Panasonic NN-SU 686S

Countertop Microwave Ovens / Large Countertop Microwaves

We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested Panasonic NN-SU656B although it may differ in price and features. Best Buy exclusive

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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

About

The Panasonic NN-SU 686S is part of the Microwave Ovens test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Countertop Microwave Oven models like the NN-SU 686S 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

13 in. high , 21 in. wide

16 in. deep

Features

Convection mode

Sensor

Yes

Stainless/SS-look option

Speed-cook mode

Grill

Racks for bi-level cooking

Air Fry Setting

Specs

Watts

1100

Detailed prompts

Type

Large countertop microwaves

Door-Open Method

Button

Touchpad/Dial

Touchpad

Control type

Power level display/recall

Yes

Turntable size

in.

Turntable diameter

12.5 in.

Exterior height

13 in.

Exterior width

21 in.

Exterior depth

16 in.

Price & Shop

Panasonic NN-SU 686S

CR's Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

About

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