Hi Joyce 6333... I have the Sharp KB6524PS and the controls are very visible and easy to reach. I apologize, but I'm not set up to share pics yet, so you can't see mine. However, it looks just like the one in the link below (although mine is installed in an island, not along a wall).

If you have this model, I'm happy to answer any other Qs you may have.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sharp KB6524PS Microwave Drawer

Here's one straight ahead:

And one from the operator's height:

Because of the corner posts on our island the counter overhangs the face of the cabinets almost 3" instead of the typical 1.5" and even with that overhang, there's no problem seeing the controls.

I won't care if they are harder to read. They can't be as hard to read as a normal micro-wave put under the counter which is what we did. BIG mistake. It would have cost us another $500 to put in a drawer - should have done it.
I'm trying to figure out how I can sabotage the thing so that I can have it changed out to a drawer.

No problems at all seeing or operating the MW...and we're a tall family (5'10" to 6'6").

Your overhang should be approx 1-1/2" past the cabinet...that's not much! Note that the MW control panel sticks out past the cabinet by 1-1/4"...so that means only 1/4" of overhang will cover it.

I don't have a photo handy, but agree that it is easy to read the control panel. We are also a tall family and I've got two teens who would be sure to let me know if I'd screwed up something. ;-)

As you can see, the controls stick way out from the cab fronts, on purpose.

I strongly suggest you tell your contractors not to do anything strange pertaining to the micro installation without your signoff, or you won't pay them. Say it nicely (it's not their problem) but firmly. This will 100% guarantee that you will be contacted if they get any weird change orders.

Quick question: I'm installing the Sharp microwave drawer in my island, which has a 3-inch granite overhang. Will that get in the way of my putting things into/taking things out of the microwave drawer, or will this be a non-issue? Thanks!

Those of you with the Sharp drawer -- what would you consider the ideal height for installation? Mine is going into a wall cabinet, not under counter, so I'm thinking about putting it a few inches higher.