Panasonic NN-SN97JS vs NN-SD975S Countertop Oven: Side-by-Side Review From Daily Use

Microwaves may all hum the same tune, but put two on your counter for a week and their personalities emerge quickly. I cooked, reheated, and defrosted everything from morning oatmeal to late-night leftovers in both the Panasonic NN-SN97JS and the NN-SD975S to see which one deserves the precious countertop space. Below is my take after real-world testing.

Key Difference: Panasonic NN-SN97JS vs NN-SD975S Countertop Oven

The NN-SN97JS delivers slightly more power—1200 watts—and a richer sensor-cooking menu, while the NN-SD975S balances a touch more interior space (1.3 cu. ft.) with a compact exterior and a lower 1100-watt output. The SN97JS leans toward precision and speed; the SD975S focuses on simplicity and a small footprint.

Quick Comparison Table: Panasonic NN-SN97JS vs NN-SD975S Countertop Oven

Feature	Panasonic NN-SN97JS	Panasonic NN-SD975S
Capacity	1.2 cu. ft.	1.3 cu. ft.
Power Output	1200 W	1100 W
Power Consumption	1480 W	1500 W
Dimensions (W x D x H)	20.7″ x 15.8″ x 12.2″	20.44″ x 16.63″ x 12.38″
Turntable	13.4 in.	13.4 in.
Preset Menus	14 auto cook items	7 auto cook items
Special Tech	Inverter with Turbo Defrost, Genius Sensor	Standard inverter, 3-level popcorn setting
Extras	Keep Warm, Quick-Minute Timer, Delay Start, Child Lock	Keep Warm, Quick 30 Sec, Child Lock
Check Price & Deals	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Design and Build Quality

On my counter, both units present a sleek stainless steel face that blends easily with other kitchen appliances. The NN-SN97JS is slightly lighter and a hair slimmer front-to-back, which helped it tuck neatly beneath my upper cabinets. Its membrane keypad has a clean, modern look with a subtle push-button door release.

The NN-SD975S adds a touch more depth and a bit of extra internal room, which is handy for slightly larger plates. The control panel uses a traditional button layout with a big “Quick 30” key that’s hard to miss. Doors on both models shut with a satisfying click and the stainless finish wipes down with a single swipe of a damp cloth.

Ease of Use

The SN97JS wins for menu variety. Fourteen preset auto-cook programs, a quick-minute timer, and a Genius Sensor that adjusts time and power automatically made weeknight cooking almost effortless. Reheating soup or steaming vegetables required no mental math—just press and go.

The SD975S keeps things simpler with seven auto-cook settings and that prominent “Quick 30” button for fast starts. I appreciated its dedicated three-level popcorn key, which delivered perfectly popped bags every time. If you favor straightforward controls with fewer menus to scroll through, this model feels refreshingly direct.

Cooking Performance

Both microwaves rely on Panasonic’s inverter technology, which maintains a steady stream of power rather than the on-off cycling typical of older units. The result is consistently even heating.

• Defrosting: The SN97JS’s Turbo Defrost slightly outpaced the SD975S, thawing a pound of frozen chicken about a minute faster while avoiding cooked edges.
• Reheating: Oatmeal, pasta, and dense leftovers warmed evenly in both models, with no cold spots in the center of thick stews.
• Sensor Cooking: Here the SN97JS shined. Its Genius Sensor nailed fluffy baked potatoes and perfectly steamed broccoli without a single manual adjustment.

Noise levels were low—just a soft hum—and both units stayed cool to the touch even after extended cooking.

Everyday Functions

The SN97JS’s Keep Warm feature kept gravy ready for 30 minutes without skinning over, a small but welcome perk during family dinners. It also offers a delay start, handy for timing side dishes with a main course.

The SD975S answers with an ultra-simple interface and that great popcorn setting, plus the same Keep Warm option for soups or sauces. While it lacks the SN97JS’s extra sensor menus, it handles everyday reheats and defrosts with equal competence.

Panasonic NN-SN97JS Stainless Steel Countertop Oven

Pros:

• Higher 1200-watt output for faster cooking
• 14 auto-cook settings and Genius Sensor for set-and-forget meals
• Turbo Defrost is quick and even
• Compact depth saves a little counter space

Cons:

• Membrane keypad can show fingerprints
• Slightly smaller interior (1.2 cu. ft.) than the SD975S

Buy on Amazon

Panasonic NN-SD975S Countertop Oven

Pros:

• Slightly larger interior for bigger dinner plates
• Straightforward controls with a standout Quick-30 button
• Three-level popcorn mode is spot-on
• Sturdy, easy-clean stainless finish

Cons:

• Fewer auto-cook presets
• 1100 watts means marginally longer cook times

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion & Recommendation:

After alternating between these microwaves for breakfasts, lunches, and hurried weeknight dinners, I’d summarize it this way:

Choose the Panasonic NN-SN97JS if you value convenience and speed. Its higher wattage, expanded preset menu, and clever Genius Sensor make it almost a “set it and forget it” appliance. For busy households or anyone who frequently cooks more than reheats, it’s the more capable partner.

Opt for the Panasonic NN-SD975S if you prefer a straightforward interface and need every inch of interior space. It’s perfect for those who mainly reheat or pop popcorn and want slightly more room for larger dinner plates without extra frills.

Both deliver the even cooking and reliability that Panasonic’s inverter technology is known for, but the SN97JS edges ahead as the best all-around performer for most kitchens.