Toshiba EM131A5C Microwave Review: Top Picks for 2026

The Toshiba 2.2 cubic-foot countertop microwave is designed for families and households that regularly cook or reheat larger portions. With its spacious interior and 16.5-inch turntable, it accommodates full-size pizzas and whole chickens without compromise. This model is best suited for anyone seeking practical, no-fuss cooking with reliable sensor technology.

The standout feature is the smart humidity sensor, which automatically adjusts cooking power and time to ensure even heating and moisture retention. Combined with 23 preset menus covering pizza, potatoes, beverages, and vegetables, you get one-touch convenience for everyday meals. The 1200W power output delivers solid cooking performance across 10 adjustable power levels, while the memory function lets you save custom cooking combinations for repeated use.

Build quality appears solid with stainless steel construction and a large, easy-grip door handle. The digital display is clear and functional, showing clock, countdown timer, and cooking time remaining. The mute function is a thoughtful addition that prevents the microwave from beeping loudly, making it particularly valuable in shared living spaces or for early morning cooking.

The main drawbacks are the lack of smart home integration and the relatively standard 1200W power compared to some competitors. Additionally, the product description contains grammatical inconsistencies that may raise questions about overall quality control. However, these concerns are relatively minor given the competitive price point and solid feature set.

Overall, this Toshiba microwave delivers excellent value for families needing larger capacity with smart sensor cooking. If you prioritize spacious cooking, quiet operation, and energy efficiency over cutting-edge smart features, this is a reliable choice that balances functionality with affordability.

Capacity and Dimensions: 2.2 cubic feet internal capacity. External dimensions: 24.4 x 19.6 x 13.6 inches. Internal dimensions: 19.1 x 17.8 x 11.2 inches. Turntable diameter: 16.5 inches.

Power and Performance: 1200W output power, 1700W input power. 10 adjustable power levels. Smart humidity sensor for automatic cooking adjustments. 23 preset auto menus.

Key Features: Auto-defrost by weight or time, ECO energy-saving mode, mute function, child safety lock, memory function, multi-stage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, removable glass turntable, stainless steel exterior.

User Interface: Large digital display with countdown timer and cooking time display. One-touch start button. Easy-grip door handle. User-friendly control panel.

Who Should Buy This: Families with 4+ members, frequent entertainers, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone who regularly cooks full-size pizzas or whole chickens. Also ideal for shared living spaces where quiet operation matters.

Size Considerations: At 24.4 x 19.6 x 13.6 inches, this is a large countertop unit. Measure your available counter space before purchasing. The 16.5-inch turntable requires adequate clearance when opening the door.

Comparison Tips: This model offers more capacity than Toshiba's smaller 1.3 and 1.6 cubic-foot options while maintaining similar sensor cooking technology. It lacks the Alexa integration found in the 1.3 cu.ft model and the inverter technology in the 1.6 cu.ft model, but costs less than the 1.5 cu.ft multifunctional version.

Best For: Those prioritizing spacious cooking capacity, reliable sensor technology, and quiet operation over smart home features or maximum wattage power.

The Toshiba 1.6 Cu.Ft microwave is a solid mid-range countertop appliance designed for families and busy households that need reliable, everyday cooking and defrosting. With 1200W of power and smart sensor technology, it handles common microwave tasks efficiently without requiring users to manually adjust power levels for each food type.

The standout feature is the position-memory turntable, which automatically returns to its starting position after cooking stops. This thoughtful innovation prevents food from being pushed to the edge of the plate and reduces the risk of spills when removing dishes. The 1.6 cu.ft. capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable accommodates large plates, pizza boxes, and casserole dishes that smaller microwaves cannot fit. The 1200W power combined with 10 adjustable levels gives you flexibility from gentle defrosting to rapid cooking.

Design and build quality are respectable for this price tier. The black stainless-steel finish looks modern and professional, blending well with contemporary kitchens. The LED display is bright and easy to read, and the control panel layout is intuitive. The easy-grip door handle and bright interior LED light add to the user-friendly experience. Build materials feel solid, though this is not a premium appliance.

One limitation is the lack of convection or air-fry functions, which means you are limited to standard microwave cooking only. The 6 preset auto menus are fewer than some competitors offer, though the smart sensor function makes up for this by automating the most common cooking scenarios. The protective film on the keypad must be peeled off before use, which is a minor inconvenience that some buyers may miss.

