As If On Cue CR Covers Microwave Ovens (February 09 Issue)

[launderess]

Just arrived Monday, and their current top pics are:

Midsized Counter Top Models - Top Five

Kenmore 6633(9) $140
Kenmore 6325(2) $130
Kenmore Elite 6428 (9) $250
Panasonic Inverter NN-SD697(S) 160

The Panasonic was the only model to test "excellent" for eveness, with the two middle Kenmore models rated "good" and the top Kenmore "very good"

Panasonic didn't rate well for defrosting only "good", while the Kenmores rated "excellent" to "very good"

Large Countertop Models - Top Five

GE Profile JES22515J(SS) $220
Panasonic Inverter NN-T945(S)F $150
Panasonic Inverter NN-SD797(S) $180
Panasonic Prestige NN-SD997(S) $260
Whirlpool Gold GT-4175SP(S) $300

Only the last Panasonic got an "excellent" rating for eveness, the rest "very good"

Report also covered over the range and built in models, if anyone wants more information, let me know.

 

[appnut]

C, I wasn't gutsy enough to every use the auto defrost feature on my GE (which replaced the Litton) or the smaller Panasonic I inherited from some friends (many times I need two microwaves). I didn't either on my large Panasonic with Inverter until about 8 months ago and have been quite surprised and pleased, I just under estiate the weight by one tenth to two tenth of an ounce and grat results.

 

[sudsmaster]

Don't have my Feb CR yet (don't even know if I have the Jan issue yet!) but that Panasonic Prestige NN-SD997(S) $260 sounds like the same one I linked to. Sam's Club sells it online for $150, Costco for $140 (but not online, in store only). It's a very attractive stainless/silver affair and the tactile buttons are a vast improvement over those darn membrane panels (although I admit the membrane panels are easier to keep clean). I've gotten used to my 2.2 cu ft Panasonic though and since it hasn't died after about eight years I figure it's a good enough unit.