Our Top Picks
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology1.6 Cu.Ft.-Black Stainless Steel19.2 x 21.8 x 13 inches29 poundsCheck on Amazon
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with InverterInverter-2.2 Cu.Ft.19.5 x 24.4 x 13.6 inches33.5 poundsCheck on Amazon
TOSHIBA Flatbed Microwave Oven with Inverter TechnologyFlatbed-1.3 Cu.Ft.14.6 x 20.4 x 12.5 inches25.8 PoundsCheck on Amazon
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave1.0 Cu.Ft.-Black Stainless Steel16.4 x 20.6 x 11.8 inches39.2 poundsCheck on Amazon
TOSHIBA is a well-known Japanese brand name whose home appliances, including the microwaves, rice cookers, and toaster ovens sold in the United States today, are made and run by Midea Group under a long-term brand license. Its listings are strongest in countertop microwaves, from basic 0.9 cu. ft. models to inverter and air-fry combos. It suits apartment dwellers and small households who want a familiar name at a budget-to-mid price. It is a weaker fit if you want a Japanese-made appliance or the broadest service network. This guide covers who is behind the brand, its lines, eight real listings, rival comparisons, and a safety note you should read before buying a combo microwave.
Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Product details come from the listings and public sources, not from our own use.
TOSHIBA at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country of the brand | Japan (Toshiba Corporation); home appliances are now run by a Midea subsidiary |
| Brand founded | The Toshiba name dates to the 19th century; one retail blog says 1875 |
| Home-appliance owner | Midea Group bought an 80.1 percent stake in Toshiba’s home appliances business in 2016 |
| Brand license | Midea holds a 40-year worldwide license to the Toshiba name for these products, running through 2056 |
| Signature product types | Countertop microwaves, air fryer microwave combos, rice cookers, convection toaster ovens |
| Price positioning | Budget to mid-range |
| Warranty | Commonly reported as one year; not confirmed on a fetched official page, so check the model page |
A Short History and What the Brand Stands For
Toshiba Corporation is an old Japanese industrial group, but the consumer appliances sold under its name in North America come from a deal made in 2016. Midea Group, the Chinese appliance maker, acquired an 80.1 percent stake in Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services, the home appliances arm, and received a 40-year worldwide license to use the Toshiba brand on these goods, running to 2056, together with thousands of patents. Consumer Reports states that Toshiba-brand microwaves are manufactured by Midea. In other words, a modern Toshiba microwave is best understood as a Midea-made product that carries the Toshiba name, not a product from the Japanese parent. Toshiba Corporation itself has also changed hands since, but the home-appliance license is a separate arrangement.
Owner and retail reviews are mostly positive for the basic microwaves: users like the quiet operation, the mute function, and even heating at modest prices. Critical sites rate the brand low, partly because they find the lineup repetitive and the independent test data thin. A lifespan of about 5 to 8 years is a common blog estimate for typical use. There is also a safety matter covered in the next section that every buyer of an air fryer combo should read.
Safety Note: Check Your Model Before You Buy or Use
Consumer Reports published an alert about some Toshiba microwaves starting or extending cooking cycles without input, with reports of overheating, sparks, smoke, and fire. It said the problem centered on certain air fryer combination models and named additional older models too, with complaints filed between January 2023 and April 2026. The maker, Midea, said a limited number of units may have a power button that can stick, said it found no evidence of an external safety hazard, and offers free service on a published support line. Consumer Reports advised owners to watch the appliance during use, avoid leaving items inside when not in use, and unplug after each use.
What to do: check the model number on the label of any unit you own or plan to buy against the current Consumer Reports alert and the maker’s support page. If you own an affected model, contact the maker’s service line. This guide cannot confirm whether a specific unit is affected, and this page is not a safety recall notice.
TOSHIBA Product-Line Map
| Line | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic countertop microwaves | 0.7 to 1.2 cu. ft. models, 700 to 1000W, with auto menus and mute | Dorms, apartments, offices |
| Inverter microwaves | 1.3 to 2.2 cu. ft. models with inverter technology and sensors | Even defrosting and family cooking |
| Air fryer combo microwaves | 1.0 to 1.5 cu. ft. units that add convection, broil, and air fry | People who want one appliance for several jobs |
| Rice cookers | 3-cup to 10-cup models, some with induction heating or fuzzy logic | Daily rice cooking |
| Toaster ovens | Convection and air-fry toaster oven combos, 6-slice and 26-quart sizes | Small kitchens |
Refrigerators and laundry appear in some search results under the Toshiba name, but we did not find purchasable Toshiba-brand refrigerators for this guide, so we focus on countertop products.
Best Sellers and Picks From TOSHIBA
These are popular TOSHIBA listings across the main categories. Specs come from the listing titles; anything missing there is described as not listed. Check your model number against the safety note above before buying a microwave.
