“I’m in my 70s, and it was hard for an old dog to learn new tricks,” DiLorenzo says. “My old microwave was also a Panasonic and lasted—are you ready?—42 years! It was just a microwave, so therefore when I go to reach into the HomeCHEF, I have to remember to take oven mitts and leave them right on the top, so I don’t forget and burn myself!”
While upgrading her microwave was an adjustment, it was a painless one. “I’ve been using it for three months now, and I’m still discovering all the features,” DiLorenzo admits. “The installation wasn’t difficult at all; as a matter of fact, I was able to do it within minutes. I haven’t used the app since I have no need to do so. The [user manual] was very thorough explaining.”
In terms of aesthetic, there was a bit of troubleshooting. (“I did have some difficulty reading the buttons on the front, as the print is a little bit small,” DiLorenzo claims.) But even though the interface was intimidating at first, the microwave was right at home in her collection. “I’m lucky that I have a cabinet just outside my main kitchen where it’s seated, and it fits very well,” she adds.
Once the Panasonic HomeCHEF was ready to use, DiLorenzo wasted no time. “I really enjoy using the air fryer with the basket. I’ve made lots and lots of items using that feature. French fries come out great. The broiler is fabulous for chicken, both parts and whole. Pork chops in this oven were juicy and flavorful, too. I also put together my lasagna to bake in a glass casserole [dish], and it was fabulous. So quickly done, and the cheese was nicely melted! It’s also very efficient for reheating. Another new recipe that I tried for the first time was Greek spanakopita, and it came out wonderfully.”
The Bottom Line: Is This Panasonic Microwave a Good One?
Real talk: 96 percent of Panasonic reviewers recommend this gem, and it boasts a rating of 4.7/5 stars from 136 reviews. Yeah, the HomeCHEF is a bit pricy. But Panasonic’s appliances are built for the long haul (DiLorenzo’s old microwave lasted more than four decades, remember?), so think of it as a wise investment. Consider the money you’ll save on a separate air fryer and convection oven, and it becomes even more worth the splurge.
