As Hong Kong people place increasing emphasis on healthy eating, and with limited living space being common, “multi-purpose” kitchen appliances have become a new trend. The countertop steam oven is a star product born from this trend. It combines multiple functions such as steaming, baking, roasting, air frying, fermentation and more, greatly saving precious kitchen space. Among the many brands, Panasonic 樂聲 has long held a leading position in the market thanks to its reliable quality and innovative technology. However, faced with numerous models and a wide range of online reviews, consumers cannot help asking: is the Panasonic 樂聲 countertop steam oven really good to use? This article takes the perspective of an e-commerce product analysis specialist focused on the Hong Kong market, providing an in-depth look at its performance and consolidating user reviews from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe and the United States to offer you a detailed and objective buying reference for 2025.
Is the PANASONIC 樂聲 countertop steam oven good to use?
Overall, the Panasonic 樂聲 countertop steam oven has an excellent reputation in the market and is praised as a “kitchen game-changer”. It successfully addresses the core pain points of Hong Kong households: small kitchens, a desire for healthier eating, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Whether you are a cooking beginner or an experienced home chef, most users can benefit from its versatility, ease of use and reliable performance. However, no product is perfect. Whether its advantages suit your needs, and whether its drawbacks are within your acceptable range, require a detailed analysis. Below, we will examine it comprehensively from the perspectives of advantages, disadvantages and user reviews from different regions.
Advantages
Multiple functions in one appliance, saving maximum space: This is the feature most praised by Hong Kong users of Panasonic steam ovens. It perfectly integrates the functions of a steamer, oven, air fryer, stew pot, bread maker (fermentation function) and even a sterilising cabinet. For Hong Kong homes where every inch of space counts, one countertop steam oven can replace several standalone appliances, greatly freeing up kitchen countertop and storage space.
Leading steam technology that preserves original flavour and nutrients: Panasonic uses efficient direct-injection steam technology to quickly generate high-temperature steam and evenly cover the food. Compared with traditional open-flame steaming, this method better locks in moisture and nutrients. Steamed fish and meat remain tender and juicy, while vegetables stay bright green and crisp. Its “original steam” function further emphasises preserving the natural flavour of ingredients, matching the modern concept of healthy eating.
Superheated steam technology, a new standard for healthy cooking: Some advanced models (such as NU-SC280W) are equipped with “superheated steam” technology. This steam, which is above 100 degrees Celsius, can draw out excess oil and salt from food during cooking, achieving a healthier “reduced oil and reduced salt” effect. At the same time, it can quickly penetrate the food surface to create a texture that is crispy outside and tender inside. It is especially suitable for roasting meats such as chicken wings and pork chops, with results comparable to a professional-grade oven.
User-friendly interface with built-in automatic menus: The brand understands users’ need for convenience and speed, so most models feature a clear LCD display and intuitive dials or buttons. More importantly, they include a variety of automatic cooking menus. From everyday steamed dishes and baked cakes to Western-style roast chicken and pizza, users only need to prepare the ingredients and select the corresponding menu. The steam oven will automatically set the temperature and time, greatly reducing the risk of cooking failure and making it very beginner-friendly.
Simple cleaning and maintenance procedures: Cleaning after cooking is often a headache. Panasonic steam ovens generally use easy-clean materials inside the cavity and provide various oven-cavity cleaning modes, such as “tableware cleaning” (high-temperature steam sterilisation), “cavity cleaning” and “steam system cleaning”. These can effectively break down grease and remove limescale, allowing users to maintain hygiene inside the oven with ease. ]
Disadvantages
Relatively limited internal capacity: To suit the countertop design, the internal capacity is generally between 20 and 30 litres. While this is sufficient for the daily needs of an average three- to four-person household, such as steaming a large fish or roasting a medium-sized chicken, it may feel slightly insufficient for large family gatherings or when you want to cook several dishes at the same time. Compared with traditional large built-in ovens, this is a more obvious limitation.
Some compromise in pure baking/roasting power: Although its baking and roasting functions are already quite impressive, some users with very high baking requirements report that its heat evenness and maximum temperature may not match a standalone traditional oven at the same price level. In particular, when making French bread or professional-grade pastries that require very high temperatures and stable heat, there may be a slight difference in results. However, it is more than adequate for everyday cakes, bread, pizza and similar items. ]
The water tank needs manual handling: As a steam oven, it relies on a water tank to provide steam. Users need to ensure there is enough water in the tank before using any steam function each time, and pour away wastewater from the drip tray after use. Although the process is simple, users accustomed to fully automatic operation may feel it is an extra step.
Price positioning is on the higher side: Compared with single-function ovens or air fryers, the Panasonic 樂聲 countertop steam oven is undoubtedly more expensive. Although its “multi-purpose in one appliance” nature offers good overall value for money, the initial investment is still a factor to consider for consumers with limited budgets or those who only need specific functions.
