I bought this microwave to replace an extremely cheap 700 watt unit I had purchased out of desperation. After living with that horrible, small, weak microwave for a year, I sprang for this Haier, hoping it would be better.

It certainly is better. Part of the reason I chose this particular microwave is because of the stainless steel and black finish. As I have to have the microwave on the countertop of the kitchen, it's important to me that the microwave match. It's a very pretty finish and one of the best things about the unit. However, some of the buttons are a strange, matte gray color, which matches neither the black of the rest of the control panel nor the stainless steel.

And the 1000 watts of power are wonderful. Things cook as quickly and as evenly as any microwave I've ever used.

I have a problem with the control panel. While it isn't too difficult to use, it works most efficiently when the user presets things, what they call "Memory Cook". I don't really use the microwave enough to want to bother presetting buttons. It works fine without setting things, but instead of a helpful quickstart option, there are more buttons to press.

The unit compact, which I enjoy for the saving of counter space, but the inside tray is small as well. It fits regular sized dinner plates but not much else. When I need to heat things up in a larger bowl, like left over pasta or something like that, there's a good chance that it won't fit.

But despite its small size, it is sturdily built and seems well constructed. There are no problems with the hinges of the door, like I have had with other microwaves. For the money it's a nice unit, if a little finicky with the control panel. It is definitely worth it to upgrade from 700 to 1000 watts.