"Bought to replace a 15 year old Panasonic Microwave which served us well. We were concerned that the button labels may be hard to read but found no problem here. The machine is very easy to use and is more powerful than the old one. I would point out that we use all the functions, it is not used for 'ready meals' and is a joy."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
"I wish the door opened a bit more than it does. It makes a bit awkward to get dishes in sometimes. "
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
"The main reason I bought this was that I wanted one that doesn't stick out too far into the room. This one doesn't mount the fan behind the oven, so it's a good 10-12 cm narrower than similar combination units.
Works very well on microwave and convection. - I haven't tried the grill, and I doubt that I will. It's pretty quiet and heats things very quickly. All the auto programs are pretty complicated and probably unnecessary. I tried the porridge one, and it was going to take over 8 minutes! I went back to doing it on full for 90 seconds. I just ignore them. Perhaps one of two may be worth mastering. We'll see."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
"Seeking to upgrade my 17 year old Panasonic I thought that the CT56 would be a boon. I was dead wrong.
Space saving ? The quoted size is 52 x 39 cm - the manual gives a mandatory minimum safe area for the microwave of 77 x 49 cm - an increase of 86%, that's just about double. Then the top is deemed to get very hot - on my old microwave I kept a couple of chopping boards and a couple of knives there - these have had to be relocated. Then there's the enamel tray and wire rack, the pair equate to the whole interior of the oven and space has to be found to store these when not in use.
The enamel plate and wire rack are used for roasting and grilling but are not dishwasher safe. (Personally, I don't think they're even safe to use).
My old cable was 2 m long, the new is 80 cm. I've had to buy an extension lead. The cable is black, whose kitchen decor matches a black cable?
My old manual was a full colour, glossy affair and still in fair condition after 17 years. The new one is plain paper, already tatty and dog-eared.
No wonder, it's hard work. You want to cook cabbage? You can do it in 12 minutes on page 98, but if you're in a hurry go to page 81 where it only takes 6 minutes. (Both longer times on this 1,000 W machine than on my old 800 W).
The CT56 has small feet. Push the Start or Door Open buttons and the machine slides to the back wall. (I have a normal formica work top).
One final whinge - this microwave sits above my Bosch dishwasher. The Bosch sports a beautifully legible display, the Panasonic something more appropriate to the sixties. It's painfull to my eyes.
If you're already using a grill/convection microwave then this might be a good upgrade for you. Good luck!
"
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.
"A complex battery of excellent facilities which will take time to master but promises to be fast and very useful. "
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
"A very good looking microwave which fits in very well with the rest of my appliances in my kitchen"
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.