# Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave (Toshiba) and Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave (Whirlpool) 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 | Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $139.99 | $399 |
| Brand | Toshiba | Whirlpool |
| Released | 2017 | 2017 |
| Capacity cu (ft) | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| Wattage (W) | 1000 | 1000 |
| Type | countertop | over_range |
| Width (in) | 20.5 | 29.94 |
| Inverter | No | No |
| Sensor cooking | Yes | No |
| Preset count | 12 | 4 |
| Turntable | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Capacity cu (ft): Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 1.2 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 1.7
- Type: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave countertop vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave over_range
- Width (in): Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 20.5 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 29.94
- Sensor cooking: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Yes vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave No
- Preset count: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 12 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 4

## 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.)

**Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave** — One whitelisted tester, NYT Wirecutter, hands-on tested this microwave, naming the Whirlpool WMH31017 (the HS is its stainless finish) its runner-up over-the-range pick. It heats evenly with a quieter fan than the GE top pick, but lacks express and sensor controls. No other whitelisted outlet had a hands-on review of this exact model. (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)
- Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: https://www.whirlpool.com/kitchen/cooking/microwaves/over-the-range/p.1.7-cu.-ft.-microwave-hood-combination-with-electronic-touch-controls.wmh31017hs.html (whirlpool.com, verified 2026-06-19)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microwaves/toshiba-em131a5c-bs-vs-whirlpool-wmh31017hs/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave ($139.99) vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave ($399) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microwaves/toshiba-em131a5c-bs-vs-whirlpool-wmh31017hs/
License: CC BY 4.0.