Sharp 900W Countertop Convection Microwave Review

About the Sharp SMC0985KS Countertop Convection Microwave

• Dimensions: 19.6 x 15.77 x 11.38 inches
• Capacity: 0.9 cubic feet
• Power: 900 watts

This Sharp countertop microwave combines traditional microwave functions with convection cooking in a single appliance. In addition to the expected Defrost and Popcorn settings, it features Bake, Roast, Air Fry, Convection, and Micro+Conv functions, and comes with an Air Fry Tray and a Baking and Roasting Pan. There are also Auto Cook and Auto Reheat settings.

How we tested

To get a sense of the full breadth of capabilities, we used each of the cooking functions, as well as the combination Micro+Conv function. To test the most popular microwave tasks, we reheated coffee and leftovers, melted butter, defrosted meat, and popped popcorn.

To test the unexpected functions, we air-fried chicken nuggets and frozen waffles with the Air Fry Tray, baked crazy bread with the Baking and Roasting Pan, and cooked frozen breaded chicken fingers with the Micro+Conv setting on the Air Fry Tray.

What we like

It's small and multi-functional

The petite size of this microwave is perfect for small spaces that can't accommodate multiple appliances. If a microwave is your top priority when outfitting a dorm, apartment, or RV, the extra functions make this one a good choice.

It's convenient having a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer in a single, compact appliance. The microwave function is the top performer, while the other functions are adequate for a multi-purpose appliance.

The air fry function worked

Breaded chicken nuggets emerged almost as crisp from the Sharp as they do from a traditional air fryer. The microwave's humid environment likely limits how crisp food gets, and the Air Fry Tray doesn't circulate air as effectively as a wire basket does. But if your kitchen can't accommodate a separate air fryer, this unit will do the trick.

It comes with dishwasher-safe accessories

To ensure safe operation of the air-frying and baking features, the unit comes with a perforated Air Fry Tray and a smooth Baking and Roasting Pan. Both of those, along with the glass turntable, are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance.

What we don't like

The user interface is confusing and difficult to use

The only functions that are easy to accomplish without turning to the manual are the +time settings. Due to its compact display, every button serves multiple functions, making it cumbersome to perform some of the most basic tasks. We had to keep the manual close at hand for everything except reheating coffee.

For example, to defrost a food item, you can choose to do it by Time or Weight, but the selections are cryptic, and we found ourselves referring back to the manual every time to determine the correct order of operations.

Even with the manual in hand and the cheat codes displayed on the interior surface, it was still tricky to accomplish a multi-step cooking function. Micro+Conv was relatively straightforward, but it took several attempts to set a program to cook and crisp. Even where it's possible, it's much easier to separate the functions than to struggle through the ambiguous settings on the control panel.

Auto and combination cooking requires trial (and error)

The compact, moist environment of a microwave works against convection baking and air frying. While this unit has a fan for air circulation, it still requires some trial and adjustment to achieve the results you might expect.

Straightforward air frying was the most successful alternative function beyond standard microwaving. The combination Micro+Conv setting worked, but the timing needed adjustment to achieve crisp results.

The Auto Cook and Auto Reheat settings listed in the manual are limited, and we found several instances of wanting to reheat something that isn't available as a preset—namely pizza, one of the most commonly reheated foods.

Warranty

Sharp backs the unit with a one-year limited warranty for parts and labor, plus an additional four years on the magnetron tube (parts only).

Should you buy the Sharp SMC0985KS Countertop Convection Microwave?

Maybe—if you must own a microwave and don't have additional room for a separate air fryer

If you must own a microwave and don't have additional room for a separate air fryer, the Sharp SMC0985KS (available at Lowe's for $129.00) will work. It's not the best of either, but it's adequate for both. It's plenty powerful for its compact size, and the added air fryer function worked well enough.

If you have more space and want an excellent microwave, we recommend the Panasonic NN-SD975S, or if you can do without the microwave, consider a multi-purpose countertop oven. The compact Wonder Oven takes up less space and offers superior roasting, baking, and air-frying capabilities.