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Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel

Curated from 101 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 8, 2025

Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel

Brand: Panasonic
Price: $197
Snoop Score:
6.5
Sentiment
5.7
Popularity
8.1
Technical
6.8

Snoop's Take

The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a versatile countertop and built-in microwave with inverter technology, designed to deliver consistent cooking power for delicious and evenly prepared meals. Users have praised its reliable performance, with many noting that unlike other microwaves, "it will actually lower cooking power in real-time" for more effective reheating and defrosting. Overall, consumer feedback highlights the longevity and reliability of Panasonic microwaves, making this model a recommended choice for anyone seeking a dependable kitchen appliance.

Not for you? Check out our other rated

Other microwaves just toggle the beam on and off every few seconds to simulate reduced power.

Positive Feedback

The only reason to consider the residential model would be you don't want to spend that much money.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.5
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel
Small-Space Living
2 / 10
Everyday Meal Prep
5 / 10
Energy-Savvy Cooking
9 / 10
Family-Friendly Kitchens
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Reviews

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Panasonic's inverter technology cooks evenly
Other microwaves just toggle the beam on and off every few seconds to simulate reduced power.
Go with a Panasonic with Inverter tech (non-inverter ones are a no-go) or LG.
If you're reheating leftover food, always use 70% it'll give you an even reheating.
I loved my Panasonic inverter microwave. It will actually lower cooking power in real-time vs just toggling on full power and off again to regulate the cooking.
Real-time power adjustment improves cooking
Economies of scale. Things are *way* cheaper when you buy/make millions of them.
Reliable performance over time
They both have worked flawlessly.
Panasonic microwaves last longer than competitors
I've read that the average life span of a microwave is 10 years but I've never had one last more than 3-4 years.
The exception is Panasonic which still make their own microwave and will probably last longer.
The Panasonic model I bought in 1999 is still going strong. Full of features and looks like new.
Panasonic microwaves last long
Everything still works like new and I use it everyday.
Panasonic microwaves are recommended for reliability
Why can't I just have a microwave that lasts :/
Panasonic are consistently recommended by genuine, considered reviewers for good reason. Ecommerce c
Panasonic microwaves have a long lifespan
We had our Panasonic microwave for 15years before it died.
Panasonic's inverter technology allows for consistent cooking power
and it would be silly not to get a microwave with an inverter now that they exist.
The other awesome benefit of an inverter microwave is better efficiency.
I would never buy anything but Panasonic for microwaves.
Inverter technology optimizes lower power levels
Panasonic’s inverter technology actually does 50% power which means it’s much gentler on food when you’re just trying to soften butter or defrost some meat from the freezer.
Inverter technology provides consistent cooking power
IsItBullshit: Microwave "inverter" technology? Is microwave "inverter" technology actually helpful, or just a meaningless marketing term?
As I understand it, it’s actually useful if you need to use less than full power (for defrosting, or melting chocolate, for example).
Inverter technology cooks food better
This heats the food more evenly. Defrosts are actually defrosted.
Heats so damn fast I burned a few things since I was used to the Samsung's lackluster performance.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Commercial model is more expensive
The only reason to consider the residential model would be you don't want to spend that much money.
Perception that microwaves are programmed to fail after warranty
My LG microwave died 1 month after warranty expired . I swear these things are programmed to fail
Microwave pops breaker at lower power levels
Apparently, Panasonic is too small and inexperienced of a company to be able to design or test their "inverters" with residential arc-fault circuit breakers (that are required by NEC building code in the USA).
Microwaves fail shortly after warranty
When it works, it’s great. But it will fail.
Inverter microwaves have reliability issues
I’ve had a couple of those inverter microwaves crap out on me after a few years.
High price inflation over time
It’s crazy how much the price has inflated though.
Microwaves often fail shortly after warranty
Had I known that in the four years we owned the house, wall-mounted microwaves are literally not made in that height anymore (all are now taller) and that replacing it would require a small kitchen overhaul to achieve the required distance from my stovetop, I would have fixed the damned thing.
He had one microwave break in less than a year.
Microwaves can have sensitivity issues with electrical supply
They can also be sensitive to bad electrical.
Microwaves draw a lot of current but if it's throwing the breaker, the problem might be your wiring.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave OvenPanasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven$329
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SHARP ZSMC0962KS Countertop Microwave OvenSHARP ZSMC0962KS Countertop Microwave Oven$99
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Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless SteelPanasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel$197
6.5
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Galanz GLCMKZ09RDR09 Retro Countertop Microwave OvenGalanz GLCMKZ09RDR09 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven$94
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Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN97JSPanasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN97JS$379
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TOSHIBA Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer ComboTOSHIBA Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo$269
5.7
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TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave OvenTOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven$169
5.5
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COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave OvenCOMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven$80
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Farberware Countertop Microwave OvenFarberware Countertop Microwave Oven$79
0.9
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on Panasonic's inverter technology versus non-inverter
Is there any difference or recommendations with the Panasonic with the inviters or are they all the same?
Positive experience with Panasonic induction cooktop
It's been excellent. They're really not known for kitchen appliances here, but I'd cheerfully buy from them again.
Comments about the aesthetics of long-lasting microwaves
The microwaves that last are ugly. I can recommend one but it weighs 50lbs and won’t fit on anything made today…ohh and you had to buy it in the 90s.
Discussion about inverter technology versus traditional microwaves
which is kind of a big deal. Is it true?
It actually makes a noticeable difference and really opens up what you can do with the thing without worrying about ruining the food the way microwaves usually do.
It’s very roomy and easy to clean, very sleek.
Comparison of inverter technology with traditional microwaves
Slightly leaky microwaves can easily kill all the wireless connectivity around them while they're running.
Discussion about inverter technology vs. traditional microwaves
Really sorry if it's a very noob question. I don't really involve myself in such stuff lol
Plus, they already modulate the power with a microchip (power levels, preprogrammed settings for popcorn, etc).

