Panasonic 27L 1000W Flatbed Inverter Microwave, Stainless Steel (NN-SF574SQPQ)
$297 seems to be a good price.
Price match at TGG. Proof: https://imgur.com/a/NdYNWMv
Update: $288 @ Appliance Central OOO in Appliance Central
CamelCamelCamel.
Oh, it was $310 last night in Appliance Central. Thanks
As their listing says - 'selected cities only'
Shipping is $76 if I want to get it sent to a country town on the NSW Mid-North Coast.
Nearly as bad as Amazon which lists it as 'delivery unavailable' to the same place.
Both retailers will deliver it free to my home address in an East Coast Capital city!!
I need a new microwave to replace an aging Panasonic that has peeling internal layer.
I need some real-world user opinions on flatbed vs turntable?
Pricing about the same (~$300)
I have a turnable Panasonic for 9 years, still working great, that makes I think Panasonic Microwave is durable. I read a lot of reviews, and they recommend the Flatbed one, so I decided to buy this one, will let you know after another 9 years.
Yeah our Panasonic microwave is probably around 15 years old and we use it all the time. Excellent units, never had any issues with them. My mo in law had an LG with touch panel and it failed after less than a couple of years.
I’ve got a 1000W Samsung that’s getting close to 20 years old and still going strong, I keep entertaining the idea of replacing it everyone one of these deals pops up with a stainless snap or Panasonic that’s a decent price but I just need it so at least have a couple of problems like a sticky door or a button that doesn’t work or even a worn out button that I can’t see what it’s for but the damn thing won’t die ;(
@Clarky77: If you keep the little mica rectangle clean in your microwave and give the sides good air flow, technically it should never die (a magnetron has no moving parts, but does get hot). Our family microwave has just gone past 40 years.
@tunzafun001: 46 or so years for my National NE-6410, outliving the electronics in my recently departed 16 year-old Samsung.
I had that LG and it died at 3 years, after a bit of searching it sounds like the LGs are just terrible and I have to agree.
yes has my panasonic one for 16 years, open button has always been dodgy but still hasn't died till today bit of a pain. need a reason to buy a new one.
I have this microwave (or at least its earlier version assuming there's been an update over the years). Can't for the life of me recall how long ago I bought it, but it was definitely pre-Covid.
Pros
Cons
In summary, I'd buy this microwave again for the right price.
At least it’s failing in such a way as not letting you run the microwave with the door open.
Indeed. There are certainly worse possibilities.
We have this microwave, bought in 2022 after our Sharp died after 12 years. This is a good machine and flatbed is so much easier to clean. The issue I have with is defrosting frozen chickens pieces or fish. Somehow no matter the weight I adjust it heats up too fast starting to cook the protein from the sides. But for cooking or re-heating this is great.
These have a fan-like "stirrer" that reflects the microwave beam at continuously varying angles to distribute them around the cavity more evenly instead of a turntable.
It was suggested to me by a repairer that these units do better if the item you are cooking is lifted above the flat bed a little on a non-metallic microwave safe stand or trivet. I'm still experimenting with mine and currently using a 10mm high silicone trivet.
The repairer also suggested putting a small amount of vaseline on the door latch to help the switch inside the unit engage better.
Mine has a slow rhythmic metallic knocking sound whilst in operation, which probably means something is rubbing inside on the stirrer.
I used to have a Panasonic sensor microwave oven that detected steam to sense when something was cooked which I like better than this unit which just uses guesswork, but the cabinet on the previous one rusted out and this flat bed looks easier to wipe down.
I think this one heats reasonably evenly, but the minimum time is 10s and for shorter durations you have to stop it at the desired point.
I have a feeling it takes slightly longer to heat things than my previous microwave and the learning curve is greater because the operation is different to the previous, but overall I think it is adequate. I don't use it that often to be concerned one way or another.
Yeah, still uses the exact same turn table motor, except it drives a 'deflector' underneath.
But it's not on a bearing. Just metal on a pin. Eventually wears and gets a bit off centre and rubs.
As for the door. Could be the little switch is slightly off centre/set back. Could remove the 8 case screws and see if you can square it up, or just replace it (they do fail- especially from moisture/ steam).
