Toshiba ML2-EM09PA(BS)  Microwave Review

Reviewed Jul 10, 2024 at 10:13am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Toshiba ML2-EM09PA(BS)
 0

The Toshiba ML2-EM09PA(BS) is a small, budget-friendly microwave. As a 900-watt microwave, it doesn't heat food as fast as some, but it has all the functions you might expect, like quick start, defrost, and mute. However, it doesn't have a sensor that detects steam for more automatic microwaving, which is worth keeping in mind if you want a microwave with all the bells and whistles.

Our Verdict

7.4
Power 

The Toshiba ML2-EM09PA(BS) is a 900-watt microwave and doesn't heat food as quickly as most 1000-watt microwaves, such as the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS.

Pros
  • Mute controls function.
  • Compact design.
Cons
  • Heats food somewhat slowly.
  • No steam sensor.

Performance Usages

  • 7.4
    Power
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Oct 28, 2024: 

      We've added a link to our new 'Best Cheap And Budget Microwaves' article to give more options for people looking to buy a new microwave.

    2.  Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.

    Check Price

    Black Stainless SteelML2-EM09PA(BS)
    Amazon.com
    Black Stainless SteelML2-EM09PA(BS)
    BestBuy.com
    Black Stainless SteelML2-EM09PA(BS)
    Walmart.com

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Toshiba ML2-EM09PA(BS) only comes in 'Black Stainless Steel.' You can see the label for the unit we tested here and here

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

    Popular Microwave Comparisons

    The Toshiba ML2-EM09PA(BS) is a small, budget-friendly microwave. It doesn't have a steam sensor, but unlike some budget-friendly microwaves, you get a 'mute controls' option. Its size and functions are basically the same as the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS, which is usually cheaper. If you want a faster 1000-watt microwave with a compact design, the LG LMC0975ST is a high-end option suitable for small spaces. The Panasonic NN-SN67HS is a budget-friendly option that heats food faster and has a steam sensor, but it's not quite as small.

    If you're looking for a recommendation, check out the best microwaves and the best cheap and budget microwaves.

    Test Results

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    RATINGS
    Category:
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    Design
    Body
    Installation
    Countertop
    Height11.6" (29.4 cm)
    Width19.1" (48.6 cm)
    Depth Without Handle
    14.5" (36.8 cm)
    Depth With Handle
    16.0" (40.7 cm)
    Power Cord Length3.48 ft (1.06 m)
    Cooking Chamber
    Advertised Chamber Volume
    0.9 cu. ft.
    Turntable Diameter
    10.6" (27.0 cm)
    Chamber Height
    8.3" (21.0 cm)
    Chamber Width
    12.1" (30.8 cm)
    Chamber Depth
    13.9" (35.2 cm)
    Measured Chamber Volume
    0.8 cu. ft. (0.02 m³)

    Its small cooking chamber makes it best for heating drinks in mugs or reheating food in bowls, since dinner plates or bigger pans may not fit. The light inside makes it very easy to see into the chamber.

    Controls And Functions
    Door Release
    Handle
    Cooking Sensor
    No
    Popcorn Button
    Yes
    Defrost Button
    Yes
    Add Time Button
    Yes
    Kitchen Timer
    Yes
    Mute Sounds Button
    Yes
    Lock Controls Button
    Yes

    This microwave has basic controls, including some 'Quick Touch' buttons, like 'Popcorn,' 'Pizza,' and 'Potato.' It's easy to start a quick 30-second cycle with one touch. You can defrost by weight or by time and mute the controls. However, it lacks a steam sensor, so you'll always have to manually set the cooking time or weight yourself. You can set it up to cook in two stages with different power settings, but unlike some microwaves, it doesn't have a 'Standing Time' or 'Delayed Start' option. Instead of displaying a clock, the 'Eco Mode' button simply switches off the screen when the microwave isn't in use.

    In The Box

    • Turntable
    • Turntable roller
    • Manual
    Performance
    7.4
    Power
    Inverter Technology
    No
    Advertised Microwave Output Power
    900 W
    Tested Heating Rate At 100% Power
    628 W
    Shallow Dish Heating Uniformity
    Area Of Underheated Dinner Plate
    0%
    Grayscale Range Dinner Plate
    20
    Area Of Underheated Turntable
    0%
    Grayscale Range Turntable
    20

    All microwaves perform similarly when evenly heating food in shallow dishes. It depends on what kind of food you're heating, how much of it there is, and in what container it's in. If you're interested in reading more about microwave performance, check out our investigation here.

    Deep Dish Heating Uniformity
    Min. Food Temperature (100% Power)
    83 °F (29 °C)
    Food Temperature Range (100% Power)
    107 °F (59 °C)
    Min. Food Temperature (50% Power)
    82 °F (28 °C)
    Food Temperature Range (50% Power)
    98 °F (54 °C)

    Like with shallow dishes, all microwaves heat food in deep dishes similarly evenly. Evenness depends on what food you're heating, not what microwave you use. Check out our investigation into microwave performance here.