Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter…
- Countertop Microwave Oven
- 1.2 cu ft
- 1480 watts
- Touch
- More reviewed than 91%
A capable 1200 watt inverter microwave with a track record of durability among longtime Panasonic owners, though a documented recurring error on other Panasonic units is worth knowing about.
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How it ranks among the 85 countertop microwave ovens we track
4.3★ across 8,400 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
8,400 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 85 countertop microwave ovens we track - how the scorecard works · full countertop microwave ovens data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 13, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The Panasonic NN-SN686S is a 1200 watt, 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave built around inverter technology for steadier heating and a Genius Sensor that adjusts cook time automatically. It suits anyone replacing an older microwave who wants more even reheating and defrosting.
This is a mid-size countertop microwave built around Panasonic's inverter circuitry, which delivers a continuous lower-power stream instead of cycling full power on and off. That's the real differentiator from cheaper microwaves, not a bigger cavity or extra buttons.
- 1200 watts, 1.2 cubic foot capacity
- 13.4 inch turntable, 340mm diameter
- 14 preset auto-cook menu items
- Countertop or built-in installation
Who it's for
Suits anyone replacing an aging countertop microwave who wants steadier heat and a sensor that adjusts cook time on its own. Less suited to buyers wanting a large family-size cavity or an over-the-range install.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Many owners praise the inverter for even heating and effective defrosting, with several noting past Panasonic units lasted 10 to 15 years before this one. The recessed child lock, which needs a button combination to disable, irritates a few owners, and one reviewer describes a recurring H98 magnetron error across three different Panasonic microwaves bought over the years.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Inverter circuitry gives steady, even heating
- Genius Sensor auto-adjusts time by food type
- Turbo defrost thaws food without overcooking edges
- Keep warm holds soups and sides until served
Performance notes
Inverter technology keeps a continuous lower-power stream instead of full-power pulses, which reviewers credit for even reheating and gentler defrosting that doesn't turn food edges rubbery. The Genius Sensor reads steam output to adjust cook time automatically across the 14 preset menu items, and 10 manual power levels are available for direct control. Turbo defrost runs on the same inverter circuitry to speed thawing specifically.
Specifications
| Brand | Panasonic |
|---|---|
| Model | NN-SN686S |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 25.5 pounds |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 15.8 × 20.7 × 12.2 inches |
| Turntable Diameter | 13.4 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft |
| Defrost System Type | Defrost |
| Heating Method | Electric |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Wattage | 1480 watts |
| Number of Power Levels | 10 |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Energy Consumption | 1200 Watts |
| Power Consumption | 1480 Watts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Inner Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Stainless Steel / Silver |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Installation Type | Countertop |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Included Components | Microwave |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 30 days |
| Other details | |
| Control Type | Touch |
| Number of Programs | 14 |
| Cooking Program | Defrost, Reheat, Auto Cook for Specific Food Types |
| Timer Function | Timer Function Available |
| Item Type Name | MICROWAVE |
| Additional Features | Child Safety Lock |
| Frequency | 2450 MHz |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Residential |
Other Panasonic countertop microwave ovens
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in countertop microwave ovens.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter…This product | 4.3 / 5 | 8,400 | 4.4 / 5 |
| COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/OffCOMFEE' | 4.4 / 5 | 28,000 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Nostalgia RMO4BK Retro 0.9 Cubic Foot 800-Watt Countertop Microwave OvenNostalgia | 4.6 / 5 | 1,200 | 4.4 / 5 |
| TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu FtTOSHIBA | 4.4 / 5 | 32,299 | 4.3 / 5 |
| BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button DoorBLACK+DECKER | 4.2 / 5 | 22,300 | 4.3 / 5 |
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Questions about the Panasonic NN-SN686S
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Does the Panasonic NN-SN686S use inverter technology?
Yes, it uses Panasonic's inverter technology with turbo defrost for continuous, even power delivery.
Can the NN-SN686S be built into a cabinet?
It is rated for both countertop and built-in use.
How does the Genius Sensor work on this Panasonic microwave?
It automatically adjusts power and cook time based on the food being prepared, across 14 preset menu items.