Finding a microwave that truly delivers on its promise of consistent heating can feel like a never-ending quest. I remember the frustration of wrestling with unevenly cooked food – scorching hot edges while the center remained stubbornly cold, or delicate dishes transforming into rubbery, dried-out messes. This constant culinary challenge not only wasted food but also added unnecessary stress to meal preparation, making quick dinners anything but convenient. It was a problem that demanded a reliable solution to avoid the daily disappointment and ensure every meal, from a simple reheat to a more complex dish, turned out perfectly. That’s why I eventually sought out a dependable appliance like the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 1.2 Cubic Foot, 1200W, to bring much-needed consistency to my kitchen.
Before committing to any new kitchen appliance, especially something as central as a microwave oven, it’s wise to reflect on what truly matters. Microwaves fundamentally address the need for rapid cooking, efficient reheating, and quick defrosting, becoming indispensable tools for anyone with a busy lifestyle or simply seeking culinary convenience. An ideal customer for a high-performance microwave is someone who values consistent results, expects advanced features to simplify meal preparation, and possibly has specific space requirements for installation, whether on a countertop or integrated into cabinetry. Conversely, if your microwave use is minimal – perhaps just for the occasional popcorn bag – or if you’re working with a very tight budget and aren’t interested in advanced technology, then a more basic, less feature-rich model might be a better fit.
When making your choice, several factors warrant careful thought. Consider the wattage, as higher wattage typically translates to faster and more powerful cooking. The capacity is crucial; ensure it accommodates your typical dishware and family size. Investigate the underlying cooking technology – traditional pulsed power versus modern inverter systems – for insights into heating consistency. Don’t overlook the suite of special features, such as sensor cooking, various defrost modes, or a keep warm function. Think about the installation type (countertop or built-in, potentially requiring a trim kit) and the overall footprint in your kitchen. Lastly, assess the user interface for ease of operation, display clarity, and button responsiveness, as these elements significantly impact daily usability.
Introducing the Panasonic NN-SN686S: A Closer Look
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a 1200-watt, 1.2 cubic foot stainless steel microwave designed for both countertop and built-in use. Its core promise revolves around delivering a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor, powered by its signature Inverter Technology and an intuitive Genius Sensor. When you purchase this unit, you receive the microwave itself, equipped with a 13.4-inch turntable, ready to handle a variety of dishes. While it doesn’t boast comparisons to specific “market leaders” in its direct description, its Inverter Technology sets it apart from conventional models by providing continuous, rather than pulsed, power delivery.
This particular microwave is ideally suited for home cooks who prioritize consistent, high-quality results from their microwave and appreciate advanced features that take the guesswork out of cooking. It’s perfect for individuals or small families seeking efficient meal prep, precise defrosting, and a sleek appliance that can either sit elegantly on a counter or be seamlessly integrated into kitchen cabinetry with an optional trim kit. However, it might not be the best choice for those seeking the absolute cheapest option on the market, or for users who are very accustomed to, and reliant upon, simple “one-button start” functions for every task, as its interface, while smart, has a slight learning curve.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Consistent, Even Cooking: Thanks to Inverter Technology, food heats uniformly without hot or cold spots.
* Efficient Defrosting: Inverter Turbo Defrost thaws items quickly and evenly.
* Smart Sensor Cooking: The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts power and time, simplifying cooking.
* Space-Saving Design: A compact footprint belies its generous 1.2 cubic foot interior capacity.
* Keep Warm Feature: Handy for maintaining food temperature until ready to serve.
* Sleek Aesthetic: Modern stainless steel finish enhances kitchen decor.
Cons:
* Potential Wi-Fi Interference: May interfere with 2.4GHz wireless devices when operating.
* User Interface Learning Curve: Keypad can be stiff, and some common functions lack a one-button start.
* Dim Interior Lighting: The internal light is not very bright, and the dark interior can make monitoring food difficult.
