When my daily routine began to feel sluggish due to time-consuming meal preparations and a lack of quick reheating options, I knew I needed a significant change in my kitchen. The constant wait for food to heat on the hob or the oven, especially during busy mornings or late evenings, was becoming a major drain. Without a dedicated solution for rapid cooking and defrosting, my diet was becoming repetitive, relying too much on pre-packaged snacks rather than wholesome, quickly prepared meals. A compact, efficient appliance like the Sharp R-642(IN) W would have been a tremendous help back then, saving not just time but also precious mental energy.
Before diving into a specific product, it’s wise to consider why one might need a microwave oven in the first place. These versatile appliances excel at solving common kitchen dilemmas: rapidly reheating leftovers, quickly defrosting ingredients, and even cooking simple meals from scratch. They are an absolute blessing for anyone with a fast-paced lifestyle, offering unparalleled convenience compared to traditional cooking methods.
The ideal customer for a microwave oven is someone who values speed and efficiency in the kitchen. This includes busy professionals, students, small families, or individuals living in compact spaces where a full-sized oven might not be practical or necessary for everyday tasks. Those who frequently enjoy pre-prepared meals, desire quick snacks, or need to defrost ingredients regularly will find a microwave indispensable.
Conversely, a microwave oven might not be the best primary cooking appliance for someone who enjoys elaborate, slow-cooked meals or bakes frequently, as it doesn’t offer the same depth of cooking as a conventional oven. For larger families, a smaller capacity microwave might prove insufficient for heating multiple plates simultaneously. If your primary need is robust grilling or baking, a dedicated grill or convection oven would be more suitable. However, for everyday quick tasks and the convenience of rapid heating, a good microwave oven is unmatched.
Before committing to a purchase, consider several factors: the capacity (measured in litres) that best suits your household size, the wattage which indicates cooking power, the type of controls (digital touch, dial, or button), and any special features like a grill, convection, or pre-set programmes. Also, think about the installation type—freestanding units offer flexibility, while built-in options provide a seamless look. Finally, always assess the overall footprint to ensure it fits comfortably in your kitchen space.
Showcasing the Sharp R-642(IN) W
The Sharp R-642(IN) W is a freestanding microwave oven with an integrated grill, presented in a sleek silver finish. It promises to be a compact yet powerful kitchen companion, designed to streamline your daily cooking and reheating needs. Upon purchase, it typically comes with the necessary components for immediate use, including the turntable and often a grill rack, ensuring you’re ready to go straight out of the box.
Compared to some market leaders that might focus on sheer power or a very simple interface, this Sharp microwave positions itself as a versatile, space-saving alternative. While it might not boast the super high wattage of some premium models, its 800W output is perfectly adequate for most tasks, and the inclusion of a grill sets it apart from basic microwave-only units. It’s an evolution from previous, perhaps more basic Sharp models, embracing digital controls for a modern user experience.
This specific Sharp microwave is ideally suited for individuals or small households with limited kitchen space. Its compact 20-litre capacity fits snugly into smaller nooks, making it perfect for apartments, student accommodations, or as a secondary appliance. It’s for those who appreciate digital precision and a clean aesthetic. It might not be the best choice for large families who need to cook big portions simultaneously, or for users who prefer extremely simple, old-school rotary dial controls over touchpads.
Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Compact Footprint: Ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
* Digital Touch Control: Offers a modern look and precise settings.
* Integrated Grill Function: Adds versatility for browning and crisping.
* Good Heating Uniformity: Generally heats food evenly, reducing cold spots.
* Multiple Auto Programmes: Simplifies cooking for common items.
Cons:
* Grill Power Limitations: May struggle to brown effectively on its own.
* Loud Beeping Tones: Multiple unadjustable beeps can be annoying.
* Initial Learning Curve: Digital interface can take time to master for new users.
* Lightweight Design: Tends to slide forward when the door is opened.
* Potential Durability Issues: Some users report rust or paint fading inside after long-term use.
