Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Sharp R-820JS 0.9-Cubic Foot Grill 2 Convection Microwave, Silver

Description

Sharp convection microwave, R820JS silver family size convection microwave, bakes, grills, roasts, 11 power levels, stainless interior, turntable. Enhanced browning and crisping are possible in a convection microwave oven. That’s because only the Grill 2 Convection has "double" grills that emit radiant heat both over and under food.










Features


* 900-watt convection microwave provides both browning and crisping capabilities
* 1500-watt "double" grills emit heat over and under food; 11 power levels
* 2-line, 12-digit interactive display; auto-touch convenience; 7 automatic settings
* Stainless-steel, 0.9-cubic-foot interior with light; 12-3/4-inch turntable for even heating
* Measures 20-1/2 by 12-1/8 by 19-3/4 inches

Buy Cheap : Sharp R-820JS 0.9-Cubic Foot Grill 2 Convection Microwave, Silver

This review is from: Sharp R-820JS 0.9-Cubic Foot Grill 2 Convection Microwave, Silver (Kitchen)

 
I acquired this microwave when I was moving to a flat with limited kitchen space, and my primary reason for the choice was that the Sharp model was multi-functional. Since I've begun using it, I happily have ceased to sing a requiem for the toaster oven, separate grill, and other items I was 'consolidating' in this purchase.

I have used the Sharp microwave for grilling and roasting, as well as normal microwave functions, and the results are better than I could have expected. Grilled and roasted foods are extremely tender and juicy - at least of the quality one could expect from a conventional oven. I have had similar success with cooking vegetables.

Reheating muffins and breads has amazing results - they seem fresh baked and, unlike breads normally heated in a microwave, do not harden in a minute. I have used the convection feature for preparing breads, and had especially stunning results with preparing a frozen chicken pie. I suppose the surrounding air from the convection oven was the reason, but it seemed like a fresh-baked meat pie.

There are a few drawbacks, which would not compromise my five star rating because of the great versatility and high quality of the unit overall. The 'auto' roast, defrost, and grill features are very convenient, as is the prompting (telling one when to turn over the meat, for example), but they are very limited in the weight restrictions. For example, if one is defrosting ground meat, it has to be a certain weight - significantly more than that of a single hamburger. Though grills and roasts would mostly fit in to the specifications, this is a drawback for defrosting, where one must estimate times and key them in manually.

Another difficulty I have experienced, when grilling on the rack, is that drippings which fall either on to the carousel tray or a pan placed under the meat can become badly burnt and baked on. This was slightly disappointing for my intentions of preparing gravies on the side. My single attempt to do so meant I had to soak the pan overnight and then scrape. The grilling results are wonderful, as far as the effect on the meats, but there is a great deal of smoke generated. Whenever I grill, it sets off the smoke alarm - probably best to roast, then only grill at the end.

I would advise anyone purchasing this microwave to read the manual in full. The capabilities will not be realised otherwise. I actually use the unit less for 'standard microwaving' than for its other features.

One further comment: the Sharp microwave cookbook, which is advertised in the manual for the unit, is useful but not specific to the multi-functional machine. It contains only microwave recipes - none for grilling, roasting, or convection.

Overall, and considering that it can replace several appliances, this microwave is an extraordinary value.

First let me say that I got a killer deal right here on Amazon. I paid $204 with shipping included. The unit arrived in tact although the box was a little beat up. So much so that I had to unpack it outside. Now onto the review. The unit is very heavy and well constructed. The majority of the weight comes from what appears to be a commercial grade convection motor. I lugged the unit inside and put it on a utility cart with the back facing a window. I unpacked the contents, which were securely stowed inside the unit. Contents included a porcelain coated turntable, rotary mechanism for the turntable and a circular raised rack for grilling. I plugged it in and it immediately displayed instructions on how to set the clock. That was cake so now it was time to cook something! Despite what others may say, you do have to read the manual to do just about anything (except setting the clock) because the unit uses special codes for different foods, i.e 1 for pork, 2 for chicken, 3 for humans and so on. The manual is relatively easy to follow and the unit also comes with a quick reference card so you don't have to whip out the manual everytime you want to cook something. So far, I have cooked a stuffed pork chop, cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies and a 10 inch frozen pizza. All came out near perfect to perfect. I would attribute this to the quality of the convection motor. I might even go as far as comparing the quality and effectiveness of this motor to that of a Hobart. If you're looking for a high quality and extrememly versatile convection/microwave/so much more, then you can stop looking. I would have paid a lot more if I knew it was going to be this good. Bon Appetit!

