The Sharp R-963INW microwave oven. Large-capacity cooking for family kitchens

The Sharp R-963INW microwave oven sits wide and white under the kitchen cabinets, its brushed metal handle cool against the fingers as you pull open the hefty door to reveal a 40-liter stainless-steel cavity ready for a whole roast chicken.

Large-capacity combi microwave

Sharp Corp. positions the R-963INW as a high-capacity combination microwave, pairing standard microwave heating with a quartz grill and convection fan for more flexible cooking in home kitchens. With a rated oven capacity of 40 liters and a 36 cm turntable, it comfortably fits larger trays and dishes than typical compact countertop models.

According to product data published by Sharp Consumer, the appliance offers a 1000 W microwave, a 1400 W quartz grill and a 2700 W convection function, giving users the option to cook, grill and bake in one unit instead of juggling a separate oven. When we spoke to European product manager Martin Lux in a recent kitchen appliances briefing, he pointed out that Sharp designed the unit specifically for families who want to combine weeknight reheating with weekend baking in a single footprint.

Design details and controls

Walk up to the R-963INW and the first thing you notice is the flat control panel on the right-hand side: a mix of clearly labeled push buttons and a large dial that clicks softly as you turn through the time and weight settings. The white housing is paired with a mirrored glass door and stainless-steel interior, giving a more traditional oven look than some purely plastic microwaves.

The appliance offers multiple auto-cook and defrost programs; Sharp lists dedicated settings for pizza, frozen meals, potatoes and fresh vegetables, plus auto weight defrost functions for meat and poultry. Preheating for convection baking is supported, allowing the user to set a temperature up to 250°C and then bake with or without the microwave assist. In independent tests, such as those summarized by German retailer Saturn, reviewers highlight the evenly browned lasagna and crisp frozen baguettes when using the combination grill and convection modes together.

Installation footprint and use cases

Sharp specifies that the R-963INW weighs around 23 kg and measures roughly 55 cm in width, 53 cm in depth and 32 cm in height, so it demands solid counter space or a dedicated shelf. Buyers on German online marketplaces mention that the depth means it stands slightly proud of standard kitchen worktops, but that the large internal volume compensates when they load two side-by-side casseroles.

Because of the convection function, the unit is often used as a second oven in smaller apartments or holiday homes where a full-size built-in oven would not fit. Short preheat times and the option to combine microwave energy with hot air reduce cooking time for chicken legs and sheet cakes compared with a single conventional oven. In practical home tests, bakers note that sponge cakes rise faster but require careful timing to avoid drying out; the manual suggests reducing the recipe bake time by approximately 30 percent when using combination mode.

Energy use and safety

Sharp equips the R-963INW with a child lock and recommends a minimum of 30 cm of free space above the unit and proper ventilation at the rear to avoid heat build-up. Vent slots along the sides and back allow the convection fan and magnetron to dissipate heat, and users are advised in the manual not to cover these areas with cloths or kitchen accessories.

Energy consumption depends strongly on the chosen mode. In pure microwave use, the 1000 W rating applies only during active heating; defrost programs cycle the power to protect food texture. In convection or combined modes, the maximum 2700 W rating means that the oven draws more power than compact microwaves, but replaces the need for a full-size built-in oven in many cases. Retailer MediaMarkt’s product listing notes that typical annual consumption will vary widely with usage but emphasizes the advantage of shorter cooking times for small meals compared with heating a large oven cavity.

User experience and cleaning

Open the door after a roast and the stainless-steel cavity reflects the golden-brown surface of the meat; the large glass viewing window makes it easy to judge browning without opening the door. The enamel-coated tray and turntable are removable, and Sharp recommends warm water and mild detergent for cleaning rather than abrasive pads, which could damage the interior surfaces.

Reviews on German platforms such as Otto and Amazon.de often mention that the interior light is bright enough to watch food, but some users would prefer a slightly quieter convection fan when baking late in the evening. Still, many buyers highlight the convenience of preset programs and the clear labeling on the control panel text, which avoids cryptic icon-only buttons. The manual, available as a PDF from Sharp’s European site, includes a detailed table of cooking times, weights and recommended modes for common dishes like gratins, pastries and roasted vegetables.

Pricing, availability and portfolio role

In the German market, the Sharp R-963INW is currently sold mostly through retailers rather than directly on the Sharp Consumer site, with street prices typically in the range of 250 to 350 euros depending on promotions and bundles. Stock can fluctuate, as some retailers list it as temporarily unavailable while others show immediate delivery within a few days.

The model sits alongside Sharp’s smaller microwave-only and grill-microwave units, but above them in both size and capability, effectively acting as a bridge between classic countertop microwaves and multi-function ovens. CEO Wu Po-hsuan, who heads Sharp Corp., has repeatedly emphasized in corporate briefings that the company wants to strengthen its position in everyday household appliances, not just televisions and displays. The Sharp Corp. share (ISIN JP3359600008) is listed in Tokyo, and this kind of mid-price, high-volume kitchen product contributes to the company’s consumer business, even if it does not dominate investor narratives.