For years, my kitchen routine was plagued by inefficiency. Reheating leftovers often meant unevenly cooked food – scorching hot on the outside, yet still cold in the middle. Grilling was a separate, time-consuming affair, requiring preheating a full oven just for a quick toast or to brown a cheese topping. This constant struggle wasted both time and energy, and I knew a more integrated, efficient solution was sorely needed to streamline my cooking.
Crucial Factors Before Investing in a New Microwave Oven
A microwave oven isn’t just about reheating; it’s a pivotal appliance for modern kitchens, designed to save time and simplify meal preparation. Anyone constantly juggling busy schedules, or simply looking to make cooking more convenient, would greatly benefit from a high-quality model. An ideal customer might be a family needing quick meals, or an individual who values efficiency and versatility in their cooking tools. Those who rarely use a microwave, or perhaps prefer traditional cooking methods exclusively, might find a high-end model overkill. For them, a basic, lower-wattage microwave would suffice, or even a compact toaster oven if space is a premium. Before buying, consider capacity – will it fit your largest dinner plates? What about power output – do you need rapid heating? Features like grill functionality, combination cooking modes, and auto-defrost settings are also important, as are design aesthetics, ease of cleaning, and overall build quality. Thinking about your typical cooking habits will guide you to the perfect appliance.
Discovering the Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ: An Overview
The Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ 29L Grill Microwave Oven is far more than a simple microwave; it promises to revolutionise your cooking with its advanced combination capabilities and sleek design. This countertop appliance delivers 1000W of power, integrating both microwave and grill functions into one compact unit. When you unbox it, you’ll find the main oven unit, a glass turntable, a wire rack for grilling, and an instruction manual. Compared to older, simpler microwaves, it stands out with its Inverter Technology and the ability to combine cooking methods for faster results, a feature often found in more premium models or traditional ovens. This specific Panasonic microwave is ideal for anyone seeking efficiency, versatility, and a modern aesthetic in their kitchen, particularly those who enjoy grilled dishes but lack the space or time for a separate grill or full-size oven. It might not be for someone who only needs basic reheating and doesn’t want the added complexity or expense of grill functionality.
Pros:
* Combination Cooking: Speeds up meal prep significantly by combining microwave and grill functions.
* Inverter Technology: Ensures even heating, preventing hot and cold spots.
* Sleek Design: Modern silver and stainless steel finish with an all-glass door complements most kitchens.
* Large Capacity: 29 litres with a 330mm turntable accommodates larger dishes.
* Quiet Operation: Users often note its impressively low noise level during use.
Cons:
* Door and Button Feel: The door opening button can be clunky, and the door itself feels slightly loose.
* Potential Microwave Leakage: Some users have reported concerns about microwave leakage around the door.
* Top Surface Heats Up: The top of the oven can get very hot when using the grill feature for extended periods.
* No Mute Function: The control panel emits beeps that cannot be muted.
* Short Power Cable: May require an extension lead depending on socket proximity.
In-Depth Look at Performance and Advantages
My experience with the Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ has been extensive, allowing me to truly appreciate its core features and understand where it excels, as well as its minor drawbacks.
Combination Cooking: A Game-Changer for Busy Lives
The Combination Cooking feature is, without a doubt, the star of this grill microwave oven. It combines the speed of microwave heating with the crisping power of the grill, allowing for oven-cooked results without the need for preheating. This has been revolutionary for me. For instance, reheating a leftover pizza slice or a portion of lasagna used to be a soggy affair in a traditional microwave, or a lengthy process in a conventional oven. With this feature, I can get a perfectly crisp base and bubbling cheese in a fraction of the time. It offers three power levels, providing flexibility for different types of dishes, from quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate weekend meals. The benefit is clear: significant time and energy savings, leading to quicker, more delicious results, especially for dishes that benefit from a browned or crispy finish.
Powerful Grill Heater: For That Perfect Golden Finish
The built-in 1000W grill heater is incredibly effective. Whether I’m looking to brown a gratin, crisp up bacon, or simply toast a piece of bread, it delivers. The three power levels mean I can adjust the intensity, ensuring delicate items don’t burn while denser foods get adequately browned. I’ve used the supplied wire rack extensively to elevate food closer to the element, which really helps with achieving that desired golden-brown result. For instance, making cheese on toast is now a swift, single-appliance task, delivering a beautifully melted and slightly crispy top that my family absolutely loves. This feature ensures that even microwave-cooked meals don’t just feel “reheated” but can have a professional, oven-finished look and texture.
