Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave, 51 Auto Menus, ₹6,990

Looking for the most-bought, most-reviewed microwave in this list? The Panasonic 20L Solo Microwave (model NN-ST26JMFDG) has 4.3★ from 7,680 ratings, an Amazon's Choice badge and 1K+ bought in the past month. It was ₹6,990 when we checked (MRP ₹7,490) and gives you 800W, 51 auto-cook menus and a touch panel. It ranks #8 in our Best Microwave Ovens Under ₹10,000 list with an overall score of 6.6/10.

WHO IT'S FOR

Students, singles, couples and small families who mainly reheat, defrost and make quick snacks, and want a proven model at under ₹7,000.

SOLO, GRILL OR CONVECTION?

A solo microwave only uses microwaves: it reheats, defrosts, boils milk, makes tea and cooks simple dishes like dal, khichdi, poha and steamed vegetables. A grill microwave adds a heating element at the top, so it can also brown and crisp food such as paneer tikka, kebabs, toast and pizza. A convection microwave adds a fan and heater as well, so it can bake cakes and bread and roast like a small OTG. Under ₹10,000 most good options are solo, a few are grill, and convection models are rare. Buy for what you will really cook, not for the longest feature list.

WHAT SIZE DO YOU NEED?

As a rough guide, 20 litres suits one to three people and normal reheating, while 23–25 litres fits a full dinner plate or a bigger casserole more easily and suits a family of three to five. Check your counter space too: measure the width and depth, and leave a few centimetres free at the back and sides for ventilation.

CAPACITY

20 litres. Outside size is 44.3 cm wide, 34 cm deep and 25.8 cm high, and it weighs 10.5 kg, so it fits small kitchens. Capacity scores 6.0/10; type scores 5.0/10 (solo).

POWER

800W microwave output. The number of power levels is not stated on the listing. Power scores 7.0/10.

AUTO-COOK MENUS AND CONTROLS

51 auto-cook menus; Panasonic's images mention healthy cooking items, 10 dessert and 14 snack menu items. Controls are a touch keypad (membrane) that is easy to wipe. Menus score 8.0/10 and controls 8.0/10.

CLEANING

A vapor clean program helps loosen stains. Cleaning scores 7.0/10.

SAFETY

The spec table lists a child lock. Safety scores 7.0/10.

ACCESSORIES

In the box: turntable, rotating ring and user manual. No rack or cookbook. Accessories score 4.5/10.

WARRANTY

1 year on the product and 1 year on the magnetron, so no extra magnetron cover in practice. Warranty scores 5.0/10.

LISTING NOTES

Amazon lists the material as iron, and the cavity coating is not named. The door opens to the left. Made in Thailand, sold by Dawntech Electronics and shipped by Amazon; delivery was showing Monday, 2 November. A cheaper jog-dial sibling, the NN-SM25JBFDG (₹6,290, 4.3★ from 4,359), was considered but left out because its listing gives no menu count and lists the lock type as "Normal" (no child lock).

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

For popcorn and snacks, use the auto menus; for milk and dal, use manual time and stir halfway. Keep the vents at the sides and back clear.

HOW IT COMPARES AT THIS PRICE

The LG 20L (₹7,690) adds steam clean, a shelf and cook book, but has only 700W. The Godrej 20L (₹5,990) is ₹1,000 cheaper with a 5-year warranty but no auto menus.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Proven reliability, decent power and plenty of menus for ₹6,990: 8.5/10.

VERDICT

The Panasonic NN-ST26J is the safe budget solo microwave if you want a touch panel and lots of owner feedback under ₹7,000.

Check the latest price on Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08CL8XF75?tag=minizon2026-21

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