Panasonic · Updated June 2026
Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: price, specs & release date
Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave, released 2016. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: shop.panasonic.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
The Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave is listed at $294.95 on shop.panasonic.com as of 2026-06-27, #14 cheapest of 20 microwaves (median $189); other retailers may be lower. It earns a Silver Deskmark — 47/100 pay-blind standing, #11 of 21 in class.
Verified Jun 27, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
Cheapest microwaves: Nostalgia RMO770 Retro Countertop Microwave — $89.99
- Best for 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.
- Skip if No instant-start express settings (must enter time/power then press start) is a dealbreaker.
Is the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave a good buy?
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.
Evidence of Record
Our data- Independent labsmeasured it
- 1
- Physical metricsrecorded
- 1
- Outlets on recordall tested
- 1
One independent lab measured this product across 1 physical metric — thermal. These numbers rest on a single hands-on source so far.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What 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.
Based on 1 review · 1 lab-tested · 2026-01-28
Tested by Wirecutter
Consistently 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
Commonly 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
Where reviewers disagree 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.
The sources (1)
Soup temperature after 2 minutes on high: 147 °F · Sensor-reheat final food temperature: 170–180 °F
The NN-SN686S had the fewest hot (overcooked) and cold (undercooked) points in all of our cooking tests.
Our paid testers liked this model’s big, responsive button — the NN-SN686S was by far the easiest and most pleasant to use of all the microwaves we tested.
It has no instant-start express settings.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $294.95 Panasonic official shop sale price |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Source: shop.panasonic.com (verified 2026-06-19) · corroborated by amazon.com. Verified on Panasonic official shop: 1.2 cu ft, 1200W, 13.4-in turntable, Genius Sensor (sensor cooking), Inverter Technology, 14 auto-cook settings, price $294.95. Width 20.69 in (20 11/16). Official model is NN-SN686SR; NN-SN686S Amazon listing is the same product. ~2016 first availability. All draft values confirmed.
Is the Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave worth it vs cheaper microwaves?
Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave against its closest cheaper and pricier microwaves on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 20 ranked
| Product | Price | Capacity cu (ft) | Wattage (W) | Type | Width (in) | Inverter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave this | $294.95 | 1.2 | 1200 | countertop | 20.69 | Yes |
| Panasonic NN-SD47QS Inverter Countertop Microwave | $239.95 | 0.9 | 1000 | countertop | — | Yes |
| Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | $399 | 1.7 | 1000 | over_range | 29.94 | No |
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.
Price of record: $294.95 at shop.panasonic.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
Check current price at amazon.com As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar microwaves
Nearest in price — swipe to browse. Every pick sourced and dated.
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All microwaves ranked · Open data & methodology · Queryable via MCP
Compare with
Head-to-head
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs GE JES1095SMSS 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 (BMO870BSS)
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Galanz GLCMKZ11 Retro Countertop Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Nostalgia RMO770 Retro Countertop Microwave
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave vs Farberware FMO11AHTBKB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave
Cheaper microwaves
- Panasonic NN-SD47QS Inverter Countertop Microwave $239.95
- LG NeoChef LMC1575ST 1.5 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave $239
- Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS) Inverter Countertop Microwave $199.99
- LG NeoChef LMC0975ST 0.9 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave $179
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave $139.99
- Galanz GLCMKZ11 Retro Countertop Microwave $139.99
Step up
- Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave $399
- Breville Smooth Wave 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave (BMO850BSS) $399.95
- Panasonic NN-SD77PS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave $429.95
- Panasonic NN-SD975S Cyclonic Wave Inverter Microwave $474.95
- GE Profile PEM31SFSS 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave $479
- Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 (BMO870BSS) $499.95