Comparison: Is Panasonic The Best Microwave (Updated | Dec 8th)
When it comes to zapping leftovers or defrosting dinner, your microwave does more than just heat food—it’s a kitchen MVP. But is Panasonic really the best in the game? With sleek designs, smart sensors, and a reputation for reliability, Panasonic often tops the charts. Still, how does it stack up against rivals in speed, performance, and value? We’ve tested the top models, dug into the specs, and weighed the pros and cons to help you decide: is Panasonic worth the hype, or should you look elsewhere for your next microwave upgrade?
- Best for compact commercial power: Panasonic NE-1054F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven with 10 Programmable Memory and Touch Screen Control
- Best for cyclonic wave tech: Panasonic Microwave Oven
- Best for lightweight capacity pro: Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven
- Best for genius auto-cook: Panasonic NN-SD47QSDAYH Cu. Ft. Inverter Technology
- Best for inverter even heat: Panasonic NN-SN67K Microwave Oven
- Best for alexa smart cooking: Panasonic NN-SV79MS 1.4 cu.ft Smart Inverter Works with Alexa Countertop Microwave Oven 1200Watt Power with Genius Sensor Cooking
- Best for cyclonic inverter pro: Panasonic NN-SN76LS 1.6 cu.ft Cyclonic Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven 1250Watt Power with Genius Sensor Cooking
- Best for broiler flashxpress: Panasonic 2-in-1 Microwave Oven with FlashXpress Broiler
- Best for space-saving inverter: Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for genius sensor plus: Panasonic Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Is Panasonic The Best Microwave
Panasonic NE-1054F Compact Light-Duty Countertop Commercial Microwave Oven with 10 Programmable Memory and Touch Screen Control, Countertop Microwave Oven, 1000W, 0.8 Cu. Ft, Stainless Steel
- GRAB & GO HANDLE: The handle of these countertop microwave ovens ensures fast, smooth, long-lasting performance; these commercial microwaves for restaurant have a see-through door, interior light, anti-theft component, tone control & self-diagnostics
- BOTTOM ENERGY FEED SYSTEM FOR FAST RESULTS: 1000W power and 0.8-cu. ft. capacity; with these compact microwaves, energy travels less distance to reach the food, for efficiency in heating dinner plates, casserole dishes, coffee mugs & kitchenware
- TOUCH-CONTROL WITH BRAILLE: Programmable, manual operation provides 10 programmable memory pads & 20-memory capability; countertop microwaves with 99:99-minute capacity, presets from 10 seconds to 3:30 minutes; 6 power levels & program list
- HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL MICROWAVE: A Panasonic microwave oven deal for full-service and fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, offices, hotels, cafeterias, breakrooms and other business-related settings, plus heavy home or dorm room usage
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: This compact microwave oven occupies minimal space on a countertop or table; 13″D x 16″W x 13″H
Panasonic Microwave Oven, Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In Cyclonic Wave with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 2.2 Cu. Ft, 1250W, NN-SN97JS (Silver)
- PANASONIC COUNTERTOP MICROWAVE OVEN CYCLONIC INVERTER: This 1250-Watt high power, 2. 2-cubic-foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built-in microwave maintains the full flavor and nutrients of your favorite foods with Cyclonic Wave technology for ultra-efficient cooking at all temperature levels
- INVERTER TECHNOLOGY WITH TURBO DEFROST: patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking; advanced Inverter Turbo Defrost speeds up defrosting time
- LARGE FAMILY SIZE: This countertop microwave with 16. 5-inch turntable is thinner, lighter and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity; internal dimensions (H x W x D): 10-15/16-inch x 18-7/16-inch x 18-1/2-inch
- SMART COOKING SETTING: Built-in automatic sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; other advantages include 20 preset menu items, quick-minute timer, delay start and child safety lock
- FOOD WARMING FEATURE: This Inverter microwave keeps soups, gravies or desserts warm and fresh until get ready to serve.Power requirement:120V 60Hz, 12.7A1480W, AC only
Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cft, Stainless Steel/Silver
