The Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) delivers 1200W output in a spacious 1.6 cu ft cavity with a 13.6-inch turntable and 10 power levels, finished in black stainless steel for $182.99. With 3,800 reviews at 4.3 stars and 45 monthly purchases, it offers a well-validated balance of capacity, power, and price in a premium-looking finish.
Medium to large households that want above-average cavity space, 1.6 cu ft handles full-size dinner plates, larger bowls, and wide containers, combined with 1200W speed and a black stainless finish that matches darker kitchen appliances.
Skip if
You are on a tight budget, at $182.99 it costs more than comparable 1.2 cu ft models. Also skip if your countertop is limited; at 21.8 inches wide it takes up more space than compact models.
Capacity 1.6 cu ft
Heating Electric
Wattage 1200 W
Power levels 10
Installation Countertop
Width 21.8 in
Priced 33% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.6 cu ft - larger than 83% of the 84 models we track
Wattage of 1200 W - higher than 61% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.3/5overall
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 3,800 owner ratings
Value for money4.1/5
$114 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity4.5/5
3,800 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space4.4/5
1.6 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The ML-EM45P(BS) positions itself between compact budget models and large family microwaves, offering 1.6 cu ft, more interior room than the dominant 1.2 cu ft class, without jumping to the 2.0+ cu ft models that require significantly more counter space. At 21.8 inches wide and 19.2 x 21.8 x 12.9 inches overall, it is a mid-large unit that fits most kitchen counters.
At 1200W with 10 power levels, it delivers the heating speed most home cooks expect and enough control steps to defrost gently, simmer, or cook at full power. The 13.6-inch turntable is notably larger than entry-level models (which often run 10-12 inches), meaning full dinner plates and wide bowls rotate freely. The black stainless steel finish runs 120V standard and uses button-and-keypad controls, tactile and durable versus touchscreen surfaces.
With 3,800 reviews at 4.3 stars and 45 monthly buyers, this model is well-documented and consistently appreciated. The demand is active rather than legacy, suggesting ongoing buyer interest rather than a closeout SKU. Toshiba has earned strong brand recognition for its microwave lineup at this price tier, with the EM131A5C-BS (a smaller sibling with 32,000+ reviews) establishing the brand's mainstream credibility.
Pros
1.6 cu ft cavity offers more room than the majority of countertop models in this price range
1200W output is among the fastest for everyday reheating and cooking
13.6-inch turntable fits full dinner plates without restriction
3,800 reviews at 4.3 stars is a solid, trustworthy feedback base
Black stainless steel finish suits modern and dark-accent kitchen designs
Cons
At $182.99, priced higher than smaller Toshiba models with similar wattage
21.8-inch width takes up meaningful countertop space
No inverter technology for ultra-even power delivery at low settings
Only 45 monthly purchases, not a top-velocity seller, though well-reviewed
Specifications
Capacity
1.6 cu ft
Heating
Electric
Wattage
1200 W
Power levels
10
Installation
Countertop
Width
21.8 in
Controls
Buttons, Keypad
Color
Black Stainless Steel
Turntable
13.6 in
Dimensions
19.2 X 21.8 X 12.9 In
Weight
36.6 lb
Voltage
120
Performance notes
The ML-EM45P(BS) combines 1200W with a 1.6 cu ft interior to produce a fast, spacious everyday microwave. The 10-level power control handles the full range from gentle defrost to full-power cooking. The 13.6-inch turntable is sized for standard dinner plates and most casserole dishes. Button and keypad controls are simple and require no digital setup. The black stainless exterior suits kitchen aesthetics where stainless or dark finishes dominate. Standard 120V supply means plug-in-and-go installation.
What buyers say
Three thousand eight hundred reviews at 4.3 stars is a strong result that carries statistical weight. Buyers across a range of household sizes and use cases are broadly satisfied, the 4.3 rating in a category where budget pressure often leads to compromises suggests Toshiba has hit the right balance of capacity, power, and price. The active monthly purchase rate of 45 units confirms ongoing buyer confidence rather than a declining product.
How does the ML-EM45P(BS) compare to the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS?
The EM131A5C-BS is smaller at 1.2 cu ft with 1000W and a 12.4-inch turntable, priced at $148.99 with over 32,000 reviews. The ML-EM45P(BS) steps up to 1.6 cu ft, 1200W, and a 13.6-inch turntable at $182.99. If you frequently heat large dishes or want faster cooking, the ML-EM45P is the better choice. If you want maximum buyer validation on a tighter budget, the EM131A5C-BS is hard to beat.
Does the black stainless finish scratch easily?
Black stainless finishes are generally resistant to fingerprints compared to brushed stainless, but they can show fine scratches from abrasive cleaners or rough wiping. Wipe with a soft damp cloth and avoid scouring pads to maintain the finish.
Is 1.6 cu ft noticeably larger than 1.2 cu ft in practice?
Yes, a 1.6 cu ft interior is roughly 33% more volume than 1.2 cu ft. The practical difference shows when you have a wide or tall container that would not rotate cleanly in a 1.2 cu ft cavity. For households that regularly heat casseroles, large plates, or covered dishes, the extra space is noticeable.
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