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about alternatives for toasting bread
It's annoying but still faster and more energy efficient than using the oven.
Discussion about alternatives to microwaves
I could buy a basic model for not much, but we’ve wondered about an air fryer to speed up pre-heat and save a bit of electricity perhaps, so I thought maybe a combination microwave might be the answer to tick both boxes.
It’s large enough that I rarely use my regular oven, but heats up quickly enough to reheat leftovers.
These combination microwave/air fryers are basically just microwaves. They are not that good at being an oven or air fryer.
Discussion on different microwave uses
Seems like it would be an easy to use commercial grade microwave.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on the variety of microwave options under $300
I didn't know there were that many options/that hard to find the right microwave.
Mention of Costco's pricing for Panasonic products
get a costco membership, get the 4 in 1 Panasonic for $250.
Debate on brands and quality of microwaves
If you just need one to reheat things, getting a cheap one will suffice. Otherwise, get a Panasonic.
Discussion on availability of similar models in the UK
Some variation of this model is available in the UK on Amazon.
Information on availability in Canada
Canada has it….
Comparison between commercial and residential models
Same footprint. I’m just wondering if there are things I’m not considering when buying a microwave.
Discussion about brand reliability and comparisons
Lg is famous for their smart inverter microwave that has been around for years.
Discussion on comparing Panasonic and Sharp microwaves
Microwaves recommendations? My cheap, 13 year old Emmerson microwave is finally unusable and I need a replacement.
How is your panasonic oven microwave going? Do you have any problem until now?
Comment on the performance of other brands
I had a Frigidaire that I noticed would power on and off during thawing and melting butter, etc. It did a horrible job.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Debate on inverter technology vs. traditional microwaves
Even if the inverter does help with some tasks, it doesn’t mask the fact that food has that soggy, cooked-in-a-microwave texture.
Given equivalent performance, I’d stick with the mature (PWM) technology.
Reference to cultural prevalence of similar ovens in Japan
Aka the type of Ovens in every Japanese house.
Discussion on microwaves generally not breaking regardless of brand
Strangely, it seems like Microwaves are the only appliances that don't break, no matter what brand you buy.
Debate on the utility of non-full power settings
gets done sooner.
Discussion about RF leakage and safety of inverter microwaves
Curious side-note: Do inverter microwaves throw off more errant RF due to the high frequency components?
It still has its own built-in Faraday cage that should prevent most RF leakage.
There is no more interference at 2.4GHz than a standard microwave but more at the switching frequency which will interfere with fewer modern household items and is generally well filtered or shielded by the components and design.
Discussion on planned obsolescence of microwaves
Can't complain for how well it's built, but it's clearly on the way out.
Concerns about microwave safety and wifi interference
Yeah, I don’t mess around with that.
Microwaves actually don't have any negative health effects.

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