Key Differences Between Panasonic and Toshiba Microwaves: Inverter Technology vs. Smart Humidity Sensor

Microwave ovens have become a must-have kitchen appliance, especially for those with busy schedules. When it comes to buying a microwave oven, Panasonic and Toshiba are two of the most popular brands available. I have personally used both the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S and the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven, and in this blog post, we will compare the two and help you make an informed decision on which one to choose. So, let’s dive into the Panasonic vs Toshiba Microwave comparison!
panasonic microwave oven VS TOSHIBA

What Sets Apart the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S from the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven?

The main difference between the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S and the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is that the Panasonic model features inverter technology, which delivers a constant stream of power at every temperature for more evenly cooked meals, while the TOSHIBA model features a smart humidity sensor that optimizes the heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more. Additionally, the Panasonic model has a higher wattage of 1480 watts compared to the TOSHIBA model’s 1100 watts. The Panasonic model also has a keep-warm feature, a safety lock, and more preset menu items, while the TOSHIBA model has a larger interior capacity and a stylish appearance with a stainless steel exterior.

BrandPanasonicToshiba
Product Dimensions18"D x 22.5"W x 14.5"H17.14"D x 20.51"W x 12.83"H
ColorStainless Steel / SilverStainless Steel
Capacity1.2 Cubic Feet1.2 Cubic Feet
Special FeatureSafety LockHumidity sensor, ECO+Mute
Recommended UsesResidentialVegetable
Installation TypeCountertopCountertop
Wattage1480 watts1100 watts
MaterialAluminumStainless Steel
Ventilation TypeRecirculatingN/A
Pre-programmed Menu1412
Turntable Diameter13.4 inches12.4 inches
Power Settings1010
Defrosting FunctionInverter Turbo Defrost, TimeTime & weight
DisplayMembrane keypad and 5 menu buttonsLarge digital display
Child Safety LockYesN/A
PriceCheck priceCheck price
Keep Warm FeatureYesN/A
Buy on AmazonBuy on Amazon

Overview of Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S

Panasonic is a well-known brand that produces high-quality electronic products, including a range of microwave ovens. One of their most popular products is the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S, which I have personally used. This microwave oven has a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, making it perfect for residential use. The stainless steel countertop/built-in design gives it a sleek look that complements any modern kitchen. It features inverter technology with turbo defrost that generates a seamless stream of power and delivers consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking. Moreover, the microwave comes with a safety lock feature that makes it ideal for families with young children.

When comparing Panasonic vs Toshiba microwave ovens, it is essential to consider the features and functionality of each product. While the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S offers a 1200-watt high power, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven offers a 1100-watt power capacity. However, the Toshiba model includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods such as pizza, potatoes, and vegetables. The large interior of the Toshiba microwave oven can fit a 12-inch pizza, making it perfect for larger families. The stylish appearance of the Toshiba microwave oven also features a stainless steel exterior and a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, making it an excellent addition to any modern kitchen.

The compact design of the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S makes it a perfect fit for smaller kitchens or apartments where space is limited. The countertop microwave has a 13.4-inch turntable that is thinner, lighter, and more efficient, allowing you to devote less space to electronics and more to interior capacity. The built-in automatic genius sensor adjusts power and times based on different foods, making it easy to use for even novice cooks. It also comes with 14 preset menu items, quick minute timer, delay start, and child safety lock, making it a safe and reliable option for busy families.

Pros √

  • Inverter Technology with Turbo Defrost
  • Smart Cooking Settings with Genius Sensor
  • Keep Warm Feature

Cons ×

  • Ventilation Type is Recirculating
Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and...
  • Panasonic Microwave: This 1200 Watt high power, 1.2 cubic foot capacity stainless steel countertop/built in microwave delivers a seamless stream of cooking power for even cooking and delicious flavor.Turntable Diameter 340mm. Clock : 12H. Child Lock : Yes..Operating Frequency : 2,450 MHz

Overview of Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven

Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and highly-functional kitchen appliance that I have been using for a while now. This 1.2 cubic foot capacity microwave oven is made of durable stainless steel material and comes with a large 12.4-inch turntable that can easily fit a 12-inch pizza. It features a pre-programmed sensor menu that ensures the optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies, and more. With a power wattage of 1100W and rated voltage of 120V-60Hz, it is a perfect choice for those who need a powerful microwave for their daily cooking needs.

One of the standout features of this Toshiba microwave oven is its smart humidity sensor technology that detects the moisture levels in the food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power settings to ensure that the food is cooked to perfection. It also comes with 12 auto menus that make it easy to prepare different types of food quickly and easily. Whether you want to reheat leftovers, cook frozen dinners or make popcorn, this microwave oven has got you covered.

Another thing that I like about this Toshiba microwave oven is its ECO mode, which helps to conserve energy by turning off the display when the unit is not in use. This feature is especially useful for those who want to save on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, the mute function allows you to turn off the beeping sound that is usually made when the cooking cycle is complete, making it ideal for late-night cooking.

If you’re trying to decide between a Panasonic and Toshiba microwave oven, you’ll find that they both have their pros and cons. While the Panasonic microwave oven is a bit more powerful with a wattage of 1480W, the Toshiba microwave oven is more energy-efficient with a wattage of 1100W. Both models have similar features such as a pre-programmed sensor menu, turntable, and a variety of cooking settings. However, the Toshiba microwave oven has a stylish appearance with a stainless steel exterior, making it a great addition to any kitchen.

Pros √

  • Pre-programmed sensor menu
  • Large interior, fitting a 12-inch pizza
  •  1100 watts with 10 power settings
  • defrost by time&weight
  • clock  and kitchen timer

Cons ×

  • limited to Humidity sensor
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity...
  • 【Pre-programmed sensor menu】 for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potatoes, veggies and more; Power Wattage (Microwave): 1100W; Rated Voltage: 120V - 60Hz

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to the Panasonic vs Toshiba microwave comparison, Panasonic emerges as the clear winner. The Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is a sleek, high-power option that uses patented Inverter Technology to deliver consistent, evenly prepared food without overcooking. Its compact design, smart cooking settings with Genius Sensor, and Keep Warm Feature make it a convenient and versatile choice for any kitchen. On the other hand, the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven offers pre-programmed sensor menus and a stylish appearance but falls short in terms of wattage and features compared to the Panasonic. Thus, if you want a microwave with high power, advanced features, and a smart design, the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN686S is an excellent choice.

About the author

Olivia Beverly

Olivia Beverly is the owner of my5choices.com, a website that offers honest and thorough reviews of various products. Founded in 2016, the site covers a wide range of products, including beauty, home appliances, electronics, and more. Olivia's background in marketing and public relations has given her the skills needed to effectively communicate her thoughts and opinions. The goal of my5choices.com is to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions by providing them with reliable information about the products they're interested in. Olivia's dedication to honesty and transparency sets her website apart from others in the crowded world of product reviews.