Panasonic Commercial Microwave Ovens Ne12521 Ne12523 Ne17521 Ne17523 Ne17723 Ne21521 Ne21523 Operating Instructions

							Operating Instructions
Commercial Microwave Ovens
Models No.
NE-12521 / NE-12523 / NE-17521 / NE-17523 / 
NE-17723 / NE-21521 / NE-21523
*Model No. NE-17723
Please read these instructions carefully before using this product and save 
this manual for future use.
Before Calling for Service:
If failure code “F” appears in the display, unplug oven and wait for  
5 seconds before reconnecting. If normal operation does not resume,  
call the service agent with the information of failure code. 
						

							- 2 -
Contents
 page
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE 
MICROWAVE ENERGY.....................................................3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................3
Installation and GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS ..................................4
Caution..................................................................4
ATTENTION ..............................................................5
Self Diagnostics Failure Code Explanation.......................................6
If a “U” Appears In The Display................................................6
Power Source Voltage Adjustment.............................................7
How Does The Microwave Work?..............................................7
Outline Diagram ...........................................................8
SD Memory Card ..........................................................9
How to Operate
POWER LEVEL SELECTOR PAD..........................................10
A. MANUAL HEATING . . . single stage heating................................10
  ...................2 to 5 stage heating ................................11
B. PROGRAMMED  HEATING .............................................12
C. PROGRAMMING NUMBER/MEMORY PADS . . . single stage heating............12
  .......................................2 to 5 stage heating ............13
D. PROGRAMMING DOUBLE OR TRIPLE QUANTITY PAD......................14
E. PROGRAM  LOCK ....................................................14
F. BEEP TONE.........................................................15
G. PROGRAM  LIST .....................................................17
H. CYCLE  COUNTER ...................................................18
I.  AIR FILTER CLEANING................................................18
J. OVEN LAMP ........................................................19
Installation Instructions for Stacking...........................................21
Sanitary Counter Top Seal ..................................................21
Care of Your Oven ........................................................22
Cleaning and Maintenance procedures ........................................23
Heating and Defrosting Time Charts ..........................................24
PANASONIC COMMERCIAL MICROWAVE OVEN WARRANTY ....................38
Technical Specifications....................................................40
Owner’s Record
Model No.  
Serial No.  
The serial number of this product  
may be found on the side of the oven.
Date of Purchase  
Dealer’s Name  
Dealer’s Address  
See page 6 before calling
Toll Free 
Service Information
To locate a convenient service agent call
1-888-350-9590
Chef Support: 201-348-7305 
www.panasonic.com/cmo 
Virtual Test Kitchens 
						

