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Last tested: March 2026 | By Jenna Hartwell
Quick Verdict
Toshiba's inverter combo is the one to buy if you want air frying without a separate countertop appliance. The inverter technology genuinely matters for defrosting: no overcooked edges, no icy centers. At $200, it's one of the most capable microwaves in its price tier, and the combination of features you get is hard to find anywhere close to this price.
Specs at a Glance
| Capacity | 1.6 cu. ft. |
| Microwave Power | 1350W |
| Air Fryer Power | 1550W convection heating element |
| Inverter Technology | Yes |
| Sensor Cooking | Yes (6 auto-cook functions) |
| Smart Features | Alexa compatible |
| Auto-Cook Programs | 13 |
| Finish | Stainless Steel with black trim |
| Dimensions | 22.8" W x 13.7" H x 16.1" D |
| Interior Coating | Easy-clean EasyClean interior |
Performance
The inverter technology is where the Toshiba earns its price. A standard microwave running at "50% power" is actually cycling full power on and off, creating hot spots and uneven results. The Toshiba delivers a continuous 675W when you set it to half power, which means the heat distributes properly through whatever you're cooking.
We tested defrosting a pound of ground beef multiple times. On a traditional microwave, the outer edges start cooking before the center thaws. On the Toshiba, we consistently got an evenly thawed result in about five minutes with no babysitting required. That alone is worth the upgrade for anyone who cooks from frozen regularly.
The air fryer function runs through a 1550W convection element mounted in the ceiling of the cavity. We tested frozen fries at 400°F and they came out genuinely crispy in 12 minutes. Chicken tenders were done in 14 minutes with a good texture on the outside. The preheating process takes 3 to 4 minutes, which is slower than a dedicated air fryer basket, but it's acceptable given that you're not taking up a second appliance on your counter.
Sensor cooking worked reliably during our testing. Reheated leftovers came out at the right temperature without overcooking, and the auto-reheat function handled a bowl of pasta and a plate of rice without drying either out. We found ourselves using it more than we expected after the first week.
Key Features
Inverter Technology
This is the headline feature and it delivers. True variable power output means you can defrost, simmer, or gently warm food without the uneven results that come with standard pulsing microwaves. If you've ever pulled chicken out of a microwave with cooked edges and a frozen core, you understand why this matters.
Air Fryer Function
The air fryer mode uses convection heat rather than a microwave element, so it genuinely functions like a compact convection oven. It won't replace a dedicated 6-quart basket air fryer for large batches, but for a household of two this covers most air frying needs. Pizza reheating in particular is excellent: 4 minutes at 375°F produces a properly crisp crust.
Alexa Voice Control
You can ask Alexa to set the cook time and power level, which is handy when your hands are full. The microwave still requires a manual press of Start for safety, so you can't start it remotely. Still, if you already have Alexa in your kitchen, the integration works smoothly.
Sensor Cooking
Six auto-cook sensor functions cover the most common scenarios: reheating, vegetables, beverages, popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. They work by detecting steam from the food and adjusting cook time accordingly. In practice, they get it right about 80% of the time, which is better than most competing models at this price.
Sound Off / Silent Mode
You can disable the beeping entirely, which might sound minor but turns out to be genuinely useful in open-plan kitchens or when you're heating something up late at night without waking anyone.
13 Auto-Cook Programs
Programs cover a wider range than the six sensor modes: popcorn, pizza, beverage, potato, vegetable, dinner plate, fresh vegetable, ground meat, chicken, fish, rice/pasta, and soup. They won't work perfectly for every dish, but they're solid starting points.
Design and Build Quality
The stainless steel exterior with black trim looks clean and fits with most modern kitchen setups. It's not quite Breville-tier build quality, but it feels solid and the door has a satisfying close to it. The interior light is bright and even, which makes it easier to check on food without opening the door.
The control panel uses a combination of a dial and buttons, which we found more intuitive than an all-button layout. Setting precise cook times is easier with the dial. The interface isn't flashy, but everything is labeled clearly and you won't need the manual after the first day.
The EasyClean interior coating does what it claims. Splatter wipes off with a damp cloth without much effort. After six weeks of daily use, the interior looked close to new.
One note on fingerprints: the stainless exterior shows them readily. If you have a high-traffic kitchen or kids, expect to wipe it down every few days.
Ease of Use and Installation
Setup is straightforward: plug it in, set the clock, and you're ready. The manual is short and readable. We had all 13 auto-cook programs and the air fryer function figured out within 30 minutes of unboxing.