Bugger all to a microwave…from 1960 until now… nothing has changed. Just the turntable been put underneath and silicon triacs replacing heavy transformers. If you find a hard rubbish microwave, pull the door switches out. Regardless of brand..they will fit.
I have a flat bed microwave, will never go back to a turntable one. Easy to clean and will even take a pizza box if you want to reheat pizza,
That’s the main pro it seems but I’ve heard a lot of complaints about cold spots or uneven reheating on ovens without the turntable, have you had any of those issues or do you think that’s an old issue that’s been resolved with more modern flat bed/turn table less microwaves?
Reheating pizza in a microwave? You monster!
Also great for putting in your car or caravan. No glass plate to get smashed.
I have one in my caravan and for most caravanners, the main drama is forgetting to remove the glass plate while travelling in case it smashes.
@khrome: I have a flatbed microwave in my work car, never have to worry about the plate getting smashed.
Bought one a few months ago. I'd say it's OK definitely doesn't reheat evenly unless you open and move it. Don't bother trying to do dumplings as a quick feed or anything similar. The built in defrost may as well just be Cook. There are definitely probably a few other things I can't think of now either. However if you learn to move shit if you're reheating and from now on actually steam things instead of using a microwave it's still just OK
I have this model and it's great. I made my mum buy this as well when she needed to replace her microwave.
I recommend flatbed over turntable. Less stuff to muck around, it's easier to clean. It also has more room inside.
I would pay a few extra bucks and get the following panasonic convection microwave (which is currently on sale at appliance central) - link here
We had similar issues previously with microwaves, with the paint flaking on the inside. This one has stainless steel on the inside, and is easy to clean. Its construction quality seems a lot better also.
Go to the good guys if not sure (as they should have this model on display), though I feel its worth the extra (plus you get the convection oven feature in it also).
2nd 'Panasonic pealing internal layer', i bought Panasonic as it was a 'name' brand. but very disappointed the internal paint started to peel. no more Panasonic microwaves for me that's for sure.
Could just re paint it.
Any spray paint will do (just make sure it's lead free).
We also have a 3-year old Panasonic that has the enamel peeling inside. Had a Sharp prior which suffered a premature death due to metallic object insertion. Had a expensive LG prior to that which was just crap from new and LG wouldn't warranty replace (noisy, rattly, jerky turntable operation etc.) and died after a few years. 20-year Panasonic prior to that.
Not sure which way to go this time. Did you end up buying a replacement?
I haven't yet- put a camelx3 price alert on a Panasonic one like the sucker I am!
Perfect $288 thanks a lot
amazon doesn't like regional people using microwaves. marking it as temperately out of stock for my postcode is simply lying.
It sounds absurd, but come to find out, you are absolutely right.
Amazon don't like regional folk for everything nowadays, it's mentioned in most Amazon deals now where it's magically out of stock for those postcodes.
I use a Melbourne address until checkout, where you can swap to a regional one and finish the order.
doesn't work anymore. Nasty red writing everywhere!
Peeling internal layer: likely moisture damage so keep new one moisture free internally: even dry with a tea towel after use. (Same thing happened to our Panasonic microwave and when i researched it, it was commonly agreed that it was moisture damage).
Re flatbed: what happens with spillage/overflow? The carousel acts as a reservoir for these misha[s, bit not sure what happens without this feature.
Re flatbed: what happens with spillage/overflow? The carousel acts as a reservoir for these misha[s, bit not sure what happens without this feature.
The flatbed itself is slightly recessed, so unless you have a massive spillover, there shouldn't be any issues.
Leave the door open after using to let any steam dry out .
This is also a good rule for washing machines as well as draining the tub everytime ,
unless you like washing in your stinky old water .
Leave the door open after using to let any steam dry out .
Problem is the lights stay ON when left open.
That’s a good thing. Reminds you to close it after a while.
Small LED probably uses 2 cents of power a day.
I have this Panasonic microwave and have purchase this product https://www.davidjones.com/product/pyrex-multi-purpose-cooki…
Super easy to clean any spills and splatters.
Apparently in the flat bed there are more moving parts as the microwave discharging element moves to cook food evenly.
Some say it takes longer, others say its evenly heated
A few threads over al whirlpool forums. Also the larger 32 litre with crousel is $10 extra.
