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#2 in Best Microwaves in the UK for 2026
Best combination microwaveWATTB88/100£££

Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQ

Our verdict · A genuine three-in-one that microwaves, grills and bakes — the closest thing to a second oven on your worktop.

Buy it if

You want one appliance to stand in for a small oven and will actually use the grilling and baking, not just reheat.

Skip it if

You only ever reheat and defrost — you would pay a big premium for convection you won't use.

Where to get it

Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQ

WATTB Score

88/ 100

Our research-based editorial assessment.

How we score →

From £225 (indicative, typically £225–£249)

Indicative price at the time of review.

Compare prices

Opens a live price comparison and retailer search for current prices and availability.

The NN-CT56JBBPQ ranks second because it does something no solo model can: Panasonic specifies a 1000W microwave, a 1300W quartz grill and a convection oven reaching 220°C in one 27-litre unit, so it can defrost, reheat, grill and bake or roast. That versatility, backed by 29 auto programmes, is why it sits above the cheaper solo models for anyone short on oven space. The trade-offs are real, though — at an indicative £225 to £249 it is the most expensive pick here, it is a larger unit, and combination cooking has more of a learning curve than a plain solo. Choose it only if you will genuinely use the grill and convection; if not, the solo picks give you the everyday functions for far less.

The good & the bad

Pros

  • Three appliances in one: 1000W microwave, 1300W quartz grill and convection oven to 220°C
  • Large 27-litre capacity with 29 auto programmes
  • Can bake, roast and crisp — useful as a second oven in a small kitchen

Cons

  • Most expensive model here and a larger footprint
  • Combination cooking is more complex than a simple solo microwave

How it compares

PickWATTB ScorePriceBest for
1.Panasonic NN-SD27HSBPQ90/100From £149 (indicative, typically £149–£170)overall
2.Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQThis pick88/100From £225 (indicative, typically £225–£249)combination microwave
3.Samsung MS23K3513AK84/100From £99 (indicative)value all-rounder
4.Panasonic NN-E28JBMBPQ81/100From £90 (indicative, typically £90–£100 RRP)compact for small kitchens
5.Russell Hobbs RHM2076B79/100From £70 (indicative)budget
Swipe to compare

Key facts

Best for
combination microwave
Typical cost
From £225 (indicative, typically £225–£249)
Type
Combination (microwave + grill + convection)
Capacity
27 litres
Microwave power
1000W
Grill / convection
1300W grill, convection to 220°C
Programmes
29 auto programmes

Researched by WATTB

Published
14 September 2026
Updated
14 September 2026
Last verified
14 September 2026
Sources
6 sources

We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →

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