The air fryer function requires 3 inches of clearance on all sides for proper ventilation. If your counter space is tight, measure before buying. This is a non-negotiable requirement, not a suggestion. The hot air needs somewhere to go or the unit will overheat.
The door handle is comfortable to grip and the door swing is wide enough that you can access the full interior without awkward angles. At 22.8 inches wide, it's a larger footprint than a standard microwave, so check your counter dimensions before ordering.
Value for Money
At $189 to $229, the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT punches above its price. You're getting inverter technology (typically a $50 to $80 premium on its own), an air fryer function that genuinely works, Alexa compatibility, and sensor cooking in a single unit. A comparable standalone air fryer would cost $60 to $100 on top of a standard microwave purchase.
The combination doesn't just save money: it saves counter space. If your kitchen has limited real estate, eliminating one appliance has real value beyond the dollar figure.
Pros
- Inverter tech delivers genuinely better defrosting
- Air fryer function produces crispy results
- Alexa voice control integration
- Silent mode (sound on/off)
- Reliable sensor cooking
- Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity
- Attractive stainless design
- Competitive price under $230
Cons
- Air fryer capacity limited by microwave cavity size
- Won't replace a dedicated large-capacity air fryer
- Air fryer preheat takes 3 to 4 minutes
- Stainless exterior shows fingerprints
- Requires 3" clearance on all sides for air fryer use
Who Should Buy It
This microwave is the right choice if your current unit is due for replacement and you've been thinking about getting an air fryer. You solve both needs in one purchase, save counter space, and spend less than you would buying two separate appliances. It's also a strong pick for anyone who defrosts meat regularly and is tired of the uneven results from a standard microwave.
Households of one or two people will get the most out of it. The air fryer function is well-suited to single servings and small batches, which covers most weeknight cooking for a couple.
Who Should Skip It
If you regularly air fry large quantities, a dedicated 6-quart basket fryer will serve you better. The microwave cavity simply can't handle a full rack of wings or a large batch of fries the way a standalone unit can. Families cooking for four or more people will find the air fryer mode a bottleneck.
Counter space constraints are the other dealbreaker. This unit needs 3 inches of clearance on all sides when the air fryer vent is active, and at 22.8 inches wide, it's a sizable footprint. If your counter is limited, measure first.
Final Verdict
The Toshiba ML-EM45PIT is one of the best-value microwaves on the market right now. The inverter technology alone separates it from standard-pulsing competitors, and the air fryer function adds real utility without a significant price premium. For most households replacing an aging microwave, this is the model to buy. We'd only look elsewhere if you need serious large-batch air frying capacity or are comfortable spending twice as much for Breville's superior combination cooking mode.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT a real air fryer?
Yes, it uses a convection heating element to circulate hot air, which is the same mechanism as a standalone air fryer. The results are comparable for smaller batches: frozen fries, chicken tenders, and reheated pizza all come out crispy. It can't handle the volume of a dedicated 6-quart basket air fryer, but for one or two servings it performs well.
What's the difference between inverter and standard microwave technology?
A standard microwave delivers full power in pulses, cycling on and off to simulate lower power settings. An inverter microwave delivers continuous power at the actual wattage you select. For defrosting, this is a meaningful difference: inverter technology heats food evenly throughout rather than cooking the outside while the center stays frozen.
How does the Toshiba compare to the Breville Combi Wave?
The Toshiba costs about half as much and has a larger 1.6 cu. ft. cavity. The Breville has more powerful convection (1800W vs 1550W), a faster preheat, and a unique combination cooking mode that runs microwave and convection simultaneously. If budget matters, Toshiba is the clear choice. If you want top performance and use combination cooking modes, Breville justifies the premium. Read our full Toshiba vs Breville comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Can the Toshiba ML-EM45PIT handle large dishes?
The 1.6 cu. ft. cavity is among the largest in the combo category and fits a standard 12-inch dinner plate comfortably. A 9x13 casserole dish fits with a bit of room to spare. For a family of four reheating standard portions, capacity isn't a limitation for microwave use. The air fryer mode is more constrained by the cavity shape.
Does the Alexa integration work well?
It works, though most users end up using voice control less often than expected. You can ask Alexa to set cook times and power levels, but you still have to press Start on the unit: the microwave won't start remotely for safety reasons. It's a nice feature to have, but don't let it drive your purchase decision one way or the other.
Related: Best Microwaves of 2026 | Breville Combi Wave Review | Toshiba vs Breville Comparison