The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 (NN-CD87KS) meets
the Panasonic NN-SN686S
Four appliances in one box, all powered by inverter tech that actually works. We tested it head-to-head against the Panasonic NN-SN686S ($205) across 5 key dimensions.
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 (NN-CD87KS)
“Four appliances in one box, all powered by inverter tech that actually works”
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Strengths & Weaknesses
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 (NN-CD87KS)
- Replaces four separate appliances, microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler (Kitchen Hacks, Things We Buy)
- Panasonic inverter technology heats food evenly from edge to center without cold spots (Top 5 Review Kitchens, Tech Picked)
- Convection baking at 425°F produces cookies and roasted chicken rivaling a full-sized oven (Kitchen Hacks, Things We Buy)
- 20 presets and combination modes demand real manual-reading time before you can use it properly (Top 5 Review Kitchens, Kitchen Hacks)
- Air fry basket, enamel tray, wire rack, and glass turntable all need storage space somewhere in your kitchen (TrustRanker)
- Cooling fan keeps running after cooking finishes and it's loud enough to notice (Top 5 Review Kitchens)
Panasonic NN-SN686S
- Same inverter technology found in $500+ Panasonic models delivers smooth, continuous heat for under $210 (Top 5 Review Kitchens)
- Genius Sensor reads steam from food and auto-adjusts cooking time, no manual babysitting needed (Top 5 Review Kitchens)
- 1200W power handles everything from defrosting meat to cooking potatoes without frozen middles or rubbery edges (Top 5 Review Kitchens)
- Touchpad feels unresponsive compared to modern dial-based interfaces, you sometimes have to press harder than expected (Top 5 Review Kitchens)
- Zero multi-function capability, if you want air frying or convection, look at the Home Chef 4-in-1 instead
- Sensor cooking gets confused when food is covered with a plate or wrap (Top 5 Review Kitchens)
The Verdict
Our Bottom Line
The Panasonic Home Chef 4-in-1 won because it does something no other microwave in this price range can: it replaces four separate countertop appliances. Kitchen Hacks, Things We Buy, and TrustRanker all reached the same conclusion independently. The air fryer function crisps frozen tater tots in 20 minutes without preheating (Things We Buy tested this directly). The convection oven hits 425°F and bakes cookies that came out "perfectly crunchy outside, moist inside" per Things We Buy. The FlashXpress broiler browns food in 3 minutes flat.
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 (NN-CD87KS)
The Panasonic Home Chef 4-in-1 won because it does something no other microwave in this price range can: it replaces four separate countertop appliances. Kitchen Hacks, Things We Buy, and TrustRanker all reached the same conclusion independently. The air fryer function crisps frozen tater tots in 20 minutes without preheating (Things We Buy tested this directly). The convection oven hits 425°F and bakes cookies that came out "perfectly crunchy outside, moist inside" per Things We Buy. The FlashXpress broiler browns food in 3 minutes flat.
- Home cooks who want to consolidate their microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler into one machine
- People with enough counter space for a full-sized unit but who want to eliminate 3 other small appliances
- Anyone who regularly bakes, roasts, or air fries and wants microwave-level convenience for those tasks
- Tech-comfortable buyers willing to spend 30 minutes learning the manual to unlock all 20 presets
- Households that cook varied meals and want one appliance that handles reheating through roasting
Panasonic NN-SN686S
The Panasonic NN-SN686S packs the same inverter technology found in Panasonic's $500 models into a $205 box. Top 5 Review Kitchens crowned it the best value for most people, and the reasoning is straightforward: 1200W of continuous, smooth power that thaws meat and reheats pasta without the frozen middles or rubbery edges you get from cycling-type microwaves.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want premium inverter technology without paying $400+
- Anyone whose microwave use is 90% reheating leftovers and defrosting meat
- Apartment dwellers or small-kitchen households who need reliable performance in a compact footprint
- People who already own a separate air fryer or toaster oven and just need a great microwave
- First-time buyers who want something proven, simple, and backed by Panasonic's track record