							- 3 -
PRECAUTIONS 
TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE 
TO EXCESSIVE MICROWAVE ENERGY
Do not attempt to operate this oven with the  (a) 
door open since open-door operation can result 
in harmful exposure to microwave energy. It is 
important not to defeat or tamper with the safety 
interlocks. Under normal conditions, the oven will 
not operate with the door open.
Do not place any object  (b) between the oven front 
face and the door, or allow soil or cleaner residue 
to accumulate on sealing surfaces.Do not operate the oven  (c) if it is damaged. It is 
particularly important that the oven door close 
properly and that there is no damage to the :
door (bent) (1) 
hinges and latches (broken or loose) (2) 
door seals and sealing surfaces. (3) 
The oven should not be adjusted or repaired  (d) 
by anyone except properly qualified service 
personnel.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Your microwave oven is a cooking device and you should use as much care as you use with a stove or any other 
cooking device.  
When using this electric appliance, basic safety precautions should be followed, including the following:
WARNING—To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, 
fire, injury to persons or exposure to excessive 
microwave energy:
Read all instructions before using the appliance.  1. 
Read and follow   2. “PRECAUTIONS TO  AVOID 
POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE 
MICROWAVE ENERGY,” found above.
This appliance must be grounded. Connect only to a   3. 
properly grounded outlet. See “Grounding 
Instructions” found on page 4.
Install or locate this appliance only in accordance with   4. 
the provided installation instructions found on page 4.
Do not cover or block any openings on this appliance.  5. Do not store or use this appliance outdoors. Do not use   6. 
this product near water for example, near a kitchen sink, 
in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
Use this appliance only for its intended use as   7. 
described in this manual. Do not use corrosive 
chemicals or vapors in this appliance. This type of 
oven is specifically designed to heat, or cook food. It 
is not designed for industrial or laboratory use.
When cleaning surfaces of door and oven that come   8. 
together on closing the door, use only mild, non-abrasive 
soaps or detergents applied with a sponge or soft cloth.
As with any appliance, close supervision is   9. 
necessary when used by children.
Do not operate this appliance if it has a damaged  10. 
cord or plug, if it is not working properly, or if it has 
been damaged or dropped.
Do not immerse cord or plug in water. 11. 
Keep cord away from heated surfaces. 12. 
Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter. 13. 
This appliance should be serviced only by qualified  14. 
service personnel. Contact the nearest authorized 
service facility for examination, repair or adjustment.Some products such as whole eggs and sealed  15. 
containers (for example, closed glass jars) may 
explode and should not be heated in this oven.
To reduce the risk of fire in the oven cavity: 16. 
Do not overcook food. Carefully attend appliance  (a) 
if paper, plastic, or other combustible materials 
are placed inside the oven to facilitate cooking.
Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic  (b) 
bags before placing bag in oven.
If materials inside the oven should ignite, keep  (c) 
oven door closed, turn oven off, and disconnect 
the power cord, or shut off power at the fuse or 
circuit breaker panel.
Do not use the cavity for storage purposes.  (d) 
Do not leave paper products, cooking utensils, or 
food in the cavity when not in use.
Liquids, such as water, coffee, or tea are able to be  17. 
overheated beyond the boiling point without 
appearing to be boiling due to surface tension of the 
liquid. Visible bubbling or boiling when the container 
is removed from the microwave oven is not always 
present. THIS COULD RESULT IN VERY HOT 
LIQUIDS SUDDENLY BOILING OVER WHEN A 
SPOON OR OTHER UTENSIL IS INSERTED INTO 
THE LIQUID. To reduce the risk of injury to persons:
Do not overheat the liquid. (a) 
Stir the liquid both before and halfway through  (b) 
heating it.
Do not use straight-sided containers with narrow necks. (c) After heating, allow the container to stand in the  (d) 
microwave oven for a short time before removing 
the container.
Use extreme care when inserting a spoon or  (e) 
other utensil into the container.
SAVE THESE  INSTRUCTIONS
For proper use of your oven read remaining safety cautions and operating instructions. 
						

