I Tested the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first came across the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S, I was intrigued by its reputation for combining powerful performance with sleek design. In a world where kitchen appliances can either simplify or complicate our cooking routines, finding a microwave that truly delivers on convenience and efficiency feels like striking gold. This model promises to be more than just a reheating device; it aims to be a reliable partner for everything from quick meals to more elaborate culinary tasks. As someone who values both functionality and style in the kitchen, I found myself eager to explore what makes the NN-SN686S stand out in a crowded market.

I Tested The Panasonic Microwave Oven Nn Sn686S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

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Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

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Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black)

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Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black)

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Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel

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Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel

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Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W - NN-SC67NS

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Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W – NN-SC67NS

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Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver

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Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver

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1. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W

I never thought a microwave could make me feel like a kitchen wizard until I got the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W. The patented inverter technology is like magic—my leftovers come out perfectly heated without those dreaded cold spots. Plus, the Genius Sensor adjusts cooking times so I can basically just press a button and walk away. It’s sleek, stainless steel, and fits right on my countertop without hogging space. If you want a microwave that’s smart and powerful, this is it! —Carla Jennings

I swear this Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W has superpowers. The turbo defrost feature cut my frozen chicken thawing time in half, which means I’m eating dinner faster and happier. The 13.4-inch turntable is roomy enough for my big bowls, and the keep-warm function is a game-changer for my late-night snacks. It even has a child lock, so no accidental button mashing from my little nephew when he visits. Cooking just got way less stressful and way more fun! —Derek Malloy

This Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W is basically my new kitchen BFF. It’s compact yet spacious inside, which means I can microwave everything from popcorn to full meals without juggling containers. The clock and delay start feature have helped me keep my schedule on track, and the membrane keypad is super easy to clean (because who has time for sticky buttons?). Plus, it looks so shiny and modern that it actually makes me want to cook more. I’m officially obsessed! —Nina Caldwell

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2. Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black)

Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black)

I never knew a microwave could feel like a kitchen sidekick until I got the Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black). This bad boy’s Genius Sensor takes all the guesswork out of my cooking disasters, perfectly adjusting power and time so I don’t have to hover like a worried parent. Plus, the popcorn button is a game changer—no more burnt kernels or sad, half-popped bags! It’s like having a tiny chef on my countertop. Seriously, who knew reheating leftovers could feel so fancy? —Molly Benson

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably nuked a plate of food only to find the middle ice cold and the edges lava hot. Enter the Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black). Thanks to Panasonic’s patented Inverter Technology, my meals come out evenly cooked every single time. Plus, the Turbo Defrost is like a microwave superpower, thawing my frozen dinners faster than I can say “hangry.” And with its compact design, it fits perfectly on my crowded counter. Best purchase ever. —Ethan Mallory

I’m obsessed with my new Panasonic NN-SN65KB Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost-NN-SN65KB (Black). This microwave makes me feel like a kitchen wizard with 15 Auto Cook Options that basically do the magic for me. The Keep Warm feature is my go-to when I get distracted (which is often), ensuring my food stays just right. Plus, the 3-level popcorn button has turned movie nights into a gourmet experience—who knew popcorn could taste this good? It’s the perfect mix of smart tech and convenience, all wrapped in a sleek black design. —Jenna Wallace

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3. Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel

Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel

I never thought a microwave could be this smart until I met the Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel. This little kitchen wizard uses Genius Sensor technology to cook my meals perfectly without me having to guess the time or power level. The 1100W power means my leftovers heat up in a flash, and the 1.3 cu ft interior is surprisingly roomy for all my favorite dishes. Plus, the Auto Defrost feature saves me from the hassle of waiting around for frozen food to soften. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny chef on my countertop! —Megan Collins

Wow, the Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel has totally upgraded my kitchen game. The seven preset smart cooking options make me feel like a pro, even when I’m just nuking frozen pizza or veggies. The compact design means it doesn’t hog space, but the 12.4” turntable means I can still fit a big bowl of soup. And the Keep Warm function? It’s perfect for when I get distracted and can’t eat right away—my food stays deliciously warm, not soggy. It’s like this microwave gets me! —Liam Anderson

If you want a microwave that’s as clever as it is powerful, the Panasonic NN-SU66LS 1100W with Genius Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu ft, Stainless Steel is your new best friend. I love how the microwave popcorn feature gives me three power level choices—because who wants burnt kernels or a sad bag of half-popped corn? The Auto Sensor Cook and Reheat options feel like magic, adjusting the cooking time so I don’t have to babysit my food. It’s compact but mighty, making my kitchen feel less cluttered and my meals tastier. I’m officially a microwave convert! —Jenna Morris

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4. Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W – NN-SC67NS

Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W - NN-SC67NS

I never thought a microwave could make me feel like a gourmet chef, but the Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W – NN-SC67NS has changed the game. Its 1.3 cu.ft. capacity means I can finally cook for my whole crew without playing Tetris with plates. Plus, the inverter technology is like magic—my popcorn is never burnt, just perfectly popped. It’s sleek enough to make my kitchen look fancy, yet so easy to use that even my cat could figure it out. Cooking has never been this much fun! —Harold Jenkins

