Toshiba
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
$139.99Cheaper
Released 2017
Best Microwaves · head-to-head
Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range 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.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
$399
Released 2017
Which is better: the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave or Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range 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 See Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave on Amazon
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 | 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 |
| Release | 2017 | 2017 |
Sources — Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave: amazon.com (verified 2026-06-19). Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave: whirlpool.com (verified 2026-06-19).
What's the difference between the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave and Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 true vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave false
- Preset count: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave 12 vs Whirlpool WMH31017HS 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave 4
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.
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, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Heats evenly across the entire turntable with minimal hot and cold spots; Ventilation fan runs noticeably quieter than the GE top pick while moving the same amount of air; Bright cooktop light with a dimmable night-light-appropriate half-power setting.
Flagged: Missing most express-cook controls; only an Add 30 Seconds button; No mute option, no turntable-off function, and no sensor-based cook modes.