The Panasonic NN-SN68QB is a compact, mid-range microwave. It has most of the features you expect from a microwave, like buttons for popcorn, beverages, and defrosting, as well as a button to add 30 seconds and a cooking sensor that detects steam to automatically adjust the cooking time. There's no mute or child lock button, though you can press the 'Start' button to lock the controls.
Our Verdict
The Panasonic NN-SN68QB is decent for everyday use. It's a powerful microwave that cooks quickly and quietly, but it's not the most user-friendly option. It has a membrane touch panel, which isn't as responsive as physical buttons or dials. While it's pretty easy to start a simple cooking program, like cooking at full power for three minutes, it takes more work to adjust the power and timer to more specific settings. It doesn't have a particularly large capacity, either, so you can't use it to reheat shepherd's pie or lasagna in a full-sized casserole dish, but most dinner plates and bowls will fit.
Heats food very quickly.
Quiet operation.
Easy to use for simple cooking tasks
Membrane touch panel is less responsive than physical buttons.
Difficult to use for complex cooking tasks.
The 1250-watt Panasonic NN-SN68QB can heat food very quickly at maximum power. It's faster than some microwaves with the same advertised power.
Heats food very quickly.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Panasonic NN-SN68QB is only available in 'Black.' See the label for our unit.
If you come across another variant, tell us about it in the comments, and we'll update this review.
Popular Microwave Comparisons
The Panasonic NN-SN68QB is a 1250-watt microwave with a compact design. It cooks a bit faster than some other models with a similar capacity, like the Panasonic NN-CD66NS, and includes a steam sensor, which makes cooking more automatic. Beyond this feature, however, it's not the most user-friendly option. Its membrane touch panel controls are less pleasant to use than dials or physical buttons like the Breville the Smooth Wave's, and while it's pretty easy to start basic cooking tasks, it takes longer to change the power level or set a specific cook time. Like the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, it offers very quiet operation, but there's no mute button, so you can't silence the controls.
If you're curious what we recommend, see our picks for the best countertop microwaves, the best small microwaves, and the best cheap and budget microwaves.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS and the Panasonic NN-SN68QB are both medium-sized microwaves. While the Panasonic cooks slightly faster, the Toshiba is easier and more convenient to use, making it a better choice overall. Both microwaves use a membrane touch panel, which is typical of budget options, but the Toshiba makes it easier to start both simple and more complex cooking tasks. You can start cooking for three minutes at 100% power with a single button press, and while it takes more effort to dial in your cooking settings, it's still easier than with the Panasonic. Both include a cooking sensor and operate very quietly.
The GE JES1109RRSS is a better microwave than the Panasonic NN-SN68QB for most people. While the Panasonic cooks a bit quicker, the GE is easier to use and offers convection cooking, as well as broil and bake functions. The GE's controls make it easier to start simple and more complex cooking tasks, and they include a button that makes it easy to lock the controls. It also offers somewhat quieter operation, which you may appreciate if noise is a concern. The Panasonic, on the other hand, includes a cooking sensor, which can make cooking a little more hands-off.
The Panasonic NN-SN975S is a better microwave than the Panasonic NN-SN68QB for most people. They're both powerful options that cook quickly, and they both include cooking sensors for more hands-off cooking, but the NN-SN975S is easier and more pleasant to use. It has physical buttons, which are more responsive than the NN-SN68QB's membrane touch panel, and it includes buttons to mute or lock the controls. The NN-SN975S also has a larger internal capacity, so you can use it to heat up larger items, like a full casserole, but it takes up more space on your counter, too. The NN-SN68QB is quieter, so you may prefer it if noise is a priority for you or if you're short on space.
The Panasonic NN-SN67HS is a better microwave than the Panasonic NN-SN68QB for most people. They're both medium-sized models that cook quickly and include cooking sensors, but the NN-SN67HS is somewhat easier to use. Both options have membrane touch panel controls, and it's pretty easy to start a simple cooking program with either, but the NN-SN67HS makes it easier to use more specific cooking settings, like cooking at 50% power for 2.5 minutes. The Panasonic NN-SN67HS also has buttons to lock or mute the controls. The NN-SN68QB, on the other hand, is a little quieter, which you may appreciate if noise is a concern.
Test Results
