The NN-ST479SBPQ From Panasonic - A Great Microwave Reviewed

A glance at the remarks of those who have bought this model is certainly encouraging for anybody considering choosing this microwave.

Using stainless steel for both interior and exterior , the NN-ST479SBPQ is pretty good to look at, and won’t take up too much space on the worktop either.

The use of Panasonic's Inverter technology increases the efficiency of the microwave generator, so those components inside can be made as small as feasible. The result is that you get 900 watts of microwave power and great internal capacity (27 litres) from a fairly compact cabinet – enough space to fit a very useful 34 cm turntable coupled with enough height to accommodate large food items, jugs, bowls etc. Cleaning is no problem due to the stainless finish.

The panel layout is as simple and logical as possible I think, given the number of features incorporated. The buttons feel solid and precise.

There is the choice of programmed operation, or you can opt for manual cooking if you want – the programmes installed in the unit are very powerful:-

•     Auto Defrost. The automatic programming will calculate the defrosting time for you, or you can set it manually. An even defrosting result is achieved by the 'Chaos' defrosting system.
•     Auto Sensor Cook. In these programs, the oven senses the level of steam being given off by the food as it cooks, and the time remaining is automatically calculated. Very clever indeed. You have the option to increase or decrease the cooking to suit your taste, or you can ignore the programming entirely and control the cooking manually.
•     Auto Sensor Reheat. The same system applies to the reheat function – auto or manual. There is a Turbo Reheat function which applies a burst of high-power microwave energy to help when reheating certain foods like soup or beans.

The unit is programmed with 18 different microwaving options and 5 power levels. This microwave certainly gives you plenty of choices.

An excellent feature of the whole package is the instruction manual. As well as clear operating information, there are extensive tables to help you calculate defrosting, cooking and reheating times if you choose not to use the Auto Sensor. Pages and pages of recipes too for inspiration.

The Panasonic NN-ST479SBPQ is strong on programming, but not over-complicated to use. I don’t think they have put functions in just for the sake of them, and those that you do get are both useful and clearly explained and controlled. Highly recommended.