Appliance Reviews

I like multi function appliances but sometimes it's case of a jack of all trades master of none. But this machine is nifty - does the basic rice cooking, steams and is also a slow cooker. Very useful for the price (you can get it cheaper at Kitchen Universe by the way I wonder if they will print this now that I've written it)
The steamer basket is too shallow so you have to keep the things you are steaming to a minimum height otherwise it sticks to the lid. That's my only complaint so far

Buttons can feel a little cheap but they work great

My wife and I, who collect small kitchen appliances, originally purched this unit for small roasts and chicken, but met with only limited success. We nevertheless found it more handy than a conventional oven because this unit rests on the counter and we did not have to keep bending over. So we were not perfectly happy with the unit until we discovered this thing can cook a good stew!

This unit has since become indispensable to our family when cooking soups, stews, chili and spaghetti meat sauces. It does a wonderful job keeping heat and moisture in, although excess steam can escape preventing the unit from boiling over. You also get a nice even cook throughout the soup, stew, chili or meat sauce. The temperature adjusts with ease, and it sits nicely on the counter so you don't always have to bend over. For this reason, my grandmother appreciates this unit when she visits. Whereas my wife and I appreciate it since our toddler, whom we are always preventing from sticking her hands or head into a warm oven, cannot get at it and burn herself so long as it rests on the counter.

It also cooks more than enough for company, and there is an inner pot/pan in which the food cooks, which is easily removable for cleaning, or for sticking in the fridge so you can munch on leftovers during the week. So we have gotten more than our money's worth out of this unit.

Pros:
-- very quiet
-- nice design
-- extremely powerful (1350 watts)
-- (Panasonic claims) consistent distribution of microwave energy
-- very lightweight (31.50 lbs)

Cons:
-- rather hot on the magnetron side
-- screen is placed too deep inside (you can't fully see digits while standing.)
-- sensor reheat (at least it was not my favorite.)
-- "Beverages" feature is not programmed for ordinary beverages. (2-3 minutes for 1 cup ! though works at around 30% of total power, still makes the beverage too hot.)

Worst:
-- while using the "Keep Warm" feature, I found the magnetron side a bit overheated, also smelled overheated plastics.

now when I start the machine it works for exactly 23 seconds and stops and there's no sign of heat! returned it today!

I bought this toaster 3 months ago and I have no regrets at all, it is very fast to heat and also reasonably priced.
I mainly use it for re-heating pizza, sometimes pieces of baguettes (hey, bread again feels like just-made!) and to make sandwiches. Although a experienced cooker may get a lot more from it.

Great rice cooker. Recieved this as a Christmas present, was quite excited. I eat lots of rice so this makes doing so easy. I had built up a love/hate relationship with rice. As much as I loved to eat rice with most of my meals, I had grown to hate cooking it. Always afraid it would burn lest I check on and stir the stuff every few minutes and when using brown rice as I often do, it was quite often for 30 to 45 minutes having to run in to the kitchen every 5 minutes. Using the top tray to steam veggies is quite a good way at keeping the counter uncluttered, no pot with burned on rice to scrub and less mess. Now, what I dislike about it, only one thing. It boils over just about every time, so there is the boil over mess to contend with. Really, my only complaint, but kind of a big one to me. After having my Rice Cooker for a few months I have figured out the cure for the boil over mess. Leave the steamer atop the pot and you should be mess free. Even when not steaming beautiful Broccoli or scrumptious Squash, leave the steamer on. Easy fix!

Great grill...works fine. It is a bit hard to clean, but just let it soak and no problem.

This is a really good blender for the price. You can make smoothies, margaritas and daquaris. I really like this blender. It is easy to clean. I also think that the plastic pitcher is a good item because I tend to be a bit of a klutz at times. It is also affordable, which is a big plus for a college student.

I really like the Juicit juicer. I bought one last year, and now I'm going to buy another one. I really like how easy it is to use and to clean up. And it comes with a pitcher, so you don't have to make a mess pouring it into a pitcher or glass. It's a great item to have if you want to make your own juice.

This is my 3rd toaster in 3 weeks...BR>It is working great,both sides of the toast is toasting fairly evenly.At least it looks like toast on both sides of the bread.
My husband has been cooking bagels and there are no complaints.
I am finding if you cook white bread on about 4-41/2 they come out perfect,and if you cook rasin bread on about 3 1/2- 4 they come out perfect and if you cook bagels on about 3 1/2 thet to come out perfect.
So all i all i am pleased with this toaster.The price was great...I just hope it continues to work for at least a couple of years.
Gosh i remember when a toaster lasted for years and years.ahhh those where the days.
The one i just retired was 13 years old...Lynn

I really like this combination slow cooker and skillet. I bought it in the clearance section of a major chain store because it had no product manual but was able to get one from manufacturer.We used this for breakfast items like bacon, eggs, hashbrowns. On days we were going to be gone I would put in a whole chicken and have the best waiting for us when we got home. On Sunday morning before church I would put in some meat and a few vegetables and potatoes and have lunch ready when we get home.I even make fried chicken in this you can open the vent to get the skin crispy and still control splatters . .BUT oh my, I got up this morning and either the thermostat or the fry skillet isnt working. I think I can get replacements parts (I think) but it might be cheaper to get a new skillet??? I do LOVE this . I paid $25.00 on clearance.I want another one so bad. I bought it last summer and it quit on Easter Sunday.