Features & Benefits
Having used the Sharp R-642(IN) W for an extended period, I’ve come to appreciate its design and functionality, while also noting its quirks. Let’s delve into the specifics of what makes this grill microwave stand out, or occasionally fall short.
Compact Design and Space Efficiency
One of the immediate benefits I noticed when first bringing this microwave into my kitchen was its incredibly compact design. With a 20-litre capacity and a height of just 25 centimetres, it slips easily into smaller spaces that might struggle to accommodate bulkier appliances. This freestanding unit is a godsend for anyone living in an apartment or a house with a more modest kitchen layout. It doesn’t dominate the counter-top, leaving valuable space for food preparation or other appliances. Despite its modest external dimensions, the internal cavity is surprisingly well-designed. While the 20-litre capacity includes all internal recesses, I was pleasantly surprised that a standard dinner plate, often up to 28cm in diameter, fits comfortably on the turntable. This thoughtful design means you can still heat a full meal without issues, making it incredibly practical for daily use.
Digital Touch Control Panel
The Sharp R-642(IN) W features a sleek digital touch control panel, a definite upgrade from the more common rotary dials found on many microwaves. This gives the appliance a modern, streamlined look that fits well into contemporary kitchens. Beyond aesthetics, the flat surface of the touch panel is incredibly easy to clean – a simple wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove spills or fingerprints, unlike traditional buttons or knobs where grime can accumulate. While some users might find the initial learning curve a little steep compared to a straightforward dial, once you get the hang of it, the precision offered by the digital controls is excellent. You can set exact cooking times down to the second and power levels with specific percentages, giving you more control over your cooking outcomes. This level of precision is invaluable when reheating delicate items or defrosting sensitive foods.
Microwave Performance (800W)
At 800 watts, the microwave function of the Sharp R-642(IN) W provides ample power for most everyday tasks. From heating up a mug of tea to warming a plate of leftovers, it handles the basics with efficiency. I’ve found its heating distribution to be quite consistent, especially for a microwave in this price range. While no microwave is perfectly uniform in its heating, this Sharp model performs commendably, with fewer cold spots than I’ve experienced with other units. The ability to adjust power levels in 10% increments (ranging from 10% to 100%) is a fantastic feature. This means you’re not limited to just “high” or “low,” but can fine-tune the wattage to suit different types of food – for example, a lower setting for melting chocolate or softening butter, and full power for rapid reheating. This flexibility significantly broadens the types of tasks you can accomplish, making it a more versatile kitchen tool.
Integrated Grill Function
The inclusion of an integrated grill function in the Sharp R-642(IN) W adds a layer of versatility that standard microwaves lack. While it’s certainly not going to replace a full-sized grill or oven for intensive browning, it’s excellent for giving dishes that little bit of crispness or a golden finish. It’s perfect for browning cheese on a sandwich, crisping up a pizza (more on that later), or adding a slight grill effect to various dishes. However, it’s worth noting that the grill’s power isn’t its strongest suit. Some users, myself included, have found that it might take longer than expected to achieve significant browning, and there can be a distinct “knocking” sound during operation, which I believe is related to the heating element cooling down or cycling. Despite this, the grill becomes truly useful when combined with the microwave function. The Sharp R-642(IN) W offers two combination modes: 55% microwave + 45% grill, and 36% microwave + 64% grill. These modes are fantastic for quickly cooking and browning dishes like gratins, baked potatoes, or even certain poultry, providing a more balanced result than either function alone.
Pre-set Auto Menus & Programmes
One of the biggest time-savers on the Sharp R-642(IN) W is its array of pre-set auto menus. These programmes are designed to take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn, potatoes, deep-frozen vegetables, beverages, and even plate dishes. You simply select the programme, input the weight (where applicable), and the microwave handles the rest. This “set and forget” convenience is invaluable on busy days. For instance, warming up a cup of coffee or reheating a plate of last night’s dinner is done perfectly with just a couple of button presses. A minor point of clarification, gleaned from experience, is that the pizza setting is generally intended for reheating pre-cooked or chilled pizzas (assuming a starting temperature of around 5°C), not for cooking a raw, frozen pizza from scratch. For a truly frozen pizza, you’d need to utilise a combination of defrost, microwave, and grill settings, which is still possible but requires a bit more user input.
