The Panasonic NN-CF87LBBPQ is a 31-litre freestanding combination microwave designed to act as a true mini-oven as well as a powerful microwave. With convection cooking up to 230°C, a built-in grill and a flatbed cavity instead of a turntable, it is aimed at households that want more than basic reheating.
Panasonic has a strong reputation in microwaves, and this model clearly sits at the premium end of the market, reflected in its higher price. In return, you get a generous capacity, plenty of automatic programmes and clever technology like inverter cooking and sensor control.
Backed by an excellent 4.7 out of 5 rating from well over 900 owner reviews, it is a well-proven choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a standard microwave to something that can genuinely handle day-to-day cooking and baking.
The NN-CF87LBBPQ is ideal for medium-sized households that cook regularly but do not always want to power up a full-size oven. Its 31-litre capacity and flatbed design make it a strong fit for couples and families who need space for larger dishes like casseroles, roasting trays and family-sized lasagne.
It suits buyers looking for a premium, feature-rich appliance rather than a budget microwave. If you are upgrading from a basic solo model and want something that can roast, bake and grill as well as reheat, this fits the bill. The wide convection temperature range (30–230°C) and dual-level cooking make it particularly appealing if you are short on oven space.
Busy households will appreciate the 32 automatic programmes and Genius Sensor Technology, which take the guesswork out of cooking. It is especially handy for those who want reliable results without fiddling endlessly with time and power settings.
Families with children are also well catered for. The Junior Menu offers pre-programmed options for healthier kids’ meals and snacks, while the control panel lock helps prevent accidental changes when little hands are nearby.
The 31-litre capacity combined with a flatbed interior is a real highlight. Without a turntable getting in the way, you can use almost the full 41 x 32 cm internal footprint, so rectangular dishes and larger trays fit far more easily than in a typical microwave.
Dual-level cooking is another strong point. The supplied shelf lets you cook on two levels at once, which is great for batch cooking, heating a main and side together, or making better use of the convection oven function when entertaining.
With 1000W of microwave power and 1300W grill power, plus a convection oven up to 230°C, it has the muscle to brown, crisp and bake properly, not just warm things through. Inverter Technology helps deliver more even cooking at lower power levels, reducing hot and cold spots.
The breadth of convenience features stands out: 32 automatic programmes, Genius Sensor Technology to adjust time and power automatically, a proper timer, interior light and clear LED display. The dedicated Junior Menu adds family-friendly value, simplifying healthier snacks and meals for children.
Owners rate it very highly, with a 4.7/5 score from hundreds of reviews, which strongly suggests reliable performance and day-to-day satisfaction.
The main drawback is price. This is a premium model, and there are cheaper combination microwaves available if you only need basic cooking and reheating. You are paying extra for the flatbed design, dual-level cooking and sensor technology.
Physically, it is not a small appliance. At around 39 cm high and 50 cm wide, it will dominate a compact worktop, so it is less suited to very tight kitchens or bedsits.
The bottom-hinged door can be slightly less convenient if you plan to position it high up, as you need to reach over the door to access the cavity. Side-hinged doors are sometimes easier in cramped setups.
Finally, the 1-year manufacturer warranty is fairly standard but not generous for a product at this price point. A longer warranty would give more peace of mind for such an important everyday appliance.
Day to day, the NN-CF87LBBPQ is designed to feel more like a compact oven than a basic microwave. The drop-down door and wide 41 cm interior opening make it straightforward to slide in baking trays and larger dishes, and the stainless steel cavity feels robust and easy to wipe down.
The touch controls and LED display provide a modern, clean look. With 32 programmes and 7 power levels, there is plenty of flexibility, though the number of options does mean there is a short learning curve. Once you have a few favourites memorised, it becomes quick and intuitive to use.
Flatbed design simplifies loading and cleaning – there is no turntable to remove or align, and spills tend to be easier to wipe from a flat surface. The interior light makes it simple to keep an eye on food as it cooks, and Genius Sensor Technology reduces the amount of guesswork, particularly for reheating leftovers and common dishes.
The dual-level shelf is particularly handy when batch cooking or heating multiple portions. It effectively doubles the usable space, especially when using the convection and grill functions together. A built-in control panel lock gives peace of mind in family homes, preventing accidental programme changes or starts.
As a microwave, the 1000W power and Panasonic’s Inverter Technology deliver fast and more even heating than many standard models. Instead of simply pulsing on and off at lower power levels, the inverter provides a steadier output, which helps avoid overcooked edges and cold centres when defrosting or gently heating.
The convection oven function is a major selling point. With a 30–230°C temperature range, it can handle everything from gentle warming to proper roasting and baking. Combined with the 31-litre capacity and flatbed cavity, it is perfectly capable of cooking full meals, not just side dishes. The grill, rated at 1300W, adds browning and crisping on top, which is ideal for gratins, pizzas and finishing off bakes.
Automatic programmes are extensive, with 32 options covering common foods and cooking modes. Genius Sensor Technology monitors steam to adjust time and power automatically, reducing the risk of dried-out leftovers or undercooked dishes. For families, the Junior Menu offers curated settings for kids’ meals and snacks, encouraging quicker, healthier options without manual trial and error.
Dual Level Cooking makes the most of the interior space, letting you cook on two shelves at once. This is particularly useful if you are replacing or supplementing a main oven, as you can cook multiple dishes simultaneously. The stainless steel interior also helps with heat distribution and durability, while being reasonably easy to keep clean.
Safety and practicality are covered with features like the control panel lock, interior light and clear LED display. Plug-and-play installation (standard 13-amp plug, 1450W electrical connection) means you can simply place it on a worktop and get going without any special wiring.
This Panasonic sits firmly in the premium bracket for freestanding combination microwaves. It costs more than many basic models, but the specification and flexibility go significantly further than a standard microwave-grill combo.
You are effectively paying for three appliances in one: a powerful 1000W microwave, a 1300W grill and a capable convection oven up to 230°C, all within a flatbed cavity that is easier to use with larger dishes. Add in inverter cooking, sensor technology, extensive auto programmes and dual-level cooking, and the feature set is richer than entry-level and mid-range alternatives.
The strong 4.7/5 user rating from a very large number of reviews suggests that most owners feel it delivers on its promises, which supports the case for its higher price. If you will use the combi and oven features regularly and perhaps rely on it as a secondary or main oven, it represents good value. If you only need something to reheat and defrost, a cheaper model will make more financial sense.
The Panasonic NN-CF87LBBPQ is a highly capable, well-thought-out combination microwave that can credibly stand in for a small oven. Its flatbed 31-litre cavity, dual-level shelf and powerful convection and grill functions set it apart from more basic rivals, while inverter and sensor technologies help deliver consistently good results with minimal fuss.
It is best suited to households that will genuinely make use of its combi features: regular home cooks, busy families and anyone short on conventional oven space. If that sounds like you, the higher price is justified by the flexibility and convenience on offer.
If you are on a tight budget or only need straightforward reheating, the cost and physical size may be more than you need. For everyone else looking to upgrade to a premium, do-it-all microwave oven, this Panasonic is a strong, well-proven choice.
