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Gone are the days of basic microwaves. The best microwaves on the market now come equipped with a variety of presets and features that make cooking even easier. If you’re in the market for a new microwave, you’ll want one that not only heats food well, but is also user-friendly. After extensive research, expert interviews, and testing multiple microwaves from reputable brands, we have determined that the Panasonic NN-SN65KB is one of the top contenders. This microwave possesses all the qualities that set an exceptional microwave apart from an average one: consistent heating, useful preset buttons, and high power output. Here’s why the Panasonic NN-SN65KB stands out from the crowd.
Design and Specifications:
– Power: 1,200 watts
– Dimensions: 15.8″D x 20.7″W x 12.2″H
– Presets: Sensor Cook Reheat, Coffee/Milk, Turbo Defrost by the pound or kilogram, Popcorn, and Frozen Foods
– Child-safety lock: Yes
The first thing that caught my attention about the Panasonic NN-SN65KB is its impressive power of 1,200 watts, allowing it to cook food at a faster rate compared to other models I tested. The buttons on this microwave are easy to press and provide a satisfying chiming sound when the cooking process is complete. At first glance, the Panasonic NN-SN65KB appears to have everything you would expect from a standard microwave.
To put this microwave to the test, I conducted the industry-standard marshmallow experiment, which tests for hot and cold spots by heating marshmallows for a set period of time. I found that the marshmallows expanded evenly in the Panasonic microwave, with only a small amount of burning in the center after two minutes.
The Panasonic NN-SN65KB offers a three-stage cooking process that comes in handy when multitasking. Users have the ability to set up to three stages of cooking, which is perfect for automatically keeping food warm after it has been cooked or for seamlessly transitioning from defrosting to cooking. The Popcorn button provides three levels of cooking based on the amount of corn being used. Testing this feature with a 3.2-ounce bag of popcorn, I was pleased to find that none of the popcorn burned and only a small number of kernels remained unpopped.
In addition to cooking, this microwave also excels at reheating. The Sensor Reheat feature accurately and efficiently reheats various types of food such as oatmeal and coffee. Using the corresponding sensor level, the microwave detects the humidity level of the food and adjusts the cooking time accordingly, ensuring perfectly warmed food with no burn or spills. The Coffee/Milk preset is especially impressive, as it warms up coffee to the ideal temperature while maintaining its original flavor.
While the Panasonic NN-SN65KB has many strengths, there are a few shortcomings to consider. The Frozen Foods preset, similar to the Sensor Reheat feature, categorizes food groups into numbers. Unfortunately, I found that this preset overestimated the amount of time needed to cook frozen mac and cheese, resulting in an overcooked and burned dish. To avoid this issue, it is best to follow the package instructions when cooking frozen foods in this microwave.
Another minor drawback is the dim light inside the microwave, making it difficult to monitor food while it’s cooking. However, since the preset buttons on this microwave heat accurately, constant monitoring isn’t necessary. Additionally, the control panel is prone to fingerprint smudges, so frequent wiping may be required for those who prefer smudge-free appliances.
While the Panasonic NN-SN65KB is a highly recommended option for most households, there are alternatives to consider. If you need a microwave with a larger capacity, the Panasonic NN-SD975S Microwave is an excellent choice. For those who desire a microwave that can also function as an oven, the Toshiba Microwave Oven (EC042A5C-SS) is a top pick. Don’t forget to check out our guides for the best air fryers and toaster ovens for more countertop cooking options.
In conclusion, the Panasonic NN-SN65KB offers an abundance of preset features that elevate it above your average microwave, while delivering exceptional heating capabilities. With its child-safety lock and versatile functionality, this microwave is an ideal choice for any household. It may have a few minor drawbacks, such as visibility issues and inaccurate cooking times for frozen foods, but overall, it surpasses expectations.
Pros:
– Five useful preset buttons
– 1,200 watts of cooking power (higher than most microwaves)
– Equipped with a child-safety lock button
Cons:
– Visible fingerprint smudges
– Dim light inside
– Audibly loud
– Inaccurate cooking times for Frozen Foods
– Lack of Express Cook buttons
About the author:
Farima Ferguson is a freelance writer for Insider.
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