The Verdict

Panasonic NN-GN68KS Countertop Microwave Oven 2-in-1 FlashXp: The Microwave That Actually Browns

Most microwaves reheat. This one cooks. The Panasonic NN-GN68KS packs a real broiler element into a countertop microwave — and that changes what you can do with a box that sits on your counter. After digging through 204 Amazon ratings and testing the features against what shoppers actually complain about, here’s the honest breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The unit measures roughly 20.5" wide, 16" deep, and 12" tall — a standard footprint that fits most counters without swallowing the whole workspace. Inside, you get 1.2 cubic feet of space, enough for a 12-inch dinner plate or a small casserole dish. The stainless steel exterior resists fingerprints better than most, though it’s not immune.

The headline feature is FlashXp — Panasonic’s broiler element built into the top of the cavity. You get two cooking modes: standard microwave and a combined microwave + broiler setting. A metal rack slides in for broiling, letting you crisp the top of foods while the microwave cooks the interior. That’s the party trick.

Performance: Where It Shines

Panasonic’s inverter technology is the real star here. Unlike budget microwaves that cycle power on and off (which causes uneven heating and cold spots), the inverter delivers consistent power. Defrosting actually works — frozen ground beef comes out soft and workable, not partially cooked at the edges.

The broiler function is genuinely useful. Users consistently report that bacon comes out crispy in 4-5 minutes, cheese melts evenly on sandwiches, and leftover pizza gets a freshly-toasted crust rather than a soggy mess. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “I haven’t used my toaster oven since I got this. The broiler does the job in half the time.”

The 2-in-1 combo mode is where it gets clever. You can microwave a frozen burrito and broil it simultaneously — the outside gets that charred, grilled texture while the inside heats through. It’s not a replacement for a full convection oven, but for quick meals, it’s a legit upgrade over a standard microwave.

What Buyers Keep Praising

Across the reviews, a few themes stand out. Even heating tops the list — people who switched from cheaper units notice the difference immediately. One reviewer wrote: “My old microwave would leave cold spots in soup. This one heats everything evenly, every time.” The broiler gets consistent love too, with multiple reviewers calling it “surprisingly effective” for a countertop appliance.

The compact size earns points. It’s not a massive 2.0 cu ft behemoth, but the 1.2 cu ft cavity handles daily needs without dominating your counter space. The stainless finish cleans up easily with a damp cloth.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the honest part. The broiler element is fixed at the top of the cavity, and it doesn’t move. That means taller items — think a thick casserole or a loaded baked potato — get uneven browning on the top while the sides stay pale. You’ll need to rotate or flip items manually for even results.

The fan noise during broiling is louder than standard microwave operation. It’s not deal-breaking, but if you’re sensitive to appliance hum, you’ll notice it. One reviewer described it as “a jet engine compared to the microwave setting.” That’s an exaggeration, but the point stands.

There are scattered complaints about the door latch. A few reviewers report it feeling loose over time, and one mentioned the unit wouldn’t start until the door was pushed firmly closed. It’s not a widespread failure — most units are fine — but it’s worth checking when yours arrives.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re a single person or couple who wants to replace both a microwave and a toaster oven. You make frozen foods, grilled cheese, or bacon regularly. You appreciate even heating and don’t want to babysit a turntable.

Skip it if: You need a full convection oven replacement, have a large family that cooks big batches, or you’re on a tight budget — this sits at a premium over basic microwaves. If you only reheat leftovers and never cook, the broiler is wasted money.

FAQ

Can this replace my toaster oven? For most daily tasks — toast, melts, small pizzas, bacon — yes. It won’t match a full-size toaster oven for large batches, but it’s faster and takes less counter space.

Does the metal rack scratch the interior? The rack has coated edges and slides on the side rails. As long as you don’t drag it across the floor of the cavity, it won’t scratch. Some users report minor marks after months of use, but nothing that affects function.

Is the inverter worth the extra cost? Yes, especially for defrosting and reheating. The consistent power delivery is the single biggest difference between this and budget microwaves. If you’ve ever had soup that’s boiling on the edges and cold in the middle, that’s the cycling problem — inverter tech fixes it.

The Verdict

Rating: 4.2/5

The Panasonic NN-GN68KS earns its premium price with the FlashXp broiler and inverter technology. It’s a genuine 2-in-1 that replaces two countertop appliances, and the even heating alone justifies the cost for anyone who cooks daily. The fixed broiler position and occasional door latch complaints keep it from a perfect score, but for most households, this is the microwave that actually earns its counter space. Buy it if you want to ditch the toaster oven. Skip it if you just need something to reheat coffee.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.