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
- Heats food quickly.
- Has a steam sensor.
- Mute controls option.
- Bulky design.
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.
- Heats food quickly.
- Has a steam sensor.
- Mute controls option.
- Bulky design.
Changelog
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Updated Sep 24, 2026:
We mentioned the newly reviewed Breville the Combi Wave 3 in 1 in the Ease of Use box for users looking for a more intuitive option.
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Updated Sep 10, 2026:
We mentioned the newly reviewed Ninja Crispi MW101 in the Ease Of Use box for users who are looking for a model that's easier to use.
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Updated Mar 06, 2026:
Compared its controls to the Panasonic NN-CD66NS's in the Popular Microwave Comparisons box.
- Updated Feb 24, 2026: Version 1.1 of our microwave test bench adds a score for Internal Capacity and adds tests for Ease of Use and In-Use Noise. For a more detailed breakdown of the changes, see our full changelog.
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Popular Microwave Comparisons
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. It's decently easy to use, but the membrane touch panel doesn't provide a lot of feedback. You might find the Panasonic NN-CD66NS microwave/air fryer's physical buttons and dials more pleasant to use, although that model has a smaller capacity.
If you're still looking for a microwave, check out the best microwaves and the best over-the-range microwaves.
The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) and the IKEA GÅTEBO are both combination microwaves that also offer convection cooking, air frying, and grilling accessories, but the Toshiba is a better choice for most people. While both microwaves are equally easy to use, the Toshiba is a more powerful model with a larger internal capacity, so it cooks a bit faster and can fit larger dishes. It's also quieter, and it has a cooking sensor, which makes certain tasks, like defrosting or heating a beverage, more hands-off.
The Panasonic NN-SF57RM and Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) each have their own advantages. The Panasonic has a noticeably narrower, shallower footprint, making it an easier fit in kitchens where space is at a premium. It also heats food slightly faster at maximum power. That said, the Toshiba has a slightly more spacious cooking chamber and runs a little quieter while in use.
The Breville the Combi Wave 3 in 1 is a better microwave than the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) for most people, mainly because it's easier to use. The Breville's dials and physical buttons let you adjust the time and power level in just a few steps, while the Toshiba's membrane touch panel gives you less feedback and takes several presses to change the power level. Both double as a convection oven and an air fryer, and both run quietly. That said, the Toshiba heats food faster and has a bigger cooking chamber, so it may suit you better if you often reheat large portions or use big dishes.
Test Results
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.
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.
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.
For another microwave/air fryer that's easier to use, consider the Ninja Crispi MW101 or the Breville the Combi Wave 3 in 1.
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.
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.