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A multi-functional microwave is cheaper than employing a sous chef, so we tested two to see if they could handle cooking Christmas dinner

Panasonic 4-in-1 NN-CS89LB What’s the story?

A drop-down door design in glossy black with three shelves makes the Panasonic appear closer to a traditional oven than a nuke-it microwave. But it’s packing radio waves, alongside convection cooking (basically a regular oven but faster), a grill and a steam option, courtesy of a removable 800ml water tank.

Panasonic’s roast boast is a 40% faster cooking time than most rivals thanks to its Inverter tech, which uses up to three heat modes simultaneously – so you can crisp a lasagna after cooking from frozen. Being able to cook on multiple levels means you can fit more in, and there are 36 presets.

Is it any good?

While the control panel is nowhere near as intuitive as the Sage’s, this multi-function powerhouse roasted a medium-sized chicken in 35 minutes and smashed out crispy roast potatoes and honey-covered veg in just 23. It was also able to steam our Christmas pudding to perfection.

Having the extra shelf capacity meant we could cook more than one dish at once, and the manual was easy to follow. Once we knew that preset 17 meant roast potatoes, we naturally added them to a fry-up the next day too. Bonus.

Price

£470 / stuff.tv/cs89lb

● 1000W microwave, grill, steam, convection (max 230°C) ● 31-litre capacity ● 50x48x39cm, 21.5kg

Sage Combi Wave 3 in 1 What’s the story?

This chunk of shiny metal is a microwave, convection oven and air fryer, meaning you can’t play next-gen games on it but you can bash out ‘healthy’ chips and chicken wings in the air fryer, reheat your leftovers in the microwave, and cook a perfect pizza all in the same device.

Like the Panasonic it has combination modes to help you cook more effectively, so a frozen salmon steak (or Findus Crispy Pancakes) can be cooked straight from the freezer, plus you can expertly melt butter and chocolate, cook popcorn and basically do a bucketload of culinary tasks with consummate ease.

Is it any good?

If it weren’t for the Panasonic’s insane speeds we’d be hugely impressed by the Combi’s ability to cook a bird in one hour, and by how easily you can adjust its considerable power. Roasties in air fryer mode came out deep and crisp and even, and sprouts with butter and bacon tasted better than they should have.

We appreciated its oomph for everyday tasks, although knowing how long to cook stuff isn’t obvious – and batch cooking for lots of people is tricky as you have to wait for it to cool before starting a cycle again.

Price

£400 / stuff.tv/combiwave

● 1100W microwave, air fryer, convection (max 230°C) ● 32-litre capacity

● 52x51x32cm, 20kg