Indesit vs Panasonic Microwaves

Indesit and Panasonic cover much of the same ground at similar prices. Indesit's MWI125GX is a 25-litre, 900W microwave grill at £199, and its IMK12BUK is a 22-litre built-in with grill at £289. Panasonic's NNSF464MBPQ is a 27-litre, 1000W solo microwave at £199, and the NN-CF87LBBPQ is a 31-litre 3-in-1 combination model at £509. Two cheaper Panasonic models, the NN-E27JWMBPQ and NN-E28JMMBPQ, are priced at £79 and £78.

Panasonic's selling point is its Inverter Technology, which delivers continuous power rather than pulsing on and off, so food heats more evenly. The NNSF464MBPQ has no turntable, which frees up room for larger dishes, while the NN-E28JMMBPQ has a 25.5cm turntable and automatic programmes. The NN-CF87LBBPQ combines microwave, grill and convection-style cooking in one unit. Indesit's advantage is a grill on most models, including the MWI125GX, and the built-in IP252RXUK gives a 40-litre cavity at 900W for fitted kitchens.

Indesit suits buyers who want a grill and a fitted option at a modest price, particularly anyone replacing an older built-in or building a kitchen on a budget. Panasonic suits people who value inverter cooking in a freestanding unit, or who want a 3-in-1 model to handle grilling and baking on the worktop. UK households with limited space should consider whether they need a built-in format, since the Panasonic models are freestanding while the Indesit built-ins require a housing. Anyone who values a low price point can start with the NN-E27JWMBPQ at £79, which has a 20-litre cavity and nine auto programmes.

Bottom line: choose Indesit if you need a built-in or grill microwave, such as the MWI125GX at £199 or the IP252RXUK at £369, for a fitted kitchen. Choose Panasonic if you want inverter power and a 3-in-1 combination for grilling and baking, from the NNSF464MBPQ at £199 up to the NN-CF87LBBPQ at £509.