Head-to-head · Best Countertop Microwaves

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave 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.

The short answer

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.5). 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 #5 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

4.1

$118.87as of Jun 7

The Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 is the style pick — a 0.9 cu ft retro-look microwave with a chrome pull handle, rotary dial, and LED display that earns a 4.7-star owner rating largely on its design. It cooks adequately for its size, with seven auto-cook and ten auto-reheat programs, and suits small kitchens, dorms, and anyone who wants their microwave to be a decor piece. It is bought for looks first, performance second.

Strengths

— Distinctive retro design that doubles as kitchen decor
— Strong 4.7-star owner ratings for its style and compact size
— Compact 0.9 cu ft footprint ideal for small kitchens and dorms

Watch-outs

— Lightweight build can move slightly when the door is operated
— Style-first design; cooking performance is merely adequate
— 0.9 cu ft and 900W limit it to small dishes

$118.87 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Countertop Microwaves

Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

4.5

$148.99as of Jun 7

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 its 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 →

How they stack up

Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave

The smallest and most design-driven microwave here, sharing the 0.9 cu ft light-duty class with the Black+Decker EM925AB9 — the Galanz trades the Black+Decker's professional-stainless utility for retro styling. Like the Black+Decker, it is a conventional heater without the inverter even-cooking of the Panasonic NN-SN966S and NN-SN686S or the humidity sensor of the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS.

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	Galanz GLCMKZ09BKR09 Retro Microwave	Toshiba EM131A5C-BS
Power	900W	1000W
Capacity	0.9 cu ft	1.2 cu ft
Power Levels	11	—
Programs	7 auto-cook, 10 auto-reheat	12 auto menus
Turntable	10.5 in glass	12.4 in
Controls	Rotary dial + LED display	—
Style	Retro with pull handle	—
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Technology	—	Humidity sensor
Extras	—	Mute function, ECO mode
Finish	—	Black stainless

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