Kitchen · PRODUCT REVIEW

Panasonic
Panasonic NN-SN973S 2.2-Cu.-Ft. Inverter Countertop Microwave

2.2-cu.-ft. household inverter microwave with 1,250-W cooking power and trim-kit option. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

Panasonic's exact manual identifies NN-SN973S as a household model with 1,250-W cooking power, 1,500-W/12.7-A consumption, 120 V/60 Hz, inverter operation, Genius Sensor Cook/Reheat and Turbo Defrost. The manual supports a flat countertop installation and names the optional NN-TK922S/NN-TK932S trim kits for 27- and 30-in. cabinets; these are distinct installation choices. Panasonic lists a 2.2-cu.-ft. capacity and gives full body dimensions, while Best Buy's exact model page provides a 16.5-in. turntable size. The manual excludes commercial use. Amazon B00XHE4Q38 currently identifies the exact model and countertop installation, so it receives a tagged direct link. This is a sourced specification review, not a personal performance test or buyer-review summary.

Consider it for

Panasonic's manual gives exterior dimensions of 23 27/32 × 19 13/32 × 14 1/64 in. and countertop ventilation clearances. It lists NN-TK922S for a 27-in. cabinet and NN-TK932S for a 30-in. cabinet, with model-specific openings. Confirm the cabinet kit, cutout and outlet against the full manual before installation..

Look elsewhere if

Choose a smaller unit if a 23.9-in.-wide full-size microwave will not fit, or a commercial model if the manufacturer must classify the oven for foodservice. Do not put it into cabinetry without the matching NN-TK922S/NN-TK932S kit and the exact opening instructions.

Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Panasonic specifies 2.2 cu. ft., 1,250-W cooking power, inverter operation and Genius Sensor cooking/reheat.
  • The exact manual documents 120 V/60 Hz, countertop ventilation, 10 power levels, Turbo Defrost and child safety lock.
  • Two model-specific trim-kit paths are listed for 27-in. and 30-in. cabinets; the exact ASIN page independently identifies NN-SN973S and countertop type.

What to weigh up

  • The full-size exterior requires considerable counter space or a properly prepared cabinet opening.
  • The 1,500-W/12.7-A consumption and the 1,250-W output are separate ratings; electrical planning must follow the manual.
  • Panasonic limits it to household use and does not approve/test the model for commercial service; optional trim installation needs the exact kit.

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredNN-SN973S
CapacityPanasonic's operation manual names NN-SN973S; its exact support guide links the manual and countertop-placement instructions. The current Amazon page also names NN-SN973S and Installation Type Countertop for B00XHE4Q38.
Microwave outputPanasonic's dimensions comparison lists 2.2 cu. ft.; the exact manual gives 1,250-W cooking power separately from 1,500-W/12.7-A consumption and specifies 120 V/60 Hz.
Cooking approachThe exact manual documents inverter cooking, Genius Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat, Inverter Turbo Defrost, ten power levels, quick minute, keep warm, More/Less and child safety lock.
Installation optionsThe manual lists exact optional trim kits NN-TK922S (27-in. cabinet) and NN-TK932S (30-in. cabinet), while its placement section also supports flat-surface countertop use. It gives 23 27/32 × 19 13/32 × 14 1/64-in. exterior dimensions.
Finish and turntableBest Buy's exact-model listing states a 16.5-in. turntable. Panasonic says household use only and excludes commercial use; the Amazon title/details confirm stainless finish and the exact ASIN.

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 5, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

What the features mean for you

Confirm the exact model and current ASIN link

Panasonic's support page and manual identify NN-SN973S. Amazon's current B00XHE4Q38 title and item details repeat the exact model number, stainless title, capacity and Countertop installation type. This supports a tagged direct destination for the model. It does not justify statements about current price, stock or customer ratings.

Separate 1,250-W cooking power from electrical draw

The manual lists 1,250 W cooking power and 1,500 W/12.7 A power consumption at 120 V/60 Hz. Use 1,250 W for cooking-output comparison, and use the input/current and complete installation instructions when checking the electrical supply. Neither rating predicts how quickly a particular dish will heat in your kitchen.

Use inverter and Genius Sensor functions as documented

Panasonic identifies inverter technology, Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat, and Turbo Defrost. The manual supplies sensor charts and instructions for these functions. They are model features, not a guarantee that every recipe needs no monitoring; follow the chart's food quantities and standing directions. Ten power levels and the sensor programs serve different control choices.

Compare the 2.2-cu.-ft. cavity and 16.5-inch tray

Panasonic's exact dimensions comparison gives 2.2 cu. ft.; Best Buy's exact-model page lists a 16.5-in. rotating turntable. Check the base of the largest dish against the tray and leave room to rotate. Panasonic lists the body at 23 27/32 × 19 13/32 × 14 1/64 in., so measure both the counter depth and door approach.

Keep countertop placement separate from optional cabinet kits

The manual describes countertop placement and ventilation. It separately lists NN-TK922S for a 27-in. cabinet and NN-TK932S for a 30-in. cabinet, with model-specific cabinet openings. Verify the exact kit and cutout rather than treating 'built-in capable' as permission to install without a frame. A countertop-only placement remains a supported option.

Keep this household model out of commercial-duty matching

Panasonic labels the manual Household Use Only and says the oven is not approved or tested for commercial use. Sensor cooking, high output and a stainless finish do not change that duty classification. Keep commercialDuty false for the professional questionnaire and use a manufacturer-classified foodservice unit for shared commercial operation.

What else to compare

Panasonic NN-SN936B is a smaller 2.2-cu.-ft. household inverter model that also documents sensor controls, while NN-SN973S adds an exact model-specific trim-kit route and 16.5-in. turntable evidence. Compare the precise cabinet kit, output/input figures and countertop dimensions rather than the generic built-in wording.

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Before you buy

What capacity and output does Panasonic list?

The official comparison gives 2.2 cu. ft.; the manual lists 1,250-W cooking power and separately lists 1,500-W/12.7-A consumption.

Which sensor functions are documented?

The manual names Genius Sensor Cook and Sensor Reheat, plus Inverter Turbo Defrost.

What are the countertop dimensions?

Panasonic lists about 23 27/32 × 19 13/32 × 14 1/64 in.; follow its ventilation clearances.

Can it also be installed in a cabinet?

Yes, with a matching model-specific kit: NN-TK922S for 27-in. cabinets or NN-TK932S for 30-in. cabinets, following the manual's cutout requirements.

Is NN-SN973S a commercial microwave?

No. Panasonic's exact manual says household use only and not approved or tested for commercial use.

Does ASIN B00XHE4Q38 identify NN-SN973S?

The current page title and item details identify NN-SN973S and Countertop installation; the tagged direct link is supported.

Where can I check the current price?

Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.

Sources & review basis

We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

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The decision

Panasonic NN-SN973S is a 2.2-cu.-ft. household countertop inverter microwave with 1,250-W output, sensor cook/reheat, a 16.5-in. tray and optional NN-TK922S/NN-TK932S trim kits. Panasonic specifies 120 V/60 Hz and 1,500-W/12.7-A consumption; commercial use is excluded. Amazon B00XHE4Q38 verifies the exact model and countertop type, supporting a tagged direct link.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

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