I really like this product. It has a lot of functionality. I bought it primarly for the microwave capability; but, thought the other features would come in handy. I find myself using the other features almost as much as the microwave. One of things that I like best about this oven is that I can make open face tuna melts using the grill function. That is what I missed most about my old toaster oven. This oven had saved me the cost of a toaster oven.

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sharp R-420LK Family Size Countertop Microwave

Description

The Sharp Family Size Microwave has Short Cut Options which are easy to use for melting, softening and warming popular foods. Popcorn Key-pops all kinds of microwave popcorn automatically. Six Automatic Cook Options-are perfect for baked potatoes, fresh and frozen vegetables, rice, ground meat and frozen entrees. Six Reheat Options-automatically heat frequently served foods including beverages, pizza, rolls and muffins. Four Defrost Options-quickly defrost meats and poultry by weight. Specific program for each category assures excellent, even results. Minute Plus -sets the oven at High with a single touch. 5-Digit, 2-Color Lighted Display is easy to read.


Features

* Sharp Micro R420LK


Buy Cheap : Sharp R-420LK Family Size Countertop Microwave

This review is from: Sharp R-420LK Family Size Countertop Microwave (Kitchen)

 
This is my 3rd Sharp Carousel microwave oven. The first one was a combination microwave/convection oven. After about 10 years, the knobs broke and I used that as an excuse to buy a replacement (the original still works). The replacement I bought next was a digital model in most respects similar to this one. Again, it lasted about 10 years before developing some rust spots along the chamber seams. Again, although it still works, I saw this as a potential fire hazard and replaced it with one as similar as I could. buy.

At 1.4 cu.ft., it's big enough for just about any use we (family of 6) have for it. With 1100 watts on tap, it cooks very quickly so I usually have to adjust cooking times down from what's recommended. No matter, though, Sharp's Sensor Reheat works extremely well on leftovers or just heating canned goods. It does all the usual things, like popping popcorn, effortlessly.

The only thing that's changed significantly since I bought my last one a decade ago is that the price has gone down! I really love this microwave and wouldn't consider buying anything other than a Sharp Carousel in the future.
My 15+ year old Samsung microwave finally died (to my wife's rejoicing...) and I had to find a new microwave to fit on the built-in microwave shelf of our kitchen. The R-420LK won the battle based on the dimensions available and the features (I wanted sensor cook and lots of power).

The first unit that I received from Amazon had some sort of super-adhesive on the ad glued to the front of the door. When I went to remove it, the glue smeared all of the shiny black door. Nooooooo! My wife was not happy, so I contacted Amazon and they agreed to replace the cosmetically blemished unit. I received the replacement (which had normal adhesive on the front ad) and configured the unit. (Great job by Amazon!)

Wow, does this thing cook! It has to be twice as fast as the older microwave that it replaced. I have to use about 2/3's the time listed on the packages for frozen food, or it will burn things. I'm still getting used to the cooking times, but am quite impressed with the performance.

We like that we can fit the 8x11 baking dish inside, and the fact that it makes perfect popcorn automagically. :)

All in all, I'm happy and hope that we get several years of life out of this thing, as that would be the only downfall that I could see.

