Buy me.
Written: Dec 11 '00 (Updated Dec 11 '00)
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Pros: Works wonderfully.
Cons: Controls take a little getting used to.
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| oscen's Full Review: Panasonic Mid-Size Microwave Ovens |
After my old microwave died, I discovered that life without a microwave was no longer possible for me. So I studied the sale offerings at www.salescircular.com, looked at online vendors, read product reviews, checked out what friends and neighbors have and plotted my strategy.
I decided to purchase a quality microwave, even if it cost substantially more than the cheaper units. The newer Panasonic microwaves all having invertor technology, turbo defrost (I defrost quite a bit), high power, a host of other features, good reliability (at least as evidenced by older units) and great reviews, I decided to buy one.
Choosing a particular model was a little more challenging. I didn't need a lot of capacity in the microwave, but I wasn't severely limited by the amount of space available for it either. It came down to a question of which models were available at what price (after the rebate).
Sears eventually listed the top of the line 1.2 cubic foot model (NN-S560WF) at $120. Considering the $20 rebate and tax, it came to a little under $110... When the store opened Sunday morning, I was waiting at the door.
My first impressions of the unit were favorable, it is attractive (I settled for black since white was $10 more), compact and very light for its size. The cord is a little short, but the door uses a simple pull open as opposed to the silly, always stuck button on my old microwave. The controls are a little strange, using different categories for different foods, but this turns out well in practice. Moreover you can still use the old familiar timer function, but why bother?
In just a few days I have come to prize this microwave. I stick some food in, set it, turn it on, and end up with perfectly heated food. I have never had a microwave work so well with so little fussing. As for my favorite microwave food, popcorn, it is truly excellent. I get full bags and no burning. It is worth the extra money for this alone. In addition, the quick defrost works as promised with no messing around. Being able to defrost food without worrying about power levels or getting dried out exteriors and frozen middles is still mind boggling to me.
In short, I love this microwave.
Specifications for this microwave can be found at http://www.panasonic.com/consumer_electronics/home_appliance/famcompchart.htm.
This particular unit has more power than the entry level model. It also has a sensor for auto reheat and more/less controls for fine-tuning other settings to your preferences, which the other two models do not. However, it is hard to put a value on these features. Since for me the price difference was $10 between the cheapest and the most expensive ($10 rebate on the former), I did not hesitate. Costco had the entry level 1.2 unit at $90 (before $10 rebate); were I a member I probably would have taken advantage of this price. In any event, it is nice to have a top of the line model for once.
If you are thinking about buying a microwave, forget the cheap stuff and the offerings of the competition--- buy a Panasonic! It will set you back a few bucks more than the cheapest units out there, but you will make this back on the food that you do not ruin... and on the full bags of popcorn.
I really do love this microwave... Now if it only did laundry.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 110
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Epinions.com ID:
oscen
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Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 0 members
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