TOSHIBA 0.9 Cu. Ft., 900W Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W, Stainless Steel | 6 Auto Menus, 11 Power Levels, Mute Function, Child Lock, LED Lighting, for Apartments & Dorms
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A compact 0.9 cu. ft. microwave rated at 900W with six auto menus, 11 power levels, a mute function, a child lock, and LED lighting, sold for apartments and dorms. It is a straightforward reheating microwave with few frills. The limitation is size and power: a 900W unit heats more slowly than 1000W or 1200W models, and the interior will not hold a large casserole dish. Check turntable size against your dishes.
TOSHIBA 1.2 Cu. Ft., 1000W Countertop Microwave With Smart Humidity Sensor
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.2 Cu.Ft, 1000W, Stainless Steel | Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus, Mute Function, ECO Mode, Easy Clean Interior
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A 1.2 cu. ft., 1000W stainless microwave with a smart humidity sensor, 12 auto menus, mute function, ECO mode, and an easy-clean interior. The sensor adjusts cooking time based on steam, which helps with reheating and popcorn style tasks. The limitation is that sensor cooking depends on a clean interior and well-placed food, and the title does not list the turntable diameter. It is a sound mid-size pick for most households.
TOSHIBA 1.6 Cu. Ft. Inverter Countertop Microwave, 1250W
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, 1.6 Cu.Ft | Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 13.6" Turntable, Kitchen Essentials, 1250W, Black Stainless Steel
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A 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave with inverter technology, smart sensor, auto defrost, a 13.6-inch turntable, and 1250W in black stainless steel. Inverter designs deliver steadier power at lower settings, which can reduce cooked edges when defrosting. The limitation is the bigger exterior footprint, and the title does not give the outside dimensions. Measure the counter and vent clearance first.
TOSHIBA 2.2 Cu. Ft. Inverter Microwave, 1200W, for Large Families
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter, 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W | Sensor Cook, 6 Auto Menus, 16.5 Inch Removable Turntable, Child Lock, for Large Family, Stainless Steel
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A large 2.2 cu. ft. stainless microwave with inverter, sensor cook, six auto menus, a 16.5-inch removable turntable, and a child lock. The wide turntable fits big plates and platters, which suits families. The limitation is size: it takes a lot of counter space and the title does not list exterior dimensions or weight. For small kitchens, a 1.2 cu. ft. model is easier to place.
TOSHIBA 1.3 Cu. Ft. Flatbed Inverter Microwave, 1200W, No Turntable
TOSHIBA Flatbed Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, 1.3 Cu.Ft, 1200W | Inverter microwave, Smart Sensor, Mute Function, No Turntable, Countertop, Black Stainless Steel,
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A flatbed microwave with inverter technology, smart sensor, and mute function, with no turntable, in black stainless steel. A flat floor lets you use rectangular dishes and clean the interior more easily. The limitation is that flatbed models rely on other mechanisms for even heating, and the title does not describe them, so read user feedback on heating evenness. Capacity is 1.3 cu. ft. at 1200W.
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu. Ft., 8-in-1 With Convection and Broil
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel | 8 in 1 with Convection & Broil, Pro Defrost, 12.4" Turntable
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A 1.0 cu. ft. air fryer combo microwave in black stainless with convection, broil, Pro Defrost, and a 12.4-inch turntable. It can replace a small air fryer and a microwave on one counter. The limitation is the safety note above: check the exact model against the current alert before use, never leave it running unattended, and read the manual for which accessories are safe in microwave mode. Wattage is not listed in the title.
TOSHIBA Induction Heating Rice Cooker, 5.5 Cups Uncooked
TOSHIBA Rice Cooker Induction Heating, Low Carb Low Sugar Digital Steamer, 5.5 Cups Uncooked Japanese Rice Cooker, 8 Cooking Functions, 24H Timer & Auto Keep Warm
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A digital rice cooker with induction heating, a steamer function, eight cooking functions, a 24-hour timer, and auto keep warm, sized for 5.5 uncooked cups. Induction heating heats the whole inner pot, which suits Japanese short-grain rice. The limitation is the learning curve of the programs, and keep-warm for long periods can dry out rice. Rinse the rice well and follow the water lines in the manual.
TOSHIBA ChefFry 26.4-Quart Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 12-in-1
TOSHIBA ChefFry Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 26.4 QT Large Capacity, 12-in-1 Countertop Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel
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A large 26.4-quart countertop oven with 12 functions, air fry, and stainless steel construction. The larger cavity fits a 12-inch pizza and family-size trays. The limitation is footprint and outside heat: it needs clearance on all sides and under cabinets, and the title does not give exterior dimensions or wattage. Follow the manual for pan sizes and rack positions.
