# Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave (Panasonic) and Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave (Whirlpool) among microwaves. Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave is the cheaper of the two at $294.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave | Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $294.95 | $399 |
| Brand | Panasonic | Whirlpool |
| Released | 2016 | 2017 |
| Capacity cu (ft) | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| Wattage (W) | 1200 | 1000 |
| Type | countertop | over_range |
| Width (in) | 20.69 | 29.94 |
| Inverter | Yes | No |
| Sensor cooking | Yes | No |
| Preset count | 14 | 4 |
| Turntable | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Capacity cu (ft): Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 1.2 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 1.7
- Wattage (W): Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 1200 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 1000
- Type: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave countertop vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave over_range
- Width (in): Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 20.69 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 29.94
- Inverter: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave Yes vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave No
- Sensor cooking: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave Yes vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave No
- Preset count: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 14 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 4

## What reviewers say

**Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave** — One whitelisted tester covers this exact model with hands-on measurements: Wirecutter names the Panasonic NN-SN686S its top-pick microwave, measuring the fewest hot and cold spots and the most accurate sensors of any model tested. Consumer Reports (non-whitelisted) and Reviewed's brief, undated product capsule were the only other coverage found. (1 sourced review.)

**Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave** — One whitelisted tester, NYT Wirecutter, hands-on tested this microwave, naming the Whirlpool WMH31017 (the HS is its stainless finish) its runner-up over-the-range pick. It heats evenly with a quieter fan than the GE top pick, but lacks express and sensor controls. No other whitelisted outlet had a hands-on review of this exact model. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: https://shop.panasonic.com/products/1-2-cu-ft-inverter-microwave-1200w-nn-sn686sr (shop.panasonic.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/cooking/microwaves/over-the-range/p.1.7-cu.-ft.-microwave-hood-combination-with-electronic-touch-controls.wmh31017hs.html (whirlpool.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microwaves/panasonic-nn-sn686s-vs-whirlpool-wmh31017hs/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave ($294.95) vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave ($399) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microwaves/panasonic-nn-sn686s-vs-whirlpool-wmh31017hs/
License: CC BY 4.0.