A Panasonic stainless steel microwave with a sleek black door and digital keypad sits on a modern countertop with green plants in the background.
Helen Harper 25 Mar 2025

What’s Great About the Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven

If you’re tired of uneven heating or frozen centers in your meals, the Panasonic NN-SN686S microwave oven might be what you need. This model brings strong performance and helpful features packed into a clean stainless steel design. It runs on 1200 watts, so food heats quickly and evenly. Its compact size fits well on most counters, while still giving you enough space inside for full plates and larger dishes.

This microwave includes smart features like Inverter Technology and the Genius Sensor, making it easier to get food just right without guesswork. If you’re heating up leftovers, making a quick lunch, or defrosting meat, it can handle it without drying out your food. You’ll also appreciate the child lock, which gives you peace of mind in busy homes. It’s not just good-looking. It actually helps make daily cooking smoother and faster.

Let’s walk through the features and see why this microwave is worth checking out.

What Makes the Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven Stand Out

This microwave stands out thanks to its thoughtful design and strong performance.

Modern Look and Compact Size

It looks modern with its stainless steel finish and smooth edges. It’s easy to clean, and the size makes it a great pick for people who want to save space but still need power.

Spacious Interior and Easy Controls

The inside holds 1.2 cubic feet, which is more than enough for most meals and containers. It includes a 13.4-inch turntable to fit larger dishes without crowding the space. The microwave also includes a blue LED display and simple controls that make everyday use easy, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Even Heating with Inverter Technology

One of the key features is Panasonic’s Inverter Technology. Unlike traditional microwaves that blast on and off, this one gives steady power. That means no hot spots or dried-out edges. Food heats through more evenly, which really improves texture and taste.

Smart Cooking with Genius Sensor

Pair this with the Genius Sensor, and you get automatic adjustments that take the guesswork out of cooking. The sensor tracks steam from your food to figure out the best time and power setting.

Helpful Extras

It also comes with Turbo Defrost, which thaws frozen food quickly without starting to cook it. There’s a Keep Warm function too, which holds food at a nice temperature until you’re ready to serve. It’s small details like these that make this model feel more advanced than the average microwave.

Why the Panasonic 1.2 Cubic Foot Countertop Microwave Is a Solid Pick

The Panasonic 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave balances size, power, and function really well.

Strong Power, Compact Footprint

You’re getting a full-featured appliance without it taking up too much room. It’s powerful at 1200 watts, yet still energy-efficient during regular use. You’ll notice faster cooking times without overheating your kitchen.

Built-In Safety for Families

There’s also a child safety lock built in. That adds a layer of safety if you have kids around.

Easy Presets for Daily Use

The controls include 14 pre-set menus for common foods like soup, rice, oatmeal, and pizza. You don’t need to guess cook times or power levels.

Fast Heating and Smart Timing

Turbo Defrost speeds up frozen food prep, and the 10 power levels give you a lot of control. The microwave even includes a Quick 30-second button for when you’re in a hurry and need something heated fast. You can also delay the start time if you want something to cook later.

Everyday Convenience

From making breakfast to heating leftovers, this microwave handles daily tasks well. It also helps cut down on wasted food since reheated meals come out with better texture and flavor.

Thoughts on the Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven

The Panasonic NN-SN686S microwave oven checks a lot of boxes. It heats evenly, defrosts quickly, and looks great on your counter. The smart features like Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor make everyday cooking easier. The stainless steel finish feels high-end, and the child lock is a helpful safety touch.

If you’re looking for something that combines power, smart features, and a space-saving design, this model is worth looking at. It’s a strong pick for anyone who wants fast and even cooking without extra hassle.

You can find the Panasonic NN-SN686S microwave oven now on Amazon. Give it a look and see if it’s the right fit for your kitchen.