The Sharp SMC1162KS is a 1000-watt microwave with a medium-sized capacity. This model is the newer version of the Sharp SMC1162HS, featuring an upgraded child-resistant door lock. It doesn't have a cooking sensor, but there's a button that adds 30 seconds, buttons for defrosting different types of meat, and a handful of quick-start buttons for foods like popcorn, potatoes, and veggies.
Our Verdict
The Sharp SMC1162KS provides very good performance for everyday use. As a medium-sized microwave, it doesn't offer enough internal capacity for a casserole or lasagna, but it can accommodate most bowls, plates, and storage containers. It's a powerful microwave that operates very quietly, but it's not the easiest to use. It has a membrane touch panel, which isn't particularly responsive or pleasant to use, and while it's easy to start simple cooking programs, you have to press the buttons repeatedly to adjust the power level or set a specific cook time.
Heats food quickly.
Quiet operation.
Simple to use for basic cooking tasks.
Includes a cooking sensor for more automatic heating.
Complex cooking tasks require many button presses.
Somewhat small capacity.
The Sharp SMC1162KS heats food very quickly. At maximum power, it heats food faster than most other 1000-watt microwaves.
Heats food quickly.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Sharp SMC1162KS comes in 'Black,' 'White,' and 'Stainless Steel.' We tested the Stainless Steel variant. See the label for our unit.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, so we can update our review.
Popular Microwave Comparisons
The Sharp SMC1162KS is a medium-sized 1000-watt countertop microwave. This model is the updated version of the Sharp SMC1162HS, though it doesn't offer many changes over the previous edition. Instead, it adds a child-resistant door lock, which complies with updated safety standards. With this change, users need to press '0/Unlock' before opening the door, though it's also possible to disable this feature. This model also cooks a little faster than the SMC1162HS, but beyond that, these models are mostly the same. Compared to other 1000-watt microwaves, like the Cuisinart CMW-100, the Sharp SMC1162KS offers faster cooking times without making any extra noise. It's decently easy to use, though its membrane touch panel makes it less responsive than options with physical buttons and dials, like the Panasonic HomeCHEF NN-CD87KS or the Breville the Smooth Wave.
To find out what we recommend, see our picks for the best microwaves, the best countertop microwaves, and the best budget and cheap microwaves.
The Breville the Smooth Wave is a better microwave than the Sharp SMC1162KS. Although the Sharp cooks a bit faster, the Breville offers easier and more pleasant day-to-day operation. With physical buttons and dials, Breville's controls are very responsive, making it easy to start a range of cooking programs. This doesn't make much of a difference when you want to start a basic program, like cooking for 3 minutes at 100% power, but it has a big impact when you want to adjust the power level or set a specific cook time. The Breville also includes a cooking sensor that adjusts cook time by detecting steam in the chamber, making heating or reheating more automatic. It's quieter, too, which you may appreciate if noise is a concern or if you want the ability to make late-night snacks without disturbing anyone else.
The Sharp SMC1162KS is the updated version of the Sharp SMC1162HS, and while they are very similar, the SMC1162KS offers slightly better performance. The main difference between these models is the addition of a child-resistant door lock on the SMC1162KS, so you may prefer it if you have kids in the house. It also cooks a little faster. Beyond these differences, the SMC1162HS and SMC1162HS share very similar controls and functions, so if you find the SMC1162HS on sale, you can pick it up without worrying about making the wrong choice.
If you're shopping for a new microwave and trying to decide between the Sharp SMC2266KS and the Sharp SMC1162KS, go with the SMC2266KS. Overall, these models provide very similar features and operation, but the SMC2266KS has a couple of advantages. It offers a larger internal capacity, so you can easily heat and reheat your largest dishes. This microwave also includes a cooking sensor that adjusts the cook time by detecting steam in the chamber, making cooking more automatic. It's quieter, too, making it a fantastic choice if noise is a concern.
If you're considering both countertop and over-the-counter microwaves and trying to decide between the Sharp SMC1162KS and the Sharp R1214TY, go with the SMC1162KS. It's a medium-sized countertop model with a couple of advantages over the R1214TY. Despite having a lower advertised power output, it cooks more quickly. It's also easier to use, since you don't have to press as many buttons before starting either simple or more complex cooking tasks. And while the R1214TY has a larger internal capacity, its turntable is actually smaller than the SMC1162KS's, making it harder to heat or reheat larger dishes.
Test Results
