Toshiba
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
$139.99Cheaper
Released 2017
Best Microwaves · head-to-head
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is cheaper at $139.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Panasonic
Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave
$294.95
Released 2016
Which is better: the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave or Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is the cheaper at $139.99.
Check Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave price Check Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave price
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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 |
| Release | 2017 | 2016 |
Sources — Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave: amazon.com (verified 2026-06-19). Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave: shop.panasonic.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave and Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 false vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave true
- Preset count: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 12 vs Panasonic NN-SN686S Inverter Countertop Microwave 14
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Excelled in Reviewed's pork and popcorn reheating tests; Runs quieter than other units tested; convenient one-touch controls and mutable buzzer; Cheapest Toshiba with a smart sensor that adjusts cook time to steam; fingerprint-proof panel and pull-handle door.
Flagged: Struggled to heat tomato sauce in the time given; not very fast heating; Only 'quite average' overall after formal testing; a very standard performer; Slightly oversized for its 1.2 cu-ft capacity.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Most even, precise heating — fewest hot and cold spots of any model tested; Large, responsive door-open button rated easiest and most pleasant to use; Accurate sensor-reheat plus 12 sensor-cook modes that worked well.
Flagged: No instant-start express settings (must enter time/power then press start); Repair requires shipping to a service center or finding a certified shop; Frequently out of stock.