Buying guide for best Panasonic microwaves
Leftovers, easy meals, and quick cooking — microwaves can do it all. If you’re looking for more specialized functions in a microwave that will last for years, you need to choose a Panasonic.
A leader in electronics and home appliances, Panasonic is on the cutting edge of technology. That’s why its reliable microwaves boast convenient features like turbo defrost and sensor cooking. In fact, if you’d like to make a baked potato, there’s even a button for that — no oven or hours-long heating necessary. In addition to their impressive capabilities, Panasonic microwaves are also known for their sleek, contemporary designs that punch up a kitchen’s overall look.
Next time you’re ready to heat up a plate of leftovers, pop it inside a Panasonic microwave. Keep reading our buying guide to learn more about the various models, see some of our favorites, and pick up a few helpful shopping tips while you’re at it.
Key considerations
Ease of use
When you’re hungry, the last thing you want is an obstacle between you and your food. Panasonic microwaves are as user-friendly as they come, with displays that are easy to operate. The functionality is expansive yet straightforward, so the learning curve for your new Panasonic microwave is minimal.
Finish
To boost your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, choose a microwave whose finish matches the rest of your appliances. Panasonic microwaves are usually available in black, white, or stainless steel. Many models are available in all three finishes, however high-end ones tend to come in stainless steel only.
Fit
Upgrading your microwave is a welcome change in your kitchen — if it fits, that is. Measure your space and compare it to the microwave’s dimensions (height, width, depth) to make sure the Panasonic microwave you land on will fit. This is especially important if you intend to buy a larger-capacity microwave, which may differ in size significantly from your previous model.
Specifications
Capacity: Microwave capacity is expressed in cubic feet. Smaller microwaves, namely those with less than 1.3 cubic feet, are best for individuals or apartment living. Larger microwaves, those that are 1.4 cubic feet and more, are ideal for families, offices, or commercial use. Most Panasonic microwaves have a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet, though other models range from 0.8 to 1.8 cubic feet. Be sure to compare specs carefully, because the outside dimensions of a microwave aren’t an accurate indicator of capacity or power.
Wattage: A microwave’s power is expressed in watts, and for the most part, the wattage is between 600 and 1,250 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster your food cooks. Again, the physical size of the microwave won’t help you ballpark its power. With that said, most of Panasonic’s larger microwaves are between 900 and 1,250 watts.
Make sure your turntable is flat and secure before placing food on it. Sometimes it gets off-kilter when removing plates, which isn’t noticeable until the next time you use the microwave.
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Features
Turntable
Panasonic microwaves come with a glass turntable that rotates clockwise while heating food. This allows the microwaves, which emit from three sides, to cook all areas of the plate to ensure that the food is cooked evenly, making every bite as warm as the next. In fact, Panasonic has patented its Cyclonic Inverter technology, which generates a seamless stream of power for even cooking through and through. That’s why heating food in a Panasonic microwave gives you consistent results every time.
Timer
Timer settings on a microwave can be input manually on the display, or you can choose a preset timer. Panasonic microwaves usually have Quick 30 heating buttons, and select models have a broader range of times. Preset timers can be repeated or pressed multiple times to extend the heating time.
Power levels
To get the most out of your Panasonic microwave, learn how to use the five power levels efficiently: Warm, Low, Medium, Medium-High, and High. If you’re not sure when to use them, you’re not alone. In fact, even experienced cooks refer to cheat sheets to determine which power level is best to cook certain foods. High power, for example, is recommended for reheating cooked food. Warm, the lowest setting, is often used to soften baking ingredients like butter.
Sensor cooking
Most microwaves are equipped with an intuitive function called sensor cooking, sometimes referred to as Genius Sensor in Panasonic microwaves. This allows the microwave to gauge the heating time based on the steam coming from the food while it cooks. It can be hit or miss, since the moisture level differs from one food to the next, but it’s worth using for more predictable cooking, like reheating pasta.
Defrost
Busy households enjoy Panasonic’s Turbo Defrost function. It’s never been easier — or quicker — to cook frozen foods. Simply place the frozen container or meal on the turntable, and Turbo Defrost speeds up the thawing time. That means food becomes soft enough for stovetop or oven cooking. Even so, like the sensor cooking function, there’s a bit of trial and error involved.
