Panasonic NN-ST75LB

Genius in the Kitchen with Low Energy Needs – For many years we had the Panasonic Genius model out before this one and it was the best microwave available for size and features, as well as its perfect cooking and reheating. So we bought it’s new update model NN-ST75LB. It’s a big 44L size. Whilst it seems more compact than the older, inside its turntable is the same size and all our usual… Read more ·  1

large dishes go in without a problem.

The feature buttons are similar. I was really pleased to see the Vegetables button because, once again, no matter what vegetables we put in, it just cooks them perfectly, even frozen veggies. Same goes with the Fush/Chicken, Pasta and Melt/Soften buttons.

However, the best and most used button is, and has always been, the Sensor Reheat button. No matter what goes in, it reheats perfectly but I must admit, I usually stop it once the countdown chimes if I need it to sit for a minute or so before the covering comes off or the toast pops! It is also perfect for when you might want to add some freshly chopped light veg like zucchini or spinach to canned meals or soup, or if you simply throw in some frozen veggies.

I’m yet to try out the Breakfast button for eggs and bacon, or the packet cake bake option, all which will save huge amounts of energy over the conventional cook top and oven. This microwave is not only a real genius in the kitchen, it keeps our electric bills low.

Simple to use – We have had this microwave for 12 months and have had no issues with it. I have found this microwave simple to use for everyday use. Particularly like the sensor defrost although the senor re-heat gets things too hot. The white interior makes it easy to clean. Show details

Not As Functional As My Previous Panasonic / A Few Annoyances – My last three microwave ovens have all been Panasonic. The previous one had a full keypad making it much quicker and easier to set the cooking time and allowing you to set cooking time up to a single second, if needed. This model only has three cooking time buttons. 10 minute, 1 minute or 10 seconds. So, for example, you cannot set 25 seconds on… Read more

this microwave. Even a normally simple task of setting the clock is made harder due to the crippled keypad. For example, to set the time of 12:45, you have to press the 10 minute button 12 times, the 1 minute button 4 times, and the 10 second button 5 times.

The panel on this microwave has been filled with some obscure buttons that I'll never use. You would need to have to constantly refer to the manual to know what to set for some of these buttons. What's more annoying is that you cannot set the cooking time until after you've pressed the Micro Power button. Yes, you have to do that every single time. Apart from the lack of functionality, the buttons are very hard to read. I find myself having to stick my head right in front of the panel to read the button labels.

When the timer completes, it beeps five times like my previous microwave did, but it then returns to display the time on the clock. My previous microwave, would display an "Enjoy Your Meal" banner to remind you that you have something in there that has completed cooking, but hasn't been removed yet.

One other minor annoyance is the light inside. It casts a yellow-brown line of light on the right side of the oven base. I actually thought that I'd spilt oil in there and went to clean it up.

This microwave oven still does the job, but with a number of annoyances. Some of the annoyances don't become obvious until after you've purchased and used it. I'm normally a big fan of Panasonic microwaves, but this one fails to impress.

Lemon - lasted shy of 6months - Under warranty but a 2hrs return drive! – We had Panasonic 30 yrs ago and that lasted 10yrs+ (not China made then). We then got Miele and that lasted good 20yrs+ with two warranty and 1 non-warranty services "call out". We decided to get a simple unit ie Panasonic again, but surprisingly that lasted 14 months (2 months outside warranty period) for only heating/reheating food/coffee/tea.… Read more

Panasonic told me that any services MUST be taken to this particular location (3rd party authorised under Panasonic @ Wetherill Park NSW). So it would be cheaper to ditch the unit and get another cheap Panasonic model (current). This died 6months hence, started with the door NOT opening when pushed to open, so we have to manually open it. Again, told that whether within warranty or not, we still have to take it to Panasonic authorised repairs because ALL microwave is a "carry in"/"bring in" service regardless. Panasonic claimed that it is ONLY 29mins (using Toll $10 per journey) from Syd Northern end but in real life, it is nearly 1hr one way (non-toll) - non-school holiday + non-rush hour period combined . Whilst the supervisor returned my "escalated case" call, to have roosters crowing in the background was rather a distraction and very "professionalism". So in conclusion, $300 unit will be ditched again and back to a few brands that is NOT being mfg in China vs parts.

CAVEAT: If intending any warranty services with ANY Panasonic microwaves purchases, make sure you live close to WETHERILL PARK - SYD-NSW CUSTOMERS, because retailers will NOT tell you that all Panasonic microwave services is a "carry/bring in..." to repair centre. Do not know about other states/territories.

Sad...