The Panasonic NN-CD87KS is a high-end countertop microwave with a medium-sized cooking chamber. Unlike most microwaves, it has a dial and a bigger LED screen. Unusually, it has seven power settings instead of 10, but otherwise, it has plenty of controls and functions, including sensor cooking programs and a mute option. It also doubles as an air fryer and oven, but we haven't tested those functions.
Our Verdict
The Panasonic NN-CD87KS is a fast microwave. Despite its lower 1000-watt power, it heats food as quickly as the 1200-watt Breville the Smooth Wave.
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Heats food quickly.
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Mute option and sensor cooking modes.
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Fantastic visibility into cooking chamber.
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No dedicated 'Popcorn' button.
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Only seven power settings.
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Updated Nov 01, 2024:
We've added the Costco model NN-CD66NS to the Differences Between Variants section.
- Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Panasonic NN-CD87KS only comes in 'stainless steel'. You can see the label for the unit we tested here.
There's also the Panasonic NN-CD66NS at Costco (U.S.). This model is very similar, with some differences, like a dedicated 'Frozen Pizza' mode. We expect it to perform similarly for microwaving, but it may perform differently for other modes like air frying.
If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Compared To Other Microwaves
The Panasonic NN-CD87KS is a high-end inverter microwave. It has a medium-sized cooking chamber, and it's bigger overall than the Breville the Smooth Wave, which has similar controls, including a dial and a big LED screen. However, while you can mute its controls, you can't choose between different chime options, unlike the Breville. If you don't care about its more premium design or air fryer/oven functionality, you might prefer a cheaper option like the Panasonic NN-SC67NS.
If you're still looking for a microwave, check out the best microwaves and the best over-the-range microwaves.
Test Results
It has a medium-sized cooking chamber. It's wider than the Breville the Smooth Wave but not as high. The light inside makes it very easy to see into the chamber.
While most Panasonic microwaves we've tested have reshuffled versions of the same controls, this high-end model has something else to offer. Like the Breville the Smooth Wave, it forgoes the usual number pad for a dial and has a bigger screen than classic microwaves. The dial helps you avoid pressing the same button several times in a row, and the bigger screen can display more information about what program you've chosen and what power level you're using.
Otherwise, when it comes to microwaving, it doesn't offer much over other Panasonic microwaves. It has sensor cooking, reheating, and defrosting modes. You can also choose to set a 'Standing Time' or a 'Delayed Start' or use the lowest power setting to keep food warm. It has seven power settings instead of 10 and lacks a dedicated Popcorn button, although it does have a popcorn function under its 'Sensor Cook' menu.
Plus, unlike other Panasonic microwaves, it also works as an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven. There are 'combo' modes that combine the broiler and microwave functions for heating casseroles and microwave and oven functions for food like frozen French fries or chicken wings.
Microwaves all perform similarly when it comes to evenly heating food in shallow dishes. Evenness depends on what you're heating and in what amount instead of varying between models. If you're curious about why microwaves all perform similarly, check out our investigation into microwave performance here.
There are no noticeable differences between microwaves when it comes to evenly heating food in deeper dishes like bowls. Evenness depends on what you're heating up and in what container. If you want to know more about microwave performance, read about our investigation here.