Top-Rated Sharp Black Microwave Oven Compared – Performance & Value

1. Sharp SMC1161KB 1.1 cu. ft. Black Microwave

At dinnertime, when the stove is busy and everyone wants food fast, the Sharp SMC1161KB 1.1 cu. ft. Black Microwave takes the pressure off without taking over the counter. Its 1000W output suits everyday reheating, drinks, and side dishes, while the compact black cabinet should fit neatly into a typical kitchen nook. That makes it easier to use every evening rather than reserve it for occasional reheating.

Placing it near a microwave stand or kitchenette makes it useful for quick meals rather than hiding it away. The 1.1 cu. ft. cavity gives useful room for a dinner plate or medium bowl without moving up to a full-size countertop model. A familiar top-loading format also makes grabbing leftovers especially convenient. It also works well as a second cooking zone when the main oven is occupied.

It is a sensible pick for apartments, offices, couples, or anyone who regularly reheats food but values a smaller countertop footprint. The black exterior coordinates easily with common appliances, and the wattage provides a practical balance for routine kitchen tasks. For very large casseroles or heavily frozen loads, however, a larger-capacity model would be easier. This model is less suited to batch cooking than the roomier 1.4 cu. ft. option.

• 1000W power handles routine reheating and cooking
• 1.1 cu. ft. cavity suits plates and medium bowls
• Compact footprint works well in apartments and offices
• Top-loading access makes leftovers easy to retrieve
• Black finish blends with many kitchen appliances
• Straightforward format suits everyday kitchen users

• Less spacious than larger 1.4 cu. ft. countertop models
• Frozen or oversized portions may require extra time

2. Sharp SMC1461KB 1.4 cu. ft. Black Microwave

The Sharp SMC1461KB 1.4 cu. ft. Black Microwave is ideal for busy households, frequent cooks, and shared kitchens where a slightly larger microwave can reduce bottlenecks. Its 1100W output and roomy 1.4 cu. ft. cavity make it a practical upgrade when leftovers, family-size plates, and several side dishes all need quick attention. It also fits people who want more capacity without moving to an oversized countertop appliance.

Compared with a compact model, the extra capacity offers more freedom to heat a full plate, reheat a casserole section, or warm a larger bowl. The 1100W rating supports common countertop tasks, while the black finish gives the appliance a neutral look beside other black appliances. It can serve as an everyday station rather than an occasional backup. That makes it especially useful during busy mornings and evenings.

Best for a main microwave that needs to cover varied portions, it should appeal to couples who cook frequently and families who do not want to rely on a small unit. The 1.4 cu. ft. size is a helpful middle ground, although buyers with very limited counter space should measure first. Larger frozen items may still take longer than with a high-wattage commercial-style unit, depending on their starting temperature.

• Roomy 1.4 cu. ft. cavity handles larger dishes
• 1100W output suits everyday cooking and reheating
• Useful middle ground between compact and oversized models
• Black finish coordinates with many appliance suites
• Strong fit for busy households and shared kitchens
• Versatile for plates, bowls, and casserole portions

• 1.4 cu. ft. footprint needs more room than a 0.7 cu. ft. model
• 1100W may be slower for dense frozen foods

3. Sharp SMD2420MS Stainless Steel Built-In Drawer Microwave

The standout feature of the Sharp SMD2420MS Stainless Steel Built-In Drawer Microwave is its under-counter drawer installation: it creates a dedicated cooking zone while keeping the work surface open and the kitchen sightline clear. The 1.2 cu. ft. capacity makes it especially appealing for a renovation or custom kitchen where preserving counter space matters. It also turns an otherwise unused lower cabinet zone into a convenient appliance.

Sensor Cook Technology is the other major reason to consider this model, adding convenience by helping manage cooking time according to the food’s conditions instead of relying entirely on guesswork. A touch control panel keeps commands centralized on the smooth front, while the stainless steel exterior gives built-in cabinetry a clean, appliance-integrated appearance that can suit a modern kitchen. The 24-inch format is intended for planned under-counter fitting.

This microwave is best for homeowners who are willing to plan cabinetry, power, and ventilation before installation and want the microwave to feel built in rather than placed on top. The drawer layout makes everyday access quick and keeps the counter uncluttered. Buyers should verify the 24-inch opening carefully, and anyone who prefers a higher door may find the lower pull-out position less convenient for some users.

• Under-counter drawer design preserves valuable counter space
• 1.2 cu. ft. cavity offers practical everyday capacity
• Sensor Cook Technology helps reduce manual timing
• Touch panel provides a clean, centralized control surface
• Stainless steel finish coordinates with modern cabinetry
• 24-inch format supports a built-in kitchen layout

• Requires compatible cabinetry and careful measurement
• Low drawer position may be less comfortable for some users

4. Sharp SMO1754JS 1.7 cu. ft. Over-Range Microwave

Unlike a countertop microwave that permanently occupies preparation space, the Sharp SMO1754JS 1.7 cu. ft. Over-Range Microwave lifts the cooking zone above the range. That distinction matters in compact kitchens, where every clear section of counter can be useful and a bulky appliance can make the room feel crowded. It is a better fit for cooks who want a more integrated appliance layout without giving up useful microwave capacity. (See Also:Microwave Food Cover Glass)

The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is the model’s main everyday advantage over smaller countertop units, creating more room for full plates, larger bowls, and family-size portions. Its 30-inch width indicates a substantial over-range installation, which can make it a natural choice for a primary cooking zone. The result is a microwave that is available without taking up a stand or drawer. That convenience matters during busy meal preparation.

