Panasonic's new microwave is the ultimate home-cooking companion – I'm completely obsessed

All-in-one kitchen appliances are getting more popular by the day, and it’s easy to see why. When one gadget can handle multiple tasks, there’s no need to clutter your kitchen with extra devices – it just makes a lot of sense.

We've seen plenty of launches with this in mind lately, from the Thermomix TM7 to Panasonic's new HomeCHEF Connect 4-in-1 Multi-Oven. In fact, Panasonic is arguably one of the biggest names in multi-function appliances, but it's the brand's new microwave that's really caught my eye.

The innovative Panasonic NN-CD88 combines four popular cooking methods in one – microwave, oven, grill and air fryer – and the results are seriously impressive. As someone who values convenience above all when it comes to kitchen tech, I couldn’t wait to put it to the test and see it it deserves a place among the best microwaves.

Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88 review: price and availability

The Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88 has an RRP of £379.99 (around $450) which is quite reasonable for an all-in-one appliance. It can be purchased from Panasonic's online store, or a few selected retailers, including Amazon.

If you come across a similar model at a significantly lower price, be sure to double-check the product code. Panasonic often releases multiple versions of the same product with slight variations, so ensuring you have the correct code will help you avoid purchasing the wrong model.

Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88 review: design and features

The Panasonic NN-CD88 stands out from standard microwaves thanks to its impressive range of features and functions. In addition to the standard microwave mode, it offers an air fryer, grill and convection oven setting, which essentially covers what you need to create delicious meals with ease.

The inclusion of Panasonic's Inverter Technology is another notable feature, adding even more functionality. This technology precisely controls microwave power to ensure even defrosting, reheating, cooking and melting. For example, you can defrost meat without accidentally cooking the edges or melt chocolate to a smooth consistency without burning it. So, if you've been concerned that this model lacks a dedicated defroster function, rest assured you're covered.

Another major advantage is the ability to use convection or grill functions simultaneously with the microwave. The five combination cooking options blend baking, grilling, and microwaving to save time in the kitchen. This method uses two heat sources at once to cook food thoroughly and quickly, eliminating the need for preheating.

One of my favourite features of the NN-CD88, and Panasonic's range in general, is the Genius Sensor. This intelligent system measures the moisture levels in food and adjusts cooking, defrosting or reheating times to ensure optimal results. Whilst this may seem like a small detail, it prevents overly dry meals and helps preserve food's nutritional value.

A standout benefit of the Genius Sensor is its simplicity. If you're using the standard microwave function, you can simply place your food inside and press start – no need to manually set the time or power level. The sensor takes the guesswork out of reheating, making it incredibly convenient.

The NN-CD88 also includes 30 Auto Programmes, ranging from melting chocolate to cooking whole chickens. The dedicated Junior Menu is also ideal for families, offering options to prepare healthy vegetable and fruit purées, or heat chilled or frozen bread products.

For attachments, the microwave comes with three main components to support its various cooking functions, including an air fry basket, wire rack and an enamel tray. Inside, there's a spacious 36cm turntable, which is more than enough room for larger dishes.

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Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88 review: performance

I've really enjoyed reviewing the Panasonic NN-CD88, and I can confidently say it has replaced my oven. No joke – I haven't used my oven at all since I got this microwave. It’s also proven to be a fantastic alternative to my air fryer, and whilst I’m not quite ready to part with that one just yet, the NN-CD88’s air fry setting has been an impressive surprise.

There are only three temperature options with the air fry mode – 180°C, 200°C and 220°C – but these are the only ones I use on my regular air fryer, so it wasn’t a big deal. The basket was also super helpful, preventing any extra grease from settling on the bottom and leaving food perfectly crispy without being soggy.

My favourite thing I made was sweet potato fries, and after 25 minutes on 200°C, they came out absolutely perfect. The NN-CD88 is obviously a bit louder than an air fryer, but the extra space it offers is amazing, especially when air frying larger cuts of meat. A whole chicken can sometimes feel cramped in my air fryer, so using the microwave for that was a real lifesaver. The air fryer basket fits neatly into the enamel tray, so all the juices drop down without greasing up the microwave, and both are dishwasher-safe, which is another huge plus.

The convection function was hands-down the best oven replacement for me. It’s perfect for baking and roasting at up to 220°C, but it does take a little while to warm up, so you’ll need to add about five extra minutes to your usual cooking time. I’ll admit, I didn’t try much baking – I’m hopeless at it, even with a regular oven – but it worked wonders for roasting veggies. The air fryer setting is definitely better for crisping things up without the extra grease, but the convection setting mimics the actions of a traditional oven, circulating hot air for even, quicker cooking.

I also loved using the grill function, and it was perfect for toasting and browning. It was great for grilling bacon, and it cooked them up much faster than a regular grill. I even combined grilling with microwave technology to speed things up even more.

However, my absolute favourite feature has to be the Genius Sensor. It’s amazing to just pop your food in on the microwave setting, especially if you're reheating leftovers or making popcorn, and the microwave knows exactly how long to heat it for. It’s such a time-saver and kept me from digging through the back of packets to find the right timing.

Having the 30 different auto programs conveniently located just behind the door was also fantastic, making it even easier to know how to cook certain foods. The variety is impressive and will be a godsend for anyone who's always in a rush – like me.

As for the size, Panasonic’s claim about the slimline design cutting down on space is true, but it’s still pretty big. You'll be fine if you're thinking of ditching your air fryer or multi-cooker, but it’s still large compared to a typical microwave, so just make sure it’ll fit in your space before you buy.

One other thing to note is that it continues whirring for about 3-5 minutes after you're done using it. It’s a little noisy, but if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll be fine.

Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88 review: verdict

The Panasonic NN-CD88 is an impressive all-in-one appliance that effectively replaces both an oven and an air fryer. Its air fry setting delivers perfectly crispy results, whilst the convection function excels at roasting and baking. However, the real standout feature is the Genius Sensor, which takes the guesswork out of reheating and makes everyday cooking easier. It’s a little noisy post-use and its size may be a concern for smaller kitchens, but its convenience and versatility undeniably make it a fantastic all-rounder for any aspiring chef.

Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88 review: alternative to consider

If you're after something a bit more premium, I'd suggest the Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1. It works as a microwave, convection oven and air fryer, coming in at just under £400/$499.95. However, for £20/$50 less, I’d still recommend the Panasonic NN-CD88 – especially since it offers the added bonus of a grilling function.