							- 4 -
Placement of the Oven
Locate the oven on a smooth, flat and stable surface. 
There should be no gap between the table surface and 
the bottom of the oven. Do not place the oven in a hot 
or damp area, ie. near a stove, sink or directly above 
heat lamps on a serving line. Free airflow around the 
oven is important. There is a possibility of a small 
amount of interference with weak broadcast signals if 
the microwave oven is too close to a radio or TV.
Grounding Instructions
This oven must be grounded electrically. In the event of 
an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of 
electric shock by providing an escape wire for the 
electric current. The appliance is equipped with a cord 
having a grounding wire with a grounding plug. The 
plug must be plugged into an outlet that is properly 
installed and grounded.
WARNING — improper use of the grounding plug can 
result in a risk of electric shock.
Consult a qualified electrician or service person if the 
grounding instructions are not completely understood, 
or if doubt exists as to whether the appliance is 
properly connected.
If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a 
three wire extension cord that has a three blade 
grounding plug, and a three slot receptacle that will 
accept the plug on the appliance. The marked rating of 
the extension cord should be equal to or greater than 
the electrical rating of the oven.
Protective Film Removal
A blue protective film is used to prevent scratching of 
the outer case during transportation. Peel the film from 
the exterior of the oven before installation or use.
Wiring Requirements
No other appliance should share the circuit with the 
microwave oven. If it does, the branch circuit fuse may 
overload and either cause the oven to heat slower than 
expected or blow the fuse.A.  For Models No. NE-12521/NE-12523 
The oven must be on a SEPARATE, 20 amp, 
60 Hz-120 V GROUNDED CIRCUIT.
NEMA# 
5-20P120 V  
Grounded  
Outlet  
NEMA# 5-20R
B.  For Models No. NE-17521/NE-17523/NE-17723/
NE-21521/NE-21523
1.  This oven must be on a separate, 60 Hz 
GROUNDED CIRCUIT - minimum 15 amps for 
Models No. NE-17521/NE-17523/NE-17723; 
minimum 20 amps for Models No. NE-21521/
NE-21523.
2.  The microwave ovens are built to operate on 2 
different voltages (230-240 V or 208 V).
Models No.  
NE-17521/NE-17523/
NE-17723Models No.  
NE-21521/NE-21523
NEMA# 
6-15P
NEMA# 
6-20P
208 V/230-240 V  
Grounded Outlet  
NEMA# 6-15R or 6-20R208 V/230-240 V  
Grounded Outlet  
NEMA# 6-20R
Caution
 Do not attempt to tamper with or make any   1. 
adjustments or repairs to the door, control panel 
housing, safety interlock switches or any other part 
of the oven. Do NOT remove the outer panel of the 
oven. Repairs should only be done by a qualified 
service person.
Do NOT operate the oven empty. The microwave   2. 
energy will reflect continuously throughout the oven 
if no food or water is present to absorb energy.
If a fire occurs in the oven, press the Stop/Reset   3. 
pad and LEAVE THE DOOR CLOSED. Disconnect 
the power cord, or shut off the power at the fuse or 
circuit breaker panel.
Do NOT attempt to dry clothes, newspapers or   4. 
other materials in the oven, as they may catch on 
fire.Do NOT use recycled paper products, as they may   5. 
contain impurities which may cause sparks and/or 
fires.
Do NOT use newspapers or paper bags for cooking.  6. 
Do NOT hit or strike the control panel. Damage to   7. 
controls may occur.
POT HOLDERS may be needed when removing   8. 
food from the oven. Heat is transferred from the hot 
food to the container.
Do NOT store flammable materials next to, on top   9. 
of, or in the oven. It could be a fire hazard.
Do NOT operate the oven without the spatter  10. 
shields (located in the top of inner cavity) in place.
Installation and GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							- 5 -
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAUTIONS BEFORE USING THIS MICROWAVE OVEN
Failure to follow these instructions and properly maintain this unit may lead to premature failure of the Microwave 
and may void the warranty.  
Please read the following guidelines along with the included owner’s manual prior to operating this unit.
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and front of the unit.
s &ILTERSMINORDERTOPROVIDEPROPERAIRFLOWTHROUGHOUTTHE
unit. Failure to properly maintain the filters will result in the Microwave overheating and possible early component 
failure.
s 4INOPERATION&AILURETOINSTALLTHESPLATTERSHIELD
will result in food buildup on the inside top of the cavity and will eventually lead to arcing and the eventual 
destruction of the cavity and will void the warranty.
s $ONOTSCRAPORPEELOFFRUBBERGASKETAROUNDTHEBASEOFTHEBOTTOMPLATEASTHISWILLALLOWSPILLAGEUNDERTHE
bottom plate and may lead to destruction of the cavity.
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and render the Microwave inoperative.
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guides on pages 22 to 23 for proper cleaning instructions.
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the Microwave oven components and render the unit inoperative.
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inside of the cavity as well as electronic components.
IF BOTTOM PLATE BREAKS or CRACKS, or THERE IS SPARKING IN THE CAVITY WHILE 
HEATING FOOD, DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE OVEN CONTACT AUTHORIZED SERVICE 
AGENCY IMMEDIATELY!! 1-888-350-9590
ATTENTION 
						

							- 6 -
This oven monitors its operation and displays a Failure Code in Digital Display Window when a problem occurs.
What to do when a Failure Code appears: When “F” is displayed, remove the plug, wait 5 seconds, and reinsert.
If “F” is displayed again, call the service agent.
Note:  Not all codes displayed in the Digital Display Window indicate a failure.
If a “U” Appears In The Display
A fault will also show as a Failure Code
in the display window (it will appear as a “U” then a two digit number). 
Follow the steps in the following chart:
CODE PROBLEM WHAT TO  DO
U16 Cannot write because the 
SD Memory Card is 
locked.
* SD Memory Card 
information can be read.Remove the SD Memory Card and check whether it is locked.
Replace the SD Memory Card when finished.
LOCK
Recipe
Card
Slide this up to unlock.
U17 An SD Memory Card 
other than the card 
provided is in use.Use the provided SD Memory Card.
U19 SD Memory Card is not 
inserted.Remove the SD Memory Card Cover and insert an SD Memory Card.
U30 Memory cooking has 
exceeded the maximum 
time during Double 
Quantity and Triple 
Quantity settings.Check and change the time.
—See page 11, step 5 “Note”.
Self Diagnostics Failure Code Explanation 
						

