The Panasonic NN-SD78LS is a full-featured 1.6 cu ft, 1250-watt countertop microwave at $399.95, combining button and dial controls in a stainless steel package. It is a capable large-capacity model for busy households, though the 4.1-star average from 269 reviews is modest for the price.
Households cooking for 3-5 people who regularly heat large dishes, soups in big bowls, or family-size frozen meals. The 14.96-inch turntable and 1250W output handle larger portions comfortably.
Skip if
Budget-conscious buyers can find the same 1.6 cu ft capacity for less from competing brands. Also skip if you prefer a pure touchscreen or button-only interface, the dial-plus-button combination is not everyone's preference.
Capacity 1.6 cu ft
Wattage 1250 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 21.88 in
Controls Buttons, Dial
Priced 47% above the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.6 cu ft - larger than 83% of the 84 models we track
Wattage of 1250 W - higher than 84% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.1/5overall
Owner rating4.1/5
4.1 average across 269 owner ratings
Value for money1.9/5
$250 per cubic foot, above the category median
Popularity2.6/5
269 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space4.4/5
1.6 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The NN-SD78LS measures 19.44 x 21.88 x 11.94 inches and weighs 36.8 lbs, making it one of the larger footprint options in the countertop category. At 21.88 inches wide, it requires meaningful counter space. The 14.96-inch turntable is one of the larger platters in this class, accommodating bigger dinner plates and bowls with room to spin.
At 1250W, this unit heats faster than the 1000-1100W models common in this price range. Ten power levels provide solid flexibility. The combined buttons and dial control is a practical interface, the dial allows quick time entry without hunting for keypad buttons, while dedicated function buttons handle presets and power selection.
At $399.95, this is a premium-priced countertop unit. The 269-review count is lower than expected for a model at this price, and the 4.1-star average falls below the 4.3-4.5 range common among top-rated competitors. Buyers seem satisfied but not enthusiastic.
Pros
1.6 cu ft cavity handles large plates and family-size portions
1250W output heats faster than the standard 1000-1100W mid-range
14.96-inch turntable is larger than most in this class
Dial plus button hybrid controls offer intuitive time entry
Stainless steel finish at 21.88-inch width fits larger kitchen setups
Cons
4.1-star average from 269 reviews is below expectations for a $399.95 unit
21.88-inch width requires significant counter space
No inverter technology listed, heating evenness at low power may be standard
$399.95 is on the high end for a non-inverter countertop microwave
Specifications
Capacity
1.6 cu ft
Wattage
1250 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
21.88 in
Controls
Buttons, Dial
Color
Stainless Steel
Turntable
14.96 in
Dimensions
19.44 X 21.88 X 11.94 In
Weight
36.8 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
At 1250W and 1.6 cu ft, this is among the stronger performers in the countertop category for speed and capacity. The 14.96-inch turntable means most standard and large dinner plates can rotate freely. Ten power levels give you adequate stepping from full power down to low heat. The dial control for time entry is noticeably faster than numeric keypad entry for simple reheating tasks.
What buyers say
A 4.1-star average from 269 reviews suggests buyers find the unit functional and adequate, but the score and review volume are below what comparable Panasonic models typically earn. This could reflect the premium price expectation versus delivered value, or simply a smaller buyer pool for this configuration.
What is the advantage of a dial control on a microwave?
A dial lets you quickly set cook time by rotating to the desired duration without pressing individual number keys. For routine tasks like reheating for 2 minutes, it is faster and more intuitive than a numeric keypad. The NN-SD78LS combines dial with buttons, so you get both options.
Is 1.6 cu ft too large for a single person or couple?
A 1.6 cu ft microwave is larger than most singles or couples need for daily use. If you primarily reheat single portions or mugs, a 0.9-1.2 cu ft model will serve you just as well and take up less counter space. The 1.6 cu ft size is best suited to households of 3 or more.
How does 1250W compare to standard microwave wattage?
1250W is above average for a countertop microwave, most mid-range units run 1000-1100W. At 1250W you can expect noticeably faster heating compared to 1000W models, particularly on larger portions. The difference becomes most apparent when heating dense foods like frozen entrees or thick soups.
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