8 Best Panasonic Microwaves of 2025

Packed with power and precision, the Panasonic NN-SU696S delivers restaurant-speed results in a sleek, space-saving body. With 1100 watts of cooking power and a generous 13.4-inch turntable, this mid-size workhorse eliminates cold spots and ensures food heats evenly—perfect for singles or small families tired of rotating dishes mid-cycle. Its 7 auto-cook presets and 3-stage popcorn programming take the guesswork out of daily meals, while the Keep Warm function is a quiet hero for delayed dinners.

In real-world use, the NN-SU696S handles everything from steaming frozen vegetables to reheating lasagna with impressive consistency. The compact exterior (just 17.4” deep) fits neatly on tight countertops, yet the 1.3 cu. ft. cavity swallows dinner plates with room to spare. While it lacks inverter technology, meaning delicate tasks like melting chocolate require close monitoring, it still outperforms most budget-tier models in speed and reliability. The quick 30-second button is a small luxury that adds up over time.

Compared to the more advanced NN-SD47QS, this model trades smart sensors for simplicity and affordability—ideal for users who want power and preset convenience without the learning curve. It’s not the quietest or most feature-rich, but for budget-conscious buyers needing dependable performance, the NN-SU696S hits the sweet spot. It delivers more cooking muscle and capacity than the compact NN-SB438S, making it a smarter long-term investment.

The Panasonic NN-SU66LS is a masterclass in balanced performance—blending Genius Sensor cooking, 1100W output, and a roomy 1.3 cu. ft. interior into one compelling package. This isn’t just a microwave; it’s a kitchen co-pilot that auto-adjusts time and power based on steam and moisture, making overcooked leftovers a thing of the past. Whether you’re reheating soup or baking potatoes, the sensor-driven precision eliminates guesswork, a game-changer for busy households.

During testing, the Auto Sensor Reheat consistently delivered moist, evenly warmed meals—no more rubbery pizza or icy centers. The 7 smart presets (including frozen entrees and veggies) respond intuitively, while the 12.4-inch turntable glides smoothly under heavier dishes. It’s slightly shallower than competitors, so 9×13 casserole dishes fit at a diagonal, but it still outpaces smaller models in usable space. The only hiccup? The popcorn sensor occasionally under-pops high-elevation bags.

When stacked against the NN-SU696S, the SU66LS wins on intelligence, not raw power. It’s the better choice for users who value set-and-forget convenience over manual control. While it doesn’t have inverter tech, its sensor acumen bridges much of the gap. For families or meal-preppers seeking value-driven smarts, this model offers more culinary confidence than similarly priced rivals—out-thinking the competition where it counts.

When even heating is non-negotiable, the Panasonic NN-SD47QS stands tall with true inverter technology that dials in power at the molecular level. Unlike traditional microwaves that pulse full power, this model delivers continuous 1000W energy, so sauces simmer instead of splatter and leftovers reheat without drying out. The 15 auto-cook presets—from oatmeal to frozen pizza—make it a one-touch wonder for solo diners and couples. This is precision cooking simplified, perfect for those who hate soggy burritos or exploded eggs.

Real-world tests reveal why inverter tech matters: a bowl of chili reheats evenly from center to edge, and Turbo Defrost thaws ground beef in under 5 minutes with zero cooking at the edges. The 11.34-inch turntable fits most dinner plates, though the 0.9 cu. ft. cavity limits family-sized dishes. It’s not built for big batches, but for individual meals, it’s nearly flawless. The LED interior light is a small but welcome touch for nighttime use.

Against the NN-SU66LS, the SD47QS trades capacity for control—ideal for apartments, dorms, or minimalist kitchens where counter space is gold. While it lacks the larger cavity of mid-size models, its smarter power delivery outshines most in its class. For users who prioritize texture and consistency over volume, this compact inverter model delivers restaurant-grade results in a footprint smaller than a laptop.

The Panasonic NN-SD975S is a powerhouse built for large families and serious home cooks who refuse to compromise. With 1250W of cyclonic inverter power, it floods the spacious 2.2 cu. ft. cavity with 3D heat waves that cook food faster and more evenly than standard models. The 20 preset menus and Genius Sensor eliminate timing errors, while Sensor Turbo Defrost thaws a whole chicken in record time—without cooking the edges. This is big-kitchen performance in a countertop form.

In practice, the NN-SD975S handles roasting, reheating, and defrosting with commercial-grade reliability. The 16.5-inch turntable spins large casserole dishes with ease, and the Keep Warm function holds meals for 30 minutes without drying. It’s surprisingly compact for its size, fitting under most cabinets, though ventilation space is critical. The only drawback? The control panel can feel overwhelming for first-time users.

