Tech Review: From Frozen Chips to Full Roasts. This Panasonic CD88 Microwave Does It All

Let me paint you a scene. It’s 1995 and the internet has just been invented. CD Roms were replacing Floppy Discs when My dad, brimming with pride and practicality, unveils a shiny new Panasonic microwave for my mum on Mother’s Day. It wasn’t just a microwave. It was arguably the first ever robot microwave with in-built recipe prompts and step by step cooking instructions on its digital display. It felt like we’d fast-forwarded into the Jetsons era. 

Then and now it’s abundantly clear that Panasonic knows how to do microwaves.

Fast forward 30 years, and Microwave tech has come a long way, but none have changed the game as much as the new Panasonic NN-CD88 Combi Air Fry Convection Microwave —a sleek, powerful, and slightly magical microwave and air fryer combo that’s bringing back that same sense of tech wonder. And just in time for Mother’s Day, no less.

Meet the CD88: A Benchspace Game Changer

Let’s start with what every busy cook in 2025 craves: space and efficiency. The CD88’s generous 360mm turntable means no more air frying in sad little batches. Frozen chips? One round. A dozen sausage rolls? Done. This combo replaces your standalone air fryer and microwave in one sleek unit, saving precious countertop real estate and making cleanup easier than ever.

It doesn’t get greasy like my old air fryer, and it cooks more evenly, too. The secret lies in the Inverter Technology—which maintains power consistently for faster, more controlled heating—and Cyclonic Wave Technology, which evenly distributes heat to prevent hot spots. Translation? Crispier chips. Juicier roasts. Faster everything.

Wait, You Can Roast in a Microwave?

Yes. Yes, you can. At least in this microwave.

In under an hour, you can cook a full roast with crispy skin and juicy insides—no oven preheat required and around half the time of a traditional oven. One might argue you don’t even need an oven! The convection + grill combo works like a dream, making the CD88 a true multi-tasker for midweek meals and big family feasts.

It’s also got 36 auto programs (hello, baked potatoes and frozen pizza settings), sensor cooking, and a child lock. Reheating hot cross buns, crispy fries and perfect pork crackling no longer have to be a compromise between speed and sogginess.

The Gift of Time (and Taste)

Now, I know giving a kitchen appliance for Mother’s Day can seem, well, a little practical. But hear me out. That microwave my dad gave my mum? She used it to save time every day. For years. No bouquet or day spa voucher ever came close to matching that ROI.

So this year, I’m all for normalising gifts that make life easier. Because what says “I love you” more than freeing up time, space, and mental load in the kitchen?

Final Verdict: A Tech-Savvy Essential

If you’re in the market for a new microwave—or just want to consolidate your bench appliances without compromising on performance—the Panasonic CD88 is a tech-savvy, time-saving, taste-enhancing game changer. It does everything your current microwave does (only better) and everything your air fryer wishes it could.

And in case you’re wondering? Yep, I already packed up my standalone air fryer. The Panasonic CD88 Microwave Air Fryer Combo just replaced it. Entirely.

Quick Specs:

• Functions: Microwave, Air Fry, Grill, Convection Bake
  
• Turntable Size: 360mm (larger than most in its class)
  
• Power: 1000W Microwave, 1300W Grill, 1450W Convection
  
• Pre-programmed settings: 36
  
• Finish: Stainless steel
  

Dimensions: 529mm x 395mm x 494mm.