Panasonic
Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave
$294.95Cheaper
Released 2016
Best Microwaves · head-to-head
Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave is cheaper at $294.95. Every spec and price links to its source.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
$399
Released 2017
Which is better: the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave or Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave is the cheaper at $294.95.
Check Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave price See Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2016 | 2017 |
Sources — Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: shop.panasonic.com (verified 2026-06-19). Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: whirlpool.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave and Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (7 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 true vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave false
- Sensor cooking: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave true vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave false
- Preset count: Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 14 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 4
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Most even, precise heating — fewest hot and cold spots of any model tested; Large, responsive door-open button rated easiest and most pleasant to use; Accurate sensor-reheat plus 12 sensor-cook modes that worked well.
Flagged: No instant-start express settings (must enter time/power then press start); Repair requires shipping to a service center or finding a certified shop; Frequently out of stock.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Heats evenly across the entire turntable with minimal hot and cold spots; Ventilation fan runs noticeably quieter than the GE top pick while moving the same amount of air; Bright cooktop light with a dimmable night-light-appropriate half-power setting.
Flagged: Missing most express-cook controls; only an Add 30 Seconds button; No mute option, no turntable-off function, and no sensor-based cook modes.