Panasonic NN-SN97JS vs NN-SD975S: Which Microwave Oven Should You Buy?

The right microwave oven can make all the difference in your kitchen, especially if you cook for a family or reheat meals often. I recently had the chance to use both the Panasonic NN-SN97JS and the Panasonic NN-SD975S, two of the brand’s most popular 2.2 cu. ft. countertop microwaves.

On the surface, they look quite similar; both are powerful 1250W machines, use Panasonic’s Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology, and offer plenty of preset cooking functions. But once I put them through everyday cooking, reheating, and defrosting tests, I realized that there are a few differences worth pointing out.

If you’re stuck deciding between the NN-SN97JS and the NN-SD975S, this comparison will break down everything I noticed while using both models, design, ease of use, functions, performance, and overall value.

Key Difference at a Glance: Panasonic NN-SN97JS vs NN-SD975S Microwave Oven

While both microwaves deliver the same cooking power and spacious capacity, the Panasonic NN-SN97JS is slightly more refined in terms of build material (stainless steel vs aluminum) and includes a dedicated food warming feature. The Panasonic NN-SD975S, on the other hand, focuses on space efficiency, with a compact exterior relative to its roomy interior, making it a better choice if counter space is limited.

Comparison Table:Panasonic NN-SN97JS vs NN-SD975S Microwave Oven

Feature	Panasonic NN-SN97JS	Panasonic NN-SD975S
Power Output	1250W	1250W
Capacity	2.2 cu. ft.	2.2 cu. ft.
Dimensions	19.5″D x 23.9″W x 14″H	19.44″D x 23.88″W x 14″H
Material	Stainless Steel	Aluminum
Technology	Cyclonic Wave + Inverter + Turbo Defrost	Cyclonic Wave + Inverter + Turbo Defrost
Turntable Size	16.5-inch	16.5-inch
Special Feature	Food Warming + Genius Sensor	Space-Saving Exterior + Genius Sensor
Preset Cooking Options	20	20
Installation Type	Countertop/Built-in option with trim kit	Countertop/Built-in option with trim kit
Child Lock	Yes	Yes
Keep Warm Feature	Yes	Yes
Best For	Families wanting stainless steel build + warming feature	Users with limited counter space
Check Latest Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

1. Design and Build

The first thing I noticed when unpacking both units was the build quality. The NN-SN97JS feels sturdier with its stainless steel finish, giving it a premium look that blends well with modern kitchens. The NN-SD975S, while still sleek, uses aluminum, which feels slightly less durable in comparison.

Both microwaves have a spacious 2.2 cu. ft. interior and a 16.5-inch turntable big enough to fit large dinner plates and casserole dishes. However, the NN-SD975S has a slightly more compact exterior footprint, making it more practical if your counter space is tight.

2. Ease of Use

Both models come with Panasonic’s Genius Sensor technology, which automatically adjusts cooking times and power levels based on the type of food. I found this especially helpful when reheating leftovers or steaming vegetables. You just press a button and let the microwave figure out the rest.

The control panels are almost identical, with clear labels for presets like popcorn, reheat, turbo defrost, and quick 30-second intervals. The NN-SN97JS has an extra edge with its dedicated food warming function, which I personally found very convenient for keeping soup warm without overcooking it.

3. Cooking Performance

Both ovens use Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology, which distributes heat in 3D waves for even cooking. In practice, this really does make a difference, I noticed fewer cold spots when reheating pasta and more consistent results when cooking frozen meals compared to older microwaves I’ve used.

The turbo defrost function was another highlight. Defrosting chicken breasts in both microwaves took noticeably less time than my previous microwave, and the meat thawed evenly without starting to cook at the edges.

Between the two, performance was almost identical, but the NN-SN97JS’s warming function gave it a slight edge in flexibility.

4. Functions and Presets

Both microwaves offer 20 preset menu options, covering everything from popcorn and beverages to specific meal types. I found the presets surprisingly accurate. The popcorn button popped nearly every kernel, while the sensor reheat option consistently gave me evenly warmed leftovers.

The NN-SD975S markets itself as having a space-saving exterior design, which is a nice touch if you want a full-size microwave without sacrificing too much countertop space. But functionality-wise, both models are neck-and-neck.

5. Everyday Experience

Using these microwaves daily, I found the NN-SN97JS slightly more versatile because of its warming mode. It’s great for nights when dinner isn’t ready at the same time for everyone. On the other hand, the NN-SD975S impressed me with how it managed to pack a full-sized interior into a smaller exterior, which made it easier to fit in a crowded kitchen setup.

Panasonic NN-SN97JS Stainless Steel Countertop Oven

Pros:

• Premium stainless steel build
• Powerful 1250W performance
• Large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity with 16.5-inch turntable
• Food warming feature keeps meals ready-to-serve
• Inverter Turbo Defrost works fast and evenly
• 20 preset cooking options

Cons:

• Slightly bulkier footprint
• Higher price compared to the SD975S

Buy on Amazon

Panasonic NN-SD975S Stainless Steel Countertop Oven

Pros:

• Same 1250W power and 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• Compact exterior footprint saves counter space
• Genius Sensor for automatic cooking and reheating
• Turbo Defrost and Keep Warm functions
• 20 preset cooking menus
• Can be installed as countertop or built-in with trim kit

Cons:

• Aluminum build feels less premium than stainless steel
• Lacks dedicated warming feature
• Slightly fewer “luxury” touches compared to the NN-SN97JS

Buy on Amazon

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

After using both the Panasonic NN-SN97JS and the NN-SD975S, I can say that they are very close in terms of performance. Both deliver excellent cooking, reheating, and defrosting results thanks to Panasonic’s Cyclonic Wave and Inverter Technology.

If you value premium build quality and extra versatility, the NN-SN97JS is the better choice. Its stainless steel design looks more durable, and the dedicated warming feature is incredibly useful for family meals.

But if your kitchen space is limited, the NN-SD975S makes more sense. It offers the same power and capacity but with a more compact footprint and a slightly lower cost.

My Recommendation: If budget and space aren’t major concerns, go for the Panasonic NN-SN97JS, it simply feels more complete. But if counter space is tight, the NN-SD975S is a smart, practical alternative that won’t disappoint.