Panasonic NN-SD277WR 2-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave Oven, White

Cheap Panasonic NN-SD277WR 2-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave Oven, White Review

For many years, I owned a countertop Panasonic microwave oven and it worked flawlessly. I didn't need a countertop microwave anymore when I moved to a new house that had an over-the-range (OTR) microwave. This was about ten years ago. Since that time, I really missed the size, power and reliability of the Panasonic, so when it was time to buy a new OTR microwave, I shopped around and looked at almost every brand, and was happy to see that Panasonic made an OTR microwave.

I must say that I am a deliberate shopper for almost anything. I research everything and look for quality, reliability and, of course, price. I read expert and consumer reviews from many sites, including Amazon. I looked at OTR microwaves in the 0-300 price range from brands such as GE, LG, Kenmore, Panasonic, Whirlpool, etc. The Panasonic was just plain nicer than any of the others. It was also larger and more powerful than most. The Amazon price, which I thought was extremely low compared to other retailers, was almost too good to be true. Plus, I knew from past experience that Panasonic microwaves were built to last and perform. So the decision turned into a no-brainer for me.

First, let me tell you that the Panasonic was a breeze to install. Despite having a large 2 cubic foot cooking space, it was not overly heavy. In fact, it weighed less than the much smaller unit it was replacing. However, I would recommend that 2 people install it just to be safe.

There are several ways for the exhaust to work and I suggest you read the excellent manual that comes with the oven before you install the thing or you may have to take it down to adjust it for your particular situation. I have a rear exhaust so that required me to remove the fan blower cover (3 screws) and rotate the blower motor 90 degrees (then screw the cover back on). Then I had to put some covers over where the blowers used to be aimed (easy--1 screw each). It also required a simple cut out of the rear exhaust hole on the back of the microwave (the metal is already crimped there and you just need some utility shears and a pair of pliers to remove the thin metal covers).

Once that was complete, Panasonic provides a paper template so that you can figure out where to put the holes in the wall for the screws that hold the mounting plate in place. (You can also just put the mounting plate against the wall and do it that way, but the template was pretty decent especially if you are using rear exhaust like me). Don't just assume you can use the holes from your prior microwave if you are replacing it. In any event, you want to obviously screw the mounting plate into studs if possible. Even though the microwave will hang via screws from the upper cabinets in most situations, you still want that back mounting plate as secure as possible. If you can't get it mounted to all studs, Panasonic provides some drywall winglock anchors too.

After the mounting plate is installed, the oven slides onto the pull out mounting glides on either side. The second person should then support the oven (just to be safe) while the 2 top mounting screws are installed through the upper cabinets. And that's it--your done!

The manual that comes with the oven is excellent. I skimmed it in about 10 minutes and was ready to do just about everything. The thing that you will notice right away about this oven is that it doesn't have a numeric keypad. Instead, it uses a push out dial. I like the dial a lot. My wife was skeptical at first but even she likes it now. Push it and it pops out. Turn it slowly to add seconds, a little faster for 10 second intervals and a little faster still for minute intervals. It's just so easy and fast. Then hit start. For a quick hit, it does have a 1 minute button. Push it 2 times and you get 2 minutes--you get the idea. This is what I use all the time since I am always heating things in 1-3 minute time periods. It also has other push buttons for popcorn (haven't tried it yet), fan speed (see below), power level, etc. So you aren't using the dial for everything.

This oven has 5 fan speeds! Most in this price range have 2 or 3. The "super" and "turbo" are the highest and I don't really think you need them too often. Their pretty loud too but biy are they powerful. The "high" setting is what I use most often and it works great and is quiet as well.

There are 2 light settings--"on" and "night". Pretty standard but the lights on this thing work a lot better than the lights on my previous oven.

The power of this oven is quite evident. It is not overly loud, nor overly quiet. But it does heat food quickly and evenly which is what I think everyone wants in their microwave oven.

All in all, I would highly recommend this Panasocic OTR microwave oven. From its size, quality construction, handsome look, extensive features, ease of installation and stellar performance, you really cannot go wrong. Since I have only had it about a week (but have used it everyday since), I may update this review in a few months if there is anything else to add.

Panasonic NN-SD277WR 2-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave Oven, White Feature

• Over-the-range microwave oven with 2-cubic-foot interior and 12-inch turntable
• Push-button control panel with pop-out dial and LED readout for easy programming
• Inverter-turbo defrost; one-touch sensor cook and reheat; keep-warm mode
• 10 power levels; more/less control; delay start and timer; popcorn key; Quick Minute
• Measures approximately 15-2/5 by 29-8/9 by 16-2/5 inches

Panasonic NN-SD277WR 2-Cubic-Foot 1200-Watt Microwave Oven, White Overview

Panasonic 2-cubic foot White Oven-The-Range Microwave, one-touch sensor cook and reheat, 1200-watt of high power, inverter technology, inverter turbo defrost, pop-out programming dial for easy programming, blue/green led readout, 12-inch turntable, 6-digit readout, 10 level power settings, menu sensor settings, interactive multi-lingual screen, more/less control feature, turntable on/off, keep warm feature, popcorn key, quick minute, delay start and timer, 120V, 4-Speed 420CFM, louvers, 2-level lighting, white front.



*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 09, 2010 16:12:34