TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel

As usual, I did a considerable amount of research before settling on a microwave. Our 30 yr old GE died so it was time. Reviews had Panasonic and Toshiba at the top of the list and my 1st purchase was a Panasonic NN686 inverter 1.2 cu. I got it home, took it out of the bag, put it on the counter and within 5 minutes, I put it back in the box. It was poorly made--it wobbled on the counter, the door was loose, as was the button to open the door. I went back to the Toshiba list and because I wanted an inverter, I settled on this 1.6 cu model. It's surprisingly very light, yet it doesn't feel cheaply made. It was very easy to set up--clock, child lock and sound off...first task was reheating some leftovers using the sensor. It automatically reduced the power and nothing was overcooked, yet everything was hot and evenly cooked. Very impressive. Next task was popcorn. I put it on full power for 2 1/2 minutes but after 1 1/2 minutes, the popcorn was more than done--a full minute ahead of my last microwave! This Toshiba has 1250 watts and they say the more powerful the wattage, the faster things cook. This cooks incredibly fast. It is very quiet. The inside light is very bright and white, which I prefer. The keys are easy to use and you don't need a college degree to figure out how to use it. Instruction booklet for the most part is easy to follow. The door has a handle and you have to push the button on the door handle in order to open it--you can't just pull the door open. Not a big deal and probably a nice safety feature. I think this is a keeper. The price on this was good as I caught it on sale--a lot less $$$ than the smaller 1.2 cu Panasonic. While this is 1.6 cu, it doesn't take up much more space than the 1.2 size but inside it is definitely larger. Since these microwaves with inverter and sensor seem to generate more steam (and therefore water), I'm going to make sure I keep this dry and clean so it doesn't rust. Am hoping this will last a long time. So far, so good! I can recommend.

Great microwave for the inexpensive price. It comes with the inner glass rotating round plate. Has a fantastic option to stop all the beeps microwaves have when pushing buttons that is very annoying for user and others in home who are sleeping. Heats up just as fast as larger microwaves.The child lock is super easy to overcome while still being ergonomic for those with wrist or carpet tunnel issues. Child lock can still be turned off permanently pressing two buttons simultaneously but we never have as it’s so easy to open with child lock. Just push up as opening.Perfect for all reasons. And it’s not big and bulky, so doesn’t use up as much counter space. Can’t say enough good things. Perfect.

TOSHIBA ML4-EM12PA(BS) Countertop Microwave: I really bought this for the 30-sec button. That is what I use most of the time. The 30-secs re-heats most everything to the right temp, fast, without running again. The signal-off mute is GREAT!. The LED inside light is easy on the eyes. Buttons are easy to read, pushing the center of the buttons, easily starts the function. It has a child lock-out. It can be disabled quickly, and/or permanently. I did a lot of research on MW ovens, and this one had all the features I wanted at the right price. The reason I bought it was for the following features: the size, stainless steel, 1000 watt, signal-mute, 30-sec button: press once to run or add 30-secs at a time, 12.5 turntable, plus it has all the other features. Since you can't try out appliance even in the stores, I did not know that you can't enter 1 min:45 sec, or 2 min 25 secs manually. So use the 1-6 minute buttons with the 30-sec button, instead. I would have given 5 stars, but the door release button is an issue for me (below).This microwave oven has a very hard door-release. (Who would have thought this would be the issue!) I was not expecting the door latch to be this hard to push, especially if you have trouble with your hands or thin fingers. Using the index finger to release it, hurts my finger. There is no way to make it easier to open. My microwave is eye level, so for me the Work-Around is: I reach in from the side and release the door using my thumb, with fingers pointing up.Note to Manufacturer: Should consider opening the door, in an easier way, or pad the release button. It is too hard on the side of the finger. Consider who will be using it. Child safety is not the only thing that should be considered.

I love how the door opens. It is much better than pulling the door open or pushing a button. Although its power output is 1000 Watts, I have been using the cooking instructions for a 1100-watt machine, and I can't tell any difference. I check the food temperature, and it is as it should be.