Busy Kitchen? You Need a Busy Oven!
Many people say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and in my opinion there was never a truer word spoken, especially when you have a family. There is always something going on and it’s generally cooking! However not everyone has the time to spend all day baking cookies and other delicious meals for our loved ones, which is one of the reasons I decided to bring this website to the internet.
Of course, you will find all sorts of microwaves to look through here (I’ve tried to think about all types of lifestyle) but the one I’m reviewing here is a real beast, so it would be better suited to those of you who love to cook but don’t have a great deal of time.
The model I’m talking about is the Panasonic NN-CD989S Genius “Prestige” 1.5 cubic feet which has 1100 watts of power output and comes in full stainless steel (inside and out). What you should know before I tell you more is that you will need space for this convection microwave if you intend to have it on your countertop. However, it can also be built-in but that will mean purchasing an additional trim kit.
On the other hand, you will probably find it much lighter and less bulky than other models that offer 1.5 cubic feet on the inside because of the inverter technology the manufacturer has used. This type of technology allows for smaller parts on the inside which don’t weigh as much, hence more space inside and a lighter appliance.
If you do decide to have it on your countertop, please bear in mind you will need at least 3 inches of space around the unit and 6 inches above.
So, let’s take a closer look.
All You Need in One Microwave Oven
This model offers 4 in 1 cooking and uses convection: It’s possible to microwave (of course), bake, broil or you can use the combination option which allows you to microwave but also brown or bake using convection.
You also get one-touch reheating and sensor options which takes all the guesswork out of knowing when you’re food is ready. On the inside you get a big 15 inch ceramic turntable and rack for baking.
The Controls
Considering how much you can do with this convection microwave, the control panel is pretty simple to use. In total, you get 16 buttons and there are also two dials which are used for setting the temperature and setting the weight and time. I happen to like the dials because it’s just a quick turn rather than having to mess about pressing loads of different buttons to get what you’re looking for.
At the very top you have six quick option buttons which include Popcorn (where would we be without that one), and you also have Micro Power, Sensor Reheat, Broil, Bake and Combination. Just below these are a handy LED display which displays the “mode” you’re using and if you like, the time when the oven isn’t in use.
Below that are two more buttons where you can choose either auto convection or sensor cook. Then you have the two dials and below them eight more buttons which include: Inverter turbo defrost, keep warm, timer, more/less (if you want to re-arrange the amount of time), clock, stop/rest, quick minute and of course a start button.
Oh, and you don’t get a handle for the door with this convection microwave. Instead there is a large push button to the right.
I have heard complaints the door can cause a bit of trouble when the machine is in constant use. However, the manufacturer does offer a 3 year limited warranty.
Other Features You Have to Know About
Inverter Technology
This deserves a special mention because in my opinion it’s one of the best features to come out of microwave technology. Instead of your food receiving a constant high stream of power that pulses, you get what’s called “true” microwave power. This means you don’t get problems with food not being reheated or cooked unevenly.
The same technology is also used when you defrost on the turbo option, making life even easier in the kitchen.
One-Touch Sensor Reheat and Cook
Again, this is one of my favorite features because it also saves time and takes the guesswork out of cooking. All you need to do is tell the unit what you want to do and it will automatically adjust the amount of time needed and the power level required.
Menu Action Screen
This is a really handy feature because it will scroll through the steps you need to take no matter what type of meal you want to prepare.
Lastly, the quick minute option will complete all the every-day tasks you would want from a standard microwave and will allow you to add more cooking time if needed, but do remember this is done in 1 minute increments.
Overall
There is little I have to say about this convection microwave oven that’s negative. It’s easy to use, comes with a child lock, has plenty of options and looks nice in any kitchen.
The only problem with this microwave might be the price, however if you’re interested in purchasing one of these I have found some good discounts at Amazon.
If you still need a cheaper alternative though, I’d suggest you take a look at the Cuisinart CMW-200 I reviewed here. It’s a bit smaller, but big enough for most uses and it does have convection.
Further Information