Best for households renovating a kitchen, replacing a prior over-range model, or building a cooking package around one central appliance, it offers practical capacity in a space-saving format. Installation planning is the trade-off: cabinet width, mounting height, electrical access, and clearance over the cooktop all need checking. People who frequently reach across the stove may also prefer a counter-level unit for easier loading, especially for shorter users.

• Over-range placement frees valuable countertop workspace
• 1.7 cu. ft. capacity suits larger dishes and portions
• 30-inch format targets a primary cooking zone
• Keeps the microwave accessible near the range
• Integrated layout can suit a kitchen renovation
• Useful capacity for family meal preparation

• Requires careful measurement, mounting, and electrical planning
• Reaching above the cooktop may be less convenient for shorter users

5. Sharp SMC0760KB 0.7 cu. ft. Black Microwave

At 7 a.m., a commuter steps into a small apartment kitchen, places a bowl of soup on the turntable, and needs a microwave that will not crowd the only counter beside the sink. The Sharp SMC0760KB 0.7 cu. ft. Black Microwave fits that real-world niche, offering 700W everyday heating in a compact black housing. It is equally relevant to a dorm room, guest suite, or compact office kitchen.

The smaller cavity is intended for routine portions rather than crowded batches, making this model useful for one person’s leftovers, a mug of water, a side dish, or a bowl of soup. Its 700W rating is modest, but for common heating tasks that compact approach can be easier to live with than a full-size unit in a tight kitchen, particularly when counter space is the bigger constraint.

Choose it for a dorm, studio apartment, office break room, guest area, or any secondary kitchen where one person is the main user. The black finish looks unobtrusive, and the 0.7 cu. ft. size can make better use of a short counter run. Its main limitation is capacity and power: large frozen foods, dense potatoes, and multi-serving casseroles may need more time or a larger appliance.

• Compact 0.7 cu. ft. size suits tight counter spaces
• 700W power is appropriate for common reheating tasks
• Ideal for dorms, studios, offices, and guest areas
• Black finish has a simple, unobtrusive appearance
• Useful for soup, leftovers, drinks, and side dishes
• Small footprint helps preserve limited workspace

• Small cavity limits larger plates and casserole portions
• 700W rating may require extra time for dense or frozen foods

6. Sharp SMC1585KB 1.5 cu. ft. Black Convection Countertop Microwave

When you’re shopping for a microwave that does more than just reheat leftovers without breaking the bank, the Sharp SMC1585KB 1.5 cu. ft. Black Convection Countertop Microwave is a standout pick. For its price tag, you get a full convection mode that lets you bake, roast, and crisp foods without firing up your full-sized oven, which is a huge win for small apartments or anyone looking to cut down on energy use during hot months. The 1.5 cubic foot interior is spacious enough to fit a full dinner plate or a medium-sized casserole dish, so you won’t have to cook in batches when feeding a small household.

Everyday use feels intuitive, with simple button controls that don’t require a manual to figure out, and the black finish wipes clean easily if you splatter sauce or melted cheese while cooking. The convection fan runs quietly enough that it won’t drown out the TV or a conversation while you’re prepping meals, and the even heat distribution means no more cold spots in your reheated soup or frozen dinners. It’s a workhorse that does exactly what it promises without extra smart features you’ll never use.

• Affordable price for convection functionality
• Spacious 1.5 cu. ft. interior fits standard cookware
• Quiet operation during use
• Easy-to-clean smooth black exterior
• Even heat distribution for consistent cooking results
• Simple, no-fuss control interface

• No smart connectivity or preset specialty cooking modes
• Convection preheat times are slightly longer than premium models

7. Sharp SMD2470AH 24-inch 1.2 cu. ft. Black Stainless Steel Drawer Microwave

If you’ve ever strained your shoulder reaching up to open a standard over-the-range microwave, or bumped your head on the door handle while carrying a hot plate of food, the Sharp SMD2470AH 24-inch 1.2 cu. ft. Black Stainless Steel Drawer Microwave is designed to fix that exact frustration. The drawer-style design slides out at waist height, so you can place heavy dishes inside and pull them out without lifting or stretching, which is a game-changer for anyone with mobility issues, short stature, or who regularly cooks for large groups. The concealed control panel keeps the front sleek and uncluttered, so it blends seamlessly with modern kitchen cabinetry without bulky buttons ruining the aesthetic.

The 950-watt power output heats food quickly and evenly, and the 1.2 cubic foot interior is large enough to fit a full-size dinner plate or a medium casserole dish without crowding. The digital LCD display is easy to read even in low kitchen lighting, and the preset cooking modes take the guesswork out of reheating pizza, popping popcorn, or defrosting meat. It’s a practical upgrade that makes a small, daily kitchen task feel far less tedious.

