After conducting thorough research, we nominated the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S as our Top Pick and the best Panasonic Microwave. We liked that it was an inverter microwave with 1,200 watts of power and 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space. It’s a great compact model that offers 14 auto-cook presets, inverter Turbo Defrost, and even a Keep Warm feature.
To create our guide for the best Panasonic microwave, we looked at the following key features: wattage, size and style, heating method, and controls. We know that finding the right size is going to depend on where you plan on storing your microwave. But we also focused on power, prioritizing models with 1,000 or more watts of power. We also focused on inverter models because they offer the best cooking experience. And finally, we looked at features that made using a microwave more convenient and intuitive.
Top 10 Panasonic Microwaves
#1 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: An inverter microwave with 14 auto-cook presets, 1,200 watts of power, and 1.2 cubic feet of cook space makes this the best Panasonic microwave for small spaces.
- Comes with 14 auto-cook options
- Inverter technology for more even cooking
- 1200 watts for faster cooking
- 1.2 cubic foot compact size may not be ideal for serious cooks
Microwaves are essential, but depending on your available space, you’ll need to measure twice and cut once to ensure you’ve picked a model that’s compatible with your space. We like this pick and think it’s the best Panasonic microwave for small spaces. This microwave measures 20.69 inches long, 15.81 inches deep, and 12.25 inches tall. While the 1.2 cubic foot interior might be small for a large family or serious cook to use, we think it’s perfect for one person or a couple to use.
You’ll get inverter technology — a fairly common Panasonic attribute — for more even temperature control. We also like the 14 auto-cook options, which include trendy items like quinoa. And the Panasonic Genius Sensor technology auto-adjusts the power and time by food type for perfect results every time. This model comes with a 13.4-inch turntable which is lightweight and thin. And there are also Turbo Defrost speeds for quickly thawing foods, and a Keep Warm Feature to keep food warm until you’re ready to serve it. The 1,200 watts means less cooking time while also maintaining flavor and nutrient levels. Choose from three finishes, including stainless steel, black, and white.
#2 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN97JS
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: A Panasonic microwave with inverter technology that also relies on cyclonic waves to give you edge-to-edge even cooking makes this a smart choice for power microwave users.
- Comes with 20 auto-cook options
- Genius Sensor and Cyclonic Wave technology for more efficient cooking
- 1250 watts and 2.2 cubic feet of cook space
- May be too large for compact kitchens
If you’re a serious microwave user who does more than reheat last night’s dinner, then you know how important it is to have a microwave that cooks evenly. The NN-SN97JS model is a Panasonic microwave with inverter technology that takes it a step further by relying on Cyclonic Waves to cook evenly from edge to edge within the 2.2 cubic feet of cook space. With 1,250 watts, you’ll get high power to tackle even the most challenging of microwave tasks.
Note that this is a larger model that measures 23.86 inches long, 19.41 inches deep, and 14.2 inches tall. This model offers the most cooking presets with 20 different options, including three choices for frozen, fresh, or canned vegetables. The turntable for this model is 16.5 inches in diameter, and you can choose between keypads or dial controls. Other common Panasonic features that are standard here include Turbo Defrost speeds and a Keep Warm feature.
#3 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD975S
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best microwave for power users offers 20 auto-cook options at 1,250 watts and 2.2 cubic feet of cook space.
- Features Turbo Defrost and Genius sensor
- 1250 watts and 2.2 cubic feet of cook space
- Inverter powered for even temperature regulation
- Larger size isn’t compatible with smaller kitchens
If you’re cooking for a lot of people, you need space, which is why we like this option from Panasonic and think it’s the best microwave for power users trying to keep a large family well-fed. This is another ultra-powerful microwave with 1,250 watts of power and 1.6 cubic feet of cook space. It relies on inverter technology for more even and consistent cooking temperatures. The NN-SD975S model measures 21.8 inches long, 19.4 inches deep, and 12 inches tall.
Because of the larger size, this might not be ideal for anyone with a smaller kitchen or limited counter space. You’ll get 14 different cooking preset options for a variety of foods, including white and brown rice. The turntable also measures 15 inches in diameter. Note that this model features dial controls, but you still get common Panasonic features like Turbo Defrost speeds, a Genius sensor, and a Keep Warm feature.
#4 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SD372S
Award: BEST COMPACT DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: A compact microwave designed for tight spaces with nine auto-cook presets powered by inverter technology and is available in three finishes.
- Available in 3 gorgeous finish options
- Comes with 9 auto cook options
- Inverter powered for even temperature regulation
- Lower power at 950 watts
If space is at a premium in your home or office break room, then a massive unit isn’t going to make sense. We’re including the NN-SD372S from Panasonic in our guide because it’s one of the smallest inverter options at just 0.8 cubic feet. While this might not be ideal for a large family, it’s perfect for a single person, or an office break room where the most action a microwave will see is reheating yesterday’s leftovers.
While this model has one of the lower power ratings from our reviews at 950 watts, it still comes with much of the functionality and cooking power you would expect from a Panasonic microwave. It’s a countertop microwave that measures 19.2 inches long, 14.81 inches deep, and 11 inches tall. But it can also double as a built-in model if you prefer to tuck it away in a cabinet. Other key features include nine preset cooking options, Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, and a Quick Minute for fast reheating.