Bought this as a replacement for our old Sharp Carousel. It's much like the old one with a few more features. I gave it only 4 stars for a couple of reasons, it wants to slide on the counter top when you open and close it (I put a piece of wood between it and the wall to fix) and, I think the control panel could be laid out better (why aren't the "Start" and "Stop" pads highlighted and seperated out from the others). Over all, this is a very nice microwave and I would make the same choice again.
P.S. My wife has no trouble with the control panel, so maybe it's me.

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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Panasonic NN-H765WF Full-Size 1-3/5-Cubic-Foot 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, White


Description

Panasonic NN-H765WF full-size 1.6 cu.ft. 1250 Watt, Easy-To-Use Button Control, Multi-Lingual Menu Action Screen, One-Touch Sensor Cooking (19 Categories), One-Touch Sensor Reheat, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Popcorn Key, Quick Minute, More/Less Control, Function Key (White)









Features

* 1250-watt full-sized microwave oven with 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity
* 15-inch turntable for even heating; 1-touch sensor cooking; keep warm
* Inverter Turbo Defrost; 10 power levels; menu-action screen with function key
* 5 multi-stage cooking options; popcorn key; Quick Minute; delay start; timer
* Measures 19-7/16 by 21-7/8 by 11-15/16 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Buy Cheap : Panasonic NN-H765WF Full-Size 1-3/5-Cubic-Foot 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, White

Description

With a 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1250 watts of power, this full-sized microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The unit's automatic 15-inch turntable ensures even heating, while its one-touch sensor cooking adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods easier than ever. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperature at a constant level--without overcooking; the improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the oven until they're ready to be served.

In addition, the microwave's menu-action screen adds to the overall convenience. It scrolls step-by-step cooking instructions across the display in English, Spanish, or French, while the function key simplifies the programming of 10 useful, non-cooking functions. Just press the function key and the menu-action screen will display the steps necessary to complete the desired function. Other highlights include Inverter Turbo Defrost for thorough defrosting, a push-button control panel, 10 power levels, five multi-stage cooking options, and more/less control, as well as a popcorn key, Quick Minute, delay start, a timer, and auto reheat. The microwave oven measures 19-7/16 by 21-7/8 by 11-15/16 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

This review is from: Panasonic NN-H765WF Full-Size 1-3/5-Cubic-Foot 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, White (Kitchen)

Purchased this to replace an older Panasonic unit that caught fire. It is well made, stays "put" on the counter when pushing selections. The Sensor Reheat seems to work well. I like the way the door works. At 1.6 cubes it is fairly large, but the foot print for counter space is not much more than the 1 cube that I replaced, and the height is about the same as my old unit. Also very quiet operation is a plus.

The inverter technology makes microwaving foods dramatically better! Instead of short bursts of full power, which is what all other micro waves do when asked for partial power, this one actually powers down the microwave intensity. It eliminates burned spots, particularly when defrosting. Huge improvement, small price difference.

I replaced my old Samsung model over 10 years old with this one, and I had to use both for a week to decide which to keep. I decided on this one, I'll list pros and cons.
Cons:
1. It doesn't cook very fast, about the same speed as my old one, which had probably half the watts.
2. The construction quality, while on par for all today's microwaves, feels cheap compared to the way they used to make them.
3. Pushing the door open button is just hard enough to be annoying, and having to press start after quick minute is also annoying.
4. The biggest con in my opinion: It is hard (almost impossible) to see inside while things are cooking. My old microwave door was almost clear, and easy to see in.
Pros:
1. It cooks like you would expect a microwave to cook.
2. Major Pro (and the reason I chose to keep this one), the inverter defrost actually works. I was amazed that I could thaw meat, and not have it frozen in the middle, and burnt on the edges.

Overall good microwave if you need one, not compelling enough to upgrade.

