Last fall, we did a comprehensive review of the best microwave convection ovens, and the Panasonic 4-in-1 Home Chef (a/k/a Panasonic NN-CD87KS) came out on top. As it happened, our editor was in the market for a new personal microwave and, based on our research, decided to go for the Panasonic. Now, based on almost a year of her personal use, we are updating this review for 2021. Not surprisingly, we still think this particular machine is awesome!
Quick Reminder: What's a Convection Microwave?
Convection microwaves are a great investment. A convection microwave is essentially a microwave combined with a conventional convection based oven -- like a wall oven or a toaster oven.
With convection microwaves, you can bake and roast meals and actually have them turn out nice and brown. And still have the speed and efficiency of microwave features to reheat food.
Convection microwaves are exceptionally versatile and space saving, making them an excellent choice for families who have limited kitchen spaces. For more details on these appliances, check out our post on convection microwaves are worth it.
Panasonic Convection Microwave Review: The NN-CD87KS
There are many different styles and brands of convection microwaves to choose from. If you are in the market to purchase one, you may be wondering where to begin.
To help you decide, we have reviewed one convection microwave in particular, the Panasonic NN-CD87KS. Made by a fantastic company, we think that this microwave will fulfill everything you are looking for.
We will be reviewing this model in detail and have also included a useful pros and cons section for you to browse.
We have split up our review of the Panasonic NN-CD87KS Convection Microwave into useful specification sections, to make it easier for you to find the information you require.
Design And Cost
The overall design of this convection microwave is sleek and would appeal to many people.
It has a simple stainless steel body and is compact. Although it is small from the outside, inside it is a reasonable size. Its overall dimensions are 14.97 x 15.36 x 9 inches.
Given its size, it will not take up too much counter space and is the perfect size to fit on small workspaces. It would be a great option for RV use, given its multifunctional properties too.
The turntable is 14.2 inches. You can fit baking dishes up to the size of 9 x 13 in this microwave.
It has an overall wattage of 1000 and weighs 39.1 pounds. It has an overall inside capacity of 1.2 cubic feet.
As you can see, it is a reasonable size if you are using this microwave as an oven replacement.
Although this is not the cheapest convection microwave available, considering all of its functions, it is a great addition to busy kitchens and when you want to maximize counter space.
4 Types Of Microwave Functions
This convection microwave has four different functions that are extremely useful.
Inverter Microwave
This microwave works as a standard microwave but with a difference. It contains a patented inverter.
This inverter works with the microwave’s Genius Sensor to heat your food.
With this option, you can defrost, reheat, melt, and cook your food with ease. The microwave has settings such as Turbo Defrost and Genius Sensor Cook.
Convection Bake
One of the best features of this microwave is that it can work like an oven. By using its convection bake mode, you can cook almost anything you would in an oven.
The temperature range is between 100 - 425 degrees and is great for roasting and baking food. You can cook a whole chicken in this microwave with no issues.
Flash Xpress Broiler
Many brands of convection microwaves do not have the option of broiling, but Panasonic does not limit you.
With its Flash Xpress Broiler function, you can cook food as you would under a grill.
This function uses the microwave’s infrared grilling element to cook your food to perfection.
Healthy Air Fryer
This microwave oven has an air frying option. It comes with an air fryer basket, enamel tray, and wire rack to allow you to fry with ease.
This is a healthier option compared to deep frying. It does not require any preheating and makes your food crispy and tasty.
This is a healthier option compared to deep frying. It does not require any preheating and makes your food crispy and tasty.
Cleaning
The stainless steel interior of this Panasonic Convection Microwave already makes it easier to clean that a regular microwave. But, this model also comes with an auto "Steam Clean" feature that makes cleaning a breeze.
No more baked on cooking splatters to chisel off! They wipe off easily and the stainless steel is particularly durable.
The glass turntable can be removed and hand washed to keep it clean and sanitized.
Generally speaking, the air fryer basket, enamel tray, and wire rack can all be safely removed to be washed thoroughly after use. That said, if you place foil at the bottom of your fryer assembly, it will make cleaning easier (see below). It will cut down on having to scrub off excess juices or crumbs that have baked onto the enamel pan.
There are no hard to reach areas so you should have no issues with cleaning this model.
Juicy steak cooked using air fryer function and assistance of Drop App recipes. The addition of some foil helps with cleaning up afterwards.
