As with most convection-microwave ovens, the most outstanding benefit of Panasonic's NN-C994S is the ability to speed baking and roasting by using a combination of microwave energy and convection heat. But, this oven has a second claim to fame as well: superior defrosting.

The NN-C994S stands out as much for its accurate defrosting system as it does for its microwaving, baking, browning and crisping abilities. Like many Panasonic microwaves, this oven uses an inverter defrosting system that actually steps down the percentage of microwave power used during the defrost cycle. This system differs from the typical pulsed defrosting system which pulses 100 percent microwave energy on and off for a percentage of time. Instead, the NN-C994S offers a gentler defrost by gradually and consistently lowering the microwave power. The benefit to the user is an evenly defrosted food product with very little if any pre-cooked edges.

The defrost system of this oven is superior, but don't let that overshadow the primary benefit of this oven: the microwave-convection capability. The NN-C994S is not only a perfect little microwave oven, but it's also a traditional heat oven that's ideal for roasting a chicken or baking cookies, cake and pie. For roasting and baking you have a choice of using solely convection heat, or combining the heat with some microwave energy to speed the entire process. Cookies bake just fine with convection, but chickens, roasts, cakes and even small turkeys will benefit from the time savings of adding a little microwave energy. Saving time in the NN-C994S often equates to sealing in more moisture. For roasts, turkeys and chickens, the dryness of over cooking will become a thing of the past.

Broiling foods such as burgers, steaks and chicken breasts is also possible in this oven. The results, however, are not quite as good as what is achieved in an oven with an exposed heating element. For best broiling look for an oven with an exposed electrical or quartz-type element.

The NN-C994S includes a sensor for reheating. We particularly like this feature, because it allows the user to accurately reheat just about any quantity of food with simple one-touch programming.

Deceivingly small on the outside, this convection-microwave offers a large interior capacity of 1.5 cubic feet. Its stainless-steel exterior is attractive and perfectly matches the trim kit for building into the wall or cabinet. The NN-C994S is priced competitively for this category. It offers excellent microwaving, convection and combination cooking, as well as a superior defrosting system. The only thing it lacks is an exposed element for best broiling.


Pros: Excels at defrosting, excellent microwave, convection and combination cooking, reheat sensor
Cons: Lacks exposed element for best broiling

Warranty
1 year, full; 5 years, magnetron tube