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Panasonic NN-H765BF Full-Size 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, Black


Description

Panasonic NN-H765BF full-size 1.6 cu.ft. 1250 Watt, Easy-To-Use Button Control, Multi-Lingual Menu Action Screen, One-Touch Sensor Cooking (19 Categories), One-Touch Sensor Reheat, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Popcorn Key, Quick Minute, More/Less Control, Function Key (Black)









Features

* Measures 19-7/16 by 21-7/8 by 11-15/16-inch; 1-year limited warranty.
* More/less control; popcorn key; quick minute; delay start; timer
* Inverter turbo defrost; 10 power levels; 5 multi-stage cooking options
* 15-Inch turntable for even heating; 1-touch sensor cooking; keep warm
* 1250-Watt full-sized microwave oven with 1-3/5-cubic-feet capacity




Buy Cheap : Panasonic NN-H765BF Full-Size 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, Black

Description

With a 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity and 1250 watts of power, this full-sized microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation. The unit's automatic 15-inch turntable ensures even heating, while its one-touch sensor cooking adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods easier than ever. A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperature at a constant level--without overcooking; the improved keep-warm menu now includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the oven until they're ready to be served.

In addition, the microwave's menu-action screen adds to the overall convenience. It scrolls step-by-step cooking instructions across the display in English, Spanish, or French, while the function key simplifies the programming of 10 useful, non-cooking functions. Just press the function key and the menu-action screen will display the steps necessary to complete the desired function. Other highlights include Inverter Turbo Defrost for thorough defrosting, a push-button control panel, 10 power levels, five multi-stage cooking options, and more/less control, as well as a popcorn key, Quick Minute, delay start, a timer, and auto reheat. The microwave oven measures 19-7/16 by 21-7/8 by 11-15/16 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

Panasonic NN-H765BF full-size 1.6 cu.ft. 1250 Watt, Easy-To-Use Button Control, Multi-Lingual Menu Action Screen, One-Touch Sensor Cooking (19 Categories), One-Touch Sensor Reheat, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Popcorn Key, Quick Minute, More/Less Control, Function Key (Black)



This review is from: Panasonic NN-H765BF Full-Size 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, Black (Kitchen)

After having my first microwave for about 18 years, it finally died and I did a lot of research before deciding to buy this Panasonic. Having Amazon gift certificates, free shipping and a $25 kitchen and housewares discount influenced my decision and I have to say it was a great buy. I'm very pleased with the evenness with which it cooks and defrosts.

I upgraded from a mid-size 650-watt oven to this full-size 1250-watt oven. I have to remind myself sometimes that everything needs less time to cook. However, there are a lot of pre-programmed features in this unit that make it easier. For example, there is a sensor cook button that selects the time and power level for different kinds of foods depending on how many times you tap the button. Types of food include baked potatoes, frozen pizza, frozen entrees, fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and omelettes. I made a baked potato last night that was cooked perfectly. There is also a separate popcorn button (you can select from 3 different bag sizes) that also worked perfectly. A More/Less button lets you add or subtract time to the sensor and popcorn settings.

There are a number of different functions you can select or turn on and off. Some of the functions include language (English, French or Spanish), a choice of pounds or kilos, child lock, reminder beep (I turned that off because unlike my old oven which beeped every minute, this one beeps every 15 seconds which was annoying) and menu action which when turned on guides you through each step of cooking. There is also a demo mode which is meant for retail displays but you can see how everything works without actually cooking anything.

Some other useful features are delayed start where you can use the timer to set the oven to start cooking at a later time and a keep warm setting if you won't be taking your food out of the oven immediately. A Quick Min button lets you select 1-9 minutes simply by tapping the button the appropriate number of times.

If you purchase this, I would suggest going through the owner's manual a couple of times. I went through it once before I used the oven. A couple of days later I went through it again and discovered that I had overlooked some shortcuts.

The only down side for me with this oven is losing some more counter space in a small kitchen. Keep that in mind if you don't already have a full-size oven.

UPDATE: It is now 2010 and I realized I have been using this oven for 3 1/2 years and I still love it! I do a lot of actual cooking in it too, not just reheating, popcorn, etc.

