Panasonic NN-GN68KS 2-in-1 Microwave + Broiler Review

Modern kitchens crave versatility without clutter. The Panasonic NN-GN68KS aims to deliver just that: a 2-in-1 countertop microwave oven combining microwave cooking, broiling (via FlashXpress), inverter heating, and smart sensor control in a compact, stylish design. If you’re tired of separate appliances for reheating, browning, and crisping, the GN68KS presents a compelling all-in-one alternative.

This appliance is ideal for home cooks who want:

• Even heating without cold spots
• Crisping and browning that microwaves normally struggle with
• Space-saving design with multiple cooking modes
• Reliable performance over many meals

Let’s dive into every detail—design, performance, pros/cons, real-use observations, and the verdict.

---

Key Features & Specifications

Here are the standout features of the Panasonic NN-GN68KS:

Feature	Detail
Type	2-in-1 Microwave + Broiler
Output Power (Microwave)	1000 W
Broiler Power	~1100 W (FlashXpress infrared broiler)
Capacity	~1.2 cu. ft (some listings say 1.1 cu. ft)
Turntable Size	13.4 inches glass turntable
Heating Technology	Inverter (continuous power)
Broiler Mode	Dual infrared FlashXpress broiler for crisping + browning
Sensor Cooking	Genius Sensor Cook / Reheat (steam-based adjustment)
Preset Menus	Multiple auto-cook presets (e.g. soup, veggies, fish, etc.)
Power Levels	11 or more microwave power levels
Control Panel	Touch / smart control panel with LED display
Exterior & Interior	Stainless Steel / Silver finish; easy-clean interior
Dimensions (Approx)	14.5″ D × 22″ W × ~18″ H (various listings)
Additional Features	Delay Start, Child Lock, Quick 30 sec, Keep Warm, etc.

This mix of specs indicates a high-end countertop model that seeks to replace both a conventional microwave and a broiler/grill function.

---

Design & Build Quality

Elegant, Modern Aesthetics

The NN-GN68KS sports a sleek stainless steel front with silver accents—modern but not flashy. In many kitchens, it fits nicely next to ovens or other stainless appliances. The door and handles feel solid, and the control panel is intuitive and neatly integrated.

Compact Yet Comfortable Capacity

Despite being “countertop-friendly,” its interior capacity is decent (1.1–1.2 cu ft). The 13.4″ turntable allows for medium-to-large plates, and the broiling rack lifts food close to the infrared element for effective browning.

Interior & Maintenance

The interior is coated for easy cleaning; spills and splatters wipe off with minimal effort. The built-in broiler and microwave combination means you don’t need to swap baskets or racks frequently. Fans inside continue after cooking to cool internal components.

---

Cooking Performance & Heated Evenness

Inverter Heating for Uniform Cooking

Unlike traditional microwaves which pulse power (on/off), Panasonic’s inverter technology delivers continuous power. This helps avoid cold edges, improves consistency, and tends to preserve texture better. In testing by independent reviewers, GN68KS scored excellent in heating-evenness tests (e.g., reheating mashed potatoes) without obvious hot or cold spots.

FlashXpress Broiler & Crisping

The flash broiler uses dual infrared elements that activate instantly, enabling crisping and browning while microwave cooking continues. For example, dishes like gratins, nachos, or casseroles emerge with a lightly browned top rather than soggy. The included broiling rack is lifted close to the element for effective browning.

Because many microwave ovens struggle to give crisp, browned surfaces, this hybrid broiler feature is a key differentiator.

Speed & Efficiency

For everyday reheating, the GN68KS performs well—bowls of soup, leftover pasta, vegetables—they warm quickly and evenly. Broiler + microwave combination modes reduce total cooking time compared to separate appliances. Some users note that for large, dense items the broiler-only or microwave-only mode takes longer than traditional ovens, but that is expected.

Sensor Cooking

The built-in Genius Sensor constantly monitors steam from food and adapts cooking time and power automatically. That helps when reheating mixed dishes—no one component gets overcooked. It also helps with defrosting by adjusting time in response to moisture release.