* Straight Power Plug: Requires significant clearance from the wall, often necessitating a flat-plug extension cord for flush placement.
* Hotter Dishes: Plates and splatter covers can get noticeably hotter than with traditional microwaves.
Deep Dive into Features and Benefits of the Panasonic NN-SN686S
Having used the Panasonic NN-SN686S for quite some time now, I can confidently share my firsthand experience with its standout features and how they’ve genuinely impacted my daily cooking. This isn’t just another microwave; it incorporates several technologies that truly set it apart.
The Power of Inverter Technology
At the heart of this appliance is Panasonic’s patented Inverter Technology. Unlike traditional microwaves that operate by cycling their power on and off (which often leads to inconsistent heating, with parts of your food cooking while others remain cold), the Inverter Technology generates a seamless, continuous stream of power at all temperature settings. This means that whether you set it to 10% power or 100%, it’s constantly delivering that exact power level.
The benefits of this are profound. For me, the days of overcooked edges and chilly centers are largely over. Delicate foods, like simmering sauces, poaching fish, or even simply reheating pasta, retain their original texture, color, and nutrients because the gentle, consistent heat prevents scorching and uneven boiling. It allows for a more nuanced cooking approach, delivering food that’s evenly prepared from the edges right to the center. This feature alone has transformed how I approach microwave cooking, moving beyond just reheating and into more delicate culinary tasks. It genuinely solves the core problem of inconsistent results that plagued my previous microwaves.
Revolutionary Turbo Defrost
Coupled with Inverter Technology is the Inverter Turbo Defrost system. Defrosting used to be a gamble; you either ended up with frozen lumps or partially cooked edges. The Turbo Defrost utilizes the continuous power delivery of the inverter system to thaw foods more evenly and quickly. Instead of blasting food with high power then pausing, it applies microwave energy in a controlled, sequential manner.
What this translates to in practice is significantly reduced defrosting time and, more importantly, a much better outcome. I’ve defrosted everything from ground meat to frozen vegetables, and they emerge uniformly thawed, ready for the next stage of cooking, without any of those frustrating hot spots or still-frozen patches. For anyone who regularly cooks from frozen, this feature is a game-changer, saving both time and preventing food waste.
Smart Cooking with Genius Sensor
The built-in automatic Genius Sensor is another feature that has streamlined my kitchen routine. This intelligent sensor adjusts power and cooking times based on the moisture levels and specific food types it detects. With 14 preset menu items, it takes the guesswork out of preparing common foods like potatoes, fresh vegetables, frozen entrees, and even oatmeal.
I’ve found the Genius Sensor incredibly reliable. Pop a plate of leftovers in, select the ‘reheat’ option, and the microwave does the rest. No more fiddling with power levels or guessing cook times. This smart automation ensures consistent, delicious results and significantly reduces the effort required for everyday meals. Beyond the sensor, the quick minute timer, delay start function, and child safety lock add layers of convenience and security that make it a truly versatile appliance for any busy household.
Practical Keep Warm Feature
How many times have you prepared a meal only for one component to get cold while waiting for another? The Keep Warm Feature on this Panasonic microwave oven has been surprisingly useful for such scenarios. It gently maintains the temperature of foods like gravies, soups, vegetables, or desserts without further cooking them.
This means I can prepare a side dish ahead of time and keep it perfectly warm until the main course is ready to be served. It’s particularly handy when entertaining, ensuring all elements of a meal arrive at the table at their optimal temperature. It prevents the need for re-heating, which can often compromise food quality.
Compact Design, Generous Capacity
One of the first things you notice about the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is its sleek profile. Despite its ample 1.2 cubic foot interior capacity and a 13.4-inch turntable that easily accommodates larger dinner plates, the unit itself is remarkably compact. This is largely due to the more efficient design of the Inverter power unit, which requires less space for electronics.