Overall, the Toshiba 1.6 Cu.Ft microwave represents good value for families seeking a dependable, feature-rich countertop unit. The combination of smart sensor cooking, position-memory turntable, and generous capacity makes it practical for daily use. It is not the most advanced microwave on the market, but it delivers solid performance and thoughtful design at a reasonable price.

Smart Sensor Cooking: This microwave includes 6 pre-programmed sensor menus that automatically adjust cooking time and power for foods like pizza, potatoes, vegetables, and more. Simply select the food type and weight, and the sensor handles the rest. This eliminates the need to manually set power levels and reduces the chance of overcooked or undercooked meals.

Position-Memory Turntable: Unlike standard turntables that spin continuously, this innovative 13.6-inch turntable returns to its original starting position when cooking finishes. This prevents food from sliding across the plate and makes it safer and easier to remove hot dishes from the microwave.

Power and Defrosting: The 1200W power output with 10 adjustable levels covers everything from gentle warming to rapid cooking. The auto defrost feature and 1-pound quick defrost option make thawing frozen foods convenient and even, without requiring manual flipping or monitoring.

Convenience Functions: Multi-stage cooking allows you to program multiple cooking phases in sequence. The memory function saves your favorite settings for quick access. Express cook buttons provide one-touch cooking for 1 to 6 minutes. A child safety lock prevents accidental operation, and the sound on/off function lets you mute the buzzer by pressing button 8 for 3 to 5 seconds.

Best For: Families of 3 or more people, busy professionals who need quick meal prep and defrosting, households seeking a reliable mid-range microwave with modern conveniences, and anyone who appreciates thoughtful design features like the position-memory turntable.

Consider Alternatives If: You need convection or air-fry capabilities, you prefer a larger 2+ cu.ft. capacity, you want more than 6 preset auto menus, or you are looking for a budget entry-level model under 100 dollars.

The Toshiba 8-in-1 Air Fryer Combo Microwave represents a smart solution for modern kitchens where space and versatility matter. This unit combines traditional microwave functionality with air frying, convection baking, broiling, and specialized cooking modes in a single compact appliance. It's designed for busy families, health-conscious cooks, and anyone looking to reduce kitchen clutter without compromising cooking capability.

The standout feature is the integrated air frying technology paired with 1000-watt microwave power. The 12.4-inch turntable easily accommodates whole roasted chickens, large pizzas, and family-sized casseroles, making it genuinely practical for real-world cooking. The healthy air frying function delivers crispy textures with substantially less oil than traditional methods, addressing growing consumer demand for healthier meal preparation options.

Build quality appears solid with black stainless steel construction that resists fingerprints and maintains a premium appearance. The two-step child lock provides essential safety for households with young children. The position memory turntable and odor removal function add thoughtful conveniences that enhance daily usability and kitchen freshness.

The main consideration is the learning curve associated with mastering eight different cooking functions. While versatility is the product's greatest strength, users will need time to understand optimal settings for various foods. Additionally, combination cooking modes may not precisely match the performance of dedicated single-purpose appliances for specialized techniques.

Overall, this Toshiba combo microwave delivers excellent value for space-conscious households seeking cooking versatility without sacrificing power or capacity. The 4 out of 5 rating reflects satisfied customers who appreciate the multifunctional design and practical performance in everyday cooking situations.

Power Output: 1000 watts microwave power, 1600 watts input power

Capacity: 1.0 cubic foot interior volume

Exterior Dimensions: 20.6 inches width x 16.4 inches depth x 11.8 inches height

Interior Dimensions: 14.0 inches width x 13.2 inches depth x 9.5 inches height

Turntable: 12.4-inch removable position memory turntable

Functions: Microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil/grill, combination cooking, low temperature, odor removal, and defrost

Safety Features: Two-step child lock protection

Finish: Black stainless steel

Best For: This microwave combo works best for households with limited counter space, health-conscious cooks, families needing multiple cooking methods, and anyone seeking to consolidate kitchen appliances.

Kitchen Size Consideration: The compact 20.6 x 16.4-inch footprint fits most kitchen counters and small spaces while maintaining impressive 1.0 cu.ft. capacity. Measure your available counter space before purchasing to ensure proper fit.

