Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9 vs Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Mainstream buyers who want a capable mid-size microwave with sensor cooking and excellent defrost at a reasonable price. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Black+Decker EM925AB9

4.0

3 sources2 derived$106.99as of Aug 1

The Black+Decker EM925AB9 is the budget pick of the category: a 0.9 cu ft, 900W stainless microwave that averages 8.0/10 across more than 100 owner and expert reviews, for around $90. Reheating, popcorn, and small-to-medium dishes in an apartment, dorm, or office are its territory, with six presets and a child lock. It is not for heavy cooking or large items. As an affordable, dependable compact, it leads on value.

Strengths

— Excellent value — a capable 0.9 cu ft microwave for around $90
— Averages 8.0/10 across more than 100 owner and expert reviews
— Six one-touch presets plus a child safety lock

Watch-outs

— Inconsistent heating performance on larger items
— Lightweight build can slide on the counter during use
— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes and reheating

$106.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

4.3

3 sources1 derived$148.99as of Aug 1

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is the value all-rounder of the category: a 1.2 cu ft, 1000W microwave with a humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, a mute function, and a black-stainless look that punches above its price. TechGearLab scores it 70/100 and singles out its excellent defrosting, while flagging uneven heating as the main weakness. For most households it is the sensible mid-priced default.

Strengths

— Best-in-class defrosting that thaws meat evenly without cooked edges
— Smart humidity sensor with 12 auto menus for hands-off cooking
— 1.2 cu ft is a practical mid-size that fits most dinner plates

Watch-outs

— Heat distribution is uneven — you may need to stir or rearrange food
— Sensor reheat function underperforms in testing
— Bulky external size relative to its interior

$148.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Black+Decker EM925AB9

The budget compact of the group, closest in size and intent to the Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 retro microwave — both are 0.9 cu ft units for light duty. It lacks the inverter even-heating of the Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S and the humidity sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS, but it is the cheapest way into a reliable countertop microwave here.

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

Conventional (non-inverter) like the Black+Decker EM925AB9 and Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09, so it shares their tendency toward uneven heating versus the inverter Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S. But its defrosting is the best in this group, its humidity sensor outclasses the budget Black+Decker and Galanz, and its 1.2 cu ft size matches the NN-SN686S while costing less.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black+Decker EM925AB9	Toshiba EM131A5C-BS
Power	900W	1000W
Capacity	0.9 cu ft	1.2 cu ft
Power Levels	10	—
Programs	6 one-touch presets	12 auto menus
Display	LED with clock	—
Safety	Child lock	—
Finish	Stainless steel	Black stainless
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Dimensions	13.6"D x 18.6"W x 10.7"H	16"D x 20.6"W x 11.8"H
Wattage	900 watts	1000 watts
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Technology	—	Humidity sensor
Turntable	—	12.4 in
Extras	—	Mute function, ECO mode

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