• Waist-height drawer access eliminates reaching and lifting strain
• Sleek concealed control panel for a clean, modern look
• Even 950-watt heating with no cold spots
• Spacious interior fits standard full-size dinnerware
• Easy-to-read digital LCD display
• Quiet slide mechanism for smooth operation

• Higher price point than standard countertop microwaves
• Requires 24-inch cabinet cutout for built-in installation

8. Sharp SMD2489ES 24 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built

The Sharp SMD2489ES 24 in. 1.2 cu. ft. Built-In Smart Microwave Drawer Oven is made for homeowners who are building or renovating a modern, connected kitchen and want every appliance to work together without cluttering counter space. If you already use smart home systems to control your lights, thermostat, or oven, this microwave’s built-in smart features let you adjust cooking settings, preheat, or check cooking progress right from your phone or voice assistant, no need to walk over to the kitchen to tweak settings mid-cook. The drawer-style design also fits perfectly into 24-inch cabinet cutouts, so it looks like a built-in part of your kitchen rather than an afterthought appliance stuck under the counter.

The 1.2 cubic foot interior is surprisingly roomy, fitting full dinner plates, leftover containers, and even small baking dishes without issue, and the even heating means no more unevenly reheated meals. The smart cooking presets are calibrated for common foods, so you don’t have to guess at times and power levels for things like frozen vegetables or baked potatoes. It’s a great pick for anyone who values both functionality and a cohesive, high-end kitchen aesthetic.

• Seamless smart home connectivity for remote control
• Integrated 24-inch design fits standard cabinet cutouts for a built-in look
• Spacious interior fits standard full-size cookware
• Even heating for consistent cooking results
• Pre-calibrated smart presets for common foods
• Quiet drawer operation for open-concept living spaces

• Requires professional installation for built-in cutout
• Smart features may be unnecessary for users who don’t use connected home systems

9. Sharp SMD2479MB 24-inch 1.2 cu. ft. Smart Wave-Open Drawer Microwave

The single feature that sets the Sharp SMD2479MB Smart Microwave Drawer Oven apart from every other model on the market is its Easy Wave Open functionality, which lets you open the drawer with a simple wave of your hand—no touching required. If you’ve ever had to stop cooking to wash your hands before grabbing a snack, or struggled to open a microwave door when your hands are full of grocery bags or covered in flour, this feature eliminates that tiny but constant frustration entirely. It’s also a huge accessibility plus for users with limited mobility or dexterity who can’t easily grip and pull a standard microwave door or drawer handle.

Beyond that unique open feature, this microwave is packed with practical perks: it’s Alexa certified, so you can adjust cooking times, start preheating, or check status with simple voice commands, and the concealed glass touch control panel is sleek, easy to wipe clean, and responds quickly to taps. The 950-watt power heats food evenly, the 1.2 cubic foot interior fits standard cookware, and the black finish blends in with almost any kitchen décor. It’s a thoughtful, user-centric design that solves real, everyday pain points most microwave manufacturers ignore.

• Hands-free Easy Wave Open for touchless access
• Alexa certified for voice control convenience
• Sleek concealed glass touch control panel that’s easy to clean
• Even 950-watt heating with no cold spots
• Spacious 1.2 cu. ft. interior fits standard dishes
• Quiet operation for open-concept homes

• Wave open sensor can be overly sensitive in high-traffic kitchen areas
• Higher price point than standard drawer microwaves without smart features

10. Sharp SMO1461GS 24 in. 1.4 cu. ft. Over the Range

One of the most common complaints about standard over-the-range microwaves is that their built-in ventilation systems are weak, leaving cooking smells, grease, and smoke trapped in your kitchen long after you’ve finished cooking. The Sharp SMO1461GS 24 in. 1.4 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave is designed to fix that exact frustration, with a powerful ventilation fan that effectively pulls grease and odors up and out of your kitchen, so your home doesn’t smell like fried fish or burnt toast for hours after dinner. It’s a huge upgrade for anyone who cooks regularly and hates dealing with lingering kitchen smells that stick to curtains, furniture, and clothing.

Beyond its strong ventilation, this microwave has a spacious 1.4 cubic foot interior that’s larger than most standard over-the-range models, so you can fit tall dishes, large plates, and even small casserole dishes without crowding. The 1000-watt power output heats food quickly and evenly, with preset modes for common tasks like defrosting meat, popping popcorn, and reheating leftovers that take the guesswork out of cooking. The sleek stainless steel finish matches most kitchen appliance suites, and the easy-to-clean interior and exterior make wiping away grease splatters a quick, painless task.

• Powerful ventilation system eliminates lingering cooking smells and grease
• Spacious 1.4 cu. ft. interior fits tall and large cookware
• Fast, even 1000-watt heating for consistent results
• Convenient preset cooking modes for common tasks
• Sleek stainless steel finish matches most kitchen suites
• Easy-to-clean surfaces resist grease buildup

• Installation requires mounting hardware and may need professional help
• Ventilation fan is slightly louder than premium built-in models