overall
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
9.4
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For most kitchens the best microwave in 2026 is the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, which pairs 1100W sensor cooking with a mute button and a roomy 1.2 cu ft interior at a fair price. Want the most even results? The Panasonic NN-SN686S inverter model eliminates cold centres and rubbery edges that conventional microwaves produce. On a tight budget? The COMFEE EM720CPL-PM and BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 cover everyday reheating reliably for very little. Need smart features? The Toshiba ML-EM45P and Amazon Basics Microwave add sensor or Alexa controls at accessible prices. Below we compare 10 microwaves on wattage, capacity, heating evenness, ease of use and which kitchen they suit best.
| # | Product | Best for | Wattage | Capacity | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave | overall | 1100W | 1.2 cu ft | Countertop | Check Price |
| 2 | Panasonic NN-SN686S Countertop Microwave | for even heating | 1250W | 1.2 cu ft | Inverter | Check Price |
| 3 | GE JES1095SMSS Countertop Microwave | for reliability | 950W | 1.1 cu ft | Countertop | Check Price |
| 4 | COMFEE EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave | value | 700W | 0.7 cu ft | Compact | Check Price |
| 5 | BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Countertop Microwave | compact budget | 700W | 0.7 cu ft | Compact | Check Price |
| 6 | Toshiba ML-EM45P Countertop Microwave | smart sensor | 1000W | 1.6 cu ft | Sensor | Check Price |
| 7 | Breville Quick Touch Microwave BMO734 | premium | 1100W | 1.2 cu ft | Smart | Check Price |
| 8 | Farberware FMO11AHTBKB Countertop Microwave | mid-range | 1000W | 1.1 cu ft | Countertop | Check Price |
| 9 | Magic Chef MCM1110ST Countertop Microwave | workhorse | 1100W | 1.1 cu ft | Countertop | Check Price |
| 10 | Amazon Basics Microwave | Alexa pick | 700W | 0.7 cu ft | Smart | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is the microwave we recommend to most people in 2026. Its humidity sensor monitors steam and adjusts cooking time automatically, so food comes out properly heated without guesswork. A mute button silences the end-of-cycle beeps, an increasingly rare convenience that makes a real difference in a shared home or quiet kitchen. The 1.2 cu ft interior handles dinner plates and large bowls comfortably, and ECO mode drops standby draw significantly. Controls are straightforward, and the stainless finish resists grime better than plain plastic interiors.
Most households wanting a reliable, full-featured everyday countertop microwave with sensor cooking.
Anyone with very limited counter space who needs a compact or sub-0.9 cu ft unit.
Key specs: 1100W - 1.2 cu ft - sensor cooking - mute function - ECO mode - 12 auto menus - 12.4 in turntable - stainless
Why we picked it: The Panasonic NN-SN686S is the pick for anyone who notices the difference between properly reheated food and food with cold pockets or tough edges. Its inverter technology delivers a continuous, lower-level power stream rather than cycling fully on and off like a conventional magnetron, and the result is noticeably more even heating across all dishes. The Genius Sensor reads steam and adjusts both power and time automatically. At 1250W it is also among the fastest in this guide. The stainless design is slim for a 1.2 cu ft unit and fits most standard microwave shelves and cabinets.
People who reheat and cook frequently and want the most even results without cold spots.
Buyers who only need occasional reheating and want the lowest possible price.
Key specs: 1250W - 1.2 cu ft - inverter technology - Genius Sensor - keep-warm - turbo defrost - stainless
Why we picked it: The GE JES1095SMSS earns its place here through consistency and build quality rather than headline specifications. GE has manufactured countertop microwaves for decades and this model reflects that experience: the controls are logical, the cavity is roomy for 1.1 cu ft, and the turntable is recessed so it sits flush and is easy to clean. Six auto-cook settings cover popcorn, potato, pizza and beverage reliably. The child lock is properly implemented and the stainless steel body is robust. For anyone who prioritises durability and brand support over extra features, this is the safe, long-term buy.
Families and households who value durability, reliable brand support and simple controls above all.
Buyers who want sensor cooking, inverter heating or the highest wattage at this price.
