# Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: specs and price

**Price (US):** $294.95 at shop.panasonic.com (Panasonic official shop sale price), as of 2026-06-27. A sourced, dated price of record — other retailers (incl. Amazon) may be lower. Among the 20 microwaves we track it is #14 cheapest of 20; category median $189.
**Brand:** Panasonic
**Released:** 2016
**Deskmark:** Silver Deskmark — pay-blind category standing 47/100, #11 of 21 in class (independent, computed from sourced data, never for sale).
**Price tracked since:** June 2026

## Specifications

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Price (US) | $294.95 |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Released | 2016 |
| Capacity cu (ft) | 1.2 |
| Wattage (W) | 1200 |
| Type | countertop |
| Width (in) | 20.69 |
| Inverter | Yes |
| Sensor cooking | Yes |
| Preset count | 14 |
| Turntable | Yes |

## Where it stands

At $295, the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave is #14 cheapest of the 20 microwaves we track, where the median is $189. On the spec sheet, its capacity cu of 1.2 ft is above the median of the 21, its wattage of 1200 W is above the median of the 21, and its width of 20.69 in is above the median of the 20.

## What reviewers say

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. (Based on 1 review, 1 lab-tested, 2026-01-28.)

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; Fast heating and nicer build (more metal than plastic) for its price.
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.
Disagreement: Single measured source, so no true cross-source contradiction. Reviewed's brief capsule calls the same unit only 'all-around-adequate' with an 'old-fashioned look' and 'slightly oversized' — a softer verdict than Wirecutter's top-pick rave — but that capsule is undated and not lab-measured, so it was excluded from the sourced set.
Sources: Wirecutter (2026-01-28, nytimes.com)

## Frequently asked questions

**What do reviewers say about the 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. 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; Fast heating and nicer build (more metal than plastic) for its price. 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. (From 1 tester review, 1 lab-tested.)

**How much does the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave cost?**

The Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave has a US price of $294.95 (Panasonic official shop sale price), as of 2026-06-19.

**How does the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave compare on price?**

At $295, the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave is #14 cheapest of the 20 microwaves we track, where the median is $189.

**When was the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave released?**

The Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave was released 2016.

**What are the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave's key specs?**

Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave (Panasonic): capacity cu ft 1.2, wattage w 1200, type countertop, width in 20.69, inverter Yes. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-19.

Source: https://shop.panasonic.com/products/1-2-cu-ft-inverter-microwave-1200w-nn-sn686sr (shop.panasonic.com, accessed 2026-06-19)
Corroboration: https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Microwave-NN-SN686S-Countertop-Technology/dp/B01DEWZUG4 (accessed 2026-06-19)
Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/product/microwaves/panasonic-nn-sn686s/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave price of record was $294.95 as of 2026-06-19 — https://frontdeskreview.com/product/microwaves/panasonic-nn-sn686s/
License: CC BY 4.0. Price history: https://frontdeskreview.com/data/price-history.jsonl