- Power plus innovation 1100 watts of high power for fast, even cooking and delicious results
- Microwave controls 7 preset auto cook menu items, 13.4 inch turntable; delay start and timer; more/less control; Child safety lock; quick 30 seconds and popcorn button with 3 cooking levels
- Minimum countertop footprint smart, compact design devotes less space to electronics and far more interior capacity. up to eight pounds lighter than conventional microwave ovens
- Microwave popcorn choose from 3 power level options, depending on the size of the microwave popcorn bag, for perfect popping every time
- Keep warm feature microwave keeps foods like vegetables, soups, hors d’oeuvres, gravies, sauces and desserts warm and delicious in the oven until they’re ready to serve; Power Consumption: 1500W
Panasonic NN-SD47QSDAYH Cu. Ft. Inverter Technology, 1000W Microwave Oven Countertop, 0.9 cft, Stainless Steel
- Even Cooking for Delicious Results: Enjoy perfectly-cooked food every time; Inverter technology ensures even heating at all power levels, eliminating cold spots and preserving the food’s natural flavors and nutrients, so every bite is delicious and nutritious
- Smarter Cooking with Genius Technology: Take the guesswork out of meal prep; advanced sensor technology auto-adjusts power and cooking time based on the moisture level and steam emitted by the food, eliminating over- and under-cooking
- One-Touch Convenience with Auto-Cook Presets: Make meal prep quick and easy with 15 Auto-Cook presets, offering one-touch cooking for your microwave favorites, from melting butter to making omelets, frozen pizza, rice, soup, pasta, vegetables, and more
- Powerful, Microwave Countertop Features: With 1000 watts of power, 3-Stage Cooking, Turbo Defrost, a Popcorn button, Keep Warm, Quick 30, and Sensor Reheat, this microwave countertop offers versatile and efficient cooking with the touch of a button
- Easy-Clean Interior & Spacious Turntable: Easy-clean 0.9 cu. ft. interior has an LED light and a spacious 11.34″ turntable, offering enough room to fit a casserole dish or personal pizza, perfect for meals or sides. Features a black exterior that seamlessly fits into your kitchen
Panasonic NN-SN67K Microwave Oven, 1.2 cu.ft, Stainless Steel/Silver
- Microwave cooking made easy space-saving, 1. 2 Cu. Ft. 1200W stainless steel countertop oven with 11 power levels, smart controls and LED, 3 level popcorn button, 13. 4 inches turntable, easy clean interior, auto and manual controls.Operating Frequency : 2,450 MHz.
- Inverter technology generates a seamless stream of microwave cooking power for evenly heated foods edges to center. Cavity Dimensions (H x W x D)- 9 15/16 x 13 15/16 x 14 3/8 inches
- Smart cooking settings with genius sensor automatically adjusts power and times to take the guesswork out of everyday cooking; includes 16 sensor cook settings; Sensor reheat warms evenly to retain nutrients and texture in leftovers
- Inverter Turbo defrost for all your frozen foods, Turbo defrost accelerates defrosting time to thaw more quickly and thoroughly for more flavorful foods
- 3-Level popcorn button popcorn lovers can choose the optimal popping temperature and time for different microwave bag capacities (3.2, 2.7, or 1.5 ounce ) for Hot, sumptuous snacking
Panasonic NN-SV79MS 1.4 cu.ft Smart Inverter Works with Alexa Countertop Microwave Oven 1200Watt Power with Genius Sensor Cooking, Stainless Steel
- Works with Alexa: 100+ voice commands plus Genius Sensor for no guesswork cooking; with commands like “melt 4oz of butter,” or “reheat leftovers,” the NN-SV79MS auto-adjusts power and time; plus control the smart oven from your phone with the Alexa app
- Super Easy Setup: Just plug in the microwave, launch the Alexa app, link your Amazon account then scan the 2D bar code and follow prompts to start cooking
- Even Cooking, Delicious Meals: North America’s #1 brand in countertop microwave ovens, the Panasonic Alexa-enabled microwave uses Inverter technology to cook food evenly from edges to center at every power level
- Cooking Features to Love: Powered by 1200 watts, the NN-SV79MS is packed with versatile controls like Turbo Defrost, 20 preset menu items, delay start, quick 30-Sec and popcorn button
- Spacious Interior, Sleek Exterior: Ready to take center stage in your kitchen with a premium stainless steel face and dial control plus large 1.4 cu ft interior