Basically the turntable is under the bed. But instead of being a glass table, it's a metal deflector.
Being a deflection .. physics would dictate some losses and it will take a little longer to cook.
But you can improve this by not placing food in the middle. The deflector is dead underneath and will miss your food, and needs to bounce back to get to the middle. Counter humanism… but food nearer the outside should cook better.
better value LG 42l $299, turntable, 1200w, 2yr wty
https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/lg-42l-1200w-neochef-smart-in…
My NeoChef caught on fire… never buying one again
Did you select barbecue mode ?
You made me spill my drink from laughing
i got a larger 56lt one & been working good for 5+yrs
(it's a pre-covid purchase so it got a work out).
I can't find the HCF (Halt & Catch Fire) option in the manual, how'd you manage that?
Everyone I know has an lg microwave. Never heard of one catching fire
For anyone doubting it (or downvoting) you can see all the reviews stating it yourself…
https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/lg-ms2596ow
Is it built into a cupboard? Only way I see it catching fire is:
1. There isn't enough airflow at the sides or back.
There is a food spatter left near the magnetron aerial output and it arcs to that.
You put something dry, like a wheat bag etc (or nothing at all in it) and turn it on. This will result in the microwaves feeding back and cooking the Magnetron itself.
LG neochefs are trash, avoid. Internet is filled with complaints about these, and I'm adding mine because it died after 3 years.
Wonder if the metal sheet has been punched out roughly and left small tags behind. This could cause the magnetron to arc to a small point. You would here a hissing / welding sound.
Our first one did this. Filed the edges ..and it's now 40 years old.
If not, probably something stupid like cheaped out on a relay or triac. The inside of all brands is 99.9% the same. So would be something trivial..that ultimately makes it dead. Two minute repair…but no one repairs anything any more.
fair enough, as I said above my larger one has been going well for 5+yrs.
As someone who cooks a lot of noodles I wouldn’t buy a microwave without an extraction fan as they tend to hold moisture and die quickly. I’m not sure if this one has a fan though
This Sharp model has a fan inside of it. Not sure about the Panasonic though.
https://www.appliancecentral.com.au/sm327fhs-sharp-32-l-inve…
Don't quote me, but I think it does have an extractor. At the end of the heating/cooking cycle, it does stay running longer for a "cooling" cycle and it certainly sounds like a fan is running.
The fan on the pana cools the magnetron outside. Not for the food etc.
Funny enough, a microwave was never designed for prolonged cooking, and definitely not high moisture foods. Moisture inside isn't too bad, but if that moisture gets into the magnetron aerial cap…not so good.
This is why a built in microwave is a bad idea. It gets poor air flow for magnetron cooling, and if you leave the door shut, then that moisture can't escape the side vents and can make it's way to the magnetron.
It has a fan but not sure its doing extracting enough. Every time I cook noodles I have to wipe the condensation.
Just leave it open after you've used it
Never mind, different model.
Too many microwave options at all price points. I do want to upgrade my Breville because I find it is slow at heating compared with my parent's ancient Sharp one but need access to the Choice review article to decide
need access to the Choice review article to decide
that what your local library is for… the actual mag or web version
I have to ask why so many people feel the need to neg this comment?
I can understand if you don’t want to up vote it but what on earth is so bad about this comment it needs to be negged? Yeesh!
I upvoted just to cancel out the Karens, keep commenting my friend :)
I've upvoted also. Also don't understand what was wrong with his comment
probably just bots trying to antagonise.
Thanks mate, I think I offended by mentioning Choice. Possibly not a valued source of information but I've used it in the past for baby things in the absence of other independent testing.
Maybe but in that case they could’ve made a comment saying they don’t think Choice is a good source of quality comparison/review and people could upvote their comment.
It annoys me because if enough negs the comment gets removed from view and that should only be for false/misleading/offensive comments imho but maybe I’m just being naive?
Super happy I ditched the carousel… this is the best microwave I've ever had. Food is even
Back to the future. My First microwave was a flat bed. I saw these used at Hungry Jacks and Maccas so I thought well if they are using them.
Then when when it was time to replace it, I could not find a flat bed for love or money. Now them seem to be back in fashion.
Currently have a Panasonic Inverter with turn table.
I own this micro for ages, here's some more information about the flatbed.