Key specs: 950W - 1.1 cu ft - 6 auto-cook settings - child lock - recessed turntable - stainless steel
Why we picked it: The COMFEE EM720CPL-PM is the value champion of this guide. It costs noticeably less than most rivals yet includes both an ECO standby mode and a mute function, two conveniences often absent from budget microwaves. One-touch preset buttons handle popcorn, pizza and beverage without hunting through menus. The 0.7 cu ft interior suits one or two people heating everyday portions, and the clean styling fits most kitchens without looking cheap. For households that mostly reheat leftovers, beverages and small dishes, this does everything needed for far less money.
Value buyers, students and small households who need everyday reheating without overspending.
Families heating large dishes or anyone wanting sensor cooking or inverter performance.
Key specs: 700W - 0.7 cu ft - ECO mode - sound on/off - one-touch presets - mute function - black finish
Why we picked it: The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 is the go-to compact budget pick for small kitchens, dorms and offices. Its push-button door opens cleanly with one hand, and the child safety lock adds reassurance in a family home. Pre-programmed settings handle popcorn, potato, pizza and beverage reliably. At 700W it reheats leftovers and beverages without complaint, and the stainless finish keeps it looking tidy on a small counter. It is the straightforward, no-drama choice when counter space is tight and the budget is firm.
Budget buyers and small-space users who need a compact, easy-to-use everyday microwave.
Anyone heating large plates or wanting sensor cooking, mute or inverter technology.
Key specs: 700W - 0.7 cu ft - push-button door - child lock - 6 pre-programmed settings - stainless steel
Why we picked it: The Toshiba ML-EM45P steps up the capacity game with a 1.6 cu ft interior that accommodates large casserole dishes and family-sized portions that most countertop microwaves cannot. Its smart humidity sensor adjusts time automatically, and the position-memory turntable always returns to the same stop for clean, even reheating. A mute function is included. At 1000W it heats quickly enough for daily family use without the premium of an inverter model. This is the right pick when capacity is the deciding factor but sensor convenience is still wanted.
Families and households who regularly heat large dishes and want sensor cooking convenience.
Single users or those with limited counter space who do not need a large-capacity unit.
Key specs: 1000W - 1.6 cu ft - smart humidity sensor - position-memory turntable - mute function - stainless black
Why we picked it: The Breville Quick Touch BMO734 makes using a microwave more intuitive than any rival in this guide. Its smart dial lets you increase or decrease cook time mid-cycle with a single turn, and the A Bit More and A Bit Less buttons add or remove ten-second increments without reopening and resetting. The soft-close door muffles the shut cleanly. Eleven presets cover a comprehensive range of common tasks. The brushed stainless build feels and looks premium on the counter. For anyone who spends real time at a microwave each day, the Breville experience justifies the higher price.
Anyone who uses a microwave daily and wants the most intuitive controls and premium build available.
Buyers looking for the best value or the most even heating, where the Panasonic is a better fit.
Key specs: 1100W - 1.2 cu ft - Quick Touch dial - A Bit More/A Bit Less buttons - 11 presets - soft-close door - brushed stainless
Why we picked it: The Farberware FMO11AHTBKB hits a reliable mid-range sweet spot, delivering 1000W of power, a 1.1 cu ft interior and a set of auto-cook settings in a straightforward stainless package at a price well below the sensor-equipped top tier. Its easy-clean interior coating makes wiping down splatter genuinely quick, and the child lock is properly functional. It lacks inverter or sensor cooking, but for a household that mostly reheats leftovers, pops popcorn and defrosts meat, those omissions are rarely felt day to day. Solid, dependable and fairly priced.
Households wanting a reliable mid-range countertop microwave with a clean interior at a fair price.
Buyers who want sensor cooking or inverter even-heating and can stretch the budget for it.
Key specs: 1000W - 1.1 cu ft - auto-cook settings - child lock - easy-clean interior - stainless steel finish
Why we picked it: The Magic Chef MCM1110ST is the no-nonsense workhorse of this list. It packs 1100W of power into a 1.1 cu ft stainless cabinet with six straightforward preset functions, weight defrost and time defrost, and a kitchen timer that works independently of the cooking cycle. Controls are conventional push-button, which some users prefer over touch-sensitive pads that can fail over time. It does not offer sensor cooking or inverter technology, but at its price it delivers more raw wattage than most rivals, which translates directly into faster reheating and cooking on everyday tasks.
Buyers who want straightforward high-wattage reheating at a sensible price without paying for smart features.
Anyone who wants sensor cooking, mute function or premium build and can budget for it.