For my kitchen, where counter space is at a premium, this compact footprint is a significant advantage. It takes up less real estate while still providing plenty of room inside for all my cooking needs. The option for a built-in installation with an optional trim kit (like the NN-TK621SS for a 27-inch cabinet) further adds to its versatility, allowing for a seamless, integrated look in a newly designed or upgraded kitchen.
Real-World Quirks and Considerations
While the performance is top-notch, my long-term use has also highlighted a few aspects that potential buyers should be aware of.
2.4GHz Wi-Fi Interference: This is perhaps the most significant drawback I’ve encountered, aligning with reports from other users. While the microwave is operating, I’ve noticed a definite impact on devices connected to my 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Video streaming can become pixelated, and wireless security cameras or baby monitors might temporarily lose signal. Devices on the 5GHz band remain unaffected. If your home relies heavily on 2.4GHz connections and the microwave will be placed near these devices, this is a genuine consideration.
User Interface and Keypad: The control panel, while sleek in stainless steel, has a few quirks. The display is not backlit, making it genuinely difficult to read in low light conditions, especially with its silver-on-black text. Furthermore, the membrane keypad buttons require a noticeably firmer press than I’ve been used to with other microwaves. There’s also no “one-button start” for common cook times like 30 seconds or 1-6 minutes, meaning you always have to press the ‘Start’ button after entering a time. This requires a slight adjustment, but it’s manageable once you get used to the workflow. The child lock feature, while useful for safety, can also be a bit finicky to disengage quickly if you’re not familiar with the sequence.
Interior Illumination: The interior light is, unfortunately, on the dim side. Combined with the dark grey interior, it makes it challenging to visually monitor food as it cooks. I often find myself needing to open the door to check on something, which isn’t ideal for retaining heat.
Power Plug Design: For those aiming for a flush installation against a wall, the standard straight power plug can be an issue. It protrudes quite a bit, requiring a good two inches of clearance. I, like many others, had to purchase a separate flat-plug extension cord to allow the microwave to sit closer to the wall.
Dish Heating: An interesting observation is that dinner plates and plastic splatter covers seem to get significantly hotter with this microwave compared to my previous units, even when the food inside reaches the same temperature. I suspect this is a characteristic of the Inverter Technology’s heating method. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it means exercising a bit more caution when removing items.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the core performance – the even heating, consistent defrosting, and smart sensor cooking – truly delivers on its promise, making these trade-offs largely acceptable in the long run.
Customer Feedback and Real-World Impressions
Having scoured the internet for other users’ experiences, it’s clear that the sentiments largely echo my own. Many users praise the consistent and quick cooking provided by the Inverter Technology, especially for delicate foods that previously suffered from uneven heating. The compact design is also a frequently highlighted positive, making it a great fit for various kitchens and a popular choice for both countertop and built-in applications. However, some have noted a noticeable interference with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi devices while the unit is operating, which can be an inconvenience for connected homes. The keypad’s responsiveness and the dim interior light are also points occasionally raised, though users often find the excellent overall heating performance outweighs these minor issues once accustomed to the unit’s unique aspects.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The persistent kitchen problem of unevenly cooked food, leading to wasted ingredients and frustrating meal times, is a common issue that needs a definitive solution. Without a reliable microwave, you’re left with food that’s either overcooked, undercooked, or requires multiple reheats, diminishing the pleasure and efficiency of your culinary efforts.
The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S stands out as an excellent choice to conquer these challenges. First, its revolutionary Inverter Technology ensures perfectly even and consistent cooking, preventing the dreaded hot spots and cold centers. Second, the intelligent Genius Sensor takes the guesswork out of meal preparation, automatically adjusting settings for optimal results every time. Finally, its compact footprint combined with a generous 1.2 cubic foot capacity and sleek stainless steel design makes it a versatile and attractive addition to any kitchen, whether placed on a counter or built-in. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen experience and say goodbye to frustrating microwave mishaps, click here to check out the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S today.