Sharp R651ZS Full-Size Microwave: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. This easy-to-use microwave is both powerful and versatile, It features 11 cooking levels and a collection of preprogrammed sensor settings.
I bought this to replace a Sharp microwave oven which went out a couple of days before. I actually ordered another Sharp online and Chad in Appliances went over several comparable models and this one seemed the best. He was very informative and helpful. I like the idea of the teflon lined walls. Its large and easy to clean. Its as quiet as my old Sharp.
I have a couple of problems with this model. The first is not the machine, its me. I'm getting older and don't see as well as I used to. The numbers and letters on the buttons are very faint compared by my old microware hence harder to read. My wife has had to use a flashlight to read the new one and we did not have to with our old one. The LCD display is smaller than our old machine. I never really considered these things in the store.
I cannot get used to the LG sensor cooking. Following the instructions carefully, I have managed to scorch popcorn and my wife has managed to scorch potatoes. We never had this problem with our old sensor microwave. I am sure they use different algorithms. From what I can see of LG and some other brands, part of the "sensor" cooking is programming (by weight). My old Sharp sensed moisture and then started a pre programmed countdown.
In all its a good unit (no night light like the Sharp) but the problems above have me about to return it and consider repairing my old one. My old one lasted over 10 years before having a problem - then the door latch broke. I'm told by the sales staff that life span of current microwaves is a bit shorter than my old one.
Bosch 100 Series built-in dishwasher: Clean up after dinner quickly with this dishwasher, which features a concealed heating element for powerful cleaning and a RackMatic adjustable rack to accommodate up to 14 place settings.
I bought this as an open box purchase. The sales staff at the pickup counter as well as the staff in the appliance department were both very helpful. The warehouse staff unwrapped it so I could look at it and then rewrapped it. All very good. On line I was offered free delivery but was told by store staff by phone that it woud not be available as this was on open box purchase. The appliance staff person said I could have gotten free delilvery. When I got the dishwasher home, I noticed a few things. It was in excellent condition but there were parts missing (screws and the kickplate) as well as the manual and warranty card. I downloaded the manual and set about installing it. I noticed a fine gray discoloration to the front of the black face which looked like it may have rubbed off from the bubble wrap used to protect it. It comes off but not easily. My wife called about the missing parts and was cut off after 25 minutes with the store. She then called 888-BEST BUY and was on and off with a representative who sounded as if she would get the parts for us. She took our number and this call was cut off after over 45 minutes. She did not call back. I considered returning it at this point but already had it partially installed. As I was installing the machine I found the price sticker attached to the inside of the door. Under a heading "Missing Accessories" it states "NO MISSING ACCESSORIES" Once finshed, I called the same 888 number to see if I could get the kickplate to "finish" the job. I spoke with a very kind gentleman who was very helpful. He was on and off the call for about half an hour. He tried different solutions but none worked. In short, he said I could have gotten the parts if I had bought an extended warranty but, since I didn't, he could not go farther in getting me the missing parts. It seems the "no missing accessories" comment from the price tag means nothing after the purchase. He said the only real solution I have is to return the unit.... I am considering it.
[Take a look at my attached pictures]
I have bought open box from Best Buy in the past. I have a washer/dryer open box purchase set that is over 10 years old (I still have the manuals). No hitches at all. I've actually bought open box with confidence in the past from several stores but I am now skeptical. (I would point any Best Buy staff who may see this to the owner's manual. I am missing screws, a printed manual, a warranty card, and (I believe) the kickplate.)
Would I recommend this machine - certainly - its very quiet, cleans very well and the dishes are dry at the end of the cycle.
Would I buy open box from Best Buy again? Certainly not.