Panasonic NN-SN76LS 1.6 cu.ft Cyclonic Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven 1250Watt Power with Genius Sensor Cooking, 19.44″D x 21.88″W x 11.94″H, Stainless Steel
- Delicious Food, Smarter Cooking with Panasonic Microwaves: Panasonic patented Cyclonic Wave Inverter technology evenly circulates heat in 3D waves for more even, efficient cooking with delicious results
- Easier Microwaving with Genius Sensor and Auto Cook: 15 preset smart cooking options including fresh and frozen entrees and vegetables, oatmeal, soup, potatoes, pasta, pizza, rice and more
- Minimum Countertop Footprint: Smart, compact design occupies less space for electronics and more for interior capacity: 11 15/16”H x 21 7/8”W x 19 7/16”D
- Turbo Defrost and Sensor Reheat: Utilizes a microwave sequencing system based on the inverter’s continuous power delivery method to thaw and reheat foods quickly and evenly
- Easy, Quick Microwave Controls: Dedicated buttons for Popcorn, Keep Warm, Quick 30, plus features including Child lock, kitchen timer and 3 stage cooking
Panasonic 2-in-1 Microwave Oven with FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter Technology for Even Cooking and Smart Genius Sensor, 1000W, 1.2 cu.ft. Countertop – NN-GN68KS (Stainless Steel / Silver)
- Flash press broiler allows the microwave oven to be used for broiling with grill like results. The specially designed broiling rack lifts food close to infrared grilling element for a crispy brown finish
- Genius sensor cooking built in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods; other advantages include 18 Preset menu items, quick minute timer, delay start and child safety lock
- Microwave controls 7 preset auto cook menu items, 13. 4 inches Turntable; delay start and timer; more/less control; child safety lock; quick 30Sec and popcorn button with 3 cooking levels
- Minimum countertop footprint smart, compact microwave broiler design devotes less space to electronics and far more interior capacity.Just wipe with a damp cloth
- Rated output power (microwave): 1000W, rated output power (broiler): 1100W, rated Voltage 120V 60Hertz
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, 1200W, 1.2 cu.ft. Small Microwave with Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking, Popcorn Button, Turbo Defrost – NN-SN65KW – (White)
- Microwave Cooking Made Easy: 1200W white microwave with 11 power levels, smart controls, 3-level popcorn button, and more for easy cooking of dinner and snacks
- Even Cooking and Reheating for Delicious Food: Panasonic’s patented Inverter Technology generates a seamless steam of cooking power for evenly heated foods, edges to center
- Smarter Cooking: Genius Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking but automatically adjusting power and cooking time; Includes 10 sensor cook settings; sensor reheat warms leftovers evenly
- More Features to Enjoy: Inverter Turbo Defrost accelerates thawing time; 15 Auto Cook Options, Keep Warm and more
- Space-Saving Design: Countertop microwave with 1.2 cu.ft. easy-clean interior houses 13.4” turntable but maintains a small external footprint to maximize counterspace
Panasonic Microwave Oven, 1.3 cu. ft. 1100W Countertop Microwave with Genius Sensor Cooking and Auto Defrost – NN-SD67LS (Stainless Steel)
- Delicious Foods, Smarter Cooking with Panasonic Microwaves: Panasonic patented Genius Sensor technology, designed in Japan for fast cooking and delicious results, 1100W powerful cooking and 1.3 cu ft interior
- Auto and Sensor Cook: Panasonic microwave oven with 10 preset smart cooking options including potatoes, fresh and frozen vegetables, frozen pizza and entrees, casseroles, rice, pasta and more, plus Auto Defrost and smart Sensor Cook and Reheat
- Minimum Countertop Footprint: Smart, compact microwave oven occupies less space for electronics and more for interior capacity: 11.8 in. H x 21.2 in. W x 17.4 in. D with 12.4 in. turntable
- Microwave Popcorn: Choose from 3 power level options, depending on the size of the microwave popcorn bag, for perfect popping every time
- Keep Warm: Keeps foods like vegetables, soups, hors d’oeuvres, gravies, sauces and desserts warm and delicious until they’re ready to serve
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What key factors should I evaluate when picking a Panasonic microwave?
