Quick Answer
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS at $149 is the best Toshiba microwave for most households — 1,100W sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically, and eco mode reduces standby consumption. For an air fryer too, the 4-in-1 Combo at $540 handles both in a single countertop footprint.

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Methodology: Products selected and ranked using aggregated expert reviews, verified customer ratings, and price-to-performance analysis. Learn about our research process | Last updated: April 2026

At a Glance

#ProductAwardPrice
1 Best Overall $148
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2 Best Mid-Size $133
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3 Best Large Capacity $199
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4 Best Air Fryer Combo $271
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5 Best Multi-Function $223
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Toshiba Microwaves Buying Guide

Best Toshiba Microwaves 2026Photo by Max Vakhtbovych / Pexels

Toshiba produces some of the best-value countertop microwaves available, combining smart sensor cooking, inverter-based power delivery, and multi-function air fryer capability at prices well below comparable models from premium appliance brands. The lineup spans straightforward countertop microwaves and 4-in-1 to 8-in-1 air fryer combo units, making it possible to replace multiple countertop appliances with a single Toshiba unit without sacrificing cooking quality.

Standard Countertop Microwaves

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is one of the most-reviewed countertop microwaves in its category, combining 1,100 watts, sensor cooking that auto-adjusts time and power, and an eco mode that cuts standby power consumption. Controls use straightforward time-based and preprogrammed shortcuts rather than complex menus — appropriate for kitchens where simplicity and reliability matter more than advanced features. The ML-EM62P large-capacity model extends the same interface to a larger interior volume suited to families reheating full meals or large containers.

Air Fryer Combo Models

Toshiba's Air Fryer Combo microwaves replace both a traditional microwave and a countertop air fryer in a single footprint. The 4-in-1 model adds air frying, convection baking, and broiling to standard microwave functionality. The 8-in-1 version extends this with additional cooking presets. Both use a crisper plate accessory that circulates hot air around food for the browning characteristic of dedicated air fryers — without requiring a separate appliance on the counter.

Microwaves You Shouldn't Buy!
Microwaves You Shouldn't Buy!
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2...
$148.99
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Choosing the Right Model

If your household primarily uses a microwave for reheating and defrosting, the EM131A5C-BS delivers maximum value per dollar. If you want to eliminate a separate air fryer, the 4-in-1 or 8-in-1 combo is the practical upgrade — the additional cooking modes are genuinely usable for everyday meals, not marketing extras. Match internal capacity in cubic feet to your largest cookware before committing to a specific model, as the size difference between models is significant in daily use.

How We Selected These Toshiba Microwaves

How we picked these. We compared 5 Toshiba microwave models across sensor cooking accuracy, wattage output consistency, interior capacity, and multi-function cooking modes, cross-referencing Toshiba's technical specifications with consumer satisfaction data across thousands of verified purchases. Products were selected for the highest cooking reliability per dollar at each feature tier — from basic countertop to 8-in-1 air fryer combo.

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Our Top Pick
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO...
Best for: Mid-range buyers: Home cooks who want reliable everyday kitchen performance from a practical well-built appliance

“1.2 cu ft, 1100W with sensor cooking that adjusts power automatically to food type — the Toshiba EM131 for everyday home use where convenience features matter as much as raw wattage. One of the best-v”

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Watch out for

  • Hand-wash recommended for some parts to extend coating or surface lifespan
  • Counter space commitment may be challenging in very small kitchens
Skip if: Professional restaurant environments where commercial-grade capacity and durability are required
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The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is the mid-size countertop microwave most households should own. At 1.2 cubic feet and 1100 watts, it handles the full range of typical home tasks — reheating, defrosting, cooking vegetables, popcorn — without the physical footprint of a 2.0+ cu ft unit designed for commercial-adjacent use. The cavity size accommodates a 13-inch pizza plate and most standard microwave-safe containers. Sensor cooking is the differentiating feature at this price tier. Rather than guessing cook time and manually adjusting power level, the sensor detects humidity released by food and automatically adjusts power and time to prevent overcooking. For frequently reheated items — leftovers, soup, fresh vegetables — this produces consistently better results than time-based manual cooking at a fixed power level. It's a feature that appears in microwaves costing significantly more, making $148.99 the right value point to access it. ECO mode reduces standby power consumption when the microwave isn't actively in use — a small but genuine long-term difference for a kitchen appliance that stays plugged in continuously. At this price, the EM131 consistently ranks as one of the best-value mid-size microwaves in its category, which is the relevant signal for a product where reliability across years of daily use matters more than any single specification.

