TLDR Review: Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven
Pros
- •Heats food evenly and quickly, outperforming many previous brands in speed and consistency.
- •Compact 1.2 cubic foot size with 1200W power fits well above counters and in smaller kitchens without sacrificing performance.
- •Sleek, modern stainless steel design that's lighter and more spacfficient than older microwave models.
- •Light gray interior improves visibility inside the cavity compared to traditional white interiors.
- •Features convenient "Quick 30" and Popcorn buttons which are frequently praised for ease of use.
- •Includes a child lock safety feature that can be disabled, offering flexibility for families.
- •Softly lit digital clock display that is easy on the eyes and overall easo-use controls after an initial learning curve.
- •Reliable performance reported over several months by many users, maintaining heating effectiveness.
Cons
- •The user interface can be tricky and unintuitive at first, with button responsiveness issues and the need to reset before changing settings.
- •Lacks dedicated buttons for popular items like beverages and frozen vegetables, forcing multiple presses or workarounds with the sensor cook feature.
- •The interior microwave light is dim and sometimes hard to see clearly during cooking.
- •Cord placement requires pulling the unit away from the wall for power access, which may be inconvenient depending on kitchen layout.
- •Some users reported disappointing customer support experiences, finding the process to get help or repairs confusing and inefficient.
- •The door seal may not always be tight, potentially allowing air to escape, which could affect heating efficiency.
- •Noticeable noise during operation, though generally described as acceptable or slightly quieter than older models.
- •Some buyers expressed concerns about perceived build quality, considering it to feel cheap relative to price.
- •The child lock is enabled by default but needs manual deactivation, which can be an annoyance for some.
Bottom Line
The Panasonic NN-SN686S microwave offers great heating power and a compact, stylish design with clever features like inverter technology and a light gray interior for better visibility. It shines most in everyday heating speed and reliability but falls short in usability, such as the unintuitive interface and lack of dedicated buttons for common food items. Customer support experiences may be frustrating if issues arise, so this is best suited for buyers who prioritize performance and design over super straightforward controls. If easy-to-use controls or better customer support are must-haves, you might want to consider other brands or models. Overall, for a modern, efficient microwave with solid heating performance in a sleek package, this is a strong contender — just be prepared for some mild quirks and learning curve.
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