Defrost Functions (Time/Weight)
Defrosting is a task that microwaves are particularly good at, and the Sharp R-642(IN) W offers two efficient methods: defrost by time or defrost by weight. This flexibility is a significant benefit. If you know the approximate time a certain item needs, you can set it directly. More often, however, I use the weight-based defrost, as it automatically calculates the optimal defrosting time, cycling power to ensure even thawing without cooking the edges. This prevents the common microwave pitfall of having cooked edges and a frozen centre. It’s a very reliable feature that saves a lot of planning ahead.
Timer Function
Beyond its primary cooking modes, the Sharp R-642(IN) W also includes a basic timer function. While seemingly simple, this feature proves surprisingly useful for timing non-microwave related cooking tasks. For example, I often use it as a kitchen timer for boiling eggs on the hob or for baking something in the conventional oven. You set the desired minutes and seconds, press start, and it counts down independently of any cooking cycle, providing an audible alert when the time is up. This means one less gadget cluttering your counter, as the microwave serves double duty.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The material type of the inner cavity is glass, which contributes to relatively easy cleaning. The flat digital control panel, as mentioned, is also a breeze to wipe down. For routine maintenance, simply wiping down the interior after each use helps prevent food splatters from hardening. However, after extended use, some users, myself included, have noticed an unfortunate drawback related to the internal finish. Reports of rust beginning to appear or paint fading around the turntable guides after a few years of regular use are not uncommon. While this doesn’t immediately impair function, it’s certainly a cosmetic issue and raises concerns about long-term durability, especially once the warranty period has passed. It suggests that while the exterior is robust, the internal coating might be less resilient to the moisture and heat cycles of prolonged microwave use.
Overall Build and Aesthetics
Aesthetically, the Sharp R-642(IN) W is quite appealing with its silver finish and real glass door. It generally presents a high-quality look that complements most kitchen décors. The door closes precisely, without any noticeable wobble or gaps, which speaks to a decent level of manufacturing quality. One minor physical annoyance, however, is the appliance’s relatively light weight (11.4 kilograms). While good for portability, it means that when you pull on the door handle to open it, the entire unit tends to slide forward on the countertop. This can be a bit frustrating, requiring you to hold the microwave in place with your other hand. A simple solution I found was placing a non-slip mat underneath it, which completely resolved the issue, making it much more stable during operation.
User Experiences
Having explored various online forums and product reviews, it’s clear that the Sharp R-642(IN) W generally garners positive feedback, especially for its compact size and overall functionality. Many users praise its efficiency for everyday microwave tasks and appreciate the added versatility of the grill. People often highlight its suitability for smaller kitchens and the convenience of its digital controls and pre-set programmes. However, some long-term owners have reported issues with the internal finish, such as rust or fading paint appearing after a few years of consistent use. A few individuals also found the touch panel slightly less intuitive initially and mentioned the persistent beeping sounds with each button press as a minor drawback that cannot be disabled.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Sharp R-642(IN) W microwave oven with grill is a solid choice for anyone looking to bring more efficiency and versatility to their kitchen. The daily grind of slow reheating and cumbersome cooking methods can be truly draining, and without a reliable solution, your kitchen routine can feel endlessly frustrating. This compact appliance effectively tackles that problem.
It’s a great fit for solving those culinary headaches because of its space-saving design, making it perfect for smaller homes, its flexible digital controls, and the added benefit of an integrated grill for more varied cooking. While it has its minor drawbacks, like the persistent beeps and the need for a non-slip mat, its core performance and features make it a worthwhile investment. Ready to transform your kitchen experience? Click here to discover more and check out the Sharp R-642(IN) W !