Panasonic NN-SN686S vs Panasonic NN-SU696S: Which Microwave Oven Is Better for Your Kitchen?

Some appliances quietly become part of your daily rhythm, and for me, a microwave is exactly that kind of companion. I’ve used both the Panasonic NN-SN686S and the Panasonic NN-SU696S long enough to understand how they behave with real food, real timing, and everyday cooking demands. Although they look nearly identical at first glance, the way they heat, defrost, reheat, and handle day-to-day workloads tells a much deeper story.

Both models are popular, similarly sized, and priced in the same ballpark — but they are built on two very different heating systems. And that one difference completely changes the cooking experience.

Below is my complete comparison to help you decide which one deserves a place in your kitchen.

Main Difference Between Panasonic NN-SN686S vs Panasonic NN-SU696S Microwave Oven

The Panasonic NN-SN686S uses Inverter Technology, which delivers smooth, consistent heat. This helps avoid overcooked edges, rubbery textures, and uneven reheating.

The Panasonic NN-SU696S uses standard microwave heating, which pulses power on and off. It’s still powerful at 1100W, but not as precise or consistent as inverter heating.

If you value even cooking, perfect reheating, and better defrosting, the NN-SN686S holds a strong advantage.

Comparison Table: Panasonic NN-SN686S vs NN-SU696S Microwave Oven

Feature	Panasonic NN-SN686S	Panasonic NN-SU696S
Capacity	1.2 cu. ft	1.3 cu. ft
Wattage	1200W cooking / 1480W consumption	1100W cooking / 1500W consumption
Heating System	Inverter with Turbo Defrost	Standard microwave heating
Turntable Size	13.4 inches	13.4 inches
Preset Menu Items	14 presets	7 presets
Sensor Cooking	Genius Sensor	Auto Cook Menu
Keep Warm Function	Yes	Yes
Child Safety Lock	Yes	Yes
Exterior Dimensions	15.8″D x 20.7″W x 12.2″H	16.63″D x 20.44″W x 12.38″H
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Best For	Even heating, defrosting, daily cooking	Simple reheating, popcorn, small meals
Check Latest Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

1. Design & Build Quality

The first thing I noticed using both models is how similar they look from the outside. Sleek stainless steel, compact, and modern. But in hand, the NN-SN686S feels slightly more refined. The buttons have a cleaner tactile response, the door hinge has a smoother pull, and the overall finish feels a touch more premium.

The NN-SU696S, while still solid, has a more basic control panel. The preset options are fewer, and the interface feels more old-school.

My Experience:

• NN-SN686S feels like a smart, modern microwave.
• NN-SU696S feels like a classic, straightforward model.

If you prefer a premium touch, the SN686S wins here.

2. Heating Performance & Cooking Results

This is where the two microwaves stop being similar.

Panasonic NN-SN686S – Inverter Heating

I could immediately tell the difference the moment I reheated leftover pasta. Instead of a hot perimeter and cold center (which many microwaves are famous for), the SN686S warmed everything uniformly.
Soups, gravies, rice, pizza — everything was consistently heated without hotspots.

Even defrosting frozen chicken breasts was smoother. No half-cooked edges. No icy centers. Just an even thaw.

This is the Inverter Technology effect — steady heat instead of on-off pulses.

Panasonic NN-SU696S – Standard Heating

The SU696S reheats fast but not as evenly. While using it:

• Soups heated unevenly
• Breads became chewy faster
• Leftovers needed stirring midway
• Frozen items thawed less precisely

It’s still good for everyday reheating, but you can feel the difference in texture and consistency when compared directly to the inverter model.

Which One Performed Better? The NN-SN686S by a noticeable margin.
If your household reheats leftovers often, cooks small meals, or defrosts frozen meats regularly, the difference genuinely matters.

3. Ease of Use & Controls

Panasonic NN-SN686S:

I loved the Genius Sensor feature. You don’t have to guess cooking times. Just press a button and it decides the correct power and time automatically.

This was especially helpful for:

• Reheating plates of food
• Heating soup
• Making oatmeal
• Steaming vegetables

Plus, it offers 14 preset menu items and a quick minute button that I actually used every day.

Panasonic NN-SU696S:

This one is simpler, with:

• 7 preset menu items
• A popcorn button with 3 popcorn-size options
• Quick 30 seconds

It’s easier for someone who doesn’t want too many features, but it lacks the depth and precision of the SN686S.

Ease of Use Winner: NN-SN686S — more presets, better automation, smarter cooking.

4. Power & Efficiency

The NN-SN686S has 1200W cooking power, while the NN-SU696S runs at 1100W.
But here’s the interesting part: the NN-SN686S actually cooks faster because inverter heat doesn’t fluctuate.

The NN-SU696S consumes slightly more electricity overall (1500W) despite having lower cooking wattage.

Efficiency Winner: Panasonic NN-SN686S again.

5. Noise Levels

Both models are moderately quiet, but the inverter model (SN686S) has a smoother hum because the magnetron doesn’t switch on and off repeatedly.

The SU696S has that traditional microwave “pulse” sound.

6. Best Use Case Scenarios

Panasonic NN-SN686S – Best For:

• Families who cook a lot
• People who reheat leftovers regularly
• Anyone who defrosts meats or frozen meals
• Users who prefer even cooking and premium features

Panasonic NN-SU696S – Best For:

• Light microwave users
• Students or small apartments
• People who mostly just heat beverages, popcorn, or quick snacks
• Those who want a simple, budget-friendly model

Panasonic NN-SN686S Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology

Pros:

• Inverter heating provides consistent, even cooking
• Faster and more accurate defrosting
• Premium build feel
• Genius Sensor automatically adjusts power
• 14 preset menu options
• Keep Warm function works beautifully
• More efficient cooking

Cons:

• Slightly smaller capacity than NN-SU696S
• Costs more
• More features may confuse very basic users

Panasonic NN-SU696S Stainless Steel Microwave Oven

Pros:

• Simple and easy to use
• Slightly larger capacity (1.3 cu ft)
• Good for popcorn and quick reheating
• Lighter and more compact footprint
• Affordable price

Cons:

• No inverter heating
• Fewer presets
• Standard heating is less efficient

Conclusion: Which One Do I Recommend?

After using both microwaves extensively, the Panasonic NN-SN686S easily stands out as the superior choice. The inverter heating alone transforms daily cooking — smoother reheating, tastier leftovers, perfect defrosting, and overall more predictable results.

However, the Panasonic NN-SU696S is not a bad microwave. It’s great for simple tasks, tight budgets, and users who just need something basic but reliable.

My Recommendation:

If you want better cooking performance, even heating, and more smart features —
Go for the Panasonic NN-SN686S.

If you want something simple, affordable, and straightforward —
The Panasonic NN-SU696S will do the job.