Kenmore 20-3/16" 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven (MS-1242KLSY) Reviews


www.sears.com


3.11 of 5
(by 28 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 50% of reviewers recommend (14 out of 28)

Pros
  • attractive (5)
  • sized right for a dinner plate (4)
Cons
  • stops heating food (1)
  • runs louder than most larger microwaves (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

Awesome...for the price

I bought this microwave about 2 months ago. I haven't experienced any issues with paneling and I think for how large the inside is, the weight shouldn't be a complaint. The features I think are incredible and the quality of cooking hasn't decreased a bit. The only negative that I had found about this... read full review »
Posted on Apr 22, 2007
Most Helpful Critical Review

Sufficient

This microwave is small, compared to over the range microwaves. This was the biggest microwave I could find to fit in the pre-built opening in our kitchen. I have the microwave sitting on a wood built-in and it slides on the wood when you push the button to open the door. Probably could be fixed with... read full review »
Posted on Oct 07, 2008

Kenmore 20-3/16" 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop... Reviews

Displaying reviews 1 - 14 of 28 in total

I looked high and low for a microwave with a depth of 16" or less and still have a wattage of 1200 and a decent size interior that would hold a large dinner plate or bowl. 

This little microwave has it all--it looks great, has a roomy interior and some great extra features I wasn't expecting.  I hated my last microwave and was happy when it finally bit the dust.  I was definitely picky about finding a new one.  Glad I took the time to find this one--I LOVE IT!!

Posted on May 29, 2010

broken on arrival

I'd been shopping around for a small micro. This one looked pretty good. It was NOT. It didn't work from the get go. It kept on running when the door was closed. Also, another detraction was that there was no way to open and close the door without getting massive smudges all over the stainless steel.

So, I took it back and exchanged for a GE micro with a browning element. MUCH better, better looking ...I don't recommend this Kenmore

Posted on May 18, 2010

We replaced a Whirlpool microwave that only lasted 2 years with this Kenmore.  We were impressed by the many functions and ease of operating at this price!  So far it has been great!

Posted on Sep 01, 2010

The oven looks great in stainless steel. Everything else is standard and works just like any other oven.

Posted on Jun 21, 2010

I love this microwave

 I have had it for about six months and love the melt options. I have no problems.

Posted on Jun 14, 2010

We just moved into our brand new home and within the first month our microwave stopped heating food.  We mostly used our microwave to heat up leftovers and for popcorn.  We were heating up leftover lasagna and after one minute it was still just as cold as it as when we took it out of the refrigerator.  I put it in for 5 minutes, and it was still cold.  My parents had their 1982 microwave with the wood paneling on the side for over  20 years, this one didn't even last a month.  I thought microwaves were supposed to last a long time.  This one doesn't. 

Pros:       looks good,...

read full review »
Posted on Sep 26, 2009

Poor Reliability

Unit failed after two weeks of light use. As described by in other reviews, suddenly stopped heating food. Lights, fan, display all worked fine but no heating regardless of power setting. Returned to Sears and replaced with same model as controls are very good, size is just right and capacity fits needs. If this one fails its time to switch brands.
Posted on Apr 11, 2009

It will stop heating!

Just like the other reviews, this microwave will stop heating. I have had this microwave for 6 mo and it is used lightly. It stopped heating today just like the other reviews. It looks nice, but if it doesn't heat then it does me no good.
Posted on Feb 16, 2009

STOP. DON'T BUY IT

Looks nice. 'Worked for 6 months and stopped heating the food. I now have to go a Sears repair center and hope they can fix it. What a disappointment. Don;t buy Kenmore, defective products, poor service.
Posted on Jan 23, 2009

Great at first

Got this as a christmas present in 2007 and loved it. Last night I looked at the clock, which read 6:00p, but 30 minutes later, the screen was blank. I had not used it since the day before. I switched outlets and nothing. The box is dead.
Posted on Apr 06, 2009

EXCELLENT MICROWAVE

I BOUGHT THIS MICROWAVE SEVEN YEARS AGO - IT IS EASY FOR KIDS, TEENS AND GRANDMAS TO USE. ONLY WISH THAT THE TURNTABLE DIDNT SCRATCH OFF INTERIOR SHOWING METAL NOW NEED ANOTHER ONE. STILL WORKS... AMAZING
Posted on May 05, 2009

Short life span

I bought this microwave because I thought Kenmore was a good brand, it had nice features and I loved how it looked. It worked great for about 3 years until it shorted out and died. I had my last microwave for over 10 years and only replaced it because it was brown and outdated looking. I will not buy another Kenmore microwave. I thought microwaves were a pretty simple technology, but for some reason this model has a very short life span!
Posted on Nov 16, 2007

Best Microwave I've ever used

Outstanding Value and Features - it would be a bargain at twice the price. We bought last years version of this microwave when we remodeled our kitchen in stainless. We really bought just for looks. Turns out it is an outstanding performer. Using 'smart defrost', this is the only microwave I've ever been able to thaw a 5lb roast without cooking the edges. 'Reheat meal' does an excellent job of reheating leftovers. After 6 months, we bought one for my in-laws. I'm on the web site looking because my niece just bought a house, and I wanted to get her the same microwave.
Posted on Oct 27, 2007

don't buy without extended warranty

This microwave looks good but is difficult to keep clean looking since the door has no handle. It didn't even last one year of use. It died one month after the one year warranty was up. We smelled a burning odor and the controls started blinking and it died. We can either pay to have it repaired or buy a new one according to the rep at Sears.
Posted on Sep 20, 2007

Reviews of Kenmore 20-3/16" 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven (MS-1242KLSY)