Panasonic Inverter NN-T945SF

The Panasonic Inverter NN-T945SF offers many of the same features found on the top-rated GE Profile JES2251SJ (*Est. $275) for a significantly lower price. It has the same 2.2-cubic-foot capacity, and its power level (1,250 watts) is comparable. It also includes many of the same features, such as inverter technology, a cooking sensor, stainless-steel finish and a keep-warm setting. Both microwaves have a one-year warranty, with five years of coverage for the magnetron. The Panasonic also has detailed menus with step-by-step cooking instructions in English, Spanish or French. However, its performance in professional tests is not quite as good as the GE Profile's, and we saw a few more complaints about this model's reliability. Like all large microwaves, the Panasonic has a large footprint -- nearly 24 inches by 19.5 inches -- but an optional trim kit lets you install it in a cabinet to free up counter space.

The Panasonic Inverter NN-T945SF is included in the latest reviews of microwaves at ConsumerReports.org. It also bears the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, though there is no detailed review of the microwave available on the Good Housekeeping site. The Panasonic microwave receives generally positive reviews from more than 175 users at Walmart.com.