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Panasonic

Panasonic NN-SD78LS Cyclonic Inverter Microwave 1.6 Cu Ft

  • Capacity: 1.6 cu ft
  • Wattage: 1250 watts
  • Turntable Diameter: 15 inches
  • Heating Method: Microwave Radiation

Last refreshed Jun 13, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

Owners who've had it two-plus years report it still cooking and defrosting evenly, though a serious fire report during normal popcorn use is worth weighing against otherwise strong reliability feedback.

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ASIN: B085T6RKF4Model: NN-SD78LSCategory: Countertop Microwave Ovens

More from this brandAll Panasonic countertop microwave ovens

Overview

A 1.6 cu ft, 1250-watt countertop microwave with cyclonic inverter technology and 20 auto-cook sensor presets, close in size to Panasonic's NN-SN76LS but with a rotary dial control layout.

It runs on the same inverter and Genius Sensor platform as Panasonic's other cyclonic models, with more preset options and a dial-based interface instead of a full keypad.

  • 1.6 cu ft capacity, 1250 watts
  • Cyclonic inverter with 10 continuous power levels
  • 20 auto-cook sensor presets
  • Turbo defrost and sensor reheat

Who it's for

Buyers replacing a long-serving Panasonic microwave who want continuous variable power. Not for those wanting the simplest possible push-button interface.

Pros and cons

Cons
  • Control knob and layout called unintuitive
  • Fan vents air out front, blows items off counter
  • One reported fire during normal popcorn use

Specifications

BrandPanasonic
ModelNN-SD78LS
Dimensions & fit
Turntable Diameter15 incheshigher than 78% of 47 countertop microwave ovens
Item Weight36.8 poundshigher than 81% of 32 countertop microwave ovens
Item Dimensions D x W x H19.4 × 21.9 × 11.9 inches
Capacity & performance
Capacity1.6 cu fthigher than 85% of 94 countertop microwave ovens
Heating MethodMicrowave Radiation
Defrost System TypeDefrost
Power & efficiency
Wattage1250 wattshigher than 92% of 79 countertop microwave ovens
Number of Power Levels10
Power Consumption1250 wattshigher than 89% of 64 countertop microwave ovens
Energy Consumption1250 wattshigher than 89% of 67 countertop microwave ovens
Voltage120 volts
Construction & materials
Inner MaterialStainless Steel
Material TypeStainless Steel
ColorStainless Steel
Compatibility & installation
Installation TypeCountertop
Included components
Unit Count1
Included ComponentsMicrowave, Turntable
Warranty & support
Warranty Description1 year
Other details
Number of Programs20
Control TypeKnob
Timer FunctionTimer Function Available
Recommended Uses For ProductResidential
Item Type NameMicrowave Oven

Closest rivals on specs

TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven 1.6 Cu Ft
  • Turntable Diameter 15 vs 13.6 inches (+10%)
GE GCST16S1WSS Countertop Microwave 1.6 Cu Ft
  • Turntable Diameter 15 vs 13.6 inches (+10%)
GE JES1460DSWW Countertop Microwave 1.4 Cu Ft
  • Capacity 1.6 vs 1.4 cu ft (+14%)
  • Energy Consumption 1250 vs 1100 watts (+14%)
  • Power Consumption 1250 vs 1100 watts (+14%)
Compare all side by side

Frequently asked questions

How is the Panasonic NN-SD78LS different from a standard microwave?

Inverter technology gives it continuous variable power instead of pulsing fully on and off at lower settings.

How long do owners report it lasting?

At least one reviewer reports 2.5 years of reliable daily use as of their review.