I have always been partial to Panasonic microwaves and this is one of the best. It has had constant daily use for over two months now with an excellent performance record.

In fact, I have only used my stove and oven twice since this purchase (for a large frozen pizza). The sensors are very accurate - oatmeal is perfect. With two frozen dinners, I had to add additional time, but everything else has cooked, reheated or thawed as expected.

Earlier reviews mentioned resetting the clock and a loud beep. Panasonic must have listened to their customers as neither problem appears to be present on this model.

With 1250 watts, it does reheat more quickly than older models so I would suggest reducing the time until you get used to your new microwave.

I've never been so happy with a microwave. It is wide enough to allow the defrosting of a long block of chicken thighs, yet short enough to fit in the limited space I have to stash it. If you yearn for modest height and generous width, this is your oven.

It's quiet. It looks GREAT. It beeps to let you know when it's time to turn something over you are defrosting, but won't shut off and wait for you to turn it. (Turning is optional.) It's clear from a bar indicator what power level you have set and is operating, which makes it easy to tell from a distance.

More on defrosting: My last micro only allowed up to 2.4 lbs in the display, so for that chicken block I was eternally re-defrosting. Not this baby. Bring on your big freezer items, so long as they aren't too tall. Up to 6 lbs can be entered in the display.

That "ENJOY YOUR MEAL" message that moves across the display when the cooking cycle ends is a nice touch.

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Sharp R-305KS 1-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless


Description

Sharp R-305KS 1100 Watts Stainless Silver Microwave

Features

* 1100-watt mid-sized microwave oven with 1-cubic-foot capacity
* 12-5/8-inch-diameter turntable provides even heating; 23 automatic settings
* 4 defrost, 6 cook, and 6 reheat options; Short Cuts for melting, softening, and warming
* Minute Plus; popcorn key; auto-touch controls; 4-digit 2-color lighted display; interior light
* Measures 20-1/2 by 17 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Buy Cheap : Sharp R-305KS 1-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless


This review is from: Sharp R-305KS 1-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless (Kitchen)

I conducted a good amount of research before deciding on this Sharp microwave oven. I wanted my new oven to meet the following important criteria and have the following features:

* a carousel and be able to fit a dinner plate
* at least 1000 watts of heating power (this has 1100) to heat food fast
* classy looking, compact stainless steel design
* name brand reputation for reliability
* around 100 dollars or so, give or take a little

I've had good luck with the Sharp brand. My previous microwave oven was also a Sharp unit, I had purchased way back in 1995. It was a full-size unit though, and I wanted to get something smaller, in stainless steel, since we recently re-did our kitchen in stainless steel. 'Luck would have it' that our old 1995 Sharp unit broke down shortly after we re-did our kitchen in late 2005, so I jumped at the opportunity to get another Sharp. The new R-305KS works flawlessly, and cooks even faster and more even than my older, larger unit! I must have reaped the benefits of improved microwave technology over the last 10 years or so that i've owned the older Sharp oven. All in all, a SUPERB VALUE and a SOLID PERFORMER!

I had another brand which did magnificently for 12 years. I couldn't find one similar in the same brand, so went to the Sharp. It is the size that a couple almost 80 years old can use best. We do little cooking in the microwave - more reheating coffee, or warming up food that has already been cooked on the stove. Oh, it does cook our oatmeal daily - generally 3 min at 50% power. Price was right, and shipping was included. Why not 5 stars? -- we prefer the door with a handle like our previous microwave had. For those who prefer "push" over "pull" - it is a 5 star.

We love this microwave. It is great looking. It is powerful - all cooking times are less, which we have to get used to. It is roomy inside but compact - doesn't take up all of our limted counter space.

