My old kitchen companion, a rather basic microwave, finally gave up the ghost after years of faithful service. It left a significant gap, not just for reheating leftovers, but also for those quick meals that are essential in a busy household. Without it, preparing even simple snacks became a more time-consuming affair, and the convenience I’d grown accustomed to was suddenly gone, making meal times a bit of a scramble. I needed a reliable replacement, and after some research, I found myself drawn to the promise of the TOSHIBA Air Fry Auto Menu Combo 5-IN-1 26L Countertop Microwave Oven, Broil, Bake, Combi, 10 Power Levels, 10 Auto Cooking Presets, Easy Defrost, Black, 900W, ML2-EC26SF(BS), which seemed like it could solve more than just my basic reheating needs.
When considering an appliance like a multi-functional cooker, it’s important to remember the core problems it aims to resolve: namely, saving time, optimising kitchen space, and offering diverse cooking methods within a single unit. Many people seek such a device to streamline meal preparation, whether it’s quickly defrosting ingredients, reheating dishes, or even attempting more complex recipes without needing a full-sized oven or a separate air fryer taking up precious counter space.
The ideal customer for a sophisticated appliance like the TOSHIBA 5-in-1 microwave is someone with a busy lifestyle, perhaps a small family, who values convenience and efficiency. They are likely to have limited kitchen space but still desire the ability to bake, grill, and air-fry, alongside traditional microwaving. This appliance suits those who enjoy experimenting with different cooking styles but don’t want to invest in five separate gadgets. Conversely, if you primarily use a microwave just for reheating a cup of tea or occasional defrosting and have ample space for dedicated appliances, a simpler, less expensive model might be more suitable. Similarly, professional bakers or chefs who demand extremely precise temperature control for delicate recipes might find a combined unit less accurate than a standalone convection oven. Before buying, consider the capacity you need, the wattage for various functions, the range of auto-menus available, ease of cleaning, and the overall footprint to ensure it fits your kitchen layout and lifestyle.
Introducing This Versatile Kitchen Appliance
The TOSHIBA Air Fry Auto Menu Combo 5-IN-1 26L Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC26SF(BS) presents itself as the ultimate kitchen helper, promising versatility and space-saving efficiency in one sleek package. This freestanding unit combines the functions of a microwave, an air fryer, a broiler, a bake oven, and a combi-function cooker. When you purchase it, you receive the main unit, a roller ring for the turntable, a bake tray, and two wire racks, which are essential for utilising its multi-functional capabilities, especially for air frying and baking.
Compared to a standard microwave, or even some of its simpler predecessors, this Toshiba model significantly broadens your culinary horizons. While it might not outcompete a high-end, dedicated convection oven or air fryer in every single nuanced aspect, its strength lies in its all-in-one convenience, making it a compelling alternative for the average home kitchen. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals or small families who need to prepare a variety of dishes quickly and efficiently without cluttering their countertops with multiple appliances. It’s less ideal for those who require only basic microwave functions and are on a very tight budget, or for culinary enthusiasts who demand absolute precision and top-tier performance from each individual cooking method.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Exceptional 5-in-1 Versatility: Combines microwave, air fry, broil, bake, and combi functions, saving significant counter space.
* Generous Capacity: A 26-litre interior with an 11.3-inch turntable easily accommodates larger dishes, including a 4lb chicken or a 10-inch pizza.
* Healthy Air Frying: Features 9 dedicated auto menus for crisp, oil-free results, promoting healthier cooking.
* Speedy Combi-Modes: Combines microwave with convection and grill for faster cooking times with improved texture.
* User-Friendly Presets: Offers 10 auto cooking menus for common dishes, simplifying meal preparation.
* Sleek Design: Its black and stainless steel finish provides a modern aesthetic that complements any kitchen.
Cons:
* Convection Oven Temperature Inaccuracy: Some users report the bake function struggles to reach and maintain higher temperatures, often staying lower than the set temperature, requiring longer cooking times or experimentation.
* Grill Function Slower: The broil/grill function can take longer than a conventional oven grill, which might require adjusting expectations for crispiness.
* Limited Internal Visibility: The interior light is quite dim, making it difficult to monitor food progress without opening the door.
