If you appreciate convenience in cooking, you most probably have a microwave oven. After all, it’s the best for steaming veggies, reheating leftovers, and even making popcorn.
Thinking of an upgrade? A microwave oven from either Toshiba or Panasonic will help you prepare meals with more efficiency and style.
In this post, we’ll compare microwaves from the two big brands in the microwave industry. This is to help you get the best oven to suit your needs.
But before that, here’s a brief introduction to each Company.
About Toshiba
Toshiba is among the leading manufacturers and marketers of electrical products in the world. The Company has a long history of formation and development.
It has its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and for over 20 years, the Company has been creating products that are cost-competitive and appealing to customers.
Toshiba products have solid reputation and their microwaves are no exception. With their modern appeal, these models are popular choices for modern kitchens.
About Panasonic
Panasonic is also a major Japanese manufacturer of consumer electronics products and electric appliances. The Company was founded 100 years ago, has a long history as well.
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Panasonic offers a wide range of products, including automotive and avionic systems, industrial systems, and rechargeable batteries, among others.
The brand’s microwaves are known for their sleek contemporary designs, reliability, high quality and impressive capabilities.
Comparing Toshiba and Panasonic Microwaves
- Capacity
On average, Toshiba microwaves come with a capacity range of 0.9 to 1.6 cubic feet. Their smallest microwaves measure approximately 12 inches high,16 inches deep and 19 inches wide.
Larger models measurements are approximately 13 inches high, 19 inches deep, by 22 inches wide.
Most Panasonic microwaves boast a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet. You can, however, get some models within the range of 0.8 to 1.8 cubic feet.
Always compare the specs carefully because the exterior dimensions may not be an accurate indicator of capacity or power.
- Wattage
A microwave’s power is expressed in watts. The higher the wattage, the more efficiently your microwave operates and the faster your food cooks.
Both Toshiba and Panasonic microwaves boast a wattage of between 900 and 1250 watts.
- Finish
Most Toshiba microwaves come in a regular stainless steel finish, which is actually the traditional silver finish or black stainless steel.
Panasonic microwaves usually come in stainless steel, black or white. Most models are available in all the 3 finishes. The high-end ones, however, tend to come in stainless steel only.
- Display
Every Toshiba microwave features a sleek, user-friendly control panel and digital display with green or blue digits. Depending on the model, the display might also show the power, cooking mode or heating status.
Panasonic models come with digital displays that are easy to operate as well. Some even boast a touch-control panel that help you set time and power at the touch of a button.
- Turntable
You don’t have to save your old turntable or invest in a new one when purchasing a microwave from Toshiba. Their ovens come with a turntable.
The turntable measures just a little over 10 inches in diameter. It is made of textured glass, a feature that makes cleaning it easy.
Panasonic microwaves also come with a glass turntable that rotates clockwise as your food heats. This allows ovens that emit heat from 3 sides to cook all areas and ensure evenly cooked food.
- Timer Settings
Timer settings on a microwave are essential as they help you cook without extending the cooking time. You can put it manually, or you can choose a preset timer. And, yes, both models come with timer settings.
Panasonic models usually have Quick 30 minutes heating buttons. Select models usually have a broader range of times.
- Sensor Cooking
Most microwaves feature an intuitive function called sensor cooking. It is known as Genius Sensor in Panasonic microwaves.
The feature allows microwaves to gauge the heating time based on steam from the food while it cooks. And although it can be a hit or miss as moisture level differs from food to food, it’s worth trying.
Not all Toshiba microwaves come with this feature. And those equipped with sensor cooking technology usually cook food intuitively. Instead of heating what’s on the turntable, the oven chooses the appropriate cooking time and power based on humidity levels.
- Power Settings
Power settings help you run the microwave to heat or cook your food. Some Toshiba microwaves come with as many as 10 settings.
Panasonic microwaves usually come with 5 power level settings, including low, warm, medium, medium-high and high.
And since using multiple power settings might be a little hard, you need to learn how to maximize the heating options. In fact, even some experienced cooks use cheat sheets to determine which level is perfect for certain foods. So, yes. It’s that hard.
- Prices
Both brands have microwaves to suit different budgets. On average, the prices range from $89 to $200 for Toshiba microwaves and $99 to $300 for Panasonic microwaves.
A. Inexpensive: Toshiba microwaves in this range are priced between $89 and $119.They have basic features and one or two advanced features. Panasonic microwaves in this range cost between $99 and $175.They include small and midsize models.
B. Mid-range: Toshiba microwaves cost $120 to $150.They are usually 1.2 to 1.6 cubic ft. and equipped with a larger collection of features. Panasonic microwaves in this range are priced between $200 and $275.These are larger models with expensive functionality and usually come in various finishes to match your other kitchen appliances.
C. Expensive: Toshiba microwaves in this range (also 1.2 to 1.6 cubic ft.) are usually the microwave/convection combo. You will spend between $150 and $200 on these models. They are equipped with the latest Toshiba technology. The expensive Panasonic microwaves are priced closer to $300.They include upgraded modes and the latest designs with futuristic appearances. Most are available in stainless steel.
Are Toshiba Microwaves Better than Panasonic Microwaves?
Microwaves from both brands work great. And from the features above, you can tell clearly that they even share some similarities.
One thing to note is that a microwave that works for you may not necessarily work for another person. Your needs should be the focus, hence the need to get a microwave that addresses them.
Toshiba microwaves are more budget-friendly, and their top-selling point is that they are also available in small sizes.
However, although they boast diverse advanced features, they can’t surpass Panasonic in this. They are also available in 2 colors only, and getting one to match your kitchen’s décor might be a little tricky.
Panasonic has larger microwaves. In fact, it’s tough to get a smaller microwave to suit your small kitchen countertop. They also come with more advanced features like inverter technology, among others.
With more features, you can prepare different types of foods, from roasting and baking to popping corn and melting ice.
Conclusion
Toshiba and Panasonic have high-quality microwaves that can meet your family’s needs. They also have models to suit everyone- from budget ovens to the most expensive(1).
Therefore, if you are interested in a small oven for your small kitchen, getting it from Toshiba will be as easy as taking a walk around a park. And the good news is that you’ll get it at a very budget-friendly price.
If you want a microwave with more advanced features like cyclonic inverter technology, Panasonic is the brand for you.