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Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) Microwave Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13 am

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is a medium-sized, mid-range microwave, oven, and air fryer. It has some extra features that not all microwaves include, like a steam sensor and a mute controls option. Like other combo microwaves, it comes with cooking racks for when you're using its air fryer or oven function.

Our Verdict

N/A Power

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is a fast 1000-watt microwave. It'll heat your food quickly, although the GE JES1109RRSS, which is also a combo oven and microwave, can do it faster.

Pros
  • Heats food quickly.
  • Has a steam sensor.
  • Mute controls option.
Cons
  • Bulky design.

Performance Usages

  • N/A Power
  1. Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

This microwave comes in 'Stainless Steel' or 'Black Stainless Steel'. We tested it in 'Stainless Steel,' and you can see the label for the unit we tested here and here.

If you encounter another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Microwaves

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is a combo microwave, oven, and air fryer with a medium-sized cooking chamber. Unlike the GE JES1109RRSS, a slightly cheaper multi-function microwave, it has sensor cooking programs, so it can detect steam and automatically adjust the cooking time as needed. The Panasonic NN-CD87KS is a more premium option. While it has a similarly-sized cooking chamber and most of the same features, you might prefer its higher-end look and controls.

If you're still looking for a microwave, check out the best microwaves and the best over-the-range microwaves.

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Body
Installation
Countertop
Height Lock" (Lock cm)
Width Lock" (Lock cm)
Depth Without Handle
Lock" (Lock cm)
Depth With Handle
Lock" (Lock cm)
Power Cord Length Lock ft (Lock m)

Because a panel protrudes from the back of the appliance, it takes up more space on your counter than the GE JES1109RRSS, which has a smaller cooking chamber.

Design
Cooking Chamber
Advertised Chamber Volume
Lock cu. ft.
Turntable Diameter
Lock" (Lock cm)
Chamber Height
Lock" (Lock cm)
Chamber Width
Lock" (Lock cm)
Chamber Depth
Lock" (Lock cm)
Measured Chamber Volume
1.2 cu. ft. (0.03 m³)

This microwave has a medium-sized cooking chamber, so it'll fit all but the very biggest dishes. The light inside isn't the brightest, but you can still see inside quite well.

Design
Controls And Functions
- SAMPLE -
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Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) Controls Video Sample
Door Release
Locked
Cooking Sensor
Locked
Popcorn Button
Locked
Defrost Button
Locked
Add Time Button
Locked
Kitchen Timer
Locked
Mute Sounds Button
Locked
Lock Controls Button
Locked

This microwave doubles as an air fryer and oven. When using it as a microwave, it has plenty of features. Unlike the GE JES1109RRSS, which is also a combo oven/air fryer/microwave, it has a steam sensor, so you don't necessarily need to manually select the cooking time. It has a 'warm hold' function and a 'Favorite' button so you can save and easily access your own custom programs. You can also combine microwaving and baking or microwaving and air frying to heat food quickly and crisp it at the same time.

Design
In The Box

  • Turntable
  • Turntable roller
  • 2x grill rack
  • Grill tray
  • User guide
  • Air fry cookbook

Performance
N/A
Performance
Power
Inverter Technology
Locked
Advertised Microwave Output Power
Lock W
Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
Lock W
Performance
Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
Lock%
Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
Lock
Area Of Underheated Turntable
Lock%
Grayscale Range Turntable
Lock

Microwaves all perform similarly when it comes to evenly heating food in shallow dishes. The evenness of heating depends on factors like what kind of food you're heating up and in what amount. You can read more about our investigations into microwave performance here.

Performance
Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
Lock °F (Lock °C)
Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
Lock °F (Lock °C)
Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
Lock °F (Lock °C)
Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
Lock °F (Lock °C)

Like with shallow dishes, microwaves all perform similarly for heating food in deeper containers like bowls. Evenness depends on what you're heating, your specific container, and where you place it. You can read more about our investigations into microwave performance here.