The Panasonic NN-SE985S is a 2.2 cu ft inverter-technology microwave with a 16.5-inch turntable, 1250 W, and built-in installation capability. At $468.94 it commands a premium price, and its 3.9-star rating across 58 reviews suggests it delivers solid performance but with some real buyer reservations worth understanding.
Kitchen remodelers who want a large-capacity microwave that can be mounted flush in cabinetry for a built-in look, alongside the flexibility of countertop use during or after a renovation. Panasonic's inverter technology benefits buyers who frequently defrost proteins or heat delicate foods.
Skip if
Buyers who only need a countertop microwave and are not planning built-in installation. At $468.94 there are 2.2 cu ft countertop-only models with more reviews and higher ratings at lower prices. The 3.9-star rating across 58 reviews warrants caution at this price point.
Capacity 2.2 cu ft
Heating Inverter Technology
Wattage 1250 W
Power levels 10
Installation Built-In
Width 23.88 in
Priced 72% above the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
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
Our scorecard
3.9/5overall
Owner rating3.9/5
3.9 average across 58 owner ratings
Value for money2.5/5
$213 per cubic foot, above the category median
Popularity1.5/5
58 owner reviews, fewer 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
Panasonic's inverter technology is the central selling point here. Traditional microwaves cycle the magnetron on and off to simulate lower power settings, which can result in uneven heating and icy patches in thawed food. Inverter microwaves deliver continuous power at the set level, which produces more consistent heating throughout the food mass. At 2.2 cu ft with a 16.5-inch turntable, this is a full-size unit capable of fitting a large casserole dish or a substantial roast.
The built-in capability adds installation flexibility that standard countertop-only units do not offer. Combined with the 23.88-inch width and 36.8 lb weight, this microwave is sized for a permanent kitchen position whether built into cabinetry or set on a wide counter. Stainless steel finish suits modern kitchen aesthetics. Ten power levels on an inverter platform means those levels are genuinely graduated rather than cycling on and off.
The 3.9-star rating from 58 buyers is the detail that demands the most attention at this price. It is not a poor rating, but it falls below the 4.2-4.4 range where most well-regarded Panasonic models sit. At $468.94, buyers are justified in expecting top-quartile performance and satisfaction. The smaller review pool means each reviewer's experience carries more weight, but the pattern suggests some buyers encounter fit or performance issues that push the average below expectations for the price.
Pros
Inverter technology delivers continuous power for more even heating and defrosting
2.2 cu ft capacity with a 16.5-inch turntable handles oversized items
3.9-star rating from 58 reviews is below expectations at the $468.94 price point
Small review count makes the rating less statistically reliable
Significant 23.88 x 19.44 inch footprint requires substantial counter or cabinet space
36.8 lb weight makes repositioning difficult without help
Specifications
Capacity
2.2 cu ft
Heating
Inverter Technology
Wattage
1250 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Built-In
Width
23.88 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Stainless Steel
Turntable
16.5 in
Dimensions
19.44 X 23.88 X 14 In
Weight
36.8 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
Inverter technology at 1250 W across a 2.2 cu ft cavity means this unit heats at genuinely consistent power levels rather than cycling on and off like conventional magnetrons. The 16.5-inch turntable accommodates large dishes. Ten power levels on an inverter platform are more meaningful than on a standard microwave because each level delivers real sustained power rather than an average. Button controls are standard Panasonic layout. The built-in designation means this unit can be installed in a trim kit within cabinetry for a flush appearance.
What buyers say
With 58 reviews at 3.9 stars, the buyer pool is small relative to the price asked. The 3.9 rating is honest and reflects real buyer experience, including likely issues some buyers encountered with fit during built-in installation or with expectations set by the premium price point. It does not suggest a fundamentally flawed product, but it does indicate that not all buyers at this price bracket left fully satisfied.
What is inverter technology and why does it matter for defrosting?
Standard microwaves simulate lower power settings by cycling the magnetron fully on and fully off in timed bursts. Inverter technology keeps the magnetron running continuously at a reduced power level. For defrosting, this means more even heat penetration across the food rather than cooked outer edges with a frozen center. It is a meaningful improvement for anyone who defrosted chicken or fish regularly in a traditional microwave.
Can this be installed in cabinetry as a true built-in?
The NN-SE985S is listed as capable of built-in installation. This typically requires a compatible trim kit that frames the microwave flush with surrounding cabinetry. The 23.88 x 19.44 x 14 inch dimensions and 36.8 lb weight must be confirmed against your specific cabinet opening before purchase. Check Panasonic's trim kit compatibility list for this model number.
Why is the rating lower than other Panasonic microwaves at similar prices?
With only 58 reviews, individual experiences have more pull on the average. A 3.9-star rating at 58 reviews versus a 4.3-star rating at 3,400 reviews are not directly comparable in statistical weight. That said, at $468.94 buyers reasonably expect above-average performance, and some may be factoring in the complexity of built-in installation or the premium price-to-feature ratio in their ratings.
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