Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS wins for most kitchens — 12 auto menus and a smart humidity sensor justify the $13 premium over the Farberware FMO11AHTBKB.
The Verdict
Winner
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft vs Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven, side by side
Pros:
- 1000W heats food quickly
- Smart sensor adjusts cooking time automatically
- 1.2 cu ft capacity fits large dishes
- 12 auto menus for convenience
- Sold and shipped by Amazon
Cons (honest weight):
- No child safety lock
- Slightly larger footprint on counter
Pros:
- 1000W with 10 power levels
- 6 one-touch presets for quick cooking
- Child safety lock for added security
- Compact 1.1 cu ft saves counter space
- Sold and shipped by Amazon
Cons (honest weight):
- No smart sensor for precise cooking
- Slightly smaller capacity than Toshiba
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS takes 3; Farberware 1.1 takes 2.
| Dimension | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft | Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceFarberware is $13 cheaper, making it the budget-friendly choice. | $133.47 | $119.99 | Farberware 1.1 |
| WattageBoth deliver identical 1000W output for fast heating. | 1000W | 1000W | Tie |
| CapacityToshiba offers 0.1 cu ft more interior space for larger dishes. | 1.2 cu ft | 1.1 cu ft | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS |
| Preset ProgramsToshiba has twice the one-touch presets for quick cooking. | 12 | 6 | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS |
| Sensor CookingToshiba's sensor automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results. | Yes (humidity sensor) | No | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS |
| Child SafetyFarberware includes a child safety lock; Toshiba does not. | No | Yes (child lock) | Farberware 1.1 |
| Turntable SizeNearly identical turntables — both accommodate standard plates. | 12.4 inch | 12.5 inch | Tie |
| RatingBoth earn 4.4-star ratings from thousands of verified buyers. | 4.4 stars | 4.4 stars | Tie |
| Overall | 3 wins | 2 wins | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS |
Price — Farberware takes the value lead
Farberware costs $119.99, Toshiba $133.47 — a $13.48 gap. For budget-conscious shoppers, that difference can be used for accessories or groceries. Meanwhile, the Toshiba's premium includes smart sensor technology and more presets. If your budget is tight, the Farberware saves you money while still delivering solid performance.
Wattage — Both tie at 1000W
Both microwaves deliver 1000W of cooking power. That means they heat leftovers, frozen dinners, and beverages at the same speed. With 10 power levels each, you can also adjust for delicate tasks like defrosting. Neither will leave you waiting.
Capacity — Toshiba offers more room
Toshiba's 1.2 cu ft beats Farberware's 1.1 cu ft by 0.1. The extra space allows you to fit a 13x9 casserole dish or a large plate. For small households or limited counter space, the Farberware's 1.1 cu ft is still adequate for most daily tasks. Measure your typical dish size before deciding.
Preset Programs — Toshiba has twice as many
Toshiba serves 12 auto menus; Farberware only 6. Toshiba includes sensor reheat, popcorn, pizza, potato, veggie, and more — making one-touch cooking versatile. Farberware's six presets cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and reheat. If you rely on presets for convenience, Toshiba is the clear winner.
Sensor Cooking — Toshiba's edge
Toshiba's humidity sensor adjusts time and power automatically. This means you don't have to guess cooking times for items like leftovers or vegetables. Farberware lacks this feature, so you'll need to monitor manually. For foolproof reheating without trial and error, the Toshiba is essential.
Child Safety — Farberware is family-friendly
Farberware includes a child safety lock; Toshiba does not. The lock prevents children from accidentally starting the microwave. If you have toddlers, the Farberware adds peace of mind. Toshiba's lack of a lock is a notable omission for families.
Turntable Size — Practically identical
Toshiba's 12.4" turntable vs Farberware's 12.5". Both rotate standard dinner plates without scraping. The near-identical sizes mean neither model offers an advantage here. You can use the same dish in either microwave.
Rating — Both earn 4.4 stars
Over 66,000 combined reviews net a 4.4-star average. Buyer satisfaction is equally high for both models. That tie means you can trust either purchase based on your specific needs. The consistent ratings across thousands of reviews confirm both are reliable choices.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Family with kids | Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven | Farberware's child safety lock is a must for households with small children. |
| Budget shopper | Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven | Farberware saves $13 with no compromise on power or basic presets. |
| Tech lover | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft | Toshiba's smart sensor and 12 presets offer the most modern cooking experience. |
| Small kitchen | Farberware 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Oven | Farberware's 0.1 cu ft smaller size fits tighter counters. |
| Large family | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft | Toshiba's larger 1.2 cu ft capacity handles bigger dishes and more food. |
| Senior or accessibility | TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven 1.2 Cu Ft | Toshiba's auto sensor removes guesswork — easier for those who prefer simplicity. |
Farberware's child safety lock is a must for households with small children.
Farberware saves $13 with no compromise on power or basic presets.
Toshiba's smart sensor and 12 presets offer the most modern cooking experience.
Farberware's 0.1 cu ft smaller size fits tighter counters.
Toshiba's larger 1.2 cu ft capacity handles bigger dishes and more food.
Toshiba's auto sensor removes guesswork — easier for those who prefer simplicity.
What if neither is right?
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Compact Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft
$68.78
Tiny but mighty at $68 — ideal for dorms or offices.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave 0.7 Cu Ft
$84.99
700W compact with child lock at $85.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS 1.2 Cu Ft (Stainless)
$148.99
Same features as our winner but in stainless steel at $149.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toshiba vs Farberware: which microwave is better?
The Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is better for most households thanks to its smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus. The Farberware FMO11AHTBKB is better for budget buyers who need a child safety lock.
Is the Toshiba worth the extra $13 over the Farberware?
Yes, if you value set-and-forget cooking with sensor technology and more presets. The $13 premium adds meaningful convenience. If your priority is the lowest price and a child lock, stick with Farberware.
Do both microwaves have the same power level?
Yes, both deliver 1000W output and feature 10 power levels. You won't notice a difference in heating speed.
Which microwave is better for small kitchens?
The Farberware is 0.1 cu ft smaller and fits tighter counters. But both are countertop models; measure your space before buying.
Does the Toshiba have a child safety lock?
No, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS does not include a child safety lock. If you have small children, the Farberware with its child lock is the safer choice.
How many preset programs does each microwave have?
Toshiba has 12 one-touch presets including sensor reheat, popcorn, pizza, and veggie. Farberware has 6 presets: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetable, beverage, and reheat.
Are both microwaves sold and shipped by Amazon?
Yes, both the Toshiba and Farberware are fulfilled by Amazon (SBA), so you get reliable shipping and returns.
How we compared. Researched across Amazon's verified-buyer data (66,688 reviews), Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and America's Test Kitchen video analysis. Prices verified from Amazon on May 27, 2026.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from 2 independent review sources and 66,688+ verified buyer reviews.