Cooking Preferences: If you regularly air fry, bake, broil, and microwave, this all-in-one unit eliminates the need for multiple appliances. However, if you primarily need basic microwave functionality, a traditional microwave may be more cost-effective.

Family Needs: The two-step child lock makes this ideal for families with young children. The large turntable capacity suits families cooking for multiple people regularly.

Maintenance Tip: The removable 12.4-inch turntable simplifies cleaning. The odor removal function helps keep the interior fresh, extending the lifespan of the unit.

The Toshiba 4-in-1 microwave oven represents a smart solution for families seeking multi-functional cooking without sacrificing counter space. This 1.5 cu.ft. countertop unit combines traditional microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking modes into one sleek stainless steel appliance. It's designed for home cooks who want healthier fried foods, faster meal preparation, and the flexibility to tackle various cooking tasks with a single device.

What sets this model apart is its comprehensive preset menu system featuring 31 auto recipes across all cooking modes. The air fryer function delivers crispy results with minimal oil, while the convection and sensor cooking modes handle everything from frozen pizzas to fresh vegetables with automatic adjustments. The 13.6-inch position memory turntable accommodates whole roasted chickens and large pizzas, making it genuinely family-friendly. Quick-access features like one-touch popcorn and express cook buttons (1-6 minutes) streamline everyday cooking tasks.

Build quality is solid throughout. The stainless steel interior resists scratches and rust while remaining remarkably easy to clean, addressing a common frustration with microwave ownership. The bright LED cavity light and digital display make monitoring food simple, while the easy-grip door handle improves overall usability. The mute function is a thoughtful addition for households that prefer quiet kitchen operation during early mornings or late nights.

The main limitation is the absence of inverter technology, which some premium models offer for more consistent low-power cooking. Additionally, this model lacks Alexa integration found in higher-end Toshiba variants. The protective film on the keypad requires peeling before use, a minor inconvenience during setup.

Overall, this Toshiba microwave delivers exceptional value for families prioritizing cooking versatility and health-conscious meal preparation. The combination of air frying, convection, sensor technology, and generous capacity makes it a practical upgrade from standard microwaves, though it's best suited for those who value functionality over smart home connectivity.

Capacity and Dimensions: 1.5 cubic feet interior capacity with external dimensions of 21.8 x 20.0 x 12.9 inches. Internal dimensions are 15.5 x 15.35 x 10.2 inches. The 13.6-inch diameter turntable is removable and features position memory technology.

Power and Performance: 1000 watts microwave power with 10 adjustable power levels. Convection heating, air fry function, and sensor cooking modes provide versatile cooking options. No inverter technology included.

Cooking Modes and Presets: 10 air fry auto menus, 4 convection bake menus, 4 convection roast menus, 13 sensor cooking menus, and standard microwave cooking. One-touch popcorn button, express cook settings (1-6 minutes), and multistage cooking capability.

Additional Features: Bright LED cavity light, LED digital display, easy-to-read control panel, mute function, clock and kitchen timer, warm hold function, energy-saving eco mode, weight and time-based defrosting, and stainless steel cavity construction.

Included Accessories: Removable turntable, grill rack, grill tray, and user manual (PDF). Stainless steel finish with black enclosure and stainless steel door frame.

Who Should Buy This? This microwave is ideal for families of 3-6 people who cook regularly and want healthier alternatives to deep frying. It's perfect for households seeking to consolidate multiple appliances into one unit and those who value quiet operation and sensor automation.

Who Might Look Elsewhere? If you require smart home integration with Alexa or need inverter technology for precise low-power cooking, consider Toshiba's higher-end models. Those with extremely limited counter space may prefer smaller capacity units, though the 1.5 cu.ft. size is quite standard.

Key Considerations: Verify your available counter space measures at least 21.8 x 20 inches. This unit requires a standard electrical outlet and should have adequate ventilation space around it. The mute function requires holding button 8 for 3-5 seconds, so familiarize yourself with this feature. Keep original packaging for potential warranty service needs.

Value Assessment: With 31 preset recipes and four cooking modes, this appliance delivers significantly more functionality than basic microwaves at a reasonable price point. The large turntable and sensor cooking justify the investment for families who use microwaves daily and want healthier cooking options.