Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9 vs Panasonic NN-SN686S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Panasonic NN-SN686S comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Buyers who want Panasonic's inverter even-heating and excellent defrost but don't have room or budget for the 2.2 cu ft flagship. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9

4.2

$106.99as of Jun 7

The Black+Decker EM925AB9 is the budget pick of the category — a 0.9 cu ft, 900W stainless microwave that earns an 8.0/10 aggregate from over 100 analyzed reviews for around $90. It is ideal for reheating, popcorn, and small-to-medium dishes in an apartment, dorm, or office, with six presets and a child lock. It is not for heavy cooking or large items, but as an affordable, dependable compact it is the value leader.

Strengths

— Excellent value — a capable 0.9 cu ft microwave for around $90
— Strong 8.0/10 aggregate from 100+ analyzed reviews
— Six one-touch presets plus a child safety lock

Watch-outs

— Inconsistent heating performance on larger items
— Lightweight build can slide on the counter during use
— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes and reheating

$106.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Panasonic NN-SN686S

4.5

$259.95as of Jun 7

The Panasonic NN-SN686S brings the flagship's inverter technology and Genius Sensor down to a more manageable 1.2 cu ft, 1200W body. Consumer Reports rated it Excellent for both heat evenness and auto-defrost, making it arguably the best-heating microwave in this roundup per dish. It is the pick for buyers who want Panasonic's even cooking without the 2.2 cu ft model's bulk, accepting a smaller interior and dated looks.

Strengths

— Same inverter even-heating and Genius Sensor as the flagship in a smaller body
— Excellent Consumer Reports scores for heat evenness and defrosting
— 1.2 cu ft fits most dishes while taking less counter space than the 2.2 model

Watch-outs

— Capacity can feel limiting if you frequently cook large dishes
— Old-fashioned styling and membrane controls
— Costs more than conventional microwaves of similar size

$259.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Black+Decker EM925AB9

The budget compact of the group, closest in size and intent to the Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 retro microwave — both are 0.9 cu ft units for light duty. It lacks the inverter even-heating of the Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S and the humidity sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, but it is the cheapest way into a reliable countertop microwave here.

Panasonic NN-SN686S

The compact sibling of the Panasonic NN-SN966S, sharing its inverter and Genius Sensor in a 1.2 cu ft body that matches the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS's footprint. Its inverter even-heating beats the conventional Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, Black+Decker EM925AB9, and Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09; the only thing it gives up to the NN-SN966S is interior size and a little power.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black+Decker EM925AB9	Panasonic NN-SN686S
Power	900W	1200W
Capacity	0.9 cu ft	1.2 cu ft
Power Levels	10	—
Programs	6 one-touch presets	14 sensor presets
Display	LED with clock	—
Safety	Child lock	—
Finish	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Technology	—	Inverter + Genius Sensor
Turntable	—	13.4 in
Defrost	—	Turbo Defrost

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