Look at capacity, power wattage, and the type of cooking technology (inverter, cyclonic wave, or flash‑broiler). Also consider countertop space, special features like sensor cooking, auto‑cook presets, and any smart connectivity you may want. Finally, compare price against the included functions to gauge overall value.
How does Panasonic’s Inverter Technology affect cooking results?
Inverter technology delivers a continuous stream of power, which heats food evenly at every power level and eliminates cold spots. This results in better texture and nutrient retention, especially for delicate dishes and defrosting. Models such as the NN‑SN67K and NN‑SV79MS showcase this advantage.
Which Panasonic microwave offers the best value for a compact kitchen?
The NE‑1054F Compact Light‑Duty Countertop model provides 1000 W power in a 0.8 cu ft footprint, making it ideal for dorm rooms or small apartments. It includes essential features like a grab‑and‑go handle, programmable memory pads, and a see‑through door at a lower price point than larger family‑size units. Its commercial‑grade durability adds extra longevity for the cost.
What are the main differences between Cyclonic Wave and standard Inverter models?
Cyclonic Wave combines inverter power with a 3‑dimensional wave pattern that circulates heat more uniformly, improving cooking speed and flavor. Standard Inverter models still provide even heating but lack the extra wave circulation. The NN‑SN76LS and NN‑SV79MS highlight Cyclonic Wave technology, while the NN‑SN67K focuses on classic inverter performance.
Is it worth choosing a larger‑capacity Panasonic microwave for family meals?
Larger models like the NN‑SN76LS (1.6 cu ft) and NN‑SV79MS (1.4 cu ft) give you room for casserole dishes, family‑size pizza, and multiple plates, reducing the need to re‑heat in batches. They also tend to include more auto‑cook presets and stronger wattage, which can speed up cooking. If you frequently prepare big meals, the extra space and features justify the higher price.
How do the NN‑SU696S and NN‑SN67K compare in terms of features and price?
Both models offer around 1100‑1200 W power and similar turntable sizes, but the NN‑SU696S includes a Keep Warm function and a slightly larger interior at 1.3 cu ft. The NN‑SN67K focuses on a compact 1.2 cu ft design with a 3‑level popcorn button and a sleek stainless finish. Generally, the SU696S is priced a bit higher due to its extra capacity and Keep Warm feature.
Does the Alexa‑enabled NN‑SV79MS provide real advantages over non‑smart Panasonic microwaves?
The NN‑SV79MS adds voice control, allowing you to start, stop, or adjust cooking with simple commands, which can be handy when your hands are busy. It also integrates the same Inverter and sensor technologies found in other models, so cooking performance remains top‑notch. The main benefit is convenience; if you don’t use smart home devices, a standard model may be more cost‑effective.
How important are sensor cooking and auto‑cook presets when comparing Panasonic microwaves?
Sensor cooking automatically adjusts power and time based on moisture and steam, reducing the risk of over‑cooking and preserving nutrients. Auto‑cook presets provide one‑touch cooking for common foods, saving time and eliminating guesswork. Most mid‑range and high‑end Panasonic models, such as the NN‑SN67K, NN‑SN76LS, and NN‑SV79MS, include these features, making them a key differentiator from basic microwaves.