Key specs: 1100W - 1.1 cu ft - 6 preset functions - weight defrost - time defrost - kitchen timer - stainless steel
Why we picked it: The Amazon Basics Microwave is the only unit in this guide with built-in Alexa voice control. Ask Alexa to set 30 seconds on high, add two minutes, or stop cooking and it responds without touching the unit, which is genuinely useful when hands are full or messy. Physical controls are also available for anyone who does not use Alexa. The 0.7 cu ft interior and 700W output are modest, making it best suited to reheating portions and beverages rather than full family meals. If you already run an Alexa household, the hands-free convenience makes it worth picking over a plain budget microwave at a similar price.
Alexa households who want hands-free microwave control for reheating portions and beverages.
Anyone without an Alexa setup, or who needs more than 700W or larger than 0.7 cu ft capacity.
Key specs: 700W - 0.7 cu ft - built-in Alexa - physical controls - compact - Wi-Fi connected
700-800W covers basic reheating of leftovers and beverages for one or two people. 950-1100W is the right range for everyday family cooking, reheating and defrosting, with noticeably faster and more even results. 1200-1250W with inverter technology, as on the Panasonic NN-SN686S, is best when you want the fastest, most even performance. For most households, 1000-1100W is the practical sweet spot.
Yes, if you regularly reheat varied foods or defrost meat. Conventional microwaves pulse on and off to simulate lower power, which creates uneven hot and cold zones. Inverter microwaves deliver a continuous, true lower-power stream that heats through evenly and defrosts gently without cooking edges. The Panasonic NN-SN686S in this guide uses inverter technology and produces noticeably more even results than conventional rivals at the same wattage.
A compact 0.7-0.9 cu ft microwave suits one or two people and small kitchens well. A 1.1-1.2 cu ft unit is the everyday standard for families and fits most dinner plates. A 1.4-1.6 cu ft model like the Toshiba ML-EM45P handles large casserole dishes and family-sized portions. Before buying, measure your counter space and check that the turntable diameter fits your plates, since a larger cavity does not always mean a larger turntable.
The Amazon Basics Microwave offers working Alexa voice control for hands-free commands like adding cook time or stopping the cycle. It works reliably in a connected Alexa home and is genuinely useful when your hands are occupied. The trade-off is that the unit itself is limited to 700W and 0.7 cu ft, which suits reheating portions and beverages rather than full family meals. If you already use Alexa throughout your kitchen, the hands-free convenience is a real plus at the price.
Wattage is the single biggest factor in how fast and evenly a microwave heats. Models at 700W reheat leftovers and beverages fine but struggle with dense foods and larger portions. At 950-1000W everyday reheating and cooking is noticeably faster. At 1100-1250W with inverter technology, like the Panasonic NN-SN686S, results are both fast and even. For a household that uses its microwave every day, the step up from 700W to 1000W+ is worth more than any other single upgrade.
Compact 0.7-0.9 cu ft microwaves suit one or two people and small kitchens; 1.1-1.2 cu ft is the everyday family sweet spot; 1.6 cu ft, as on the Toshiba ML-EM45P, fits large casserole dishes and family-sized portions. Always check the turntable diameter against your dinner plates before buying. A unit that sounds roomy can still fail to spin a standard 10-inch plate, which defeats the purpose of sensor cooking.
Manual presets match a food type to a fixed time and power combination, which works well for popcorn and beverages but can over or under heat leftovers and fresh food. Sensor cooking reads steam from the food and adjusts time and power on the fly, meaning reheating is more consistent without attention. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS and Toshiba ML-EM45P both use humidity sensors. If you often reheat varied foods, sensor cooking removes the daily guesswork.
Conventional microwaves cycle their magnetron fully on and fully off to simulate lower power, which creates uneven hot and cold zones. Inverter microwaves deliver a true, continuous lower-power stream, which heats through evenly and defrost gently without cooking edges. The Panasonic NN-SN686S is the only true inverter model in this guide. If you regularly defrost meat or reheat delicate foods and notice quality issues, inverter heating is the upgrade that makes the biggest difference.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sensor cooking | Auto-adjusts time by reading steam so food heats through without guesswork or overcooking. |
| Inverter technology | Delivers steady lower power for even results, eliminating cold centres and rubbery edges. |
| Mute function | Silences the end-of-cycle beeps for a quieter kitchen and shared living spaces. |
| ECO mode | Drops standby power draw significantly to cut long-term energy use. |
| Child safety lock | Prevents unintended operation and keeps children safe around a hot appliance. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.