Panasonic NN-SN686SR review

The Panasonic NN-SN686SR ranks first because it pairs the most power on this list, 1200 watts, with the two features that matter most for everyday microwave use: inverter heating and sensor cooking. Panasonic's inverter technology delivers steady power at lower settings instead of switching the magnetron on and off, which Panasonic says removes hot spots and cold centers and helps with delicate foods and defrosting. The Genius Sensor uses 15 sensor settings to adjust power and time, and there are 14 auto-cook settings on top. The 1.2 cu. ft. cavity fits full dinner plates while the cabinet stays at 20 11/16 inches wide and 25.5 lbs. If you want a built-in look, Panasonic sells the NN-TK621SS 27-inch trim kit for its 1.2 cu. ft. models. The trade-offs are price and reviews: $294.95 is more than the larger Sharp SMC1662KS, and Panasonic's own store shows a 2.7 average from 11 reviews. We compared documented features and published prices and did not run cooking tests.

Who it is for

most kitchens that want even reheating and defrosting

Price

$294.95 sale price on Panasonic's US store as of November 2026.

Sale price $294.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• 1200 watts of power in a 1.2 cu. ft. stainless steel cavity
• Inverter technology for consistent, even power instead of on and off cycling
• Genius Sensor with 15 sensor settings that adjust power and time
• 14 auto-cook settings for one-touch meals
• Built-in child lock that auto-locks after use, per federal rules for microwaves made after March 2024

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Highest power on this list at 1200 watts
• Strength: Panasonic sells a 27-inch vented trim kit, NN-TK621SS, for its 1.2 cu. ft. microwaves
• Strength: Weighs 25.5 lbs, lighter than the 34.6 lb Toshiba EM131A5C-BS
• Weakness: $294.95 costs $75 more than the larger Sharp SMC1662KS
• Weakness: No convection or air fry function
• Weakness: Panasonic's store shows a 2.7 out of 5 average from 11 reviews

Key facts

• Price: $294.95
• Power: 1200 watts
• Capacity: 1.2 cu. ft.
• Sensor settings: 15 Genius Sensor settings
• Dimensions: 20 11/16 x 12 1/4 x 15 13/16 inches (W x H x D)

Where it ranks

Panasonic NN-SN686SR is No. 1 in our Best Microwaves verdict.