							- 7 -
Models No. NE-17521/NE-17523/NE-17723/NE-21521/NE-21523
The microwave automatically detects 208 V and 230 V–240 V. Insert the plug, and if the Digital Display Window 
goes blank 10 seconds after use, unplug and insert the plug again.
How Does The Microwave Work?
Microwaves are a form of high frequency radio waves 
similar to those used by a radio including AM, FM, and 
CB. They are, however, much shorter than radio waves. 
Electricity is converted into microwave energy by the 
magnetron tube. From the magnetron tube, microwave 
energy is transmitted to the oven cavity where it is: 
reflected, transmitted and absorbed.
Reflection
Microwave are reflected by metal just as a ball is 
bounced off a wall. A combination of stationary (interior 
walls) and rotating antenna, located underneath the 
bottom shelf and above the ceiling cover assure that 
the microwaves are well distributed within the oven 
cavity to produce even heating or cooking of foods.
Transmission
Microwave pass through some materials such as 
paper, glass and plastic much like sunlight shining 
through a window. Because these substances do not 
absorb or reflect the microwave energy, they are ideal 
materials for microwave oven heating containers when 
covered.Absorption
During heating, microwaves will be absorbed by food. 
They penetrate to a depth of about 
3⁄4 to 11⁄2 inches. 
Microwave energy excites the molecules in the food 
(especially water, fat and sugar molecules), and causes 
them to vibrate at a rate of 2,450,000,000 times per 
second. This vibration causes friction, and heat is 
produced just as you will feel heat produced if you 
vigorously rub your hands together. The internal 
heating of larger foods is done by conduction. The heat 
which is produced by friction is conducted to the center 
of the food. Foods also continue to heat by conduction 
during standing time. (“carry-over” cooking) 
Because microwave dissipate, much like sunlight as it 
reaches the Earth’s surface, they are not stored in food.
Radio Inference
Operation of the microwave oven may cause  1. 
interference to your radio, TV or similar equipment.
When there is interference, it may be reduced or  2. 
eliminated by taking the following measures:
Clean door and sealing surfaces of the oven.  a. 
(See Care of Your Microwave Oven found on 
page 22.)
Place the radio, TV, etc. away from the microwave  b. 
oven as far as possible.
Use a properly installed antenna, on the radio to  c. 
obtain stronger signal reception.
Power Source Voltage Adjustment 
						

							- 8 -
(7)(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(8)(9)
(11)
(10)
(13)
(12)
Digital Display Window (see below) (1) 
Program pad (2) 
Shift (A/B/C) pad (3) 
Power Level Selector pad (4) 
Double Quantity pad (5) 
Triple Quantity pad (6) 
s.UMBER-EMORYPADS  (7) 
sTime inputStop/Reset pad (8) 
Start pad (9) 
Door Handle (10) 
Air Filter (11) 
SD Memory Card Cover* (12) 
Splatter Shield (top of inner cavity) (13) 
AB
E
C
D
A – Program Display
B – Heating Time Display (“min. sec.” or “hour min.”)
#ns-EMORYPAD.UMBER$ISPLAY 
s(EATING3TAGE)NDICATOR
D – Pattern of buzzer sound settings
%ns
Calling Programmed Heating: Stage Number Indicator sProgrammed Heating in Progress: Operation Indicator sEEPTONESETTINGS3CALE)NDICATOR
This oven is preset at the factory as follows:
Number/Memory pads preset HIGH power at the indicated heating times for single stage heating (See pages 10-13)    
1 = 10 sec.  2 = 20 sec.  3 = 30 sec.  4 = 40 sec.  5 = 50 sec. 
6 = 1 min.  7 = 1 min. 15 sec.  8 = 1 min. 30 sec.  9 = 1 min. 45 sec.  0 = 2 min.
s-ODEL.O.%
 
