The Panasonic NN-SN966S is a large-capacity countertop microwave at 2.2 cu ft with a 16.5-inch turntable and 14 power levels, backed by 5,500 reviews and a 4.0-star rating. Price is not currently listed, but the combination of genuine high capacity and a deep review base makes it a credible option for larger households.
Larger families or cooks who frequently heat big casseroles, whole plates, or large bowls. The 2.2 cu ft interior and 16.5-inch turntable are among the roomiest in the countertop category, handling oversized items that smaller units cannot.
Skip if
Anyone with limited counter space. At 23.9 inches wide and 19.4 inches deep, this is a substantial footprint. Budget shoppers and those who rarely cook large portions will find the size and likely price of this unit unnecessary.
Capacity 2.2 cu ft
Wattage 1250 W
Power levels 14
Installation Countertop
Width 23.9 in
Controls Touchscreen
Capacity of 2.2 cu ft - larger than 95% of the 84 models we track
Wattage of 1250 W - higher than 84% of the 84 models we track
Power levels of 14 - higher than 97% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.0/5overall
Owner rating4.0/5
4.0 average across 5,500 owner ratings
Popularity4.5/5
5,500 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space5.0/5
2.2 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
A 2.2 cu ft cavity puts the NN-SN966S at the upper end of countertop microwave sizing. The 16.5-inch turntable is notably large, accommodating wide dinner plates, large soup bowls, and bulkier covered dishes without the spinning edge problem that plagues smaller units. Panasonic rates it at 1250 W, which is solid mid-high wattage for this size class.
Fourteen power levels is one of the more granular control sets available. That range matters for tasks like softening butter, melting chocolate, or gently warming a custard where a 10-power-level unit forces coarser steps. Touchscreen controls give the front panel a clean look and are easy to wipe down after a splatter.
With 5,500 reviews and a 4.0-star rating, the unit has a well-established track record. A 4.0 rating across that many buyers is honest and solid; it reflects a capable, reliable appliance with some realistic tradeoffs at the large-format price point. The 37 lb weight means it stays put on the counter without being impractical to move when needed.
Pros
2.2 cu ft cavity is among the largest available in a countertop format
16.5-inch turntable fits large dinner plates and casserole dishes
14 power levels offer precise control for delicate heating tasks
1250 W provides capable output for a unit of this size
5,500 reviews establish a strong real-world track record
Cons
23.9-inch width and 19.4-inch depth demand significant counter space
Price is not currently listed, making direct cost comparison difficult
4.0-star rating, while solid, indicates some buyers encounter issues at this size and price tier
Specifications
Capacity
2.2 cu ft
Wattage
1250 W
Power levels
14
Installation
Countertop
Width
23.9 in
Controls
Touchscreen
Color
Stainless Steel / Silver
Turntable
16.5 in
Dimensions
19.4 X 23.9 X 14 In
Weight
37.0 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
At 2.2 cu ft with 1250 W and a 16.5-inch turntable, this unit is built for high-volume household use. The 14 power levels allow fine-tuned control across a wide range of foods. Touchscreen controls on a unit this size make it straightforward to program longer heating cycles. The 23.9 x 19.4 x 14 inch footprint is large by countertop standards, so measure counter space carefully before purchasing.
What buyers say
Five thousand five hundred reviews at 4.0 stars is a meaningful result. At that volume, a 4.0 average reflects a genuinely capable appliance where a portion of buyers encounter the expected frustrations of large-format microwaves, such as heat distribution variation and the space demands. The overall pattern suggests reliable performance for households that need the capacity.
The 16.5-inch turntable diameter is the practical limit for flat items. A 9x13 inch baking dish at its diagonal measures roughly 15.8 inches, which should clear the turntable on most orientations. Height inside the 2.2 cu ft cavity accommodates most covered casserole dishes as well.
What does 14 power levels mean practically?
More power levels give you finer steps between full power and the lowest setting. With 14 levels you can set the unit to, say, 40% power for gentle defrosting or 70% for reheating without the boiling edges you get at full blast. It matters most for delicate foods like eggs, fish, or chocolate.
How does the NN-SN966S compare to the smaller NN-SN686S?
The NN-SN966S adds roughly 1 cu ft of interior space and a 3-inch wider turntable over the NN-SN686S, but drops from 1480 W to 1250 W. It also adds 4 more power levels. If you frequently heat large items, the extra capacity is worth the size trade-off; if standard dinner plates are your primary use case, the NN-SN686S is the more practical choice.
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