Panasonic NN-SD997S Genius "Prestige" 2.2 cuft 1250-Watt Sensor Microwave with Inverter Technology & Blue Readout, Stainless Steel

by Panasonic

• Inverter Technology for even cooking and delivering delicious flavor and Inverter Turbo Defrost for quick defrosting
• 1250 Watts of High Power; One-Touch Genius Sensor Cook and Reheat for automatic cooking settings and even Keep Warm feature
• 16 1/2" turntable, Button keypad w/programmable dial for easy-to-use programming; Blue LED Dial Ring and Display
• Measures 19 7/16" (D) x 23 7/8" (W) x 14" (H), 36.8 lbs., All Stainless steel exterior
• Upper left-corner of the door has a small indentation to allow the door to open smoothly and is completed at the factory

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 23.9 x 14 inches ; 36.8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 43 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000ON2TQG
• Item model number: NN-SD997S
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (175 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,741 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #13 in Kitchen & Dining > Small Appliances > Microwave Ovens > Countertop Microwave Ovens

Product Description

Panasonic NN-SD997S Stainless-Steel 2.2-Cubic-Foot 1250-Watt Inverter Microwave Oven

2.2-cubic-foot microwave oven with Inverter technology for true, variable microwave power. Click here for a larger image

The Genius Prestige Countertop/Built-In Microwave Oven

Attractively housed in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, this 1250-watt microwave oven by Panasonic makes a stylish and convenient addition to any contemporary kitchen. The 2.2-cubic-foot unit with its 16-1/2-inch turntable perfectly cooks and evenly heats anything from breakfast foods and after-school snacks to dinnertime meals and appetizers when entertaining. Ideal for busy professionals and on-the-go families, the microwave oven provides quick and easy meal preparation while nicely accommodating surrounding decor.

The oven makes it easy to cook braised baby bok choy and other delicious side dishes.

Iluminated neon-blue spin dial for easy programming.

The countertop microwave can be installed in the wall using an optional matching trim kit.
(Trim kit shown may not represent actual trim kit.)

Inverter Technology

Moving Beyond Just "Heating Things Up"

Many people just use their microwaves for making popcorn or warming up soup because most microwaves just have one temperature setting--high. Conventional microwave ovens might have a low-power setting, but this is achieved by "pulsing" the high-power setting on and off rather than by emitting a steady stream of low-powered energy.

Panasonic's trailblazing Inverter technology delivers true, variable microwave power, which means even temperatures and consistent textures throughout the food being cooked. The consistent delivery of microwave energy allows delicate foods to simmer without the edges and surfaces overcooking, so foods have the look and taste you expect--without the wait.

The Inverter microwave oven perfects the art of cooking, taking microwave cooking to a whole new level. You'll experience delicious food that better retains its color, nutrients, and flavor and that's easier and faster to prepare. Oh, and you can still make great popcorn.

Single, Compact Power Supply

Furthermore, the Inverter power unit is smaller and lighter than conventional microwave circuitry (aka the heavy, enclosed side of the microwave), which allows for more interior space to fit that favorite casserole dish, without increasing the oven's overall exterior dimensions. Weighing just 36-4/5 pounds, the oven's roomy interior measures 18-1/2 inches long by 18-7/16 inches wide by 10-15/16 inches high, while its compact exterior measures 19-7/16 inches long by 23-7/8 inches wide by 14 inches high.

Additional Features

One-Touch Genius Sensor Cook and Reheat

With the touch of Panasonic's Sensor Cooking button, the microwave takes the guesswork out of creating a great meal, by automatically setting power levels and adjusting cooking or defrosting time.

The sensor measures the amount of steam produced during cooking, and signals the microprocessor to calculate the remaining cooking time at the appropriate power level automatically.

Inverter Turbo Defrost

Panasonic evolved the Turbo Defrost feature, which allows you to defrost foods even faster than previous Panasonic Auto Defrost.

Panasonic Inverter Turbo Defrost technology is an advanced microwave sequencing system using the inverter continuous-power delivery method.

Menu Action Screen (multi-lingual)

The Menu Action Screen is like having a chef to assist you in the kitchen. It scrolls step-by-step cooking instructions across the display, in a choice of English, Spanish, or French.

Keep Warm Feature

A pulsing delivery of very low microwave power keeps food temperatures at a constant level--without overcooking. So, foods like stew, gravy, and desserts remain warm in the oven for up to 30 minutes after cooking.

Clock/Timer

Time-of-day clock and versatile timer provide exceptional convenience.

Quick Minute

The one-touch button allows you to set or add cooking time in 1-minute increments up to 10 minutes.