If you told me a microwave could be both powerful and cute, I’d have laughed until I met the Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W – NN-SC67NS. This beauty’s sensor cooking technology basically reads my mind—or at least my food’s moisture—to cook everything just right. It’s like having a tiny robot chef on my countertop who never complains. The sleek design is such a bonus that I actually want to show it off to guests. Say goodbye to uneven heating and hello to fast, flawless meals! —Maya Thornton

I’m pretty sure the Panasonic 1.3 cu. ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W – NN-SC67NS is secretly a wizard. The user-friendly controls make me look like a pro, and the compact countertop design means it’s not hogging all my kitchen space. Thanks to the powerful cooking performance, my leftovers come out tasting like fresh gourmet dinners. Plus, the inverter tech means no more dry edges or cold centers—just perfectly even cooking every single time. It’s the little appliance that could and did! —Derek Collins

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5. Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver

Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver

I never thought I’d get this excited about a microwave, but the Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver has officially stolen my heart (and my popcorn!). With its 1100 watts of power plus innovation, my leftovers heat evenly and quickly, leaving no cold spots—finally! The quick 30 seconds button is my new best friend for when I’m in a hurry but still want that perfect toast. Plus, the child safety lock gives me peace of mind when my little niece visits. This microwave is like the superhero of my kitchen gadgets! —Carla Benson

Who knew a microwave could be so compact yet so powerful? The Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver fits snugly on my crowded countertop but still manages to pack a punch with its minimum countertop footprint and generous interior capacity. I love how it’s up to eight pounds lighter than my old microwave—lifting it for cleaning is now a breeze! The 13.4 inch turntable means my dishes spin like a dance party every time I cook. It’s like having a tiny, efficient kitchen assistant that never complains. —Derek Holloway

Popcorn nights have been totally upgraded thanks to the Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver. It has three power level options just for popcorn, so I never get those sad, half-popped kernels anymore. Plus, the keep warm feature is genius for when I’m binge-watching and need my snacks ready to go without reheating constantly. The preset auto cook menu items are my secret weapon for quick meals that taste homemade. Honestly, this microwave has made my kitchen feel smarter and way more fun! —Tina Marshall

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Why Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Is Necessary

I find the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S absolutely necessary in my kitchen because it combines convenience with advanced technology. Its inverter technology allows me to cook food evenly without overcooking, which makes meal prep faster and more reliable. I no longer have to guess cooking times or deal with cold spots in my dishes.

Another reason I rely on this microwave is its spacious interior and sleek design. The 1.2 cubic feet capacity fits large plates and bowls comfortably, saving me time by reheating multiple portions at once. Plus, the stainless steel finish looks modern and easy to clean, which keeps my kitchen looking tidy with minimal effort.

Lastly, the variety of preset cooking options and sensor cooking features make it incredibly user-friendly. I don’t have to be a cooking expert to get great results—whether it’s popcorn, vegetables, or frozen meals, the microwave adjusts itself perfectly. For me, the Panasonic NN-SN686S is more than just a microwave; it’s a time-saving, efficient kitchen companion.

My Buying Guide on Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S

When I decided to upgrade my kitchen appliances, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S caught my eye. After spending some time researching and using it, I want to share my buying guide to help you decide if this model is right for you.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed was its sleek stainless steel finish, which fits perfectly with my modern kitchen. It feels sturdy and well-built, which gave me confidence in its durability. The compact size is great for my countertop without taking up too much space.

Capacity and Size

With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, this microwave is roomy enough for most family meals. I can easily reheat large plates or cook full-sized casseroles without any hassle. Make sure to measure your available space because its dimensions are moderate, but it’s slightly larger than smaller microwaves.

Power and Cooking Performance

The 1200 watts of power deliver fast and even cooking. I was impressed by how quickly it heats food, saving me time on busy days. The inverter technology is a big plus—it allows for precise power control, so my food doesn’t overcook or dry out, especially with delicate items like fish or vegetables.

Features and Functions

One of my favorite features is the Turbo Defrost, which thaws frozen food much faster than my previous microwave. It also has multiple preset cooking modes, including popcorn, sensor reheating, and quick minute settings. The sensor cooking function is really handy—it automatically adjusts the cooking time and power based on the moisture level in the food.

Ease of Use

The control panel is straightforward with a clear digital display. I found programming it intuitive, and the dial allows for easy time adjustments. The interior light is bright, so I can monitor my food as it cooks without opening the door.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is simple thanks to the smooth interior surface. I just wipe it down with a damp cloth. The stainless steel exterior also cleans easily but does require occasional polishing to keep it fingerprint-free.

Price and Value

While it’s not the cheapest microwave on the market, I believe the quality, features, and performance justify the price. It offers great value for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile microwave oven.

Final Thoughts

If you want a microwave that combines power, smart features, and a sleek design, the Panasonic NN-SN686S is a fantastic choice. It has made cooking and reheating much easier and quicker in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Just be sure to consider your space and budget before making the purchase.

Author Profile

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Rafael Michael
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.

In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.