Wired's 2026 review examines Panasonic's Japanese-made microwave, the NN-SF57RM, praising it as the first model the reviewer trusts enough to leave unattended while cooking. Unlike other "smart" microwaves that rely on Wi-Fi connectivity, this appliance uses a genuinely useful built-in "Genius 2.0" sensor system, measuring food temperature directly rather than requiring users to guess or input cooking times, which matters because it removes the common anxiety of overcooking or undercooking food.

The microwave's multi-point sensor reads the surface temperature of food ten times a second, while a mobile antenna beneath the cooking chamber directs energy without needing a rotating turntable, freeing up interior space within its 1-cubic-foot capacity. Most cooking tasks require pressing just a single "Sensor Reheat" dial, which displays a loading bar instead of a countdown timer. The reviewer tested it successfully on frozen dinners, soup, rice and leftovers, each reaching around 180°F, though noted that heat distribution is less even near the oven's edges, the sensor needs a clear view of food to work properly, and the built-in programmed recipes are largely unnecessary. It retails for $430 and scored 9 out of 10.