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.

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The short answer

Panasonic NN-SN966S comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.5). 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

4.0

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 Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Panasonic NN-SN966S

4.5

3 sources2 derived$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 produce the even heating that traditional microwaves lack. Designer Appliances praises its gentle, uniform heat distribution, and it has long been the popular choice for big-dish households. Size, price, and some reliability complaints are the trade-offs. 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 →

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-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
Dimensions	13.6"D x 18.6"W x 10.7"H	19.4"D x 23.9"W x 14"H
Wattage	900 watts	1250 watts
Material	Stainless Steel	Aluminum
Technology	—	Inverter + Genius Sensor
Turntable	—	16.5 in
Defrost	—	Turbo Defrost
Footprint	—	23.9 x 19.4 in

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