You can remove it for maintenance but it shouldn't be necessary. The flatbed itself is a recessed sheet of metal panel that has a rubber edging strip around the outside. It's tight friction fit into the base and therefore can actually be removed. I've done it, well I've put it back in because mine was popped up due to some rough shipping (I presume). What's underneath is a metal fin right in the middle. It's this fin part that turns and reflects the microwaves for cooking.
A few years ago this microwave had a low review, mostly it's from people of questionable intellect. They didn't realise that after countdown hits zero and the door is closed again after cooked food is taken out the fan comes on for a bit to vent moist air. They assumed it was continuing heating operations and therefore faulty.
this microwave had a low review, mostly it's from people of questionable intellect.
I'm surprised they knew how to cook anything in it.
Have they improved the flatbeds? I bought one ages ago and they were very apparent hot and cold spots so I exchanged it for a turntable.
Ok bought from Amazon due to delivery convenience as well as discounted gift cards and cashback. I'll share my experiences and feedback once I get it!
Word of warning, I had a Panasonic 'flat bed' and it was hands down one of the worst products I have ever had the misfortune of owning. It didn't heat food evenly at all, which one would think is a critical feature of a microwave… absolute piece of trash. Avoid at all costs.
Something to try…put items on the edges (not in the middle).
Most people dump (say 3 potatoes) right in the middle.
BUT - the deflector is dead underneath and waves need to bounce off the wall to get back to the middle.
If on the outside, they will get the waves direct from the deflector. Should be faster and cook more even if placed wide on the outside.
Another word of warning, I have one and I think its great :) as I heat and cook alot of microwave meals.
The inverter tech for me and IMO, I believe cooks the food evenly unlike others.
Some may have issues but when you know what your heating or cooking and dont deviate from what works for you then its a god send. Flat allows for larger volumes if thats your thing. This model I suspect like other panasonics have a temp sensor which activates a cooling fan (not for the food, for the glass flat base) which goes off ever 2nd time of use or if you cook over a few mins in time. No big drama, and easy to clean, or keep clean and likely there are better out there but each to their own. My score 7/10 and a friend of mine got one from Costco for $240 approx a year or so ago, and I have owned mine for 4 years or so.
Good luck whatever readers choose and think. Cheers :)
I have a Sharp flatbed inverter and it takes foreverrrrr to heat stuff. A minute in a normal turntable one is equivalent to about 3.5mins in flatbed. Not worth the premium imho.
got NN-SF57QSQPQ from Jbhifi this arvo.
paid $275 incl all discounts/ price match etc
Finally can retire my 12 years old samsung now
i have one - these are absolute dog crap!
after a month of use i bought another and binned this one.
it had 2 functions - to reheat food evenly for me and that i could see inside and it couldn't do that so no point having it.
What did you get as your replacement and how did it go?
Breville the Combi Wave 3 in 1 32L Microwave
its awesome!
I might have been faulty and may have been worth returning for a refund if it was not fit for purpose.
This one
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/sharp-32l-inverter-flatbed-m…
It's a gem. Adjust your usual cooking time by reducing it by 20 percent. It's incredibly powerful and has a great extractor fan. Easy to clean.
The white one looks better (and doesn't show fingerprints) but the stainless one is currently on sale for $328.
I got one of these, still going strong from 2017, recommended.
(paid $198 after TGG ebay at the time).
Stick to Panasonic or Sharp for microwaves.
And it cooks evenly. But from the bottom up . So melting cheese on top, for example, will take longer than a carousel model.
It's more like a frypan in usage, because heat comes from below, not the sides.
Pro tip - put a silicone mat inside it. Stops things getting burning hot bottoms and catches any spills.
Yes but sounds like you should get a grill / sandwhich press to melt cheese, bread in the microwave is a no-no.
It works perfectly fine for defrosting and steaming veg etc.
I have this microwave and it has been great.
yes, mine hasn't missed a beat from 2017.
Don't need it anymore however.
Amazon supports small and local business. Thanks!
On my 2nd one of these (equivalent at the time)
Bought 2012, died 2020
Bought 2020 and no issues to date
Would buy it again.
https://www.appliancecentral.com.au/nn-sf574sqpq-panasonic-2…
$288 free delivery(selected cities only)