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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.

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The short answer

Panasonic NN-SN686S comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.4). 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.

Black+Decker EM925AB9
Ranked #4 in Best Countertop Microwaves
Black+Decker EM925AB9
3 sources2 derived$106.99as of Aug 1

The Black+Decker EM925AB9 is the budget pick of the category: a 0.9 cu ft, 900W stainless microwave that averages 8.0/10 across more than 100 owner and expert reviews, for around $90. Reheating, popcorn, and small-to-medium dishes in an apartment, dorm, or office are its territory, with six presets and a child lock. It is not for heavy cooking or large items. As an affordable, dependable compact, it leads on value.

Strengths
  • — Excellent value — a capable 0.9 cu ft microwave for around $90
  • — Averages 8.0/10 across more than 100 owner and expert 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 AmazonFull review →
Panasonic NN-SN686S
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Countertop Microwaves
Panasonic NN-SN686S
3 sources2 derived$259.95as of Aug 1

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, which arguably makes it the best-heating microwave in this roundup per dish. Buy it if you want Panasonic's even cooking without the 2.2 cu ft model's bulk, and can accept 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 AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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

SpecBlack+Decker EM925AB9Panasonic NN-SN686S
Power900W1200W
Capacity0.9 cu ft1.2 cu ft
Power Levels10—
Programs6 one-touch presets14 sensor presets
DisplayLED with clock—
SafetyChild lock—
FinishStainless steelStainless steel
Warranty1 year1 year
Dimensions13.6"D x 18.6"W x 10.7"H15.8"D x 20.7"W x 12.2"H
Wattage900 watts1480 watts
MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
Technology—Inverter + Genius Sensor
Turntable—13.4 in
Defrost—Turbo Defrost
← See the full ranking of best countertop microwaves