The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) packs 11 power levels into a 0.9 cu ft, 900W package at $117.99, earning a 4.6-star rating from over 1,200 buyers. The extra power level compared to most competitors and its black stainless steel finish make it a strong value pick in this price range.
Budget-conscious buyers who want more power-level flexibility than the typical 10-level unit, and those who prefer the look of black stainless steel. The 18.7-inch width fits most standard counter depths.
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Those who need higher wattage output, at 900W this takes slightly longer than 1000W+ models. Anyone wanting smart home connectivity should look elsewhere, as this unit is explicitly not smart home compatible.
Capacity 0.9 cu ft
Wattage 900 W
Power levels 11
Installation Countertop
Width 18.7 in
Controls Buttons
Priced 57% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Wattage of 900 W - lower than 71% of the 84 models we track
Power levels of 11 - higher than 82% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.6/5overall
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 1,200 owner ratings
Value for money3.4/5
$131 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity3.9/5
1,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
Storage space2.4/5
0.9 cu ft, compact 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
Toshiba's ML-EM09PA(BS) stands out in the sub-$120 tier primarily because of its 11 power levels, one more step of granularity than the 10-level standard. That extra increment is useful for low-heat tasks like melting chocolate or proofing dough where the gap between level 1 and level 2 on a 10-level unit can mean the difference between gentle warmth and scorching.
The 0.9 cubic foot cavity with a 10.6-inch turntable is sized for everyday household use, reheating plates, making popcorn, defrosting a pound of meat. Dimensions are 14.7 x 18.7 x 10.7 inches, and at 24.9 pounds it is lighter than much of the competition in this size class, which matters if the unit needs to be moved or shifted on the counter.
At $117.99 with a 4.6-star average from 1,200 reviews, this is one of the more validated choices in the budget countertop category. The black stainless finish is a visual upgrade over plain black and reads as a premium look without the premium price.
Pros
11 power levels offer finer control than the typical 10-level microwave
4.6-star rating backed by over 1,200 verified buyers
24.9 lb weight is lighter than many comparable 0.9 cu ft units
Black stainless steel finish provides a modern look at a budget price
10.6-in turntable handles standard dinner plates and bowls
Cons
900W output is on the lower side, cook times run longer than 1000W models
Not smart home compatible
No sensor cooking or inverter technology at this price point
Specifications
Capacity
0.9 cu ft
Wattage
900 W
Power levels
11
Installation
Countertop
Width
18.7 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
Black Stainless Steel
Turntable
10.6 in
Dimensions
14.7 X 18.7 X 10.7 In
Weight
24.9 lb
Smart
Not Smart Home Compatible
Performance notes
With 900W and 11 power levels, this microwave performs best on standard reheating, defrosting, and light cooking tasks. The 11-level granularity helps when running at very low power for delicate jobs. The 10.6-inch turntable fits most 9- to 10-inch dishes. Capacity at 0.9 cu ft is enough for a single large dinner plate or a medium mixing bowl, but not for family-size casseroles. Button controls are durable and straightforward to operate without consulting a manual.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star rating from over 1,200 reviews places this among the better-reviewed units in the budget countertop segment. That combination of high rating and significant review volume suggests the performance consistently meets buyer expectations. The low bought-last-month figure (9) is typical for a model that sells steadily rather than through viral promotion.
What is the extra power level on the Toshiba ML-EM09PA(BS) good for?
Most microwaves offer 10 power levels. The 11th level on this Toshiba adds one more low-heat increment, which is useful for tasks requiring sustained gentle warmth, like softening butter, melting chocolate, or warming bread without creating hot spots. The difference is subtle but noticeable for temperature-sensitive food.
How does black stainless differ from standard black?
Black stainless is a darker metallic finish that resists fingerprints better than glossy black plastic and sits visually between classic stainless and matte black. It coordinates well with other black stainless appliances. The finish is on the exterior only, the interior cavity is the same as any standard unit.
Will this microwave fit on a 19-inch-deep counter?
At 10.7 inches deep, the ML-EM09PA(BS) fits easily on a standard 24-inch-deep countertop and leaves ample clearance. Even on a shallower 19-inch counter it would sit without overhanging. Ventilation clearance requirements should still be followed per the manual.
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