Control Panel with Blue LED Dial Ring/Blue Backlit Display

The silver button control panel, illuminated neon-blue spin dial, and generous six-digit expanded backlit display provide a high-end look and a practically effortless navigation experience in the kitchen.

Child-Safety Lock

For safety, the oven's child safety lock prevents electronic operation (door still opens). Press Start three times to lock ("Lock" will display); press Stop/Reset three times to cancel.

Good Housekeeping Seal

Awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and covered by a two-year limited warranty.

Push-button controls, illuminated dial, and backlit display for ease of use.

Click here to view the set-up guide.

Make Mealtime Marvelous

Create all your favorite recipes, quickly and easily, with Panasonic's Inverter microwave oven.

• Eggs
• Appetizers
• Soups

• Casseroles
• Fish/seafood
• Meats

• Pasta/grains/cereals
• Poultry
• Sauces

• Vegetable side dishes
• Pies
• Desserts & breads

Free cookbook: Master Chefs Microwave Recipes Made Easy.
Click here to view

Panasonic & The Culinary Institute of America Get Things Cooking

Panasonic Inverter microwave ovens have been named the microwave-cooking method of choice by the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Panasonic and the CIA have teamed up to develop a series of healthy and delicious recipes created especially for the Panasonic Inverter microwave oven.

Free Online Recipes

The Master Chefs Microwave Recipes Made Easy cookbook includes preparation tips and professional techniques that will have you cooking like a pro with your Panasonic microwave oven in no time.

Choose from a variety of mouthwatering recipes--from goat cheese and red onion quesadillas to corn chowder with chilies and Monterey Jack to Mediterranean vegetable frittatas. Bon appetite!

Panasonic 2.2-Cubic-Foot Inverter Microwave Ovens

Model		NN-H965BF	NN-H965WF	NN-SD962S	NN-SD997S
Size/Power
	Oven Capacity	2.2 cubic feet
	Wattage	1250 watts
	Turntable Diameter	16-1/2 inches
Design
	Housing	Black	White	Stainless-Steel Front with Silver Wrap	Stainless-Steel Front and Wrap
	Control Panel	5 Button with Flat Panel		Solid Dial with Buttons	"Flashing Blue" Ring Dial with Button Panel
	Display Panel	6-Digit Expanded Display		4-Digit Display	"Blue" 6-Digit Expanded Display
Performance/Features
	Sensor Cook/Reheat	Yes
	Power Settings	10 Levels
Specifications
	Cavity Dimensions (LxWxH inches)	18-1/2 x 18-7/16 x 10-15/16
	Unit Dimensions (LxWxH inches)	19-7/16 x 23-7/8 x 14
Trim Kits (optional)	27" Model	N/A		NN-TK922SS and TK-929SA
	30" Model	N/A		NN-TK932SS and TK-939SA

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

143 of 145 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You get what you pay for! August 3, 2008

By Jeff Kraus TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

We've had this microwave 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.

156 of 159 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great oven, but pricey January 27, 2008

By C. Bennett

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a terrific oven:

* Huge on the inside, very space-efficient on the outside. The turntable is 16.5" (42cm), and has 9.5" (24cm) vertical interior clearance. I was even able to mount this above our 24" built-in oven by modifying the trim kit.

* The "Inverter" technology really works. Everything cooks evenly without hot-spots. Consumer reports gives top marks for similar Panasonic ovens, and I can see why.

* The "Sensor" technology (measures steam) is usually reasonably accurate. So far we have not burned anything. Popcorn is perfect.

* The controls are intuitive, and the dial simplifies use.

* The front panel is uncluttered, and does not show fingerprints.

Issues:

* Expensive

* You can't "add time" once the oven starts (though this would seem easy to implement with the dial). (see below for update)

* We have owned this for one month of heavy use, but some reviews indicate long-term reliability problems. (see below for update)

FYI:

* The description is incorrect: the dial is fixed, and does not "pop-out" on this model.

UPDATE March 2010:

1) After >2 years of heavy use, this oven is still working great. Some of the text near the knob has worn off, but otherwise it looks just like new. At least for us, reliability has not been an issue, and we use it constantly.

2) The comment on this review is correct. You can add 1 minute while the oven is in operation with the "Add 1 minute" button. However, our previous oven allowed you to simply rotate the knob and add an arbitrary amount of time (say, 5 seconds). This was more intuitive and flexible. In any case, this is not a major issue.

3) We stumbled across an easy way to set a series of cooking steps if you don't want to use the 'sensor' function: set the power level, set the time, set the power level, time, etc. When you press 'start', the oven will step through the each of the power settings in sequence for the times specified. This is useful if you want to run at full power for a few minutes, and then step down to a lower power. For instance, this is how I cook oatmeal, and now I rarely get an over-flowing bowl.