A realistic look at user reviews from different regions
Hong Kong discussion forums (such as Hong Kong Discuss Forum and Baby Kingdom): what users say
In local Hong Kong online communities, Panasonic steam ovens are highly discussed and have been called a “housewife’s blessing” or a “must-have for singles” by many netizens.
Positive reviews: The most frequently praised points are “space-saving” and “convenient”. One comment said: “My home kitchen is so small I could hardly turn around. After buying the 180W, I gave away the microwave and air fryer, and the whole countertop became much more spacious.” Another common compliment is its steaming function: “Steaming fish is really excellent. Once the time is set, you can leave it alone, and it won’t get over-steamed and become tough.” Its healthy cooking function is also popular among families with children: “When using superheated steam to roast chicken wings, you can really see a lot of oil dripping out, so it feels much more reassuring to eat.”
Negative reviews: Some users also offer suggestions for improvement, mainly focusing on capacity: “For a family of four, it can sometimes be a bit difficult if you want to steam two more dishes; you have to do it in two rounds.” Cleaning is also mentioned: “Although there is a cleaning mode, oil stains that accumulate around the heating element at the top still need careful wiping.”
Views from Taiwanese users (sources: Mobile01, Dcard)
The Taiwanese market has a high level of recognition for Japanese home appliances, and Panasonic steam ovens are also well liked there.
Positive reviews: Taiwanese users particularly appreciate its design details and diverse cooking results. One unboxing post shared: “The Japanese-style design is simple and attractive, and it looks very refined in the kitchen. I tried using the steam-bake function to make French bread; the crust was crisp and the inside was moist. The result was amazing!” They also value the concept of “healthy baking” and consider the superheated steam function a major plus.
Negative reviews: Similar to Hong Kong users, capacity is one of the discussion points. One review stated: “If you often entertain guests at home, it is recommended to go straight for the model with the largest capacity.” In addition, some users mentioned that they hope the automatic menus can be more localised, with more Taiwanese-style dish options added.
Reviews from European and American users (sources: Amazon, professional cooking blogs)
In European and American markets, this type of product is usually called a "Combi-Steam Oven". Although countertop models are not as common as built-in ones, Panasonic has still earned a place thanks to its quality.
Positive reviews: European and American users place great importance on how the steam function helps preserve food nutrients and flavour. A food blogger wrote: "This Panasonic oven has changed how I reheat leftovers. Pizza comes out crispy, not soggy like from a microwave." They highly rate the ability of steam to make meat juicier and vegetables sweeter and fresher, considering it an excellent tool for achieving healthy eating.
Negative reviews: The most frequently mentioned drawback is "smaller internal capacity", which contrasts with the large-capacity American-style ovens they are used to. In addition, some users feel that the multifunctional design has a steeper learning curve and requires time spent reading the manual to fully master all functions.
Recommended and compared key models for 2025
Based on market response and product performance, the following three models are currently the most noteworthy among Panasonic 樂聲 countertop steam ovens. They target different household sizes and cooking needs.
Powerful output: Steam power reaches 1330 watts, baking power reaches 1380 watts, and combined steam-bake power can reach up to 1830 watts, ensuring outstanding cooking results.
Large-capacity water tank: Equipped with a 1-litre water tank to reduce the need for refilling during cooking.
Rich presets: Built in with 77 preset recipes covering a variety of dishes, helping you cook like a pro with ease.
Cleaning functions: Features 7 cleaning modes, making oven-cavity cleaning simple and convenient while maintaining hygiene.
Precise temperature control: A wide baking temperature control range (30°C, 40°C, 50°C–250°C), with specific temperature options for steam baking as well (140°C, 190°C–250°C), ensuring precise cooking.
User-friendly design: The oven interior includes a light and timer for easy monitoring of cooking progress.
Users seeking top-tier functions, larger households (4-6 people), and those who love baking and diverse cooking.
Multiple cooking modes: Supports seven major cooking modes including low-temperature steam (80°C), medium-temperature steam (100°C), stewing, healthy fry, fermentation (30°C/40°C), baking (100-230°C) and steam baking (190-230°C). One appliance serves multiple purposes and meets diverse cooking needs.
Healthy fry function: A unique healthy fry mode achieves results similar to traditional frying with no oil or only a small amount of oil, letting you enjoy delicious food while taking health into account.
Convenient stewing mode: Can continuously provide pure steam output for up to 3 hours, with no need to add extra water during the process, making operation convenient and worry-free.
Steam baking: Combines baking and steam functions, outputting steam while baking to help keep food moist and improve cooking results.
Preset recipes and cleaning functions: Built in with 18 preset recipes to help you easily prepare different dishes; also includes 6 cleaning functions for convenient daily cleaning and maintenance.
Practical accessories: Comes with 2 metal trays, 2 racks and a colour recipe book to enhance your cooking experience.
