Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My new mircowave arrived just fine to my doorstep upstairs. When I carried it in, I heard something moving around inside and hoped it wasn't broken. It turned out to be the roller-ring (that rotates the plate). It was moving around inside the microwave without any padding. I thought that was kind of strange, but no harm done.
Well, I've owned full-sized microwaves before, but most recently I had a Sharp Half-pint, which was small, cute, and oh-so simple. I only ever used the minute plus button. But it didn't heat that evenly or fast, and worst of all, it was not big enough to make a full batch of Rice Krispy Treats at once! That's really what got me looking for a replacement.
So I wanted a GOOOOD looking microwave and had to have stainless. I chose this one because the buttons and control panel were stainless color too. Really, practically the whole microwave surface is stainless, not just the face, which makes all the difference. The less black the better, as far as I'm concerned.
Also, I "passed" on the newer Panasonic model with the pop-out dial because I tried it out at the local Costco and didn't much care for the dial--I think it's faster to just punch in the time. This model, NN-P794SF runs on the same platform as the SN747 / SN757 / SN797 / T945 / SN947 / SN957 / SN977.
Well, this microwave is definitely bigger than my half-pint; the counter footprint is pretty deep to accommodate some nice-sized dishes. It looks fantastic, though, and it heats fabulously. The inverter is supposed to heat stuff constantly using variable heating strengths, instead of the usual on-off cycles of full power.
The first thing I tried was reheating a bowl of pasta & sauce. I had read the directions, and this was the perfect dish to try out with the auto-sensor reheat. It figures out all by itself how long to run, by detecting when the food first starts to give off steam.
Well, it was at this point that I realized how crappy my old microwave was. The food actually came out heated evenly and *H-O-T* without any splattering whatsoever. Next, I tried the beverage heating option. It put it at 3 minutes for 2 cups of water. When it was finished, it wasn't visibly boiling, but it was extremely hot, enough to cause a very slight burn after using my fingertip to test it. I suppose it could have reached boiling temperature without bubbles, as stated in the manual. So, while it's not lightning fast, it's rather powerful and even-heating.
My next test was to gauge its Rice Krispy function. No, there's not a Rice Krispy button, but the bowl I always use to make full-batches of Rice Krispy treats in fits inside with room to spare...oh-so spacious. Rice Krispies treats, here I come!
The only things I would change about this microwave are:
1. I do prefer a door handle to a button to open the door, but the button seems okay to me.
2. After every command, you must also push the START button, even for the minute-plus. Much faster for one-touch features to start automatically, but I guess it is safer this way...not a biggie.
3. I do wish the LCD was blue instead of green, but that's kind of nit-picky of me, don't you think?
Overall, it feels really solid and looks GRRRREAT! The buttons are so much more delightful to use than those touch pads, with their rounded surface and tactile little "click".
All in all, I am extremely happy with my purchase. Only time will tell now if I have any real problems, but Panasonic products usually do well for me (knock on wood). I will be sure to post back if anything malfunctions, but right now I can not complain.
Good Luck and Happy Shopping!
:)
Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic NN-P794SF Genius Prestige 1-3/5-Cubic-Foot 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless Steel
With 1250 watts of power and a simple push-button control panel, this family-size countertop microwave oven provides an array of convenient features. The unit's epoxy interior has a spacious 1-3/5-cubic-foot capacity, while its cook-a-round, automatic 15-inch turntable provides even heating. With the touch of a single key, the Genius Sensor adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically for reheating and cooking various foods. And for defrosting foods even faster than with the auto-defrost feature, the microwave's Inverter Turbo Defrost distributes microwave energy in a new and more efficient way, resulting in quicker, more thorough defrosting. In addition, its keep-warm menu includes five items, so foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the oven until they are ready to be served.
Other useful details include 10 power levels, five cooking stages, a multi-lingual menu action screen, auto reheat, and controls for popcorn, quick minute, more/less control, delay start, and a timer. The stainless fingerprint-resistant finish on the front of the microwave helps reduce the amount of smudging normally found on stainless appliances. With its elegant design and reflective door, the microwave complements any kitchen decor and doesn't take up much counter space, measuring only 19-1/16 by 21-7/8 by 11-15/16 inches. The unit is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
