Panasonic NN-SD987SA

Countertop Microwave Ovens / Large Countertop Microwaves

We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested Panasonic NN-SD975S although it may differ in price and features.

This Panasonic cubic-foot 1250 -watt microwave oven has the following:

a sensor

controls

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CR's Expert Take

How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model incorporates our expert lab test results, as well as ratings for that brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual product owner survey of members.

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Current Range of Tested Countertop Microwave Ovens

What goes into the Overall Score?

OWNER SURVEYS

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Heating evenness

/ 5

Defrosting evenness

/ 5

Speed of heating

/ 5

Microwaving noise

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Claimed capacity

Usable capacity

Detailed Test Results

Heating Evenness: This model performed excellent in our heat evenness test consisting of reheating a bowl of mashed potatoes.
Auto Defrost: This model performed very good in our defrosting test consisting of thawing a pound of frozen ground beef.

About

This Panasonic NN-SD987SA is part of the Microwave ovens test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Countertop microwave ovens microwave ovens models like the NN-SD987SA are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Heating evenness:This reflects how evenly a model reheated a dish of cold mashed potatoes.
Defrosting evenness:This is based on how well the automatic-defrost program defrosted one pound of frozen ground chuck.
Speed of heating:This score is based on the temperature rise of water heated in the microwave.

Brand Reliability & Satisfaction

#? in Reliability of all Countertop Microwave Oven Brands

Did the brand perform consistently well over time?

PREDICTED RELIABILITY SCORE

/ 100

Predicted brand reliability ratings are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased countertop microwaves, not covered by an extended warranty or service contract, by the end of the 5th year of ownership. Ranked #? of 38

Would our members recommend this brand?

OWNER SATISFACTION SCORE

/ 100

Brand owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their microwave oven to their friends and family. Ranked #? of 38

Source: Consumer Reports' 2023, 2024, and 2025 Spring Surveys

Features & Specs

Style

Countertop Microwave Ovens

Exterior Dimensions

14 in. high , 24 in. wide

20 in. deep

Features

Convection mode

Sensor

Yes

Stainless/SS-look option

Yes

Speed-cook mode

Grill

Racks for bi-level cooking

Air Fry Setting

Specs

Watts

1250

Detailed prompts

Yes

Type

Large countertop microwave

Door-Open Method

Button

Touchpad/Dial

Dial

Control type

Power level display/recall

Yes

Turntable size

16.5 in.

Turntable diameter

16.5 in.

Exterior height

14 in.

Exterior width

24 in.

Exterior depth

20 in.

Price & Shop