There’s a button for that
You spoke, and Panasonic listened. Many of the company’s microwaves come with dedicated buttons for favorite foods, such as popcorn, baked potato, or frozen pizza. Select models take this functionality to the next level with as many as 19 auto-cook options for specific foods.
Accessories
Microwave lids: Elegant Live Microwave Covers
Keep the inside of your microwave clean by using lids when heating up food. We like this set of five lids from Elegant Live, which come in sizes to fit virtually every container or plate. These BPA-free, FDA-approved covers withstand temperatures up to 500°F and are dishwasher safe.
Microwave cleaner: Mixigoo Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner
Sometimes your microwave needs more than just a swipe with a damp sponge. We like this all-natural steam cleaner from Mixigoo, which uses only water and vinegar. Simply fill it up, run it in the microwave for a few minutes, wipe out the loosened grime, and your microwave is sparkly clean and odor-free.
DID YOU KNOW?
Minimize fingerprints on a stainless steel microwave by pressing the buttons with your knuckle instead.
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Panasonic microwave prices
Panasonic microwaves are available at all price points, so no matter your budget, you can find one that suits your needs. On average, models range in price from $99 to $300.
Inexpensive: Wallet-friendly microwaves cost between $99 and $175. These include small and midsize microwaves, as well as basic full-size models. Functionality is limited to the basics, but these models still perform beyond expectations.
Mid-range: These Panasonic microwaves cost between $200 and $275 and include larger models with the most expensive functionality. They’re often available in a variety of finishes to coordinate with other appliances.
Expensive: These Panasonic microwaves priced closer to $300 include the newest models and upgraded designs. They have a sleek, futuristic appearance and are mostly available in stainless steel.
Tips
- Maintain your microwave. Maintain your Panasonic microwave just like the rest of your kitchen appliances. If you clean it regularly, it can last well over ten years.
- Clean the display often. The display of a microwave comes into regular content with gunk from fingertips. In addition to your regular cleaning, remember to wipe down or disinfect the display often.
- Consider any future kitchen upgrades. If you’re not sure which finish to choose for your Panasonic microwave, take stock of any upcoming kitchen remodeling. You’ll be able to coordinate pieces better according to finish, instead of ending up with mismatched appliances.
Cover liquids and very moist foods during heating in the microwave. This prevents splattering that could stain the walls of the microwave and prove challenging to clean off.
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Other products we considered
We stand by our top picks, but we found a couple more you might like. For dorm or apartment living, we like the 1.1-cubic foot Panasonic Countertop Microwave Oven. This ingenious three-in-one design features a broiler, food warmer, and Genius Sensor cooking. The broiler settings make it easy to enjoy crispy, crunchy favorites like apple crumbles and flaky baked potatoes. If you’re on a budget, we like the 900-watt Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven. This countertop model includes three power levels, a delay timer, and even a Popcorn setting. Its Keep Warm button make sure your food stays at the optimal temperature until it’s time to serve.
FAQ
Q. Can I adjust the volume of the beeps on my Panasonic microwave?
A. In some models, you’re able to adjust the beeps. This can also change the volume of the beeps, depending on the sound. If you’re concerned about not hearing the beeps, especially if you leave the room, consider setting a timer on your smartphone as an extra reminder.
Q. Is a Panasonic microwave the same as a toaster oven?
A. No. Microwave ovens rely on microwaves to heat food, whereas toaster ovens rely on heating elements. Food doesn’t rotate on a turntable in a toaster oven, so it can sometimes cooks unevenly. With that said, a microwave isn’t necessarily any better than a toaster oven, and vice versa. They simply have different functions and capabilities.
Q. What’s the best Panasonic microwave for an RV?
A. For RV living, you can choose any Panasonic microwave that fits in your kitchen area. In some RVs, there’s only space for a compact model. In others, you can fit an extra-large (2.2 cubic feet) model. In fact, if you’re traveling with family, it’s recommended that you choose a larger model to cut down on repetitive cooking of individual portions.
