For years, I struggled with a cramped kitchen and the perpetual juggling act of a separate microwave, oven, and grill. Cooking for a family felt like a logistical nightmare, especially during busy evenings. I desperately needed a versatile appliance that could streamline my cooking process and free up precious counter space. Without a solution, dinner times would remain stressful, leading to reliance on less healthy takeaways and a perpetually cluttered cooking area. That’s when the idea of a comprehensive combination oven, specifically the Panasonic CF87 Speed Convection Oven, truly began to appeal to me.
Essential Considerations Before Investing in a Combination Microwave Oven
A combination microwave oven like the Panasonic CF87 solves the common dilemma of limited kitchen space and the need for diverse cooking functionalities. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to declutter their countertops, especially those in smaller homes, flats, or even larger households that appreciate efficiency. This type of appliance is perfect for individuals or families who regularly use both a microwave for quick reheating and a conventional oven for baking and roasting, but perhaps don’t have the room for full-sized, separate units.
However, a combination oven might not be for everyone. If you’re a professional chef who demands precise, heavy-duty performance from individual appliances, or if you primarily just need a basic microwave for simple reheating, a combo unit might be overkill or fall short of your specific high-volume needs. For such users, a dedicated full-size oven and a standalone basic microwave might be more appropriate. Before purchasing, consider your kitchen size, your daily cooking habits, the types of meals you prepare, and how much you value versatility over specialised, heavy-duty performance. Also, think about the capacity you require – a smaller combination oven might not suit large family roasts. Lastly, ponder the cleaning process; a flatbed design often simplifies maintenance.
Unveiling the Panasonic CF87: What It Offers
The Panasonic CF87 Speed Convection Oven is a sophisticated 3-in-1 kitchen powerhouse, seamlessly integrating microwave, convection oven, and grill functions into a single, sleek metallic silver unit. This freestanding or countertop appliance promises to be your ultimate cooking partner, capable of everything from quick reheating to elaborate roasts and delicate baking. When you purchase it, you receive the main oven unit, a microwave rack, and a glass tray, ready to tackle a wide array of culinary tasks. Having used an older Panasonic model for years, I can attest that this updated version takes the familiar reliability and intuitive design of its predecessors and refines it. The control panel has been cleverly relocated to the door, which, as a long-time user, I appreciate for maximising internal capacity – a smart design choice that sets it apart from many competitors.
This Panasonic combination oven is truly for anyone seeking a versatile, space-saving cooking solution that doesn’t compromise on performance for everyday family meals. It’s less suited for someone who needs an industrial-grade grill for charring steaks daily, or for those who prefer absolute simplicity with minimal features.
Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Sleek and modern metallic silver design that fits contemporary kitchens.
* Exceptional convection oven performance, rivalling traditional ovens.
* Large 31-litre flatbed capacity with innovative dual-level cooking.
* Smart Genius Sensor for precise heating and 32 useful auto programmes.
* Effortless cleaning due to the flatbed design and integrated grill heater.
Cons:
* The grill function, while present, isn’t as powerful as a dedicated barbecue grill.
* Auto cooking programmes aren’t printed on the oven itself, requiring frequent manual consultation.
* The interior light is quite dim, making it difficult to monitor food, especially through the dark mesh door.
* Some users report issues with the oven maintaining consistent temperature for convection cooking.
* The included glass tray’s durability can be questionable, with reports of cracking under normal use.
In-Depth Exploration of Features and Benefits
Having lived with the Panasonic NN-CF87LBBPQ 3-IN-1 combination microwave oven for an extended period, I’ve had ample opportunity to truly put its features to the test and understand their impact on daily cooking.
Versatile 3-in-1 Functionality: Microwave, Convection, and Grill
The core appeal of the Panasonic CF87 is its comprehensive 3-in-1 capability. This isn’t just a microwave with an extra button; it’s a fully functional convection oven, a powerful microwave, and a useful grill, all housed in one appliance. From my experience, the convection oven is where this unit truly shines. It heats up remarkably quickly, and I’ve found it capable of roasting, baking, and even making perfect Sunday roasts and crispy roast potatoes – tasks I previously reserved for my conventional oven. The speed and evenness of convection cooking are genuinely impressive, allowing me to prepare meals up to 40% faster than traditional methods. For instance, my homemade pizzas come out with beautifully crisp bases and perfectly melted cheese, while baked goods like croissants have a professional finish.
The microwave function operates as reliably as you’d expect from Panasonic, offering 1000 watts of power for efficient reheating and cooking. What sets it apart is the Inverter Technology, which delivers a consistent power level, preventing overcooked edges and cold centres. This makes a noticeable difference when reheating leftovers or defrosting delicate items.
Now, regarding the grill. While it’s certainly a convenient addition for browning and crisping, it’s important to manage expectations. It won’t give you the intense charring of a dedicated outdoor barbecue, but it’s more than sufficient for browning cheese on toast, crisping up chicken skin, or finishing off a gratin. The convenience of having it integrated means fewer appliances cluttering the kitchen, which is a significant benefit in itself.
Generous 31-Litre Flatbed Capacity with Dual-Level Cooking
One of the most significant advantages of this combination microwave oven is its spacious 31-litre capacity. Thanks to the innovative flatbed design, there’s no turntable taking up valuable space. This means I can easily fit large casserole dishes, rectangular baking trays, or even odd-shaped plates that would never fit in a conventional microwave. This flatbed design is a game-changer for meal prep and family cooking, providing maximum usable internal volume.