* Instruction Manual Limitations: The included instructions are not always comprehensive, requiring a degree of experimentation to master the various settings.
* Maintenance of Aesthetics: The sleek silver sections can be prone to smearing, requiring diligent cleaning to maintain their pristine look.
Key Attributes and Their Advantages
Having used this Toshiba ML2-EC26SF(BS) microwave oven for an extended period, I can confidently delve into the various features that make it stand out, discussing how they perform in real-world use and the practical benefits they offer.
5-in-1 Versatility: A True Kitchen Workhorse
The standout feature of this Toshiba appliance is undoubtedly its 5-in-1 functionality. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it genuinely integrates the utility of multiple kitchen appliances into a single, relatively compact unit.
The Microwave Functionality
At its core, it’s a 900W microwave, and in this regard, it performs exceptionally well. Heating and defrosting are quick and efficient, offering 10 power levels to give you precise control. Whether I’m warming up a plate of leftovers or quickly thawing frozen ingredients, the microwave function is consistently powerful and reliable. For instance, a simple bowl of soup heats evenly and rapidly, often quicker than expected, which is a massive time-saver during busy weekdays. The consistency in heating also means fewer cold spots in your food, a common frustration with less capable microwaves. This strong microwave output complements the other functions, forming the backbone of its speed and efficiency, often allowing you to cut down on the extended cooking times suggested on many frozen food packages.
Revolutionary Air Fry Auto Menus
This is where the TOSHIBA Air Fry Combo truly shines for health-conscious users. The inclusion of 9 dedicated air fry auto menus has transformed how I approach “fried” foods. You can achieve genuinely crispy results on items like chicken nuggets, fish fingers, and chips without the need for excessive oil. The supplied bake tray and wire racks are crucial for optimal air frying, allowing hot air to circulate evenly around the food. For example, a batch of frozen chips comes out golden and crisp, much like deep-fried versions but with significantly less fat. This feature is incredibly important because it allows for healthier cooking without sacrificing taste or texture. It means you can enjoy many of your favourite indulgent foods with far less guilt, contributing to a healthier diet without requiring a separate, bulky air fryer. The convenience of simply selecting an auto menu and letting the appliance do the rest is a major benefit for quick, healthy meals.
Effective Broil (Grill) Function
The grill function, rated at 1000W, is excellent for browning and crisping. While some user feedback indicates it might take a bit longer than a conventional oven grill, I’ve found it perfectly adequate for achieving that desirable golden crust on dishes like cheese on toast, grilled sandwiches, or even finishing off a pasta bake. It provides a nice alternative to frying and helps add texture to dishes. The benefit here is the ability to get that satisfyingly crispy top or toasted effect directly within the microwave, eliminating the need to use a separate grill pan under an oven grill, which can be a faff to clean. It’s an invaluable tool for adding that final touch of perfection to many meals.
Bake (Convection Oven) Capabilities
The convection oven function boasts a powerful 2100W output, reaching up to 240℃, allowing you to bake and roast. This is particularly useful for things like small pizzas, pastries, or even roasting vegetables. The benefit is obvious: you have a secondary oven, perfect for smaller batches or when your main oven is in use. However, it’s important to address one of the stated disadvantages here: some users, myself included initially, have noted that the convection function might not consistently reach or maintain the highest temperatures set, sometimes struggling to get above 160°C even when set to 240°C. This means you might need to adjust your cooking times or temperatures, potentially requiring a bit more experimentation. Despite this, for many everyday baking tasks, such as heating frozen pastries or baking a small potato, it still performs admirably, providing a viable alternative to heating up a large conventional oven. Its ability to bake at all within a microwave footprint is a significant advantage.
Dynamic Combi-Modes
The combination modes are perhaps the most impressive aspect of this appliance for efficiency. By combining microwave power with either convection or grill functions, the TOSHIBA ML2-EC26SF(BS) significantly speeds up cooking while ensuring dishes achieve a desirable crispy, browned exterior and a tender interior. This is a game-changer for many meals. For example, cooking a frozen pizza with a combi-mode ensures the base is cooked through quickly by the microwave, while the grill element crisps the crust and melts the cheese beautifully. Similarly, roasting chicken pieces using a combi-mode means they cook faster than in a conventional oven, but still develop that lovely golden skin. This feature is critical for busy households where time is of the essence but quality is still desired. It truly delivers on the promise of quicker, better-textured results.