#5 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B
Award: BEST CONTROLS
WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the best countertop microwaves with 1,250 watts of power, 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space, and 14 auto-cook presets to help you save time.
- Smart Sensor Reheat prevents overcooking
- 1250 watts and 2.2 cubic feet
- Available in black or white
- Larger dimensions not ideal for small spaces
While stainless steel gets all the attention, some people prefer a black or white microwave because it blends in better with their home or kitchen decor. So, we like the NN-SN936B model from Panasonic because it’s one of the few that’s only available in black or white, without a stainless steel option. This is one of the best countertop microwaves with a larger capacity and inverter technology for even cooking temperatures. Note that you’ll get 1,250 watts and 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space.
This model measures 23.88 inches long, 19.44 inches deep, and 14 inches tall. You’ll get 14 auto-cook options and Genius Sensor technology that auto-adjusts the power and time for perfect results every time. This model also has a 16.5-inch turntable and comes with standard options like Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Sensor Reheat, and Quick 30. Note that this model features a keypad rather than a dial for the controls. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the best microwaves for seniors.
#6 Panasonic Compact Microwave NN-SN65KW
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: An affordable inverter model with 1,200 watts, 1.2 cubic feet of space, and 15 auto-cook presets for the best countertop microwave for budget shoppers.
- An affordable inverter option
- 1200 watts and 1.2 cubic feet
- 15 auto-cook presets
- Lacks Keep Warm feature
Inverter microwaves can be incredibly expensive. But we’re including this wallet-friendly option from Panasonic as our Best on a Budget because we feel it’s the finest Panasonic compact microwave oven for price-conscious shoppers. While it’s easy on your wallet, you still get 1,200 watts of power and 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space. The NN-SN65KW measures at 20.7 inches long, 15.8 inches deep, and 12.2 inches tall.
While it’s a compact model, it still comes with plenty of key features that make this incredibly useful whether you’re buying it for your kitchen at home or the break room in the office. You’ll get 15 auto-cook settings, Genius Sensor technology, Turbo Defrost, 11 Power Levels, and a Quick 30 option. This model also comes with a 13.4-inch turntable. Choose from three finishes, including stainless steel, black, and white.
#7 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN766S
Award: BEST SPACE SAVER
WHY WE LIKE IT: A Panasonic microwave oven that supports built-in placement offers 1,250 watts of power, 1.6 cubic feet of cook space, and 14 auto-cook presets.
- 15” turntable accommodates most dishes
- 1250 watts and 1.6 cubic feet
- Supports built-in placement
- Only 10 power levels
Not everyone wants their microwave to be permanently on display in their home. In that case, a countertop microwave that can also work as a built-in is important. So, we’re including the NN-SN766S because it’s designed to work effectively and efficiently in a cabinet if you prefer. This model has 1,250 watts of power and offers 1.6 cubic feet of cook space.
Note that it measures 21.88 inches long, 19.44 inches deep, and 11.94 inches tall. The only real drawback we found here, except for being too small for power users, is that you only get 10 power levels, whereas most Panasonic models offer 11. This is still an inverter-powered microwave with 14 auto-cook options, Genius Sensor technology, and a 15-inch turntable. And you still get standard features like Turbo, Keep Warm, Sensor Reheat, and Quick 30. Choose from three finishes, including stainless steel, black, and white.
#8 Panasonic Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven
Award: BEST FOR RETAIL USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: A great commercial microwave oven that’s ADA compliant with a braille-integrated keypad, 1,000 watts of power, 0.8 cubic feet of cook space, and 20 programmable memory.
- ADA accessible keypad with braille
- 1000 watts and 0.8 cubic feet
- 20 programmable memory functions
- Lacks a turntable
Commercial microwaves are very different from ones designed for consumer use. So, the functionality and key features aren’t the same. But we wanted to include one because if you’re running a convenience store or quick food spot, they’re essential to help you speed through customer demands. This Panasonic model is compact, meaning you can prioritize counter space for offering other goods. This commercial unit measures 20 ⅛ inches long, 16.5 inches deep, and 12 inches tall.
This microwave relies on bottom-feed technology for faster cook results. You’ll get 1,000 watts of power and 0.8 cubic feet of cook space. While it lacks a turntable, we do like that it features a simple grab-and-go handle. But best of all, we like that this microwave is designed to be accessible thanks to the braille on the keypad. And with this keypad, you can use the 10 programmable memory pads to create up to 20 memory options. You’ll also get six power levels, and timer presets from 10 seconds to 3:30 minutes.
#9 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-GN68KS
Award: BEST VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: A compact but powerful inverter microwave with 1.1 cubic feet of cook space with features like a two-in-one FlashXPress broiler for an intuitive cooking solution.
