Panasonic NN-CD87KSBPQ Combination Microwave Oven, 34 Litres, Turntable, 1000W, Inverter, One Push Reheat, Genius Sensor, Junior Menu, LED Interior bulb, Stainless steel, Good Housekeeping Approved

+ Superb and highly recommended. – Not inexpensive and further expense to add an extended warranty. (It was annoying to wade through the Panasonic online offer of an extended warranty only to be told, on the final page, that the offer was no longer available).Build quality appears to be excellent and it looks very smart. Large screen extremely informative and highlighted control knob when needed is a work of genius. It’s highly intuitive (particularly when moving on from 10 years from a different mfr,) and we have found it to be extremely easy to operate. Whoever designed the menu and control system deserves a very large annual bonus. Quite a number of well thought out and useful additional cooking features which are new to us. Temperature settings appear accurate and max oven temp is 220. We have tried several of the meals featured in the enclosed operation manual which have been excellent. Without confirming actual stats noise levels appear to be on par with other mfr. models. Overall it feels like driving a luxury car, everything is smooth and well thought out. Be aware – it’s a big item.This review is based on comparison with other mfr. offerings. At home we have a large range cooker. Unfortunately, powering up the oven to say 200 takes around 25 minutes and I’m always wary that we might get the cost of repairing the local electricity substation thrown at us… As we mainly cook for only 2 we took the decision some years ago to invest in a large capacity Combi Microwave in order to save energy costs. I’m surprised that there are relatively few models which offer large volume and turntable. I do think the mfrs. are missing an increasingly viable opportunity here.We have had 3 Samsung 32L Combi Microwave, each with a 3yr. warranty, over around the last 10 years. All have required at least 1 visit for repair or replacement under warranty. 2 of the models had what I would call a “rubbery” main control knob on delivery, which we did not bother to claim as an issue under warranty, where twisting it didn’t easily result in an associated menu adjustment. Shortly before acquiring the Panasonic we purchased a large volume Sharp Combi – model not available via Amazon. I would say that in our opinion the build quality was not close to the same level as the Panasonic. The item was damaged in transit and was returned.(I would mention that the manufacturers packaging was very poor which didn’t help, which I had also seen commented in reviews from customers with a similar issue, but chose to ignore.).

Our old Panasonic oven convection function stoped working it was 10 years old and as we used to use it as our main oven, it had seen a lot of use, it was large enough for most of cooking needs, so when looking for a new one Panasonic was high on our list, the new has an updated interface, the dial is great for adjusting timings much quicker then pressing buttons and if go past the time, you can just dial back, the tray area is large so homemade pizzas work well in it, the microwave seems to work fine, one thing I do like is it keeps you informed of the temperature so letting you know approx time for start of cooking.Overall quite expensive but very well made and well thought out design

The good:- Enormous inside without being much bigger on the outside than models with less capacity;- very logical, simple controls, with a "hand holding" mode (which can be switched off);- feels well-made (though still a bit tinny, like all microwaves);- oven heats up pretty fast (I timed 7 mins to 180c) and the temperature, measured with an oven thermometer, is accurate;- pretty quiet (then again, our old micro sounded like a helicopter, so YMMV);- microwave itself is excellent.The "meh":- "Genius" function is a bit gimmicky, though it works well enough if you're into ready meals;- Unimpressed with the grill so far - took 4 mins to toast a slice of bread on one side. Probably good for bacon, etc, but haven't tried yet.The weird:- As others have noted, the oven uses the same heating element as the grill. And then Panasonic tell you to use the stand (which has long legs). I baked some frozen croissants (at 180c) in the recommended fashion and the result was burned croissants. The solution is simple: use a stand with short legs, so the food isn't close to the heating element. The stand from our old micro has two sets of legs (see pic) but the Panasonic one doesn't. I find it genuinely weird that they haven't thought this through. They could have given the oven a separate heating element or (at the very least) supplied a double-height stand.In conclusion, I'm very happy with this machine, apart from its one foible, and that can be worked around.

Bought this oven in June last year and is now our main cooking appliance.I haven't a clue how to roast a joint of beef but with the auto program you just bung it in the oven select rare, medium, or well done. Enter the weight and press go.For some foodstuffs the auto sensor function means you don't even have to weigh it !I can cook foods that I wouldn't even attempt to cook without it.My wife, who is an excellent cook, loves the speed. 45 mins for a whole chicken. Means you can change your mind at the last minute, or knock something decent up almost at "the drop of a hat".For those who know how to cook it serves as a conventional fan convection oven, microwave oven, or grill whichever you need..Unfortunately ours has just failed after 9 months approx. The microwave unit self destructed.I contacted Amazon who offered me a replacement or refund as it was still under warranty.As I have used Panasonic eqpuioment for 40 years, from electgric organs, through cameras and HiFi to breadmakers and none has ever failed so I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it was a "rogue unit" or just bad luck, and opted for a replacement.The Oven was cellected next working day and it's replacement was delivered the day after, so 5 stars for Amazons after sales support, and I still stand by the 5 stars for the oven, unless subsequent events prove my faith in panasonic's quality to be misplaced after all these years!