Most likely because an engineer designs it, or it's designed by committee. Let's see, how can we sell this same microwave that cost us $30 to make, for twice the money? Oh let's add "features" such as a 'popcorn button' that makes popcorn, or a 'defrost tbone steak' that perfectly defrosts...
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I was really hoping for an answer!
Most likely because an engineer designs it, or it's designed by committee. Let's see, how can we sell this same microwave that cost us $30 to make, for twice the money? Oh let's add "features" such as a 'popcorn button' that makes popcorn, or a 'defrost tbone steak' that perfectly defrosts...
etc etc, That said, the inverter technology in the panasonics are worth paying for... not to mention that they do have tactile buttons and a knob... http://www.cnet.com/pictures/panasonics-nn-sd997s-microwave-...
I think the answer has to do with the illusion that more buttons = more features = higher quality = better.
I'd guess that each button equates to a feature. So nobody wants to be seen "removing features" from the product.
Microwave A:
- heats food for the duration you want and power level you want
Microwave B:
- heats food for the duration you want and power level you want
- thaws food
- warms pizza
- makes popcorn
- boils water in a cup
- etc.