The Panasonic NN-SN686S is a well-proven 1.2 cu ft microwave running at 1480 W with a 13.38-inch turntable, backed by over 8,400 buyer reviews and a solid 4.3-star rating. At $259.95 it occupies the mid-range confidently, offering serious wattage and proven reliability for households that microwave frequently.
Home cooks who want a reliable mid-size microwave with strong wattage for everyday reheating, defrosting, and cooking. The 20.7-inch width and 1.2 cu ft interior comfortably handles dinner plates and most standard cookware.
Skip if
Buyers needing a compact unit for a small space or those on a tight budget. At 20.7 inches wide and $259.95, this is not the smallest or cheapest option. Anyone wanting smart-home integration should also look elsewhere as this unit is not compatible.
Capacity 1.2 cu ft
Heating Electric
Wattage 1480 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 20.7 in
Wattage of 1480 W - higher than 91% of the 84 models we track
Width of 20.7 in - wider than 64% of the 84 models we track
Weight of 25.5 lb - lighter than 75% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.3/5overall
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 8,400 owner ratings
Value for money2.3/5
$217 per cubic foot, above the category median
Popularity4.6/5
8,400 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space3.4/5
1.2 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At 1480 W, the NN-SN686S sits noticeably above most residential microwaves that cluster around 900-1100 W. That extra power translates to faster heat-up times and more even cooking across the 1.2 cu ft cavity, which measures 15.8 x 20.7 x 12.2 inches overall. The 13.38-inch turntable is sized well for a microwave in this class, fitting most standard dinner plates without the food riding the edge.
Panasonic built this unit with button controls and 10 power levels, giving users meaningful gradation between full power and low simmer modes. The stainless steel and silver finish holds up to daily kitchen use without showing smudges as readily as a gloss black surface would.
With 8,400 reviews and a 4.3 rating, this is one of the most validated microwaves in its price band. That volume of buyer experience is a reliable indicator of consistent build quality and long-term durability. At 25.5 lb it is also manageable to move when needed.
Pros
High 1480 W output cooks faster than most residential microwaves
1.2 cu ft cavity with a 13.38-inch turntable fits standard dinner plates
4.3 stars across 8,400 reviews is exceptional real-world validation
10 power levels give precise control for delicate reheating tasks
25.5 lb weight makes it easy to reposition on the counter
Cons
At $259.95 it costs significantly more than budget 1.2 cu ft alternatives
Not smart-home compatible
No built-in sensor cooking noted in available specs
Specifications
Capacity
1.2 cu ft
Heating
Electric
Wattage
1480 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
20.7 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel / Silver
Turntable
13.38 in
Dimensions
15.8 X 20.7 X 12.2 In
Weight
25.5 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Smart
Not Smart Home Compatible
Performance notes
At 1480 W this unit heats faster than the 900-1100 W models common at lower price points. The 1.2 cu ft interior and 13.38-inch turntable handle most household tasks from reheating leftovers to defrosting a pound of ground beef. Ten power levels let you dial down to gentle warm settings for soups or dairy-based dishes. Button controls are straightforward and familiar to any microwave user.
What buyers say
A 4.3-star average across 8,400 reviews is strong for any appliance. At this volume, isolated bad experiences are well diluted, suggesting the unit performs consistently for the large majority of buyers. Common household microwave tasks appear to be where it earns its reputation, and the sustained purchase history points to ongoing satisfaction rather than a one-time spike.
The turntable is 13.38 inches in diameter, so a standard 12-inch dinner plate should fit with clearance. Very large serving platters may be tight, but everyday dinnerware fits without issue based on the listed turntable dimension.
How does 1480 W compare to a typical microwave?
Most residential countertop microwaves in the $70-$150 range run at 700-1000 W. At 1480 W, the NN-SN686S generates significantly more power, which means food heats more quickly and the unit can handle denser items more effectively. The tradeoff is higher electricity draw per minute of operation.
Is this microwave compatible with Alexa or Google Home?
No. The NN-SN686S is listed as not smart-home compatible. It operates independently without any Wi-Fi, app, or voice-assistant integration.
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