---

Real-User Impressions & Observations

From user reviews and hands-on feedback, several patterns emerge:

• Users appreciate that “inverter tech really works well—food heats evenly without cold spots.”
• Some note that, because power is 1000 W (versus higher-watt models), cooking larger or very dense dishes can require a little more time.
• Some mention the “learning curve”: because it has multiple modes, combinations, and sensor logic, getting perfect settings for unfamiliar recipes sometimes needs trial runs.
• The interior light and visibility during cooking are occasionally described as slightly dim, making it hard to see inside during process.
• Many find its compact size handsome and practical for kitchens with limited countertop space.

Overall, users tend to be pleased with how well it handles routine microwave tasks, especially reheating and general cooking.

Check Limited Exclusive Price Today

---

Pros & Strengths

Here are the major advantages of the Panasonic NN-GN68KS:

1. Even heating thanks to inverter technology — fewer cold or hot spots.
2. FlashXpress broiler provides crisping & browning while microwaving.
3. Versatile 2-in-1 functionality replaces two devices in one countertop footprint.
4. Smart sensor cooking adjusts times automatically for better results.
5. Compact yet capable interior (1.1–1.2 cu ft, 13.4″ turntable)
6. Stylish stainless steel design fits well in upscale kitchens.
7. Easy-clean interior and materials reduce maintenance.
8. Multiple cooking presets & user-friendly controls for convenience.

These strengths make it a great pick for users who want more than just basic microwave heating.

---

Cons & Limitations

No device is perfect, and the GN68KS has trade-offs too:

• Because 1000 W is moderate power, very dense or large items can take longer than high-watt units.
• The broiler only covers the top; you may need to flip food for more uniform browning.
• The control interface and mode combinations have a learning curve.
• Interior lighting might not be bright enough to observe food progress easily.
• It is still a countertop unit — for very large households or frequent heavy cooking, a full oven or built-in alternative may outperform it.

---

Comparisons & Positioning

Compared to typical microwave ovens:

• Traditional microwaves often pulse power and lead to cold spots; the GN68KS’s inverter approach gives more uniform heating.
• Most microwaves lack broiling. The GN68KS’s hybrid broiler functionality makes it more versatile.
• Convection or large countertop ovens deliver more crisping and roasting capability, but at larger size, more cost, and slower heat-up.

Compared to other multi-function microwaves:

• Some models add convection or air-fry modes, but often at the expense of complexity or performance trade-offs.
• The GN68KS focuses on core tasks (microwave + broiler) executed well in a compact form.

In its class, it stands out as a premium, balanced combination of utility and quality.

---

Installation & Usage Tips

To get the best out of the GN68KS, consider these tips:

• Place it in a ventilated area — don’t enclose tightly as fans need airflow.
• Use the included broiling rack rather than improvising.
• Experiment with the combination modes to find optimal settings for your usual dishes.
• Clean spills promptly — the easy-clean interior helps but gets tougher over time if left.
• Don’t overload the turntable — keep dishes within the safe size to allow rotation and even heating.
• Watch moisture and ventilation — cooking high-moisture foods may require pauses to avoid steam buildup.
• Refer to the user manual for custom adjustments — sometimes fine-tuning presets yields better results than default cycles.

---

Final Verdict

The Panasonic NN-GN68KS 2-in-1 Microwave + FlashXpress Broiler is an outstanding option for users who want more from a microwave than just reheat. It nails even heating, adds browning capability with its broiler, offers a smart sensor cook mode, and retains a sleek, compact design.

It doesn’t replace a full-size oven or handle large, dense roasts exactly like a dedicated low-temperature oven—but for everyday cooking, leftovers, family meals, and crisping tasks, it performs extremely well.

👉 Verdict: If you want a high-performance microwave that goes beyond basics and reliably handles both warming and crisping in a compact package, the Panasonic NN-GN68KS is one of the best in its class.

Check Limited Exclusive Price Today

Latest Post: Sonos five wireless hifi speaker review