Intuitive Controls and Auto Programs
Navigating the functions of the Toshiba 5-in-1 microwave is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to its touch control panel and an array of auto programs.
10 Auto Menus for Effortless Cooking
The 10 pre-set auto menus are a godsend for eliminating guesswork. Whether you’re cooking pasta, pizza, or chicken, these settings take the complexity out of timing and power levels. While the initial instruction booklet might be a bit sparse, there’s a handy quick reference guide inside the microwave door that lists common foods and suggested settings. This makes it incredibly easy to get started with common dishes, and after a few uses, you’ll quickly get a feel for what works best. The benefit here is convenience – simply select your food type, and the oven does the rest, leading to consistently good results without constant monitoring.
Precision Defrosting
The easy defrost function, whether by weight or time, is another unsung hero. It evenly thaws frozen foods, preventing cooked edges while the centre remains frozen. This is crucial for food safety and for preparing ingredients for further cooking without lengthy waits. It ensures that your meat, vegetables, or bread are perfectly defrosted and ready to go when you are.
Ample Capacity with a Compact Footprint
Despite its impressive 26-litre capacity, the TOSHIBA Air Fry Auto Menu Combo maintains a relatively compact footprint for a multi-functional appliance. Its external dimensions are 22.1”W x 19.4”D x 14.3”H, and it features an 11.3-inch removable turntable. This generous interior space is a huge advantage, allowing it to easily accommodate larger items that many standard microwaves simply cannot, such as a 4lb whole roasted chicken or a 10-inch pizza. This capacity is perfect for family gatherings or preparing larger meals, meaning you won’t have to split your cooking into multiple batches. Despite its spacious interior, it doesn’t overwhelm the kitchen counter, making it a true space-saver, especially for those with smaller kitchens. The fact that it’s freestanding also adds to its flexibility in placement.
Sleek Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically, the Toshiba microwave oven in black with stainless steel accents is stylish and modern, complementing any kitchen décor. The touch control panel gives it a clean, minimalist look. The stainless steel interior is also a practical choice, as it’s durable and easier to clean than painted interiors, resisting stains and odours. While the external silver sections can be a bit challenging to clean without leaving smudges, a good microfibre cloth does the trick. Overall, the build quality feels solid, assuring durability for long-term use.
Customer Feedback
Having explored various online platforms, I’ve found that the consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive regarding this multi-functional microwave. Many laud its modern appearance and robust performance, particularly praising the intuitive timer and rapid heating capabilities. The ample interior capacity, comfortably fitting larger dinner plates, is a frequently highlighted benefit. Users consistently report satisfaction with the air fry function, describing it as exceptional for achieving crispy, healthy results. While some note the grill function can take a little longer than a conventional oven, the powerful microwave heat often compensates by speeding up overall cooking times. A minor point raised occasionally includes the somewhat dim interior light and the need for a bit of experimentation with settings, given the concise instruction manual. However, the overarching sentiment is one of excellent value and a highly recommended purchase for its versatility and reliability.
Concluding Thoughts
In summary, the pervasive problem of juggling multiple kitchen appliances for diverse cooking needs, coupled with the constant battle against counter space limitations, is a daily challenge for many households. The complications of not addressing this include slower meal preparation, less healthy food choices due to reliance on less efficient methods, and a cluttered, less functional kitchen environment.
The TOSHIBA Air Fry Auto Menu Combo 5-IN-1 26L Countertop Microwave Oven offers an excellent solution to these very real problems. Its 5-in-1 versatility consolidates essential cooking functions into a single, sleek unit, immediately freeing up valuable counter space. Secondly, the integration of healthy air frying, powerful microwave, and efficient combi-modes empowers you to prepare a wide array of meals, faster and often healthier, directly addressing the need for both convenience and well-being. Finally, despite minor learning curves with its advanced features and some noted quirks, its robust performance and thoughtful design make it an indispensable kitchen companion for anyone looking to simplify and enhance their cooking experience. For a comprehensive look at its capabilities and to make this fantastic appliance yours, click here to discover more.