Bottom line: We *definitely* would buy this model again. This is an excellent microwave oven.

UPDATE October 2011:

Almost 4 years of heavy use, and still going strong. Based on our experience, this microwave is highly recommended!

UPDATE January 2013:

6 years of heavy use, and no issues. In 2010 I was concerned that the front panel text would *all* eventually disappear, but it is about the same as after the first two years.

91 of 98 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm still in LOVE with this microwave!!! November 14, 2009

By One Tree in the Forest

Amazon Verified Purchase

NOTE: UPDATE -- I've had a chance to try many more of the features. They did not name this microwave GENIOUS for nothing! Bit by bit I have been trying more and more of the "automatic" functions. Bear in mind, I missed several generations of Microwaves because this one was replacing an approximately 20 year old model. This is the first microwave I have tried that could defrost frozen food without cooking it too. It cooks both rice and pasta very nicely (but I haven't yet hit the vessel/lid combination to keep it from boiling over a little). Overall this microwave has replaced electric woks, electric fry pans, quick cookers and other electrical devices I generally used in the summertime so I did not heat the kitchen up when cooking the evening meal. I recommended it to a friend and he too is in awe of it (same model, also purchased from Amazon). There are only 2 things I don't like. I miss repeated beeps telling me my food is ready. If I miss this one's announcement - well, too bad. The other thing is that it is difficult to monitor the food's cooking progress through the window which I assume is as it is to provide cooks from harmful micro-waves.
* * * * * * * * * *
This microwave almost seems "overbuilt", even though it weighs about 1/2 as much as my original Plastic woodgrain covered 600W Panasonic microwave from 1974 (that cost $600 new). I still have that old Panasonic, with a stainless steel cavity--which makes more sense to me than a painted cavity and a stainless steel exterior. I have relegated that old one to sterilizing starting soil for my greenhouse and other things garden related.

Until recently I was using two 700W GE microwaves (also old, 1988 and 1990) until one burned out. When I started to shop for a replacement I only considered Panasonic and GE models. I usually research "long term" purchases very thoroughly, and this was no exception. I got GE's annual catalog that has really good comparison charts for all of their microwaves. Panasonic did not have a catalog, but had relatively good descriptions and comparison charts that could be printed off the internet. I compared everything (except price which is my usually my last considered criterion and in this case was $200. maximum tax and shipping included). I numbered the ones I liked best as 1, going down to 3. Lower than that I just crossed out. I didn't get any 1's in the current GE models although there were some very good ones. I had more 1's and 2's than cross outs in the Panasonic pages I printed out. Then I really got down to hard core comparing and this one, Panasonic NN-SD997 was the only one that got a 1+ after my last review of the #1's. THEN I looked at the price and was frustrated big time. Panasonic is selling it for $279.95. Amazon is my first choice of supplier because of savings on tax and shipping. I was pleasantly surprised (actually astonished), Amazon was selling it for $196.96. I ordered it instantly!!! THIS IS A WONDERFUL UNIT, and a purchase I cannot imagine regretting.

Many microwaves seem to die from keypad failure, something I've never experienced. (One Sanyo microwave I killed and replaced with the second GE had a failed magnetron (precisely timed immediately after that part's warranty ended). THIS UNIT HAS NO KEYPAD!!! It has a convenient minute/second dial (knob). There are some multi-function buttons for various features (like power output) and all the directions are easy to understand and LOGICAL. The cavity is huge, and if you have not had a microwave more powerful than 1000W stay near it for awhile while you're getting used to it. I've used microwaves over 35 years and I almost started a fire with this one (not in the oven, in the garbage can where I put the smoldering food!). For best results do not place food in the center of the carousel, but rather with the item's center about halfway between the edge and the center. Even heavy casseroles placed in that way do not cause the carousel to "derail". Especially when using it on full power, you get better results turning the cooking container 180 degrees halfway through cooking time.

There are 2 things about this unit that I strongly dislike. I knew about one before the purchase: This unit does not beep periodically/repeatedly every several minutes after the cooking time is over. This one gives you 5 beeps at the end of the time, and that's it. I sorely miss the reminders, but not having them is not a deal breaker. The other thing I don't like is the visibility into the cooking chamber. It is nearly impossible to see what is in it, let alone allowing the user to see how the food is doing. The best viewing is on my 600W Panasonic, with the 700W GE's being only a little less good. I think perhaps as microwave ovens became more powerful it was necessary to provide the user with more protection from the actual microwaves that are produced. The instruction booklet is very thin because this microwave's usage is so intuitive and convenient it is nearly self-explanatory. I WOULD BUY THIS UNIT AGAIN AND HAVE RECOMMENDED IT TO OTHERS.