The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is one of the most heavily reviewed countertop microwaves available, with over 32,000 ratings and a 4.4-star average, a combination that carries real statistical weight. At 1.2 cu ft and 1000W with 10 power levels, it covers the needs of most households at a mid-range $149 price point.
Households or individuals who want a proven, mid-size microwave with a broad feature set and a large pool of owner feedback to draw on. The 12.4-inch turntable and 1.2 cu ft cavity handle everything from mugs to standard dinner plates.
Skip if
If you need maximum cooking power, 1200W or more, or a larger cavity beyond 1.2 cu ft for full casserole dishes, this unit will fall short. Those who prefer dial or touchscreen controls over button/keypad combinations may also find it less intuitive.
Capacity 1.2 cu ft
Heating Electromagnetic Radiation
Wattage 1000 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 20.6 in
Priced 45% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.4/5overall
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 32,299 owner ratings
Value for money3.7/5
$124 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity4.9/5
32,299 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space3.4/5
1.2 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The EM131A5C-BS occupies a sweet spot in the market: 1.2 cubic feet is large enough for most everyday tasks, and 1000 watts delivers competent heating speed without the premium pricing that 1200W models command. The 10 power levels give you real control over defrosting, gentle reheating, and full-speed cooking in a way that single-level units cannot match.
At 20.6 inches wide and 16 x 20.6 x 11.8 in overall, it is a standard-size countertop unit that fits typical kitchen counter depths. The black stainless steel exterior gives it a cleaner visual profile than plain black or white plastic finishes, and at 34.6 lb it is solid without being unwieldy.
The 32,000-review count and 4.4-star average are the most telling data points here. At that volume, the rating is extremely stable, individual outliers barely move the needle. That means the 4.4 average reflects a broad, consistent buyer experience rather than a handful of enthusiastic early reviews. With 131 units sold last month, it maintains real ongoing demand.
Pros
32,000+ reviews at 4.4 stars is one of the strongest track records in this category
10 power levels cover defrost, simmer, and full-power cooking
1.2 cu ft cavity fits standard dinner plates and most everyday dishes
12.4-inch turntable rotates food evenly
Black stainless steel exterior is more refined than standard plastic finishes
Cons
1000W is adequate but not the fastest in the category, 1200W models will heat faster
Button/keypad controls feel utilitarian compared to touchscreen alternatives
1.2 cu ft may be limiting for large families or big cookware
Specifications
Capacity
1.2 cu ft
Heating
Electromagnetic Radiation
Wattage
1000 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
20.6 in
Controls
Buttons, Keypad
Color
Black Stainless Steel
Turntable
12.4 in
Dimensions
16 X 20.6 X 11.8 In
Weight
34.6 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Performance notes
At 1000W with 10 power levels, this unit handles the full range of typical microwave tasks. Full-power reheating is fast at this wattage; lower power levels (useful around 30-50%) allow defrosting and gentler heating without overcooking edges. The 12.4-inch turntable is practical for dinner-plate-size servings. Cavity dimensions of 16 x 20.6 x 11.8 in mean standard mugs, bowls, and covered plates should fit without issue.
What buyers say
With over 32,000 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this is one of the most validated products in the countertop microwave space. Buyer satisfaction at this scale is meaningful, it reflects consistent performance across a diverse range of households and use cases. The 4.4 average suggests a minority of buyers hit reliability or feature-fit issues, but the overwhelming majority find it meets their needs.
What is the interior capacity of the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS?
The interior is 1.2 cubic feet with a 12.4-inch turntable diameter. This accommodates standard-size dinner plates, most mugs, and common microwave-safe containers. Large casserole dishes or oversize bowls may not fit comfortably.
Does the EM131A5C-BS have a defrost setting?
Yes. The 10 power levels include lower settings suitable for defrosting. Running the microwave at a reduced power level allows frozen food to thaw without cooking the outer edges, which is the standard approach for defrosting in a microwave without a dedicated auto-defrost sensor.
Is 1000W enough for everyday microwave cooking?
For most household tasks, reheating leftovers, heating soup, defrosting meat, cooking frozen meals, 1000W is fully adequate. It is slower than 1200W models, but the difference for a typical plate of food is measured in seconds to a minute. Where the gap matters more is in commercial or high-volume use cases.
We use necessary cookies to keep the site working. With your permission, we also use functional, analytics, and marketing cookies. Read our Cookie Policy.
