+ Clean & efficient. Easy to use but the instruction manual could have been perhaps a little more detailed.

- Not found any yet!!

+ Use of microwave and convection together. Speed of cooking. Ability to move oven relatively easily.

- Wire rack has a tendency to slip off the tray when moving containers whilst wearing oven gloves. This can cause food to fall off and be spoiled, or at least, cause some annoyance.