Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS)  Microwave Review

Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS)
 0

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

8.5
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

  • 8.5
    Power
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

    Check Price

    Black Stainless SteelML-EC42P(BS)
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com
    Stainless SteelML-EC42P(SS)
    SEE PRICE
    Amazon.com

    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.

    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. 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
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    Category:
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    Design
    Body
    Installation
    Countertop
    Height13.0" (33.0 cm)
    Width21.8" (55.3 cm)
    Depth Without Handle
    20.0" (50.8 cm)
    Depth With Handle
    21.3" (54.1 cm)
    Power Cord Length3.58 ft (1.09 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.

    Cooking Chamber
    Advertised Chamber Volume
    1.5 cu. ft.
    Turntable Diameter
    13.6" (34.5 cm)
    Chamber Height
    8.5" (21.6 cm)
    Chamber Width
    15.6" (39.6 cm)
    Chamber Depth
    15.2" (38.7 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.

    Controls And Functions
    Door Release
    Handle
    Cooking Sensor
    Yes
    Popcorn Button
    Yes
    Defrost Button
    Yes
    Add Time Button
    Yes
    Kitchen Timer
    Yes
    Mute Sounds Button
    Yes
    Lock Controls Button
    Yes

    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.

    In The Box

    • Turntable
    • Turntable roller
    • 2x grill rack
    • Grill tray
    • User guide
    • Air fry cookbook
    Performance
    8.5
    Power
    Inverter Technology
    No
    Advertised Microwave Output Power
    1,000 W
    Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
    686 W
    Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
    Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
    1%
    Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
    72
    Area Of Underheated Turntable
    29%
    Grayscale Range Turntable
    72

    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.

    Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
    Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
    87 °F (31 °C)
    Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
    115 °F (64 °C)
    Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
    93 °F (34 °C)
    Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
    100 °F (55 °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.