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Sharp R-216LS Compact Size 0.8 Cu-Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel


Description

Sharp R-216LS Compact Size Microwave in Stainless Steel Features 0.8 Capacity (cu. ft.) 800 Output Power (Watts) 10 inch Carousel Turntable Diameter 4 Digit Display Pre-Programmed Settings 4 Cooking Options Popcorn 6- Reheating Options Sensor Defrosting Options 2 Short Cut Options Conveniences Clock and Minute Timer Minute Plus 11 Power Levels 3 - Programmable Stages Child Safety Lock and Demo Mode Audible Signal Elimination 24 lbs 18.12 inch x 13.50 inch x 10.87 inch Part Number: R-216LS




Features

* Compact size microwave in stainless steel
* 4/5-cubic foot capacity
* 800-watts output power
* Child safety lock
* 10-inch diameter carousel turntable



Buy Cheap : Sharp R-216LS Compact Size 0.8 Cu-Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel



This review is from: Sharp R-216LS Compact Size 0.8 Cu-Foot Microwave, Stainless Steel (Kitchen)

Bought this compact microwave due to my over the stove built in GE Spacemaker XL magnatron taking a dump. Still had GE's 10 year free parts warranty left on the magnatron. GE wanted $275.00 labor and service call fee to replace it. Decided on the no frills 0.8cu ft Sharp Carousel.
I'm sure I could have gotten a better price had I invested more time and energy looking around, but Amazon has always done right by me with no shipping charge and no sales tax.
This Sharp model is a bottom of the line unit. It is cheaply made, rattles, is dull looking and the clock does not light up. The light inside the oven only works when the unit is running. The door is cheaply made and has a somewhat hollow sound when it closes. All of that said, the unit does what it is supposed to do. It heats evenly and reheats well. Seems powerful for it's wattage and makes popcorn just as well as expensive units. Bottom line, it's fine for what I need.

We bought this because our over-the-range microwaves kept melting, and that was getting to be very expensive. This Sharp stays on a kitchen counter, and is relatively small so it fits very nicely next to our new toaster. This is our fifth microwave in 40 years. I don't know what others use their microwaves for, but 90% of the time, ours is used to heat water for tea, reheat pizza and other dishes, and maybe even reheating coffee (we're not coffee snobs and, in fact, we've never been in a Starbucks). We do not cook meals in a microwave, period. If what you want is a basic microwave, this could well be the one. However, note that the front black window is plastic, and the stainless steel is the thinnest gage made. Still, it cleans up nicely, doesn't scratch readily, and the controls are the simplest. One or two touches and you can accomplish most basic "cooking" or reheating. It's certainly well worth the price ... although $24 for shipping was a bit high.

I really only use the microwave for popcorn, heating up meals, and heating up coffee. It's been absolutely perfectly fine for that. One minor, minor thing is: there's no light on the inside when you open the door. That bugs me.

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Sharp R-230KW 800-Watt 4/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave, White


Description
800 watts and 0.8 cubic foot capacity provide ample cooking power while its contemporary styling makes this microwave oven a beautiful compact addition to any kitchen.











Features:

* Auto-Touch Controls are precise and easy to use
* Shortcuts make melting, softening and warming easy
* Digital Display is accurate and easy to read
* Defrost is used to thaw meats and poultry quickly by weight
* Four Cook Options ensure perfectly cooked popular foods for 1 or 2 servings
* Six Reheat Options make it especially easy to heat frequently served foods including beverages, pizza, rolls, and muffins
* Pops Popcorn automatically for perfect results with most types of microwave popcorn
* Minute Plus sets the oven at High with a single touch



Buy Cheap
Sharp R-230KW 800-Watt 4/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave, White






This review is from: Sharp R-230KW 800-Watt 4/5-Cubic-Foot Compact Microwave, White (Kitchen)
I purchased this microwave as an addition to my dorm room. I would have liked a high-powered microwave, but restraints on space and money stopped me. For the price and for the size, this microwave works rather well. There are some extra functions, but I just use the regular microwaving. The only thing that I do not like about the microwave is that its internal rotating dish is not very stable, and is prone to shifting off its base with even a slightly unbalanced load. Even so, it was a worthwhile purchase.

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