Panasonic Announces 2012 Microwave Models at the International Home + Housewares Show

CHICAGO, March 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic announces five new microwave oven models for its 2012 line, all of which are currently on display at The International Home + Housewares Show, which starts today and runs through March 13 at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Show attendees can visit the Panasonic booth #12526 Lakeside to see the company's complete line of home appliances, including the new additions to the Genius Prestige product line, the NN-SE982S (2.2 cubic feet) and NN-SE782S (1.6 cubic feet) microwaves – both of which feature a new Electrostatic Touch Dial with blue LED backlight, for effortless operation.  Also on display, the NN-SD962S (2.2 cubic feet) and the NN-SD762S (1.6 cubic feet) microwaves are luxurious Genius models featuring a stainless steel front and can be built-in or placed on the countertop.  Finally, The NN-SD372S is an affordable and compact 0.8 cubic feet model now with inverter technology and a stylish stainless steel design.

The NN-SE982S and NN-SE782S are Panasonic's first microwave ovens to feature an innovative Electrostatic Touch Dial with blue LED backlight, which allows users to drag their finger on the circular sensor pad to select menu choices.  The modern design also includes a blue LED display adding to its stylish look.  In addition to the blue dial control, there are one-touch and quick-access buttons for popcorn, Sensor Cook, Sensor Reheat and Turbo Defrost.  Both of these Genius Prestige models have the option for built-in or countertop placement. 

"Panasonic is committed to making life easier and more enjoyable and with our new 2012 microwave models, cooking can be done quickly, while also adding some style to the kitchen with the introduction of the new Electrostatic Touch Dial models," said Julie Baumann, National Marketing Manager, Home Appliances, Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America. "In 2012, all of Panasonic's microwaves will feature Inverter technology, which continues to differentiate us in the market, as this allows for food to be cooked evenly, while maintaining nutrient content, with the same time convenience for which microwaves are known."

Panasonic's entire 2012 line of microwaves include the company's proprietary Inverter Technology™, which provides constant energy flow that variably adjusts the power intensity so food is cooked evenly. Other microwaves use 100% power all the time, but repeatedly turn the energy on and off in lower power settings. Instead, Panasonic's consistent and precise heat provides more control while cooking, reheating and defrosting. Furthermore, with the ability to cook in Panasonic microwaves, more than 50 recipes have been created by Certified Master Chefs at The Culinary Institute of America.  Recipes range from herb stuffed turkey breast to a Grand-Marnier chocolate fondue – all of which can be cooked in any Panasonic microwave, thanks to Inverter technology. 

The NN-SE982S, NN-SE782S, NN-SD962S and NN-SD762S microwaves also feature:

• One-Touch Sensor Cook, which adjusts power levels and calculates cooking times automatically, making reheating and cooking a variety of foods even easier.
• Inverter Turbo Defrost™ allows users to defrost foods extremely fast by using a sequencing system that incorporates the Inverter low-power delivery feature.

The new microwave models, all available in Spring 2012, will have the following suggested retail prices: $299.95 for the NN-SE982S, $279.95 for the NN-SE782S, $249.95 for the NN-SD962S, $229.95 for the NN-SD762S and $139.95 for the NN-SD372.  For more information on Panasonic microwaves, visit www.panasonic.com/inverter.

About Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America

Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Marketing Company of North America, a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American Subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations, offers a wide-range of consumer solutions in the U.S. and Canada.  The Company's portfolio of innovative consumer products ranges from VIERA Full HD 3D Televisions, Blu-ray players, LUMIX Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Home Audio, Cordless Phones, Home Appliances, Wellness and Personal Care products and more. 

Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking. Follow Panasonic on Twitter @panasonicdirect, and additional company information for media is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Panasonic