PICK
Toshiba EM131A5C 5 Cu Microwave Review
The Toshiba EM131A5C is a popular 1.5 cu ft microwave known for its sensor cooking, pre-programmed settings, and ease of use. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to help you decide if this model is right for you.
Unbiased Advice & Insights is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks.
The Toshiba EM131A5C offers reliable sensor cooking and a wide array of pre-programmed settings at a competitive price. Its user-friendly controls and compact footprint make it a strong choice for most households. However, the stainless steel exterior can show smudges, and some users find the beep volume non-adjustable. Overall, it's a solid performer for everyday reheating and defrosting.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for consistent results.
- Easy-to-use control panel with clearly labeled pre-programmed settings.
- Compact 1.5 cu ft size fits most countertops without sacrificing capacity.
- Quiet operation compared to many competitors.
- Child safety lock provides peace of mind.
- Stainless steel exterior shows fingerprints and smudges easily.
- Beep volume cannot be adjusted or muted.
- Turntable can be slightly noisy when rotating.
- Some pre-programmed settings may require trial and error for best results.
Published July 28, 2026 · Reviewed by the Unbiased Advice & Insights editorial team · How we research and score
The Toshiba EM131A5C is one of the most popular 1.5 cu ft microwaves on Amazon, with over 18,000 reviews. Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to provide an honest assessment of its sensor cooking, pre-programmed settings, and ease of use. We also compare it with similar models like the Panasonic NN-SN686S and Sharp SMC1585BK.
Design and Build
The Toshiba EM131A5C features a classic stainless steel finish that looks modern but attracts fingerprints. The control panel is intuitive, with a digital display and clearly labeled buttons for sensor cooking, defrost, and pre-programmed settings. The door opens with a smooth push-button mechanism, and the interior is well-lit with a bright LED. At 20.5 inches wide and 17.1 inches deep, it fits comfortably on most countertops. However, the build quality feels adequate rather than premium; the plastic buttons may feel a bit flimsy to some users. The turntable is standard and rotates smoothly, though it can produce a slight noise during operation.
Performance
With 1100 watts of power, the Toshiba EM131A5C heats food evenly and quickly. The sensor cooking feature is a standout: it automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on humidity levels, which helps prevent overcooking. In our comparison of buyer feedback, most users found sensor cooking reliable for items like frozen dinners, vegetables, and leftovers. Pre-programmed settings cover popcorn, potato, pizza, beverage, and more. While these presets are convenient, some users note that results vary depending on food quantity and starting temperature. Defrosting works well for small to medium portions, but larger items may require manual intervention. Compared to the Panasonic NN-SN686S, the Toshiba lacks inverter technology, so heating may be slightly less consistent for delicate foods.
Ease of Use
The control panel is straightforward: a numeric keypad for manual time entry, a sensor cooking button, and dedicated presets. The display is easy to read, and the child safety lock is a nice addition. One drawback is the non-adjustable beep volume, which some find too loud. The turntable cannot be turned off, which may be an issue for oblong dishes. Overall, most users find the microwave very user-friendly, especially for everyday reheating and defrosting. The Sharp SMC1585BK has a similar layout but offers a slightly larger interior, while the Panasonic has a more complex menu system.
Cleaning
The interior is made of easy-clean stainless steel, but food splatters can bake on if not wiped promptly. The turntable is removable and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easier. The exterior, however, is a magnet for fingerprints and smudges, requiring frequent wiping to keep it looking pristine. Some users recommend using a microfiber cloth to minimize streaks. Overall, cleaning is manageable but not exceptional.
Common Buyer Complaints
Despite its popularity, the Toshiba EM131A5C has some recurring complaints. The most common is the loud, non-adjustable beep. Another is the turntable noise during rotation. A few users report that the sensor cooking can sometimes undercook or overcook food, requiring manual adjustments. The stainless steel finish is also a frequent gripe due to smudging. Some units have been reported to stop working after a few months, but these appear to be isolated incidents. Compared to the Sharp SMC1585BK, the Toshiba has fewer pre-programmed settings but a simpler interface.
Conclusion
The Toshiba EM131A5C is a solid mid-range microwave that delivers good performance and ease of use at a reasonable price. Its sensor cooking and pre-programmed settings make it convenient for daily use, though it has minor drawbacks like a loud beep and smudge-prone exterior. If you can live with those, it's a great value. For a larger capacity and more even heating, consider the Panasonic NN-SN686S. For a budget-friendly alternative, the Sharp SMC1585BK is worth a look. Check the current price on Amazon to see if the Toshiba fits your needs.
More guides
See our full buying guides hub and our research and scoring methodology. We compared specifications and verified owner feedback; we did not physically test every product.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 1.5 cu ft |
| Wattage | 1100 watts |
| Dimensions | 20.5 x 17.1 x 12.8 inches |
| Weight | 33.5 pounds |
| Color options | Stainless steel, black, white |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
You want a reliable, easy-to-use microwave with sensor cooking and plenty of pre-programmed settings at a reasonable price. Ideal for reheating leftovers, defrosting, and simple cooking tasks.
You need a large-capacity microwave for big dishes or a model with adjustable beep volume. Also consider if you prefer a more premium finish that resists fingerprints.
Questions before you buy
Does the Toshiba EM131A5C have a mute function?
No, the beep cannot be muted or adjusted. This is a common complaint among users who prefer quieter operation.
How does sensor cooking work on this microwave?
The sensor detects humidity released during cooking and automatically adjusts time and power to prevent overcooking or undercooking. It works well for most foods but may require some experimentation for best results.
Can the turntable be turned off?
No, the turntable is not removable or disableable. This may be inconvenient for larger dishes that don't rotate freely.
Is this microwave easy to clean?
The interior is fairly easy to wipe down, but the stainless steel exterior shows smudges and requires frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
How does it compare to the Panasonic NN-SN686S?
The Panasonic offers a slightly larger capacity and inverter technology for more even heating, but it costs more. The Toshiba is more budget-friendly and has a simpler control layout.