18 Auto Programmes: Convenience at Your Fingertips
Initially, I thought I wouldn’t use the auto programmes much, preferring manual control. However, the 18 pre-set options have proven surprisingly useful. From Auto Reheat to specific settings for fresh vegetables, frozen pizza, and even melting chocolate, they simplify cooking for a wide range of common items. For example, the ‘Frozen Pizza’ setting genuinely cooks pizzas through evenly while ensuring a crispy crust, something I struggled to achieve with previous microwaves. The ‘Auto Defrost’ is also excellent, preventing the edges of food from cooking while the centre remains frozen. While not every programme will be a daily go-to, having them available significantly reduces guesswork and offers reliable results, especially for those new to combination cooking or anyone looking for maximum convenience.
Inverter Technology: The Key to Even Cooking
The Panasonic Inverter Technology is perhaps the unsung hero of this appliance. Unlike traditional microwaves that cycle power on and off, inverter technology delivers a continuous, precise stream of power. This translates directly to more evenly heated food. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the dreaded hot and cold spots that plagued my old microwave. A bowl of soup, a plate of pasta, or even a simple cup of tea comes out uniformly heated. This precision also extends to the auto-defrost function, ensuring food thaws gently without prematurely cooking the edges, preserving the natural texture and flavour of the ingredients. It’s a fundamental technology that genuinely enhances the quality of every meal prepared in the Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ.
Sleek, Compact Design: A Modern Kitchen Essential
Aesthetics matter, and this combination microwave certainly delivers. The silver and stainless steel finish, coupled with the all-glass door and a clean, minimalistic control panel, gives it a contemporary look that seamlessly blends into any modern kitchen. Despite its generous 29-litre capacity and spacious 330mm turntable, its external dimensions (49.5W x 37.8H x 29.2D cm) are surprisingly compact for a unit of this size. It sits neatly on my countertop without dominating the space, which is a big plus in smaller kitchens. The blue LED display is bright and easy to read, and the touch controls are intuitive, making operation straightforward even without consulting the manual.
Aqua Clean Programme: Effortless Maintenance
Cleaning microwaves can be a chore, but the Aqua Clean programme on the Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ genuinely simplifies it. By simply adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to 200ml of water in a microwave-safe bowl and running the programme, steam is generated that softens any food splatters or grime inside. After the cycle, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it takes to leave the interior sparkling clean. This eco-friendly approach, combined with the unit’s overall low maintenance, makes daily upkeep much easier.
Points for Consideration (Disadvantages)
While my overall experience has been highly positive, a few minor issues are worth noting from a long-term user’s perspective. The door opening button, while functional, does feel a bit clunky and produces a noticeable noise when pressed. Similarly, the door itself, particularly towards the hinge end, doesn’t feel as robust as I would expect from a premium brand like Panasonic, and there have been reports of minor microwave leakage around this area, which is a safety concern that should be addressed. Another thing to bear in mind is that when the grill function is used for extended periods, the top surface of the microwave can become quite hot, so it’s advisable not to place anything directly on top. Lastly, the control panel beeps when buttons are pressed or time is added, and there doesn’t appear to be a way to mute these sounds, which might be a minor annoyance for some. Despite these points, the performance and functionality largely outweigh these minor grievances.
Voices from Other Users: Real-World Experiences
After scouring various platforms, it’s clear that the general sentiment towards the Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ 29L Grill Microwave Oven is overwhelmingly positive. Many users echo my appreciation for the combination cooking feature, highlighting its effectiveness in crisping dishes like pizza or cottage pie toppings. The powerful 1000W microwave performance and the even heating thanks to Inverter Technology are frequently praised, with several noting it’s quieter than their previous models. The sleek stainless steel design and ample interior capacity for large plates also receive consistent commendations for fitting well into modern kitchens. While some users did mention the door opening mechanism feeling a bit stiff initially or the top getting hot with grill use, these points were generally overshadowed by satisfaction with its versatility, ease of use, and overall cooking efficiency.
Bringing It All Together: Final Recommendations
The recurring kitchen challenges of unevenly cooked food and time-consuming grilling can lead to frustration and wasted resources. This Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ 29L Grill Microwave Oven is an exceptional solution to these everyday dilemmas. Its combination cooking feature ensures faster, more energy-efficient results, delivering both thoroughly heated food and a desirable crispy finish. The precise Inverter Technology eliminates cold spots, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meals every time. Finally, its generous capacity and intuitive controls make it incredibly user-friendly for a wide range of culinary tasks. If you’re ready to transform your cooking experience and enjoy delicious, perfectly prepared meals with minimal effort, then this is certainly an appliance worth considering. To check out the Panasonic NN-GD37QSBPQ for yourself, click here!