Ease of Use
The microwave is fairly simple to use and does not have any difficult features. Everything is clearly outlined and only requires the push of a few buttons.
All of the different cooking features are displayed on the right-hand side of the microwave and they can be selected by pressing the button below them.
There is a dial to use to change and set the cooking time. The cooking can also be paused, stopped, and resumed when needed.
The timer is displayed on the small LED screen on the top right-hand corner of the appliance.
Built-in look
If you want to save countertop space and prefer to have your microwave built into your kitchen cabinets, you can purchase an optional trim kit.
This kit will blend your microwave into the cabinets to create a sleek finish with no gaps.
As this is an optional extra, it will need to be purchased at an additional cost. The kit is also stainless steel and will blend in seamlessly with the outside of the microwave.
Safety lock
What is great about the NN-CD87KS is that it has child lock safety features.
These features will lock your microwave when it is in use to help prevent children from opening it and injuring themselves.
Noise Levels
If you prefer for your microwave to be quiet and not beep, you can turn these noises off.
This is great if you do not want the microwave to disturb you while it is cooking or if you have young children.
Custom Recipes
When you purchase the Panasonic NN-CD87KS Convection Microwave, you are given access to an app called Drop.
Drop is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. It provides you with a wide range of different recipes you can cook in your microwave.
It includes easy recipes that are quick to create. This is a fantastic addition.
Other Cooking Features
In addition to the four different cooking functions we have listed above, there are other settings you can choose to use with this microwave.
There are 20 auto pre-set menus included. This is great because you do not need to worry about finding the cooking times for certain foods as they have already been inputted into the microwave.
The microwave has a one-touch sensor reheat and a quick 30-second heating option. As you can see, you are not limited in any way by what this microwave is capable of.
List Of Pros And Cons:We have provided you with a useful list of the Panasonic NN-CD87KS Convection Microwave’s pros and cons.
Pros:
- 4 cooking options: inverter microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven
- Sleek and appealing design
- Good value for the money
- Air fryer basket, enamel tray, and wire rack included
- Turntable is removable
- Easy to clean
- Made from durable stainless steel
- Easy to use
- Safety lock feature
- Low noise levels with the option to turn off any beeping
- Access to custom recipes via the Drop app
- 20 Auto pre-set menus
- Quick 30-second heating
- One-touch sensor reheating
Cons:
- Not the cheapest convection microwave available
- The Trim kit has to be purchased separately at an additional cost
Summary And Where To Purchase
Overall, we think that the Panasonic NN-CD87KS Convection Microwave is a good investment.
This is a multipurpose appliance that Panasonic bills as a "Home Chef" with 4-in-1 capabilities. This is a great unit for busy families that can accommodate a wide range of cooking styles and skill levels.
Although it may be slightly more expensive when compared to other convection microwave brands, you are paying for great quality and multiple cooking options.
The “4-in-1” label derives from its four basic modes: microwave, bake, broil and airfry. But, unlike many multipurpose units, this model has the additional benefit of allowing you to combine different modes. These additional combo modes will help you create fast, healthy and tasty meals that your entire family will enjoy.
We must also highlight these two key features for families. A child lock and a“silent”mode that mutes all beeping.
Plus, families that like to take advantage of meal prep and leftovers will love the 1-touch sensor reheat function. You literally put your dish in the oven, hit the button and let the machine figure everything else out. It uses steam from the warming food to adjust the required heating time.
This generally results in even heating without hot or cold spots. But, you also have the option to plus or minus the cooking time to adjust for personal preference.
This microwave contains everything you could need. It is a fantastic kitchen addition. As you can microwave, oven, broil, and air fry using this microwave, it means that you do not have to buy all of these appliances separately.
It is an appliance that is easy to operate and has simple buttons. It is not complicated and it comes with an air fryer basket, enamel tray, and wire rack. This will save you money as you will not need to purchase them separately.
It is great that you have the option to integrate this microwave into your kitchen cabinets as this will save you even more counter space. Although this will need to be purchased separately at an additional cost.
Overall, we would recommend this model of microwave. It is sleek, modern and will fit in with most kitchen designs.
It is made of good quality materials and is easy to clean. Panasonic is a brand that is reliable and produces good quality appliances.
If you are interested in this model of convection microwave, it is available to purchase via Amazon US here. You can also browse and purchase the additional microwave trim here.
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