Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave 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.

Ranked #5 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

4.0

2 sourcesall derived$118.87as of Aug 1

The Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 is the style pick: a 0.9 cu ft retro-look microwave with a chrome pull handle, rotary dial, and LED display that earns a 4.7-star owner rating largely on its design. It cooks adequately for its size, with seven auto-cook and ten auto-reheat programs, and suits small kitchens, dorms, and anyone who wants their microwave to double as a decor piece. People buy it for looks first, performance second.

Strengths

— Distinctive retro design that doubles as kitchen decor
— Strong 4.7-star owner ratings for its style and compact size
— Compact 0.9 cu ft footprint ideal for small kitchens and dorms

Watch-outs

— Lightweight build can move slightly when the door is operated
— Style-first design; cooking performance is merely adequate
— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes

$118.87 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Panasonic NN-SN686S

4.4

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 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

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

The smallest and most design-driven microwave here, sharing the 0.9 cu ft light-duty class with the Black+Decker EM925AB9 — the Galanz trades the Black+Decker's professional-stainless utility for retro styling. Like the Black+Decker, it is a conventional heater without the inverter even-cooking of the Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S or the humidity sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS.

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	Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave	Panasonic NN-SN686S
Power	900W	1200W
Capacity	0.9 cu ft	1.2 cu ft
Power Levels	11	—
Programs	7 auto-cook, 10 auto-reheat	14 sensor presets
Turntable	10.5 in glass	13.4 in
Controls	Rotary dial + LED display	—
Style	Retro with pull handle	—
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Dimensions	14.9"D x 19"W x 10.8"H	15.8"D x 20.7"W x 12.2"H
Wattage	900 watts	1480 watts
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Technology	—	Inverter + Genius Sensor
Defrost	—	Turbo Defrost
Finish	—	Stainless steel

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