Design Flaws

For some reason, Sharp has decided that it would be a great idea (or perhaps a cheap idea) to replace the traditional LED displays on their microwaves with LCD screens. IN theory, this isn't such a bad idea. Radios and some clocks use the same types of displays with a high level of visability. Unfortunately, either Sharp's design or just LCD in general does not work in a microwave. Because microwaves are stored in various settings at various heights, it is necessary to see the display properly at any angle. The LCD panels in every one I've used do not meet this standard. Everytime I've used one I have to kneel down and/or put my face next to the clock and/or panel to see what the heck I was entering.

The worst offender is a rather fancy model that Sharp created in which the entire touch pad is LCD. You can barely see the numbers to push them, and when you do you're rewarded with a time display about the size of a large Timex.