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Your Next Microwave

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It’s not the sexiest purchase you’ll ever make.

Heck, it’s not like you’ll tell your husband this weekend, “Let’s go look at some microwaves!” And when you do buy one, you may not have been anticipating the purchase – often, the only time one shops for a new microwave is when they have to suddenly replace or upgrade their current model.

However, at some point in your lifetime – maybe even sooner than you think – it will be time to buy a new microwave. And today, I’m here to introduce you to your next microwave.
DSC_0606It’s funny. Before I fell in love with my Panasonic Genius Prestige Plus Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, I didn’t give the appliance the respect it deserves, nor did I try to be particularly creative or daring in the foods I prepared. In fact, for the most part, my prior relationship with a microwave included the one and only “reheat” function.

FYI: It would be a shame to only reheat in a Microwave with Inverter Technology.

Oh, you can reheat. But you can also select from one of nineteen cooking settings, or let the microwave do the thinking for you. With Sensor Cook, built-in sensor technology lets you cook food automatically – with no need to set the power level, food weight or cooking time.

Did I just blow your mind? 

Okay then, we shall view the proof in the pudding. Except this pudding is oatmeal, one of the sensor programs you can choose from. Now normally, instant oatmeal cooked in a microwave is dry, lumpy and the texture of wet sand. (Trust me, I’ve had my share of microwaved instant oatmeal. I worked in an office for 10 years, remember? And this was well before Pinterest showed us how to do it the easy way – overnight in the fridge.)
DSC_0451Does that look like crumbly oatmeal to you? Not on your life! Panasonic’s microwave uses a patented Inverter Technology to ensure food remains fragrant, moist, and never “nuked”. Let me explain.

Most conventional microwave ovens operate with only one power level by using microwave energy – either on or off. In contrast, Panasonic Inverter Technology provides true multiple power levels by delivering graduated power sequences continuously, then adjusting the intensity for each meal selection. You can enjoy delicious, healthy cooking results in less time.

However, if I’m completely honest, what has me mostly over-the-moon about the Panasonic Over-the-Range Microwave Oven… it’s the aesthetics. This unit is incredibly gorgeous.

The advanced electrostatic touch panel is smooth and sensitive to the touch, and features an innovative navigation system that provides step-by-step directions for precise cooking, as well as a backlight feature that is unique to Panasonic. Quite frankly, it’s the kind of microwave you want to show off.
DSC_0611Huh. Maybe it is a sexy purchase after all. Especially if you make Microwave Strawberry Vanilla Mug Cakes with Vanilla Buttercream Glaze (recipe adapted from Averie Cooks).

2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5-6 tablespoons strawberries (frozen and thawed is fine), diced

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients (except strawberries), and whisk until batter is just smooth, but do not overmix. (This is key, or you’ll yield a tough cake.) Gently fold in the strawberries.

Prepare two mugs by spraying them very well with cooking spray and pour batter into mugs, taking care that there is plenty of room for growth. The batter/cake will nearly double in height in the microwave, so select large mugs and do not fill more than halfway.

Microwave on high for 75 to 90 seconds, or until done. Microwave cooking times vary widely and the original recipe author suggests standing in front of the microwave the entire time. I don’t blame her! It could be done in 60 seconds, or it could take 2 minutes. In the Panasonic Genius Prestige Plus Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, it took exactly 90 seconds. While the mug cake is cooling, make the glaze.

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (more for thinner consistency)

Combine all ingredients (except for milk) in a small bowl and whisk, adding the milk based on desired consistency of glaze. Spoon glaze over the mug cake while it’s in the mug and allow glaze to soak and permeate into the cake. Or, remove cake from the mug by running a knife around the sides and inverting it onto a plate and spooning the glaze over it.
DSC_0539Have I convinced you that the Panasonic Genius Prestige Plus Over-the-Range Microwave Oven should be your next microwave? Be sure to visit Your Next Kitchen, developed by Panasonic in collaboration with industry experts to provide Canadians with the resources they need to create their best kitchen. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything from design inspiration to expert advice and product facts, and is a wonderful resource to guide you through renovations or appliance upgrades.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MrDisco

    love the Panasonic microwaves. We have a Genius 1000W model that’s well over 10 years old and still running like new.

