Review - Panasonic Steam Combination Microwave

Having been asked to review a Panasonic Combination Steam Microwave Oven, it's fair to say I'm excited!

Oh yes, this is one very stylish, family-sized microwave oven with Microwave, Convection, Grill and Steam functions.

I've used this oven many times over Christmas and New Year, more than any other combination oven I've ever had; I truly love it.

I found it fantastic for entertaining as it means I effectively have the space of two ovens when used along with my main oven.

What does Flatbed mean in a Microwave?

Flatbed means there's no turntable and in my opinion, this is far better than the usual turntable as the large flatbed gives you a much larger cooking space.

It also means you can cook two dishes at the same time since there are 3 shelf positions, plus you can use the base of the oven too.

There's none of the usual bother when you want to use your own dishes and find they are too large to turn around on the turntable since it doesn't have one! 

Although it is a little taller by about 5cm than my previous microwave oven, it is actually 5cm less in width, so all is fine. Full-size details can be found at the bottom of this review.

Cooking functions

Choose from a variety of cooking functions to ensure the best result for your meal. The turbo steam options enable you to create healthy, fat-free dishes that retain vitamins within the food.

The convection function can be heated up to 240 degrees centigrade and circulates hot air around the oven to bake and roast your meal.

This oven has a 1300 watt quartz grill; a quartz grill means it heats up fast (in just a matter of seconds) and the 1000 watt microwave re-heats items thoroughly from the inside.

You can even combine the grill and microwave functions to speed up the cooking time.

Easy to Use

I must say, I've never before had such an easy-to-use combination microwave than this one. 

The instructions are really clear, and the microwave has a large blue LED light display with word prompting to assist you in the cooking process.

You can turn this feature off when you get familiar with the oven. The instruction book is the best I've ever seen with what I call 'proper' instructions.

Recipes

The book also has at a quick count 46 pages of recipes, which again are clear and easy to follow.

It covers Soups and Starters, Fish, Meat and Poultry, Vegetable and Vegetarian, Pasta and Rice, Cheese and Egg Dishes, Sauces, Pastry and Desserts and Cakes and Cookies, Bread and Preserves.

Programming

You can swipe to change numbers or tap minus or plus for precise control, or just press longer for sequential number changing.

A word prompt display scrolls instructions across the screen, displaying the programme you have selected and informing you of the next step that’s needed; so you really can't go wrong.

Easy to clean

It is also simple to clean and has a catalytic self-cleaning and fluoric coating on the walls and roof of the cavity, making it much easier to wipe away grease and grime.

Accessories and Dimensions

Glass dish, steaming trivet, wire shelf, enamel shelf, drip tray.

Size (W x H x D)
Outside Dimensions
494 x 390 x 438 mm

Oven Cavity Dimensions are 410 x 250 x 320 mm

Since I'm aware this review is getting a bit on the long side as there's so much to go on about, I will be doing a series of posts with the recipes I've made in this Panasonic Steam Combination Microwave oven.

The steam function intrigues me, and I'm so excited to give it a go!

At the time of writing having only had this oven a couple of weeks as far as the steam function goes I've only used the Auto Steam Program with Turbo Cook to steam some carrots.

They turned out great, but I did find they needed 2 minutes more than the pre-programmed time for 200g, so I'll be giving that another go and report back.

In any case, two minutes more is no big deal and who knows, perhaps I cut them too thickly.

I also can't wait to steam some fish, and I have a recipe in mind that will follow shortly.

The steam function works by filling up a small water tank that lives underneath the door part; it just slides in and out to fill or empty. Then you simply select a steam program to suit the food you want to steam.

You can add a Steam Shot to add a shot of steam to your cooking when using Microwave, Grill, Convection, Grill + Convection, and Microwave + Grill + Convection.

You can also add a Steam Shot, either 1 minute or 2 or 3 minutes. Meanwhile, as far as I can see this oven is, in my opinion, a brilliant thing, and I'm loving it.

*Update as of August 2020 I'm not too sure if the Panasonic Steam Combination Microwave NN-CS894S, but there's a smaller version that you might want to check out.

Now, the price may seem a bit on the expensive side, but you have to remember this is an oven that could fully replace a conventional oven in every way and has the ability to cook with steam. 

You might like to try my Cheesy Potatoes with Peppers that I made in this oven.

Disclosure: I was sent the Panasonic Steam Combination Microwave to review and keep.

I was not paid to write this review and as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to write anything positive. Pictures of the oven were supplied by Panasonic.