Buying guide for Best Toshiba microwaves
If you’re someone who appreciates convenience in cooking, you’re probably a big fan of the microwave. After all, it’s ideal for reheating leftovers, steaming vegetables, and, of course, making popcorn. When you upgrade to a Toshiba microwave, you’re able to do all this and more with efficiency and style.
Toshiba has a solid reputation for reliability when it comes to electronics, and its microwaves are no exception. With contemporary curb appeal, these models are popular choices for updated kitchens, including those with stainless steel appliances.
Toshiba microwaves have more than just good looks, though. They’re equipped with a variety of settings, modes, and timers to cover all your reheating and cooking needs. Some even come with advanced features like Smart Sensor, quiet mode, and specialty settings for foods and beverages.
If you’re wondering which Toshiba microwave belongs in your kitchen, keep reading our buying guide to learn more, and take a look at a few of our favorites.
Key considerations
Size
Not all kitchens are the same size, and there are considerable variations when it comes to counter space. For that reason, a top concern among consumers shopping for a new microwave is whether it will fit in their kitchen.
The size of a microwave is typically expressed in two ways: volume (measured in cubic feet) and exterior dimensions (measured in inches).
Volume: On average, Toshiba microwaves range from 0.9 to 1.6 cubic feet.
Exterior: If that’s hard to envision, it might be easier to imagine the microwave’s footprint. Toshiba’s smallest microwaves measure approximately 19 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 12 inches high, while larger models are closer to 22 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 13 inches high.
Wattage and power
Another specification you’ll need to compare between models is wattage. For Toshiba microwaves, the range is between 900 and 1,250 watts. The higher the wattage, the more efficiently the microwave operates, which means it cooks your food more quickly and evenly. Keep in mind that higher-wattage models tend to cost more, but they’re worth considering given the better results.
Finish
When it comes to the finish on Toshiba microwaves, you don’t have many. Toshiba microwaves are available in regular stainless steel, which is the traditional silver finish, or black stainless steel, which is significantly darker. Only a couple of models are available in both finishes.
If your new Toshiba microwave is bigger than your last microwave, you might have to rearrange items on your counter to make room.
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Features
These features come standard on all Toshiba microwaves.
Power settings
The power settings refer to how high you run the microwave to cook or heat your food, such a full power or defrost. Some Toshiba microwaves have as many as 10 settings. With that said, if you’ve never used more than one setting on a microwave, it’s worth learning how to maximize your heating options with the various power modes.
OneTouch EasySet buttons
When you look at the control panel on a Toshiba microwave, you’ll notice that some numbers on the pad are in brackets. These buttons have additional preprogrammed settings to heat food at full power for a set amount of time, thus eliminating additional fiddling with timers and settings. For the most part, the buttons are set to 30- and 60-second increments.
Preprogrammed menu
If you’re a creature of habit, you’ll enjoy using the preprogrammed menu on a Toshiba microwave. These buttons have preset recipes that adjust the timer and power settings to thoroughly reheat or cook common foods like pizza, beverages, potatoes, or popcorn. They’re easy enough to find on the control panel, too, because each setting is designated by a tiny icon.
Digital display
Each Toshiba microwave has a sleek, user-friendly control panel and digital display with blue or green digits. Depending on the model, the display may also indicate heating status, power, or cooking mode.
Turntable
There’s no need to save your old turntable or invest in a new one because your Toshiba microwave comes with its own. The turntable, which measures a little over 10 inches in diameter, is made of textured glass to make cleaning it easy.
You’ll find these advanced features on select Toshiba microwaves.
Smart Sensor
Some foods are more challenging to cook or reheat than others, and for that reason, many consumers shy away from microwaves as an option. Toshiba microwaves equipped with Smart Sensor technology cook foods intuitively. Rather than merely heating what’s on the turntable, the microwave chooses the appropriate power and cooking time based on humidity levels.
Quiet mode
If you avoid using the microwave while others are sleeping, rest assured that some Toshiba models are equipped with a quiet mode. With the press of a button or two, you can eliminate any loud beeps and buzzes.
Microwave/convection combo oven
Toshiba offers a couple of models that combine microwave and convection ovens. With these, you’re able to bake, thaw, and roast foods. Some models in this category also have a warming-hold function, in which you can keep food warm while you prepare or serve other dishes.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some new Toshiba microwaves are equipped with ECO mode to reduce energy consumption by minimizing the standby power by up to 50%.
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Toshiba microwave prices
Toshiba microwaves cost between $89 and $199. As is the case with any small kitchen appliance, the more features a model has, the more expensive it is.
Inexpensive
Models priced between $89 and $119 are equipped with basic functions, as well as one or two advanced features. These Toshiba microwaves tend to be on the smaller side, and are usually less than 1.2 cubic feet.
Mid-range
These Toshiba microwaves cost $120 to $150 and are typically 1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet in size. These models may be available in both stainless steel finishes and are equipped with a larger collection of advanced features.
Expensive
If you’re interested in a Toshiba microwave/convection oven combo model, you’ll spend between $150 and $200. These models, which are also 1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet, are equipped with Toshiba’s latest technology.
Regularly remove the turntable from your microwave to clean it, ideally once a week. Hand-wash the turntable in the sink, and wipe down the inside of the microwave, too.
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Tips
- Remove the protective film. The control panels of Toshiba microwaves are covered with a transparent film to protect them. Leaving it on may inhibit the use of the buttons, so be sure to remove the film when you set up the microwave.
- Read the manual. Microwaves are straightforward appliances to use, but if you invest a little time reading the user manual, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the tips and tricks you learn. For example, many Toshiba microwaves have multifunctional buttons to activate certain modes.
- Use only microwave-safe cookware. Always be careful to place only microwave-safe plates, glasses, and food storage containers in your Toshiba microwave. If you’re not sure whether an item is safe to put in the microwave, err on the side of caution and use a different one.
FAQ
Q. What does it mean if a strange code pops up on the display of my Toshiba microwave?
A. Your microwave may be experiencing an issue, in which case it displays an “E.” Look in your user manual to determine what the code is referring to. Depending on the problem, you may need to replace or repair the microwave. If your warranty is still active, contact Toshiba directly regarding coverage.
Q. Is there a big difference in color between the silver stainless steel and the black stainless steel in Toshiba microwaves?
A. Some people may notice it more than others. The only time it’s very noticeable, however, is when the finish is different than the one on your existing stainless steel appliances. With that said, it’s not unusual for microwaves to be a different color than other appliances.
Q. Will the popcorn setting on my Toshiba microwave cook all the kernels in the bag?
A. Yes and no. The popcorn button is convenient, but it might not take into account varying sizes of popcorn bags. So, yes, the setting can pop all the kernels provided you add time in 15- to 30-second increments. Unfortunately, popping all the kernels is a bit of an art form and has a number of variables, so you’ll always end up with a few unpopped ones at the bottom of the bag.
