Panasonic NN-SN97HS vs Toshiba EM131A5C-BS

The Panasonic NN-SN97HS is a large-capacity countertop microwave built around Panasonic's inverter technology. Conventional microwaves produce partial power by switching full power on and off in cycles, which is why defrosting and simmering tend to cook the edges while the centre stays cold. An inverter delivers genuinely continuous lower power instead, so a 50 percent setting is actually half power throughout rather than full power half the time. At 2.2 cubic feet and 1250 watts it is one of the larger countertop units available, with a turntable big enough for full-size dinner plates and casserole dishes. Panasonic's Cyclonic Wave design aims to distribute energy more evenly through the cavity. Sensor cooking programs adjust time automatically by measuring steam released from the food rather than relying on a fixed timer.

The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS microwave combines power and convenience, offering 1100 watts of cooking power to handle everything from reheating leftovers to defrosting frozen meals. Its spacious 1.2 cu. ft. interior accommodates a variety of dish sizes, making it a versatile addition to any busy kitchen.

• Inverter power genuinely fixes uneven defrosting and simmering
• Large enough for full dinner plates and casserole dishes
• High wattage means fast reheating
• Sensor programs remove the guesswork from common reheat tasks

• Powerful 1100W cooking power
• Spacious 1.2 cu. ft. interior accommodates large dishes
• Easy-to-clean interior for convenient maintenance
• ECO mode reduces standby power consumption

• Large footprint takes substantial counter space
• Countertop-only; it is not designed for over-range or built-in installation without a trim kit
• Control panel has more programs than most people will ever use

• No convection cooking option
• No smart sensor for automatic cooking time adjustment
• No child safety lock