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Sharp microwave drawer and magnetron issues

2 years ago

I'd really like to install a microwave drawer in the island during our remodel, but have read of the magnetron/waveguide issues and the class action law suit against Sharp and now Bosch.

Are all models affected? Has Sharp fixed the problem on any new models?

Featured Answer

wdccruise

last year

@cpartist: "My Sharp drawer MW just arched and is one of the models listed."

The order extends the manufacturer's warranty by five years and includes remedies for ovens that arc within that period. Don't know about the "hoops".

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Comments (8)

wdccruise
2 years ago
Sharp Microwave Drawers Prone to Catching Fire, Class Action Says

"According to the complaint, Sharp Electronics has offered six models of microwave drawers – SMD2470AH, SMD2470AS, SMD3070AS, SMD2480CS, KB6524PS, and KB6525PS – five of which currently remain on the market."
dsimonl
Original Author
2 years ago
That is helpful....except the model numbers have a third letter following them. I.E. SMD2470AS is now followed by a 'Y' (SMD2470ASY) Does that indicate a change was made with an update?
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Thanks melis918. I like the more ergonomic control panel and flush installation too. However, I have read reviews that the concealed vents direct steam directly at the cabinetry below leaving condensation dripping down and into the cabinetry and could damage the cabinetry where the older Sharp models (including those rebranded for Wolf and other names) direct the steam outward using more obvious vents. This latest design with the concealed flip-out control panel is only available in the Sharp name at this time. I don't see the point in paying a premium for a name brand that is a rebranded Sharp, but I'm concerned about going for this new model if the steam will ruin my cabinetry and if others are having issues with quality. That is the reason I'd consider Wolf--to complement my other appliances, and while the controls won't be as convenient, it is flush and may be less likely to ruin my cabinetry. I see that my KD has some clearance between the microwave and the counter and the drawer below so I'm hoping this won't be an issue. Maybe I'll just have to take my chances and hope they stand behind their product should I have any issues.
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We have it and it works fine. Overall we like it. After install though I wish I had paid more for the one without the handle, and put it in a 27” cabinet. That way it would be flush, and I think it would look better. Plus, ours is right beside our fridge (biggest design mistake we made) and the fridge door bumps the microwave handle. This wouldn’t have been an issue with the one without the handle, and would have been less an issue if the cabinet was big enough for a flush mount. Goes in the category of “things you learn from your remodel”.
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wdccruise
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
According to a Best Buy Q&A, "SMD2470AS was released in 2014 while the SMD2470ASY is a 2016 model". Both were introduced before the lawsuit was filed so if you assume the the authors of the lawsuit were careful and accurate in listing the products they believe are defective, then the lawsuit would not apply to the SMD2470ASY.
David Cary
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I have a SMD2470AS and am currently filling out the paperwork for the remedy spelled forth in the lawsuit. I have discussed this model number with the oh-so-helpful Sharp people and have confirmed that it is in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit pertains to products manufactured from 2009-2020 so that would presumably cover the Y and non-Y models.

Don't do it.....
wdccruise
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
The Hamm vs. Sharp lawsuit's final approval order includes the following text:

"As discussed in the Parties’ briefing and at the January 7, 2021, Final Approval Hearing in this action, Plaintiffs claim that that Sharp’s Microwave Drawers, including model numbers SMD2470AH, SMD2470AS, SMD3070AS, SMD2480CS, KB6524PS, and KB6525PS (collectively, “Microwaves”), have an alleged defect which may in certain instances cause arcing, which renders the Microwaves prone to premature failure."
David Cary
2 years ago
Funny how an "alleged defect" resulted in a $114 million dollar settlement. Of course that is the maximum and Sharp will probably keep that down in the $10 million dollar range.

When you consider the price (and profit margins) on these things, that is chump change. Would I trust a "Y" model that was manufactured over the same years? I guess the answer to that is obvious.

On one of the primary sites reporting on the settlement is someone reporting a Y model with arcing and premature failure.
cpartist
last year
My Sharp drawer MW just arched and is one of the models listed. It looks like we may have to jump through hoops though to get a new one.

David what resolution did you wind up with?

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