The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a 1.6-cubic-foot, 1250-watt countertop microwave with a turntable. This mid-range model has some extra features not found in all microwaves, like a steam sensor that automatically adjusts cooking settings based on the amount of steam in the chamber, and a mute control. A two-step child lock adds an extra layer of protection against younger kids opening the door on their own.
Our Verdict
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) does a great job of handling everyday microwaving. It heats food quickly, and its roomy cooking chamber comfortably fits large plates or a 12-inch pizza on the turntable. It also runs quietly enough that it won't disrupt conversation or a nearby TV. That said, it's not particularly easy to use. Its touch panel handles quick, full-power reheats in a single press, but anything more specific, like a custom time and power level, takes several more steps than you'd expect, and the upward-trigger door release takes some getting used to.
Cooks food very quickly.
Large cooking chamber capacity.
Operates quietly.
Not particularly easy to use.
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) heats food extremely quickly thanks to its 1250-watt power output.
Cooks food very quickly.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The ML-EM45PIT comes in two colors: black (Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS)) and silver (Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(SS)). We tested the black version. Here are photos of our primary label and secondary label.
If you come across any other variants, let us know in the comments.
Popular Microwave Comparisons
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a solid pick if you want fast, reliable heating without paying for extras you won't use. It's a good fit if you mainly reheat and defrost and don't need anything beyond a roomy cooking chamber and quick cook times. It's not the right choice if you're after more versatility. It sticks to basic microwaving, with no convection baking or air frying like the Panasonic HomeMADE NN-CD66NS or GE JES1109RRSS, so if you want your microwave to double as a mini oven, look elsewhere. It's also not ideal if effortless day-to-day operation matters most to you: its touch panel and unconventional upward-trigger door release take more getting used to than the Breville the Smooth Wave's dials and handle.
If you're looking for more recommendations, check out the best microwaves and best countertop microwaves.
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) and Breville the Smooth Wave are both countertop ovens, but they have different strengths. If you want higher capacity and faster cooking times, go with the Toshiba. The Breville, on the other hand, is a solid all-around option that's easier to use. Its dials and physical buttons let you set a custom time or power level in a fraction of the steps the Toshiba's membrane panel requires, and its handle-style door beats the Toshiba's less-intuitive upward-trigger release.
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) and Sharp SMC1162HS are both countertop microwaves, but the Toshiba is the better pick for most people. It has a larger cooking chamber, so you can fit larger dishes and bowls, and it heats food more quickly than the Sharp model. The Sharp does run quieter, and if you're looking for a smaller countertop footprint, its compact size makes it worth a look.
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) and the Sharp SMC2266KS are both countertop microwaves, but the Sharp is the better overall pick for most people. Its cooking chamber is considerably larger, making it easier to fit a full-size casserole dish or a large mixing bowl, and it runs a bit more quietly during operation. The two models are very similar in every other aspect: both use a membrane touch panel that lets you start a simple 3-minute cook with a single press, though setting a custom time or power level takes several more steps on either model, and both heat food nearly as fast as any microwave we've tested.
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT(BS) and Samsung MS19DG8500SR are both countertop microwaves, but the Toshiba is the better option for most people. It heats food faster despite the Samsung's higher advertised wattage, and it's easier to use, since setting a basic reheat takes fewer button presses than on the Samsung. The Samsung model's main advantage is space. Its cooking chamber is considerably larger, so it's the better choice if you regularly reheat large dishes.
Test Results
This microwave has a large cooking chamber, giving you plenty of room for large plates and trays. The turntable comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza.
This microwave has basic controls, six presets for foods like pizza, potatoes, and frozen vegetables, and a feature that automatically adjusts power and cook time by detecting the amount of steam in the chamber. A quick start button gives one-touch access to one to three minutes at full power for quick reheats, and the Start button lets you start a 30-second cook or extend cooking time by 30 seconds.
If you want to mute the beeps the microwave makes, you can hold the "8" button for three to five seconds. Repeating the process unmutes it. Holding Stop/Cancel/Eco for three seconds locks the controls. A two-step child lock built into the door adds another layer of protection against younger kids opening it on their own.
This microwave is relatively easy to use, but there are some caveats. The door release takes some getting used to; rather than a straightforward push or pull, opening the door requires an upward trigger motion that isn't obvious the first time you try it. It'll likely become second nature with regular use, but it feels less intuitive than a standard swing-open door.
Microwaves all perform similarly when heating food in shallow dishes. What actually changes the outcome is the food itself, since liquids tend to warm more uniformly than solids. Dish placement and the quantity of food you're cooking also have an impact. For more on how we test this, see our microwave performance research.
Like with shallow dishes, all microwaves heat food in deep dishes similarly evenly. How even that heating turns out depends on what's inside, the container you use, and where it sits during the cycle. Our microwave performance research covers this in more detail.