Mainstream small families (2-4 people), users seeking a balance between functions and size; regarded as a classic “legendary appliance”.
Pure steam cooking: Uses pure steam up to 100°C to quickly steam food, with a maximum setting of 1 hour. It effectively locks in moisture and nutrients, helping you eat more healthily.
Hot-air convection baking: Provides a wide temperature range from 100°C to 230°C, suitable for baking meats, pizza, cakes and many other foods. Hot-air convection technology ensures even temperature inside the oven, making food crispy outside and tender inside.
Steam baking: Adds steam during the baking process, with temperature settings from 190°C to 230°C. This prevents food from becoming too dry and is especially suitable for roasting steaks or reheating bread, keeping the crust crispy and the inside moist.
Fermentation function: Provides a constant-temperature fermentation environment of 30°C or 40°C, making it easy to prepare bread or yoghurt.
Singles, couples or users with extremely limited kitchen space; the preferred entry-level choice.
In-depth model analysis
NU-SC280W: Functional flagship, cooking without limits
As the top model in the series, NU-SC280W has a spacious 28-litre capacity and the most powerful combination of functions. Its “two-level baking” function lets you bake pizza and chicken wings at the same time, greatly improving efficiency. The superheated steam technology is even more advanced, and together with the low-temperature steam function, it can handle everything from professional-grade slow-cooked steak to everyday homemade soups with ease. If you have a generous budget and regard cooking as a major pleasure, this model is undoubtedly your ultimate choice.
NU-SC180W: Golden balance, an all-round favourite
NU-SC180W is one of the most popular models in the market and can be described as a double champion in both sales and reputation. Its 20-litre capacity is just right, meeting the daily needs of the vast majority of Hong Kong families. It is equipped with core superheated steam technology, balancing health and taste. Whether steaming, baking, frying or fermenting, its functions are complete without being overly complicated, and it offers excellent value for money. If you are looking for the best balance among functions, size and price, NU-SC180W will definitely not disappoint.
NU-SC102W: Compact yet capable, a saviour for small flats
For users living in nano flats or studio apartments, the Panasonic NU-SC102W steam oven is a perfect solution. It inherits the compact design and multifunctional features of the previous best-selling NU-SC100W, while further optimising the operating experience and steaming efficiency. Although both have a capacity of around 15 litres, the NU-SC102W has a more modern and minimalist appearance, making it better suited to different home décor styles. At the same time, the new model uses improved direct-injection steam technology. Even without a superheated steam function, it can still provide fast and stable steam output, sufficient for daily steaming, defrosting and reheating. In terms of functionality, NU-SC102W continues and strengthens four core modes: pure steam, baking/roasting, healthy fry (air fry) and low-temperature fermentation, meeting most everyday cooking needs. Compared with NU-SC100W, the new model offers more stable temperature control and a more intuitive interface, noticeably improving the user experience. In summary, NU-SC102W is an ideal choice for those with limited budget or space who want to buy a steam oven. It not only retains a multifunctional design, but also comprehensively optimises performance and ease of use, making it a practical upgraded version of NU-SC100W with excellent value for money!
Summary
Based on the analysis above, the Panasonic 樂聲 countertop steam oven is undoubtedly a maturely designed, reliable and widely acclaimed kitchen appliance. With its “multi-purpose in one appliance” concept, it successfully captures the core needs of the Hong Kong market. Its excellent steam technology and user-friendly design are also key reasons why it has won praise from users worldwide. Although there are some minor limitations in capacity and baking/roasting power, its strengths clearly outweigh its weaknesses. As long as you choose the most suitable model according to your household size, cooking habits and kitchen space—whether the flagship NU-SC280W, the all-round NU-SC180W or the compact NU-SC102W—it can become a capable helper for improving your cooking efficiency and quality of life.
Where can you buy the PANASONIC 樂聲 countertop steam oven?
From the Panasonic 樂聲 official website or authorised distributors such as BBE. BBE has won the “Online Electrical Appliance Sales Reputation Award” for three consecutive years. The award is organised by “Hong Kong Discuss Forum”, with nominations from netizens across Hong Kong and voting conducted on a one-person-one-vote basis. This honour shows that BBE not only offers the best prices, but also wins customers’ favour through professional sales and after-sales service. BBE guarantees that all electrical appliances it sells are brand-new, genuine Hong Kong authorised goods, with original manufacturer warranty and a seven-day replacement service for faulty items. Prices are fair and clearly listed, with no gimmicks. These commitments and services give customers greater peace of mind when buying electrical appliances and help build a long-term relationship of mutual trust with customers.
About Us
BBE Appliance Professional Consultant
BBE Appliance Professional Consultant has 30 years of home appliance retail and buying advisory experience, serving over 200,000 Hong Kong households with practical tips on cooker hoods, ovens, cooktops, and home appliance selection and maintenance.
