Microwaves have become an essential part of modern kitchens, but not all of them are created equal. Many heat food unevenly, dry it out, or fail to deliver the crisp textures that traditional ovens provide. If you’re tired of cold spots in your reheated meals or soggy pizza crusts, the Panasonic NN-GN68KS could be the solution.
This 2-in-1 microwave oven isn’t just for reheating food—it’s equipped with inverter technology for even cooking and a grill function for crisp finishes. Whether you’re warming leftovers, grilling sandwiches, or baking small batches of cookies, this model promises versatility and efficiency in a compact design.
But is it really worth the investment? Can it replace your oven for certain tasks? Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know before making a decision.
4 Reasons Why Consider the Panasonic NN-GN68KS?
Microwaves are great for quick meals, but let’s be honest—many of them don’t cook food evenly. You’ve probably experienced it yourself: a plate of leftovers where the edges are scorching hot, but the center is still ice-cold. That’s because traditional microwaves rely on pulsing power on and off, leading to uneven heating.
This is where the Panasonic NN-GN68KS stands out. It doesn’t just zap food like a regular microwave—it cooks with precision using inverter technology. Instead of blasting food with bursts of heat, it delivers a steady, controlled flow of energy. The result? Meals that are heated evenly, without overcooking the outside or drying out delicate foods.
But that’s not all. This model isn’t just a microwave—it’s a 2-in-1 appliance with a built-in grill. If you’ve ever wanted a crispy crust on your reheated pizza or a golden-brown finish on your sandwich, this feature is a upgrade. Most microwaves leave food soft and soggy, but the grill function helps crisp things up, adding texture and flavor.
Here’s why this microwave might be exactly what you need in your kitchen:
✔️ You want food that’s cooked evenly, not with hot and cold spots.
✔️ You like crispy textures and want a microwave that can grill and brown.
✔️ You need a powerful yet compact appliance that doesn’t take up too much space.
✔️ You want a hassle-free experience with smart features that adjust cooking times automatically.
It’s ideal for busy professionals, students, small families, and anyone who values convenience without compromising food quality. Whether you’re reheating, grilling, or defrosting, this microwave aims to do it better than the average model.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by unevenly heated meals or soggy reheated pizza, this microwave might just be what you need.
5 Key Features of the Panasonic NN-GN68KS
A microwave is more than just a box that heats food. The Panasonic NN-GN68KS brings features that enhance convenience, improve cooking quality, and make everyday use easier. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this model stand out.
✅ Inverter Technology – No More Uneven Heating
Traditional microwaves operate by cycling power on and off, leading to hot and cold spots. This microwave, however, uses inverter technology, which delivers a steady stream of power at different intensity levels. The result? More even cooking, better texture, and no more dried-out edges with a frozen center.
✔️ Example: When heating soup, it warms evenly without one side boiling while the other stays lukewarm.
✅ Built-in Grill – Get That Perfect Crisp
Most microwaves just heat food, leaving it soft and soggy. The grill feature adds a heating element on top, allowing you to brown, crisp, and toast foods. It’s perfect for:
✔️ Pizza slices that stay crispy instead of rubbery
✔️ Sandwiches with a golden, crunchy crust
✔️ Crispy bacon without using a stovetop
The grill makes a real difference when you want to add texture, not just heat food up.
✅ Genius Sensor – No Guesswork, Just Perfect Timing
How many times have you guessed how long to heat leftovers, only to end up with something overcooked or still cold? The Genius Sensor fixes this. It automatically detects the steam levels in your food and adjusts cooking time accordingly.
✔️ No more trial and error—the microwave knows when your food is ready.
✔️ Ideal for reheating meals, defrosting meats, and cooking vegetables without drying them out.
✅ 1000W Power – Faster Cooking Without Wasting Time
With 1000 watts of power, this microwave is strong enough to heat food quickly and efficiently. Many lower-powered models take longer to cook and often result in uneven heating. With this, you get:
✔️ Quicker meal prep—heat leftovers in seconds, not minutes.
✔️ Faster defrosting—no more waiting forever for frozen meats to thaw.
✅ Compact Yet Spacious – Perfect for Small Kitchens
At 1.2 cubic feet, it’s big enough to fit a standard dinner plate but compact enough to fit on most countertops. If you have a small kitchen, dorm room, or office space, this microwave provides functionality without taking up too much room.
Performance: How Well Does It Work?
Features are great, but the real question is: does the Panasonic NN-GN68KS actually perform as advertised? After putting it to the test, the results show that this microwave is not just about fancy features—it delivers on its promises.
🍕 Even Heating: No More Hot and Cold Spots
One of the biggest frustrations with microwaves is uneven heating, but this model’s inverter technology fixes that. Instead of alternating power levels like older microwaves, it delivers a steady stream of heat, ensuring food cooks evenly from the inside out.
✔️ Example: When reheating pasta, the entire dish comes out evenly hot—no more scorching sauce on top with cold noodles underneath.
✔️ Frozen meals cook properly without leaving icy patches in the center.
This consistency makes a huge difference, especially when dealing with delicate foods like soups, sauces, and meats that dry out easily.
🔥 Grilling Function: Crispier, Better-Tasting Food
The built-in grill adds a layer of versatility that most microwaves lack. It’s perfect for toasting sandwiches, crisping up leftovers, and even cooking certain foods from scratch.