- Robust inverter technology
- Includes a 2-in-1 broiler option
- 1.1 cubic feet for smaller cooking needs
- Lower wattage at 1,000 watts
There are all different types of microwave users. Some people just use it to reheat dinners or make popcorn. But then there are the people who take advantage of all the features and can cook gourmet meals with their microwaves. And the NN-GN68KS from Panasonic is designed for that gourmet cook who doesn’t want to rely on the stove or oven to make a meal. We like that while this model has a lower 1,000-watt rating, it comes with a wide array of intuitive features that are all controlled through the keypad control panel.
Specifically, you’ll get 1.1 cubic feet of cooking space with a 13.4-inch turntable, and a microwave that measures 20.7 inches long, 15.8 inches deep, and 12.2 inches tall. This model comes with a FlashXpress broiling rack which allows you to turn your microwave into a grill for crispy brown foods. You’ll also get Genius Sensor technology, Turbo Defrost, Quick 30, and options to add as little as 10 seconds to an existing countdown timer.
#10 Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN75LW
Award: BEST FOR FAMILIES
WHY WE LIKE IT: A large inverter microwave with 1,250 watts of power, 1.6 cubic feet of cook space, 11 power levels, and 15 preset cooking functions for a truly customizable cooking experience.
- 3 popcorn levels and a keep warm feature
- Relies on inverter technology
- 1250 watts and 1.6 cubic feet
- Some may not like the more compact 1.6 cubic feet
When you’re cooking for a family, bigger is better — and that’s especially true of microwaves. The NN-SN75LW from Panasonic is another great inverter option that’s full of functionality for a truly customizable option that’s perfect for casual and serious users. This model is 1,250 watts for a powerful and fast cooking experience. You’ll get 1.6 cubic feet which might be a little big for some people. This model measures 21.9 inches long, 19.4 inches deep, and 11.9 inches tall.
This model also relies on cyclonic wave inversion for even cooking from edge to edge. You’ll also get 15 preset cooking options, Genius Sensor, Turbo Defrost, Sensor Reheat, Quick 30, and a child safety lock. This microwave comes with a 15-inch turntable and can also be positioned as a built-in — although you’ll need to purchase additional trim options separately to do so. Choose from three finishes: black, white, and stainless steel.
How We Decided
Dependable microwaves are a great essential whether you use them to reheat meals quickly or you’ve learned to master them as a fast cooking solution. To create our guide on these kitchen staples, we focused on the following key features — wattage, size and style, heating method, and controls.
In our guide, the majority of our selections were inverter microwaves. While this type of option is pricier, inverters offer more consistent heating. However, we included mostly countertop microwaves, with some that offered the option to purchase additional finishes separately for a built-in format instead.
Next, we looked at wattage. The majority of our picks were powerful, with 1,200 or more watts. But we did include a few models that were 1,000 and even one with 950 watts of cooking power. But you’ll also want to consider the size or cubic feet of available cook space. If you’re trying to fit a microwave in a tight space or are only using it for occasional reheating, a smaller pick of 1.2 cubic feet or less is smart. In contrast, power users who use the microwave as a substitute for an oven should opt for larger models. This is why we included several options that were as large as 2.2 cubic feet.
Finally, we looked at the controls. Since all of these models are from Panasonic, many of the controls were similar. You’ll note that most of our picks included Genius Sensor cook controls, Keep Warm, Quick 30, and a variety of auto-cook preset buttons. But we did include a few models that offered unique options, like a two-in-one broiler, and even a commercial microwave.
Best Panasonic Microwave Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
- Wattage
Wattage refers to the amount of power that your countertop microwave can generate. Typically speaking, a higher wattage will result in faster cooking. They’ll have more heating elements, which allows them to heat up or defrost food quicker than a standard microwave or even cheaper models.- More expensive or larger microwaves will usually cook faster and more evenly.
- Wattages will usually vary from 600 to 1200 watts of cooking power.
- Size and Style
This is important and is going to depend on your available space. Smaller kitchens with minimal countertop space will do better with smaller microwaves.- While expensive, over-the-range options help maximize space and save your countertops. The convenience features, and cooking power of wall-mounted or kitchen counter microwave ovens also make them an excellent choice for the kitchen.
- Likewise, a built-in option can also serve as space savers since they can be placed into cabinetry rather than occupying dedicated space on your countertops.
- Heating Method
Depending on how you plan on using your microwave, you’ll want to consider how your microwave blows air and distributes heat. Many current models come with a warm feature that helps keep food warm until ready to serve. This is useful for kitchen appliances where certain dishes need to stay hot- A convection microwave oven blows air into it to distribute heat more evenly, so you wind up with fewer cold spots when heating up frozen food. Inverter microwaves tend to run on partial heating power while maintaining temperature.
- Both convection and inverter microwaves are pricier as compared to cheaper models that simply pulse on and off, resulting in uneven temperature control.
- But for someone who uses their microwave as a key cooking component, the more expensive convection or inverter microwaves may be a better investment.
- Controls
If you’re simply heating up your favorite food, nuking a frozen dinner, or warming a cup of coffee, you may not care about additional controls or presets beyond the standard keypad and start button. But if you want to cook things like baked potatoes, or popcorn, or rely on your microwave to quickly defrost foods, you’re going to want to pay attention to the controls and presets. Look for power setting options and the option to add extra time to an existing countdown.
