Sharp R-961 Combination Microwave Oven Review (2026): 8.8/10

Name: Sharp R-961 Combination Microwave Oven
Brand: Sharp
Rating: 4.4 (6800 reviews)

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

40L cavity is the largest of any comparison combination microwave — handles full roasting tins
Auto weight defrost calculates defrost time from food weight input
Jet defrost mode defrosts in half standard microwave time
900W microwave + 3500W convection provides genuine oven-equivalent cooking
Sharp's 50+ year microwave manufacturing heritage

✗ Cons

900W is lower than Panasonic's 1000W inverter — slightly less efficient heating
No flatbed — standard turntable limits maximum dish diameter
Control interface is less intuitive than Panasonic

Key Specifications

Capacity	40L (largest in comparison)
Power	900W + 3500W convection
Defrost	Auto weight + Jet defrost
Heritage	Sharp, 50+ years microwave
Turntable	Standard (not flatbed)
Warranty	2 years

Performance

Sharp R-961 is the large-family combination microwave. 40L capacity handles full roasting tins, auto weight defrost and jet defrost cover all defrosting needs, and 50+ year Sharp microwave heritage backs the build quality. Panasonic's inverter technology and flatbed design are the competing strengths — Sharp wins on cavity size. On paper the headline numbers are capacity of 40L (largest in comparison), power of 900W + 3500W convection, defrost of Auto weight + Jet defrost, heritage of Sharp, 50+ years microwave, turntable of Standard (not flatbed), warranty of 2 years. Its standout is that 40l cavity is the largest of any comparison combination microwave — handles full roasting tins

Build Quality & Design

Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. Auto weight defrost calculates defrost time from food weight input. Jet defrost mode defrosts in half standard microwave time. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.

Value for Money

It isn't flawless. 900W is lower than Panasonic's 1000W inverter — slightly less efficient heating. No flatbed — standard turntable limits maximum dish diameter. Control interface is less intuitive than Panasonic. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At its price point, it represents solid value for the right buyer. It's the right call for Sharp R-961 is the large-family combination microwave. 40L capacity handles full roasting tins, auto weight defrost and jet defrost cover all defrosting needs, and 50+ year Sharp microwave... Look elsewhere if you're among Small kitchen users — Panasonic's 27L flatbed is more practical for tight countertops.

Final Verdict

8.8/10 Great

★★★★★ 4.4★ (6,800 Amazon reviews)

Sharp R-961 is the large-family combination microwave. 40L capacity handles full roasting tins, auto weight defrost and jet defrost cover all defrosting needs, and 50+ year Sharp microwave heritage backs the build quality. Panasonic's inverter technology and flatbed design are the competing strengths — Sharp wins on cavity size.

Check Price on Amazon ↗

FAQ

Is the Sharp R-961 Combination Microwave Oven worth the money?

Sharp R-961 is the large-family combination microwave. 40L capacity handles full roasting tins, auto weight defrost and jet defrost cover all defrosting needs, and 50+ year Sharp microwave heritage backs the build quality. Panasonic's inverter technology and flatbed design are the competing strengths — Sharp wins on cavity size. Sharp R-961 is the large-family combination microwave. 40L capacity handles full roasting tins, auto weight defrost and jet defrost cover all defrosting needs, and 5

Who should NOT buy the Sharp R-961 Combination Microwave Oven?

Small kitchen users — Panasonic's 27L flatbed is more practical for tight countertops.

Is the Sharp R-961 Combination Microwave Oven available in the UK and US?

Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).