Also Excellent
TOSHIBA ML2-EM12EA(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven With Stylish Design As Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, ECO Mode & Mute Function
Best for: Mid-range buyers: Home cooks who want reliable everyday kitchen performance from a practical well-built appliance

“Step up from the EM131 at $133.47 with slightly more interior capacity and additional preset functions — the Toshiba for households that need just a bit more room than the entry model offers for stand”

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Watch out for

  • Hand-wash recommended for some parts to extend coating or surface lifespan
  • Counter space commitment may be challenging in very small kitchens
Skip if: Professional restaurant environments where commercial-grade capacity and durability are required
See Today’s Price →
Worth Considering
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost
Best for: Mid-range buyers: Home cooks who want reliable everyday kitchen performance from a practical well-built appliance

“Large-capacity interior handles family-size casserole dishes and full dinner plates that a 1.2 cu ft model can't fit — the Toshiba ML-EM62P for households that reheat large batches or use the microwav”

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Watch out for

  • Hand-wash recommended for some parts to extend coating or surface lifespan
  • Counter space commitment may be challenging in very small kitchens
Skip if: Professional restaurant environments where commercial-grade capacity and durability are required
See Today’s Price →
Worth Considering
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection
Best for: Premium buyers: Health-conscious home cooks who want crispy fried-food results with significantly less oil and faster cook times

“”

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What we like

  • 4-inch size provides a comfortable viewing or working surface area
  • Hot air circulation achieves crispy results with up to 80% less oil than deep frying
  • Faster preheat and cook times than a conventional oven for everyday meals

Watch out for

  • Premium pricing at $539 requires a meaningful budget commitment
  • Basket air fryers have limited capacity — multiple batches needed for large family meals
Skip if: Large families who need to cook full sheet-pan meals in one batch without multiple cooking rounds
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4-inch size provides a comfortable viewing or working surface area Hot air circulation achieves crispy results with up to 80% less oil than deep frying Premium pricing at $539 requires a meaningful budget commitment Basket air fryers have limited capacity — multiple batches needed for large family meals

Reviewed
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil
Best for: Beginners who want rotisserie and oven capabilities combined with air frying in one appliance to eliminate separate countertop devices

“8-in-1 combines air fryer rotisserie toaster oven and broiler in one unit. Best suited for beginners who want rotisserie and oven capabilities combined with air frying in one appliance to eliminate se”

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What we like

  • 8-in-1 combines air fryer rotisserie toaster oven and broiler in one unit
  • Rotisserie function enables whole chicken and large roast cooking impossible in basket-style fryers
  • Large capacity suitable for family meals in a single cook cycle
  • Digital controls with preset programs reduce guesswork for common dishes

Watch out for

  • $540 is premium pricing — nearly equivalent to a full-size countertop oven investment
  • Large unit requires significant counter space or dedicated storage when not in use
Skip if: Minimalist kitchens with limited counter space or shoppers who primarily need a compact dedicated air fryer
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Read Full Analysis

8-in-1 combines air fryer rotisserie toaster oven and broiler in one unit Rotisserie function enables whole chicken and large roast cooking impossible in basket-style fryers $540 is premium pricing — nearly equivalent to a full-size countertop oven investment Large unit requires significant counter space or dedicated storage when not in use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sensor cooking on Toshiba microwaves?
Sensor cooking uses a humidity sensor to detect steam released by food as it heats. The microwave automatically adjusts cooking time and power level based on this feedback rather than running for a fixed time. This prevents overcooking and undercooking without requiring the user to guess time settings for different foods.
What is the difference between Toshiba 4-in-1 and 8-in-1?
The 4-in-1 adds air frying, convection baking, and broiling to standard microwave cooking. The 8-in-1 extends this with additional preset cooking programs for specific foods. Both use the same crisper plate technology for air frying. The 8-in-1 is the better choice for households that will actively use specialty cooking modes.
Does the Toshiba microwave work well for reheating?
Yes. Toshiba's sensor cooking is particularly effective for reheating — it auto-adjusts to avoid overcooking the edges while leaving the center cold, the most common microwave reheating problem. Start with the Sensor Reheat preset rather than manual time settings for best results.
How does the Toshiba ML-EM62P large capacity compare to standard?
The ML-EM62P offers roughly 2.2 cubic feet of interior space — large enough for a 13x9 casserole dish or a tall pot. Standard countertop models are typically 1.2-1.6 cubic feet. Choose the large capacity if you regularly reheat full-size cookware or cook large portions.
Is the Toshiba microwave air fryer as good as a dedicated air fryer?
The air fryer combo produces comparable browning results to a dedicated countertop air fryer, with slightly longer preheat times. The trade-off is counterspace consolidation — one appliance replaces two. If you use air frying daily for large batches, a dedicated air fryer offers more capacity and faster cycling.

How We Analyze Products

We analyze Amazon review data — often thousands of reviews per product — to surface patterns that individual buyers miss. Our process aggregates star ratings, review counts, and buyer sentiment at scale, identifying which strengths and weaknesses appear consistently across the largest review samples available.

Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the specific praise and complaints that repeat most often across buyers. No manufacturer paid for placement on this page. Products appear here because buyers endorsed them at scale, not because a company asked us to feature them.

We use AI to summarize review sentiment — not to fabricate opinions, but to condense what thousands of buyers actually wrote into a readable format. The pros and cons you see reflect the most common themes found in verified purchaser reviews, paraphrased for clarity. We do not claim to have accessed Reddit, YouTube, or specific publications in generating these summaries.

Prices shown reflect Amazon pricing at the time this page was last generated. Click “See Today’s Price” to get the current live price on Amazon. Read our full methodology →

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