Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9 vs Panasonic NN-SN966S

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-SN966S comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about Large households and anyone who regularly reheats big dishes or casseroles and wants the most even, powerful microwave heating. — 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 #1 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Panasonic NN-SN966S

4.6

$289.95as of Jun 7

The Panasonic NN-SN966S is the most capable countertop microwave here: a 2.2 cu ft, 1250W inverter model whose constant-power inverter circuit and Genius Sensor deliver the even heating that traditional microwaves lack. Designer Appliances praises its gentle, uniform heat distribution, and it is the long-standing popular choice for big-dish households. The trade-offs are size, price, and some reliability complaints, but on cooking performance it leads the category.

Strengths

— Inverter technology delivers genuinely even heating without burnt edges or frozen centers
— Huge 2.2 cu ft interior fits large dishes and a dinner plate with room to spare
— Powerful 1250W output cooks and reheats faster than most rivals

Watch-outs

— Large footprint demands significant counter space
— Some owners report premature failures, raising reliability questions
— Membrane control panel feels dated next to dial-based rivals

$289.95 · 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-SN966S

Shares Panasonic's inverter advantage with the smaller NN-SN686S — both heat more evenly than the conventional Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, Black+Decker EM925AB9, and Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 — but the NN-SN966S nearly doubles the NN-SN686S's interior at 2.2 cu ft. It is the largest and most powerful microwave in this roundup; the others are mid-size or compact.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black+Decker EM925AB9	Panasonic NN-SN966S
Power	900W	1250W
Capacity	0.9 cu ft	2.2 cu ft
Power Levels	10	—
Programs	6 one-touch presets	14 sensor presets
Display	LED with clock	—
Safety	Child lock	—
Finish	Stainless steel	—
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Technology	—	Inverter + Genius Sensor
Turntable	—	16.5 in
Defrost	—	Turbo Defrost
Footprint	—	23.9 x 19.4 in

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