Adding to this efficiency is the dual-level cooking feature. This allows you to cook more food simultaneously on two levels, which is incredibly useful for roasting multiple dishes or baking a batch of cookies alongside a main course. During festive periods, this feature alone has saved me countless hours, enabling me to manage larger quantities of food without needing multiple appliances running. The ability to cook a roast chicken on one level and roast vegetables on the other, all within the same appliance, truly streamlines the cooking process. It accommodates most dish types, making it incredibly versatile for all sorts of culinary experiments.
The Genius Sensor and 32 Auto Programmes: Smart Cooking Made Easy
The Panasonic CF87 Speed Convection Oven boasts Panasonic’s “Genius Sensor” technology and 32 auto programmes. The Genius Sensor is designed to detect the amount of moisture released from your food and automatically calculate the perfect cooking time and power required. In practice, this feature largely lives up to its name. For reheating, particularly, it’s fantastic. You simply place your food in, press “auto cook” and “start,” and the oven takes care of the rest, preventing common issues like uneven heating, or over- and undercooking. This has been particularly useful for me when reheating pre-cooked meals, ensuring they come out piping hot and perfectly done without any guesswork.
The 32 auto programmes cover a wide array of dishes, from basic defrosting (including a “Chaos Defrost” which is surprisingly effective) to specific menus like “Junior Menu” for child-friendly meals, re-baking bread, and various auto-cook settings for popular dishes. While the convenience of these programmes is undeniable, one minor drawback is that the programme numbers aren’t physically printed on the oven itself. This means you’ll often find yourself referring back to the user manual to match the programme number to its function, which can be a bit cumbersome initially. However, once you memorise your most frequently used programmes, it becomes second nature.
Time-Saving Inverter Technology
Panasonic’s Inverter Technology is more than just a marketing buzzword; it genuinely contributes to faster, more efficient, and better cooking results. Unlike traditional microwaves that cycle power on and off, inverter technology delivers a continuous, precise power output. This means food cooks more evenly and retains more of its nutrients and flavour. As mentioned earlier, it contributes to dishes being cooked up to 40% faster when using combination modes.
The ability to use up to three functions simultaneously for quicker results is a standout feature. There are nine pre-set Combi settings that really highlight this. For example, conjuring up a delicious lasagne using convection, grill, and microwave power at the same time results in a dish that’s cooked through, beautifully browned on top, and ready in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. This multi-functional, time-saving aspect is incredibly valuable for anyone with a busy lifestyle.
Effortless Maintenance: The Easy Clean Interior
Cleaning kitchen appliances is rarely fun, but the Panasonic CF87 makes it as painless as possible. The stainless steel interior and the cleverly integrated grill heater mean there are no exposed elements or fiddly crevices for food splatters to hide. This flat, smooth surface allows for effortless cleaning with just a single wipe. I’ve found this to be largely true in my long-term use; routine clean-ups are quick and simple, saving me time and effort compared to my old microwave which had a rotating plate and harder-to-reach areas. This simple cleaning process contributes significantly to the overall positive user experience.
Sleek Design and Compact Footprint
Aesthetic appeal in kitchen appliances is often overlooked, but the metallic silver finish and minimalist design of the Panasonic CF87 are genuinely attractive. It seamlessly blends into most modern kitchen decors, adding a touch of sophistication without being overly bulky. Despite its generous 31-litre capacity, its external dimensions (H39.1 x W50 x D43.7 cm) are surprisingly compact for what it offers, making it perfect for saving space on your kitchen countertop. It’s a “freestanding, countertop” appliance, meaning it doesn’t require any complex installation, further adding to its user-friendliness. The weight of 20.2 kg (or 46.5 lbs) is substantial, so be prepared for a bit of a lift when unboxing and placing it!
One slight disadvantage I’ve encountered, which ties into the design, is the dim interior light and the dark mesh door. It can be quite challenging to see inside and monitor the food without opening the door, especially if you have items on the included microwave rack. More LED lights, perhaps on both sides, would significantly improve visibility. Despite this minor point, the overall aesthetic and space-saving design are definite positives.
Community Voices: What Other Users Are Saying
Having explored various online forums and reviews, it’s clear that the general sentiment towards the Panasonic CF87 Speed Convection Oven is largely positive, echoing many of my own experiences. Many users commend its superior performance as a convection oven, often comparing it favourably to dedicated units and praising its baking capabilities. The spacious flatbed interior and the clever new design that moves the control panel to the door are frequently highlighted as significant improvements, offering more usable cooking space. Users also appreciate its ease of use for everyday tasks and the convenience of quick heating. However, some shared my observations regarding the grill function not being as robust as a standalone barbecue, and the internal light being quite dim. A recurring concern for a few users also revolved around the perceived fragility of the glass tray and, in isolated cases, some disappointing experiences with Panasonic’s customer service regarding accessory replacements or specific technical issues. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the consensus firmly positions the CF87 as an indispensable kitchen appliance for its versatility and efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Is the Panasonic CF87 Speed Convection Oven Right for Your Kitchen?
The struggle for kitchen space and the desire for streamlined cooking solutions are common dilemmas in modern homes. Without a versatile appliance, you risk perpetual kitchen clutter and the added stress of managing multiple cooking devices for various dishes. The Panasonic CF87 Speed Convection Oven stands out as an excellent solution, integrating microwave, convection, and grill functions into one sleek unit. Its generous 31-litre flatbed capacity and dual-level cooking offer unparalleled flexibility for family-sized meals, while the Genius Sensor and Inverter Technology ensure precise, time-saving results. If you’re looking to simplify your cooking, save space, and elevate your culinary experience, this combination oven is a highly recommended investment. To explore its features further and make it part of your kitchen, Click here to check the product out.