  4. Judy Cowan

    It is a very nice looking microwave! With our current kitchen layout we are stuck with having to own one of the countertop units. We had to replace ours last year when it just up and died on us.

  5. nicolthepickle

    I actually need a new microwave. My current one comes from my great grandmother and it’s as old as she is. This Panasonic one looks great.

  6. Lee Pearson

    That’s a nice microwave! We have a Panasonic microwave but it is an older model. Panasonic products last a long time, great quality. Thanks for the review, recipes and pics. BTY..I love that backsplash!!

  7. JaimeeM

    I love the look of stainless steel. Great quality, we have a panasonic microwave here.

  8. mrdisco

    they need to make a microwave that will filter out the smell of microwave popcorn. that smell can drive you mad with cravings

  10. Lindsay O

    Gorgeous microwave. What does it say about me that my first thought was ‘I wonder how well it makes popcorn’? Ha.

  11. Treen Goodwin

    wow that’s an awesome microwave , with i could have a wall Microwave , my kitchen sucks lol its old and no room :/

  12. barb lawrence

    Hubby put a bread bag with a twist tie in our over-range microwave…we need a new microwave now and this sounds intriguing!

  17. Krista Miller

    I currently have a small old model countertop microwave & let me just say it SUCKS! I can’t even put a dinner plate in it. This is absolutely beautiful & I’ve heard the inverter technology really makes a difference.

  19. Debbie W

    I’m in the market for a new microwave. Would you believe mine is 30 years old? I hope my new one lasts just as long.

  23. Lisa Neutel

    well i have to see that is a awesome microwave ..i know whatmicrowave ill be buying when my current one bites the dust ..thanks for the review

  25. Betty S

    This is a very stylish unit, I have always stood behind the panasonic name. would love to have one built in over the stove

  27. Florence

    Thanks for the review. I still have the first microwave I purchased years ago. I could be looking for one soon and will keep this one in mind.

  28. @meilta_snow

    Love my Panasonic microwave… but this Panasonic is even better, if that’s possible!

  30. Flora M

    Hi Lena !! Been MIA for a while here (so busy).
    I love the Panasonic microwaves, but I really wish they would bring back the combination Microwave/Convection oven they made year ago – I had one and I used it WAY more than my regular oven – got the browning of the convection oven plus the speed of the microwave when using the combo setting. Plus I could use just the convection or just the microwave. Maybe you could put a bug in their ear about that !! LOL :)

  31. Brenda Alden

    Wow, now that’s a microwave! What a lovely appliance I would love to add this above my range. Thanks for the chance to win

  33. Angela Massis

    Wow that is a beautiful microwave and I love that it will do all the thinking for me because as a busy mom of 3 sometimes my brain doesn’t work so well.

  36. BobbiJO Pentney

    This microwave sounds like one I may be considering in the near future as my current one doesn’t stop, it just keeps going even when the time is up.

  37. Victoria Ess

    This microwave is gorgeous! I love all the different options of things you can do with it!

  39. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    thats the kind of microwave i could use esay to understand for my hubby he pretends he is clueless at these things. no excuses if we get that one and I need one that goes over stove like that.

  41. Melinda L.

    Wow never thought a microwave oven could be so useful and look so amazing! Putting this to my list of dream kitchen items

  42. loucheryl

    Panasonic products are my husband’s favourite! All of our TV’s are Panasonic. We need a new microwave. It’s just don’t cooking as fast as it used to and the light doesn’t work.

  43. Susan T.

    I can’t believe that it senses what you are cooking and does all the adjustments for you! That would be great for me since I’ve actually set food on fire in the microwave!

  44. Wanda Tracey

    Wow!This Panasonic microwave is so innovative and way ahead in their league.I love all the functions and abilities of it and the stainless steel looks great!

  45. kathy downey

    We had a Microwave when the kids lived home but after they left we got rid of it and to be honest never missed it.