✔️ Pizza stays crispy instead of turning into a soggy mess.
✔️ Sandwiches and quesadillas come out golden brown instead of limp and chewy.
✔️ Vegetables can be roasted slightly, adding extra texture and flavor.
While it won’t replace a full-size oven, it’s surprisingly effective for small grilling tasks, making it great for quick meals.
✅ Genius Sensor: Smart Adjustments for Foolproof Cooking
Most people guess when setting microwave times, but this model’s Genius Sensor removes the guesswork. It detects steam levels in food and automatically adjusts cooking time.
✔️ No more dried-out chicken or rubbery leftovers—the microwave stops at the right moment.
✔️ Defrosting works well without half the food turning mushy while the other half stays frozen.
This feature is especially useful for busy people who don’t have time to monitor their food. You can press a button and walk away, knowing your meal won’t be ruined.
⚡ Speed and Power: Fast Cooking Without Wasting Time
At 1000 watts, this microwave is powerful enough to heat food quickly. Unlike weaker models that take forever and still heat unevenly, this one gets the job done efficiently.
✔️ Boils water in about 90 seconds.
✔️ Reheats meals in under a minute.
✔️ Cooks frozen meals faster than most lower-wattage microwaves.
If you want a microwave that doesn’t waste time, this one delivers fast and reliable results.
🤔 Usability: Easy to Operate, Even for Beginners
Despite having advanced features, the control panel is intuitive and easy to use. The buttons are clearly labeled, and the preset options make cooking even easier.
✔️ One-touch controls for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and beverages.
✔️ Simple interface with no confusing menus.
✔️ Easy-to-read display and bright interior light for better visibility.
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you’ll have no trouble operating this microwave.
How Does It Compare to Other Microwaves?
| Feature | Panasonic NN-GN68KS | Standard Microwave | Other Convection Microwaves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 1000W | 700-900W | 900-1100W |
| Inverter Tech | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ Rarely |
| Grill Function | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes |
| Convection Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Sensor Cooking | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes |
Compared to standard microwaves, this one provides superior cooking results. Against other convection models, it holds its own but lacks some of the high-end features of premium brands.
Pros and Cons: What to Expect
✅ Pros: Why It Stands Out
✔️ Even Cooking with Inverter Technology
Most microwaves use traditional heating methods that result in hot and cold spots, but this one’s inverter technology ensures steady, even heat distribution. That means no more half-frozen, half-overcooked meals.
✔️ Crispy, Better-Tasting Food with the Grill Function
Unlike standard microwaves that simply reheat food, this one’s grill element adds a crisp finish, making it ideal for pizza, sandwiches, and even light grilling tasks.
✔️ Smart Cooking with the Genius Sensor
Forget the guesswork—the Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking times based on steam levels, so your food comes out perfect every time.
✔️ Fast and Efficient with 1000W of Power
Lower-wattage microwaves take longer and still struggle to heat evenly. At 1000 watts, this one cooks food quickly while maintaining even heating.
✔️ Spacious Yet Compact
With 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space, it fits standard dinner plates without taking up too much counter space.
✔️ Easy to Use and Clean
The control panel is simple and intuitive, with one-touch buttons for common tasks. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints, and the interior is easy to wipe down.
❌ Cons: Where It Falls Short
✖️ Grill Feature Isn’t a Full Oven Replacement
While the grill function is great for crisping food, it’s not powerful enough to replace an actual oven or toaster oven.
✖️ No Convection Feature
Some high-end microwaves include convection baking, allowing them to function like small ovens. This one doesn’t have that feature, so it’s not ideal for full baking tasks.
✖️ Slightly Higher Price
This microwave costs more than basic models without inverter technology or a grill. If you just need a basic reheating microwave, you might not need these extras.
✖️ Grill Rack Can Be Tricky to Use
The included grill rack adds functionality, but it requires careful placement to avoid uneven cooking or spills.
Bottom Line: If you want a microwave that cooks evenly, crisps food, and offers smart cooking adjustments, this one delivers. However, if you’re looking for a full oven replacement or a budget model, this might not be the best fit.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
After looking at the features, pros and cons, and ideal users, the big question remains: Is the Panasonic NN-GN68KS worth it? The answer depends on what you need in a microwave.
✔️ Why It’s a Solid Investment
If you’re looking for a microwave that does more than just heat food, this model delivers. The inverter technology ensures even cooking, the grill function adds crispiness, and the Genius Sensor removes guesswork. For busy individuals, families, and anyone who wants more control over their cooking, this microwave is a great choice.
The build quality is strong, and Panasonic is a trusted brand in kitchen appliances. Compared to basic models, it costs more but offers significantly better performance and versatility.
❌ When It Might Not Be the Best Choice
If you just need a microwave for reheating and don’t care about features like grilling or inverter technology, you can save money with a simpler model. Likewise, if you want a true oven replacement, you’d be better off with a convection microwave.
Should You Buy It?
✔️ Yes, if you want a high-quality, even-heating microwave with added crisping abilities.
❌ No, if you just need a basic model or expect it to replace a full oven.
For the price and features, the Panasonic NN-GN68KS is one of the best 2-in-1 microwaves available. If it fits your needs, you won’t be disappointed.