Here’s a full overview of the Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS 1.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, including specs, user and expert reviews—including a video highlight:
📏 Key Specifications & Features
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Capacity: 1.2 cu ft, fits large plates & 12″ pizza (12.4″ turntable) (rtings.com)
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Power Output: 1100 W (10 power levels) (appliances.techreviewer.com)
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Sensor Reheat: Smart humidity-sensor automatically adjusts cook time—preprogrammed menus for pizza, veggies, etc. (rtings.com)
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Special Functions: Defrost (by time/weight), mute/beep-off (hold “8” button), eco mode (turns off display to save ~50% standby power), child lock, favorites, easy-clean interior (lowes.com)
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Exterior: Sleek black stainless steel—resists fingerprints on touchpad but body may still show smudges
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Dimensions/Weight: 20.5″ W × 17.2″ D × 12.8″ H, ~34.6 lb (appliances.techreviewer.com)
👍 Pros
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Fast & Even Heating: Experts (TechGearLab, Rtings) praise uniform heating across varied foods (techgearlab.com)
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Defrosts Well: Handles frozen items without cooking the edges (techgearlab.com)
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Convenient Presets & Sensor Tech: Eliminates guesswork with auto settings
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Quiet Operation: Users describe it as “very powerful, quiet” (lowes.com)
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Energy-saving Standby Mode: Eco mode cuts standby consumption (lowes.com)
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Strong Ratings: 4.4★ on Amazon with 54,000+ reviews (amazon.com)
👎 Cons
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Bulky Size: Requires ample countertop space (techgearlab.com)
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Sensor Reheat Can Be Hit/Miss: Rtings notes it's less consistent on some foods (techgearlab.com)
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Exterior Smudges Easily: Black stainless shows fingerprints (reddit.com)
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Limited in Melting Tasks: Underperforms on marshmallows/chocolate chips according to BHG (bhg.com)
🎥 Video Overview
Curious to see it in action? Here’s a popular review:
Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS Microwave Review: Smart Cooking with Sensor Technology!
🛠️ Overall Verdict
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Ideal For: Families or individuals who need a reliable, fast-heating, and spacious countertop microwave with smart-sensor presets and energy efficiency.
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Best If: You reheat leftovers, defrost frequently, or want hands-off convenience.
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Not Ideal If: Counter space is tight, or you melt chocolates/marshmallows often.
💡 Alternatives to Consider
Media reviews frequently cite it as one of the best overall microwaves, and a standout value pick compared to compact or convection models (thespruceeats.com).
✅ Recommendation
The Toshiba EM131A5C‑BS is a solid mid‑range microwave that delivers robust performance—1100 W of power, even heating, intuitive sensor cooking, and energy-aware features—all backed by excellent user reviews. Just make sure you have sufficient countertop space for its larger size.
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