# Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave (Toshiba) and Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave (Panasonic) among microwaves. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is the cheaper of the two at $139.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave | Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $139.99 | $294.95 |
| Brand | Toshiba | Panasonic |
| Released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Capacity cu (ft) | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Wattage (W) | 1000 | 1200 |
| Type | countertop | countertop |
| Width (in) | 20.5 | 20.69 |
| Inverter | No | Yes |
| Sensor cooking | Yes | Yes |
| Preset count | 12 | 14 |
| Turntable | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Wattage (W): Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 1000 vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 1200
- Width (in): Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 20.5 vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 20.69
- Inverter: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave No vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave Yes
- Preset count: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 12 vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 14

## What reviewers say

**Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave** — One whitelisted tester, Reviewed (USA Today), published a hands-on review of this exact model, calling it 'quite average' after formal testing. It excelled in the pork and popcorn tests but struggled to heat tomato sauce in the time given, and ran quieter than other units tested. As the sole surviving source, none of these findings are cross-verified. (1 sourced review.)

**Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave** — One whitelisted tester covers this exact model with hands-on measurements: Wirecutter names the Panasonic NN-SN686S its top-pick microwave, measuring the fewest hot and cold spots and the most accurate sensors of any model tested. Consumer Reports (non-whitelisted) and Reviewed's brief, undated product capsule were the only other coverage found. (1 sourced review.)

## Sources

- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave: https://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-EM131A5C-BS-Microwave-Interior-Stainless/dp/B071WCB1T6 (amazon.com, verified 2026-06-19)
- Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: https://shop.panasonic.com/products/1-2-cu-ft-inverter-microwave-1200w-nn-sn686sr (shop.panasonic.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microwaves/toshiba-em131a5c-bs-vs-panasonic-nn-sn686s/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave ($139.99) vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave ($294.95) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microwaves/toshiba-em131a5c-bs-vs-panasonic-nn-sn686s/
License: CC BY 4.0.