Compared to the NN-SN97JS, it offers nearly identical performance but at a higher price point—making it less value-forward despite its strengths. For large households or entertainers needing maximum capacity and power, this model is unmatched. It outpaces mid-size rivals like the NN-SU66LS in every metric, delivering restaurant-scale results with home-friendly convenience.

The Panasonic NN-SN97JS earns its title as Best Overall by merging 2.2 cu. ft. capacity, 1250W cyclonic inverter power, and built-in versatility into one elegant package. Its 3D heat circulation ensures even cooking across large dishes, while the Genius Sensor auto-adjusts for perfect reheat and defrost—no more dry chicken or icy centers. With a 16.5-inch turntable and slim profile, it maximizes interior space without dominating your counter. This is premium engineering built for real-life demands.

In daily use, the NN-SN97JS shines in multitasking: you can sensor-reheat lasagna while turbo-defrost meat, all with whisper-quiet operation. The 20 presets cover everything from popcorn to pasta, and the delay start lets you program meals hours in advance. It’s compatible with built-in trim kits, offering flexibility for kitchen upgrades. The only limitation? The interior light could be brighter for late-night use.

Versus the NN-SD975S, it delivers the same power and capacity at a lower cost, making it the smarter buy for discerning users who want top-tier performance without overspending. For families, entertainers, or renovators, this model balances power, precision, and flexibility like no other. It outperforms mid-range models in every category, justifying its premium status with consistent, restaurant-quality results.

The Panasonic NN-SN76LS hits the sweet spot between size and smarts, offering 1.6 cu. ft. of cyclonic inverter cooking in a footprint that fits most kitchens. With 1250W of seamless power, it reheats, defrosts, and cooks with the kind of evenness usually reserved for high-end models. The 15 smart presets—including oatmeal, pizza, and pasta—respond intuitively, while Turbo Defrost gets frozen meals ready faster without edge-cooking. This is mid-range excellence with pro-level features.

In real-world testing, the sensor reheat preserved moisture in leftovers better than non-inverter models, and the 3-stage cooking allowed complex sequences (defrost → cook → keep warm) with one touch. The 19.44-inch depth requires a bit more counter space, but the interior fits 10-inch dishes with room to spare. It’s not as massive as the 2.2 cu. ft. models, but it outperforms most 1.3 cu. ft. rivals in both speed and consistency.

Compared to the NN-SU66LS, the SN76LS delivers more power, larger capacity, and inverter precision—making it worth the upgrade for serious users. While it lacks the smart connectivity of the NN-SV79MS, it excels in core performance. For couples or small families wanting near-top-tier cooking without the bulk, this model offers exceptional balance—outperforming its price tag with every use.

Don’t let its size fool you—the Panasonic NN-SB438S packs 900W of punch into a space-saving 0.9 cu. ft. shell, making it the ultimate solution for dorms, RVs, and micro-kitchens. Despite its compact frame, it includes 7 auto-cook presets, a popcorn button with 3 power levels, and a Keep Warm function—features usually reserved for larger models. The black stainless finish resists fingerprints, and the minimal footprint fits on shelves or tight counters where others won’t.

In testing, it handled solo meals with ease: ramen, frozen burritos, and coffee reheats were fast and consistent. The turntable spins smoothly, and the quick 30-second button is perfect for tea or oatmeal. However, the lower wattage means it takes longer to cook dense foods, and large mugs don’t fit under the ceiling. It’s not for families, but for one or two people prioritizing space over speed, it’s unbeatable.

Against the NN-SD47QS, it sacrifices inverter tech and sensor smarts for affordability and size. But for budget-first buyers in small spaces, the SB438S delivers core functionality without clutter. It outperforms other compact models in features and build, making it the smartest mini microwave for minimalist living.

The Panasonic NN-SV79MS redefines convenience with Alexa integration, turning voice commands into perfectly cooked meals. Say ‘reheat leftovers’ or ‘melt 4oz of butter’ and the Genius Sensor + Inverter Tech auto-adjust time and power—no buttons needed. With 1200W of seamless energy and a 1.4 cu. ft. cavity, it combines smart features with even, edge-to-center cooking, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who hate micromanaging timers. This is the future of countertop cooking, now.

In real use, the voice control works flawlessly with clear prompts, and the sensor reheat keeps food moist and warm. The 20 presets cover nearly every need, and the large interior fits 10-inch plates with ease. The dial control adds a premium feel, though the Alexa setup requires a stable Wi-Fi. It’s not as massive as 2.2 cu. ft. models, but it’s smarter than any in its class.

Compared to the NN-SN76LS, it trades some capacity for cutting-edge connectivity, making it the better pick for smart homes. While it costs more than basic models, the integration and inverter precision justify the premium. For early adopters who want a microwave that listens, this model out-innovates the competition—cooking smarter, not harder.