• Inverter Technology for even cooking results
• 2.2 Cu.Ft Oven Capacity for large cavity with space saving advantage
• 1-Touch Sensor Cook/Reheat for easy programming
• Dial Control w/LED Operation Guide
• Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Face

Reviewed By: Jeff Kraus (Oralndo, FL USA)


You Get What You Pay For


We’ve had the Panasonic NN-SD997s for several months now, after replacing an old one that was having trouble (which 1/4 of the plate that it decided to heat on any given day was apparently determined by the phases of the moon, or possibly sun spots).


First of all, this is a good size microwave. If you are upgrading from a smaller one, be sure to check the dimensions listed in the product description before ordering.


It’s very well built. It gives the impression that it’s probably going to last forever. All of the buttons, the dial, the door and its release mechanism are all very solid. The inner rotating tray and the rotation mechanism that it sits on are also well done — even with a really lopsided load, the rotation of the tray remains smooth.


The performance of this microwave has been stellar. As mentioned in another review, the Popcorn mode is perfect — I have yet to see a single burnt piece come out of a bag. The “Sensor Reheat” mode has been spectacular for me as well. Just put the food in, and press the button. I use it all the time for leftovers, and wow! As a matter of fact, just yesterday I used it to reheat a plate that included ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a large amount of mashed potatoes — nothing was overdone, and the mashed potatoes were hot all the way through!


The unit itself is quiet — it probably operates at about a third of the volume of my old one (admittedly, that’s not saying much). My girlfriend thinks it’s hilarious that the display says “Enjoy Your Meal” after it finishes heating.


There are a number of features that I haven’t tried, since I haven’t had a need for them yet. If I end up using one of these features in the future, I’ll update this review with the new info.


All in all, it’s a great machine. Easily the best microwave I have ever owned. It’s expensive (mine was an open box item at a local retailer, purchased for $179), but the capabilities (and the distinct sense that it will last forever) make it a worthwhile investment.


- Jeff

Reviewed By: R. Smith (New York)


I’m Delighted


After looking at many microwaves I ended up selecting the Panasonic NN-SD997S and have been very pleased with the purchase.


The reasons I chose this one were:


1. The size….. It is quite large, which is just what I wanted.

2. The outer case…… It is stainless steel, which was important to me since the microwave is out in the open. I looked at many microwaves with stainless steel faces, but the body was just painted metal. Thus the stainless steel case was a big plus on this model, especially since it was at a price point similar to those without the stainless case.

3. The syle…. It was a nice looking unit, although this is completely subjective.

4. That it was Panasonic… I was replacing a Panisonic that was 30 years old. While I do not expect this to last 30 years, I was predisposed to like Panisonic because of my prior experience.

5. The features and functions… I was intrigued by the Inverter which claimed to cook the food evenly, but beyond that, the controls looked fairly straightforward and basic rather than being complicated.


Having used the microwave for a month I can say that all my expectations were met or exceeded. The size was perfect for my needs. The stainless steel was a beautiful finish and strong. I put things on top of the microwave and some I looked at had stainless steel cases that were quite flimsy. This case is quite strong and rigid. They say that the stainless is fingerprint resistant and so far it seems to be. I have no idea if this will last through the life of the machine, but it is a nice feature that keeps the microwave looking clean.


Finally, the features are in fact easy to understand and use. The Inverter does seem to cook the food more evenly without the hot/cold spots that you sometimes get with microwave cooking. The one touch cook and reheat seems to work well most of the time, although sometimes it can overcook a little. Some have said that the “dial” for setting the time is difficult to get used to, but it really does not take much time to adjust to it and it seems to be a handy way to set the time.


I would recommend this to anyone, especially if any of the reasons I settled on this unit are important factors in their choice.


- Rene