Memory numbers are displayed using 1 digit for 1 to 9, 2 digits for 10 to 99, and 3 digits for 
000 to 999. Additionally, there are three sides, A (00 to 99), B (00 to 99) and C (00 to 99).
s/THERMODELS
There are three sides, A, B and C. Only A-side is preset.
Program Unlocked (See pages 14-15)   
Double Quantity = 1.6  Triple Quantity = 2.2 (See page 14)   
Oven Lamp   When the door is open = ON  Blinking at the end of heating cycle = OFF    
Decrease brightness during cooking = OFF (See pages 19-20)
The default filter cleaning time is set to “0”.   
If you wish to change these settings, please consult the operating instructions for programming procedure.  
(See page 18)
* In this manual, illustrations of Model No. NE-17723 is used for explanation purposes. 
Model numbers other than NE-17723 do not have SD Memory Card functions.
Outline Diagram 
						

							- 9 - *Model No. NE-17723 only (
An SD Memory Card is included in the unit purchased.)
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in 
the oven.
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How to insert / remove the SD Memory Card
* Before you insert / remove an SD Memory Card, always disconnect the oven from the power supply. 
If this is not possible, the display window should be blank, otherwise, the data on the SD Memory
Card may be 
damaged.
How to remove
Use a coin or tool to remove the screw from the SD Memory Card Cover. 1. 
Push the SD Memory Card with your finger to draw it out. 2. 


Then, remove it.
How to insert
Insert an SD Memory Card with its label facing up as indicated 1. 
by 
 mark 
until it snaps into place.
Fit the left edge of the SD Memory Card Cover.  2. 
Screw to close at the right-hand side.
Caution:
Always close the SD Memory Card Cover except when an SD Memory Card is inserted/removed in order to   1. 
prevent water or dust from entering. 
Insert only an SD Memory Card specified for this oven. Do not use any other type or substitute SD Memory   2. 
Card.
Keep the removed SD Memory Card away from static electricity.  3. 
Do not disassemble or modify SD Memory Cards.  4. 
Do not apply a physical shock to SD Memory Cards. Do not bend, drop, or get them wet.  5. 
Do not touch the metal terminals of an SD Memory Card with your hand or metal.  6. 
Do not remove the label. Do not paste another label onto the SD Memory Card.  7. 
Do not leave SD Memory Cards in locations subject to high temperatures or direct sunlight and corrosive gases.  8. 
If the SD Memory Card is lost or becomes faulty, please contact a Service Engineer to obtain a replacement.  9. 
SD Memory Card 
						

							- 10 -
How to Operate
POWER LEVEL SELECTOR PAD
Each time the pad is pressed, the Power Level switches as the illustration below.
P10P9P8P7P6P5P4P3
P2P1P0PU1PU2PL1PL2P10again.
HIGHP10: Models No.

NE-12521 / NE-12523 (1200 W), NE-17521 / NE-17523 / NE-17723 (1700 W),  
NE-21521 / NE-21523 (2100 W)
MEDIUM 
HIGHP9: 95 %
LOWP3: 35 %
HEAT FROM 
TOP DOWNPU1: 50 %
P8:  85 % P2:  25 %* PU2:  25 %
P7: 75 %
DEFROSTP1: 340 WHEAT FROM 
BOTTOM UPPL1: 50 %
P6:  65 % PL2:  25 %
MEDIUMP5: 55 %
—P0: 0 %
P4: 45 %
*:  “LOW (P2)” for Model No. NE-12521 / NE-12523 is 30%.
A. MANUAL HEATING — single stage heating —
Example:  To cook food at HIGH power for 2 minutes
PAD INSTRUCTIONDIGITAL DISPLAY WINDOW
1Place food inside the oven and close the door.
The oven lamp will turn on and “0” will appear.   
Note:  While “0” appears, operation is available. 1 minute after the door is 
closed, “0” will disappear.
2Press Power Level Selector pad once.
The selected power level will be indicated and 1st Stage Heating    
Indicator “1” will start to blink.
Note:  Each time the pad is pressed, the Power Level switches as the 
above Power Level Selector pad illustrates.
3Press Number/Memory pads “2”, “0” and “0”.
The set heating time will appear.   
Note:  The maximum set time for “DEFROST” and “P0” is 30 minutes, and 
15 minutes for all others.
4Press Start pad.
The oven lamp will turn on and heating will start.    
During operation, the indicator appears from the left and heating time 
will count down.
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off. “0000” will blink until the door is opened. 1 minute later, cooling fan will stop.
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will show the originally selected time and power stage.
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blank.