How TOSHIBA Compares With Rivals
| Brand | Strength | Where TOSHIBA differs |
|---|---|---|
| Midea | Makes TOSHIBA microwaves and sells under its own name | Same maker; TOSHIBA adds brand recognition and a different feature mix |
| Panasonic | Inverter microwaves with a long track record | TOSHIBA is generally cheaper but with fewer independent tests |
| Galanz | Retro styling and compact appliances | TOSHIBA focuses on plain stainless and sensor models |
| Samsung | Smart features and bigger kitchens | TOSHIBA stays simple and budget-minded |
For help narrowing the choice, see our guides to countertop microwave ovens, inverter microwaves, microwave air fryer combos, and small induction rice cookers.
Buying Tips for TOSHIBA
Reading a model code
Toshiba codes begin with letters that hint at type and capacity. ML or EM prefixes appear on many microwaves, and ML2 appears on the air fryer combos in the news. Codes like EC042 and EM925 suggest a size or wattage tier. Titles also show the capacity in cubic feet and power in watts, which are easier to compare than codes. This is a reading of listings and news, not an official decoder; the label on the back or inside the door has the exact model.
Which line to choose
- Choose a basic 0.9 to 1.2 cu. ft. model for reheating and tight spaces.
- Choose an inverter model if you often defrost or heat delicate food.
- Choose a combo only if you will really use air fry and have read the safety note.
- Choose a flatbed if you value easy cleaning and rectangular dishes.
Warranty and service
A one-year warranty is commonly reported. Since Midea makes the products, service is handled through its support line, and the Consumer Reports alert includes a free-service phone number from the maker. Keep your receipt and register the product if the manual asks you to.
Common complaints to plan around
- Non-removable beep on some models; look for a mute function.
- Door mechanisms that feel light on some units.
- Display visibility in bright light.
- The safety reports on certain air fryer combos described above.
Quick comparison of the microwave picks
| Listing | Capacity | Power | Notable feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 cu. ft. stainless | 0.9 cu. ft. | 900W | Six auto menus, mute | Dorms and tiny counters |
| 1.2 cu. ft. humidity sensor | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1000W | Smart humidity sensor, 12 menus | Everyday households |
| 1.6 cu. ft. inverter | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1250W | Inverter, 13.6-inch turntable | Defrosting and bigger plates |
| 2.2 cu. ft. inverter | 2.2 cu. ft. | 1200W | 16.5-inch turntable | Large families |
| 1.3 cu. ft. flatbed | 1.3 cu. ft. | 1200W | No turntable, inverter | Rectangular dishes and easy cleaning |
| 1.0 cu. ft. air fryer combo | 1.0 cu. ft. | Not listed | Convection, broil, 8-in-1 | One-appliance counters |
Watts matter, but they are not the whole story. A 1000W model with a sensor can outperform a 1200W model without one for reheating, because the sensor adjusts the time. For defrosting, look for inverter or dedicated defrost programs and always follow the manual for food safety, including standing times and cooking raw meat promptly after thawing. Do not microwave sealed containers, whole eggs in the shell, or metal not approved by the manual, and leave the specified clearance around vents. If a unit sparks, smokes, or runs on its own, stop using it, unplug it, and contact the maker.
Who should skip TOSHIBA
Skip TOSHIBA if you want a Japanese-built appliance, if you want deep independent test data, or if you cannot confirm a combo model is clear of the safety alert. A well-reviewed standard microwave from another maker may be the calmer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes TOSHIBA microwaves?
Midea Group makes Toshiba-brand microwaves under a long-term license after buying a majority stake in Toshiba’s home appliances arm in 2016.
Is TOSHIBA a Japanese brand?
The name comes from the Japanese company, but the home appliances sold in North America today are run by Midea, a Chinese company, under license.
Are TOSHIBA microwaves safe?
Most owners report no problems, but Consumer Reports raised concerns about certain models starting by themselves. Check your model against the alert and use the free service line if affected.
What is an inverter microwave?
It delivers a steady stream of power at lower settings instead of switching full power on and off, which can heat and defrost more evenly.
Does a flatbed microwave work as well as one with a turntable?
It can, but results vary by model. Flatbeds are easier to clean and fit rectangular dishes, so read feedback on heating evenness.
Can I use metal in an air fryer combo microwave?
Only the racks and accessories the manual approves, in the modes it names. Never use other metal in microwave mode.
How long do TOSHIBA microwaves last?
Blogs often estimate 5 to 8 years with regular use, but this is an estimate rather than a guarantee.
Should I leave a combo microwave plugged in?
Consumer Reports advised owners of affected models to unplug after each use as a precaution. Follow the maker’s current guidance for your model.
Wrap-Up
TOSHIBA works best as a budget microwave with a familiar name, especially in the simpler sensor and inverter models. Understand that Midea stands behind it, read the safety note before choosing a combo, and compare against other brands in our microwave brands guide.
