Toshiba EM131A5C-SS 1.2 cu ft Countertop Microwave: specs and who it suits

The Toshiba EM131A5C-SS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave with a silver finish, sensor cooking and a 12.4-inch glass turntable. Toshiba positions it for apartment kitchens and office break rooms. This page explains what its main specs mean and what to measure before it goes on your counter.

Power and the two wattage numbers

The listing gives 1000 watts of microwave output and 1600 watts of input power. Output is the energy delivered to the food, and input is what the microwave draws from the wall, so the gap is normal. Higher output generally heats food faster, and recipes and package directions are often written for ovens of 1000W to 1200W. Toshiba's description rounds the figure to 1100 watts in places, so check the label on the oven for the exact output.

It runs on 120V, 60Hz, the standard North American supply.

How the sensor works

Sensor ovens detect the steam released by food as it heats and adjust time and power to match. Toshiba says the humidity sensor does this automatically, with the aim of avoiding overcooked or undercooked results. Sensor reheating is usually most helpful for plated leftovers and common foods, while unusual dishes may still need manual time and power.

Presets, power levels and defrost

There are six preset menus, including pizza, vegetables and sensor reheat. Ten power levels let you lower the heat for gentle jobs such as melting or softening, a standard approach because full power can overheat delicate food. Defrost works by weight or by time. One-touch start runs the oven from one to six minutes at full power.

The oven also has a clock and kitchen timer, and the large display can show the countdown. According to the description, you can program up to three favourite time and power combinations. The listing title also mentions a mute function, an ECO mode and an easy-clean interior.

Size and fit

Interior capacity is 1.2 cubic feet, and the interior measures 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (W x D x H). The glass turntable is 12.4 inches (about 31 cm), which holds a standard dinner plate in most cases. Externally the listing gives 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (about 52 x 41 x 30 cm), and the oven weighs 34.6 lb (about 15.7 kg). A microwave needs ventilation space around it, so leave the clearances the manual specifies.

Who it suits

A 1.2 cubic foot oven is mid-sized. It suits small households, apartments, dorm rooms, offices and secondary kitchens where you reheat meals, defrost and cook simple foods. Large families who cook bigger dishes may prefer a bigger cavity.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space: measure width, depth and height, plus the ventilation gap in the manual.
• Dish size: make sure your usual plates and containers fit under the 8.3-inch interior height and turn freely.
• Outlet: with a 1600W draw, avoid sharing the circuit with other high-power appliances; check the manual.
• Cookware: use only microwave-safe containers, and no metal unless the manual allows it.
• Cleaning: an easy-clean interior still needs regular wiping.

The short version

• 1.2 cu ft countertop microwave with 1000W output (1600W input).
• Humidity sensor, six preset menus and ten power levels.
• Defrost by weight or time, one-touch start, clock and timer.
• 12.4-inch removable glass turntable and a mute function.
• About 34.6 lb; 120V, 60Hz.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.