The Sharp R1214TY is a large 1100-watt over-the-counter microwave with controls located along the bottom edge and lights on the underside, which you can use to illuminate the countertop below. It has a cooking sensor that automatically adjusts the cook time by detecting steam in the chamber, and an option to quickly start a one-minute program. There are no dedicated mute or child lock buttons, but you can engage them by using a combination of the regular controls.
Our Verdict
The Sharp R1214TY is decent for everyday use. It's a powerful over-the-counter microwave with a large internal capacity that can accommodate most plates, bowls, and containers. It offers quiet operation, making it a good option if noise is a concern. Unfortunately, it's not very easy to use. Its membrane touch panel doesn't provide the most responsive or pleasant controls, though they're conveniently located along the bottom edge, making them easy to reach. While it's pretty easy to start simple tasks, like cooking for three minutes at 100% power, you have to hit the buttons repeatedly to change the power level or set a specific cook time.
Heats food quickly.
Large enough capacity for most dishes.
Provides quiet operation.
Starting simple cooking tasks is easy.
Starting complex cooking tasks requires many button presses.
Membrane touch panel is less responsive than physical buttons or dials.
The 1100-watt Sharp R1214TY heats food very quickly at maximum power.
Heats food quickly.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sharp R1214TY Microwave comes in 'White,' 'Black,' and 'Stainless Steel.' See a picture of our unit's label.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Microwave Comparisons
The Sharp R1214TY is a 1100-watt over-the-counter microwave. Unlike an over-the-range microwave, the GE JVM6175SKSS, for example, isn't meant to be installed directly above your stove; instead, it fits under a standard 24-inch wall cabinet, giving you a bit more flexibility while still saving counter space. Similar to the LG MVEL2033F, it features controls along the bottom edge, which are easier to reach, but unlike that model, they're not particularly easy to use. Like many microwaves, including the Panasonic NN-SN68QB, the R1214TY has a membrane touch panel, which offers less responsiveness than glass touch panels or physical buttons and dials. It's still fairly easy to start simple cooking programs, but changing the power level or adjusting the cook time beyond one-minute increments takes quite a few button presses. Luckily, it has a steam sensor, making cooking a bit more automatic.
If you're still deciding which microwave style is right for your kitchen, see our picks for the best microwaves, the best countertop microwaves, and the best over-the-range microwaves.
If you're looking at over-the-range and over-the-counter microwaves and deciding between the Sharp R1214TY and the LG MVEM1825F, choose the LG. While it's a little less powerful, the over-the-range LG microwave offers easier, more convenient day-to-day operation. It offers a bit more internal capacity, so there's more room for larger dishes, and it's a bit quieter during operation. The LG's glass touch panel is more pleasant to use than the Sharp's membrane touch panel, and you can start simple programs, like cooking for three minutes at 100% power, with the press of a single button. While you have to hit more buttons to adjust the power level or set a specific cook time, it's still easier than with the Sharp.
If you're considering both over-the-range and over-the-counter microwaves, and trying to decide between the Sharp R1214TY and the LG MVEL2033F, the LG is a better bet. Although the Sharp is more powerful and cooks a bit quicker, the LG is easier and more pleasant to use, which will make a bigger difference for most people. The LG, an over-the-range model, is larger, giving you more space to reheat bigger dishes. It has a glass touch panel that is more responsive than the Sharp's membrane touch panel and lets you start simple cooking programs with a single button press. It's also easier to adjust the power level or set a specific cook time with the LG, and it has dedicated buttons to mute or lock the controls.
If you're considering both countertop and over-the-counter microwaves and trying to decide between the Sharp R1214TY and the Sharp SMC2266KS, go for the SMC2266KS. It's a countertop model, so you can't install it above your counter, but it's more powerful and easier to use. The SMC2266KS has a very large capacity, so you can use it to heat or reheat your biggest dishes. It makes it easier to start both simple and more complex cooking tasks, too, since you don't have to press as many buttons, and it's quieter during operation.
If you're considering both over-the-counter and over-the-range microwaves and looking at the Sharp R1214TY and the GE JVM6175SKSS, choose the GE. While the over-the-counter Sharp microwave cooks a bit faster than the over-the-range GE, the GE is more convenient to use on a daily basis. It's a bit larger, making it easier to heat and reheat bigger dishes. The GE also makes it easier to start both simple and more complex cooking programs, since it requires fewer button presses in both cases. It includes dedicated mute and lock buttons, too, which are handy if noise is a concern or if you have small children.
Test Results
This over-the-counter microwave features task lighting and accent lighting for the countertop below your installation spot. You can mute the controls by hitting 'Custom/Help,' '2,' then 'Start.' Similarly, you can set the child lock by pressing 'Custom/Help,' '1,' then 'Start.'
