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Sharp SMC1662KS vs Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS): Which Fits Your Counter and Routine?

Choose by the installation diagram first, then by the foods covered by each model's documented sensor menus. Sharp's manual specifies about four inches of ventilation space at the top, sides and rear; Toshiba specifies three inches to adjacent walls, one side open, and twelve inches above. Neither is a universal fit or cooking-performance winner.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-09-28

Source checked 2026-09-28 00:28 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Which model suits the space available above and beside the counter, and which documented sensor-cook shortcuts better match the foods the household prepares?

The Sharp manual calls for about four inches of space around the top, sides and rear; the Toshiba manual calls for three inches from adjacent walls, one side open, and twelve inches above. Their sensor-menu lists also differ. Fit depends on measuring the actual location and comparing the controls to the household's routine.

Quick verdict

Choose Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave if

  • You can provide Sharp's stated ventilation space and want its listed sensor-cook groups, including beverage and sensor reheat.
  • The available overhead clearance is below Toshiba's twelve-inch requirement but still meets Sharp's stated clearance requirements at all adjacent surfaces.
View Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: You need a proven winner for heating speed, evenness, reliability or noise; these were not compared in controlled tests here. Your installation cannot meet either model's stated ventilation instructions.
When the recommendation changes
  • The microwave will sit under a low shelf or between side panels: follow the exact manual geometry for the available location before choosing either model.
  • The household rarely uses sensor menus or neither model's instructions fit the counter location: this comparison does not establish a better heating result or overall winner.

The differences that matter

Countertop Clearance Ventilation

Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave

The SMC1662KS operation manual says to allow 4 inches between the oven top, sides and rear and adjacent surfaces; it also separately states about 4 inches of minimum overhead free space.[2]

Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave

The ML-EM45P(BS) manual requires 3 inches between the oven and adjacent walls, one side open, and at least 12 inches above; it also says not to remove the feet or block vents.[5]

What this changes: Measure the shelf height and neighboring panels against each full manual instruction. A space that meets one diagram may not meet the other; neither clearance pattern is a universal fit advantage.[2, 5]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Sensor Menu Task Fit

Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave

Sharp's spec sheet lists sensor cook for popcorn, potato, frozen entrée, vegetable, beverage and sensor reheat. Its manual also documents weight-based auto defrost for meat, poultry and fish and Melt/Soften controls for butter, chocolate, ice cream and cheese.[3, 2]

Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave

Toshiba's manual lists sensor reheat, frozen pizza, frozen entrée, potato, rice, fresh vegetable and frozen vegetable. It separately lists custom-cook shortcuts such as bacon, frozen rolls/muffins, beverage, chicken pieces and oatmeal.[5]

What this changes: Compare the actual listed menu names to the foods you prepare: Toshiba lists dedicated rice and frozen-pizza sensor selections, while Sharp lists beverage and sensor-reheat among its six sensor-cook groups. These labels describe available controls, not which oven cooks better.[3, 2, 5]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A counter location with less than 12 inches overhead clearance, while meeting Sharp's stated four-inch clearances on the other adjacent surfaces

Best fit: Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The Sharp manual specifies about four inches overhead, while the Toshiba manual requires twelve inches above. This conditional fit preference applies only if Sharp's other stated clearances and all local conditions are met.

View Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave on AmazonPaid link

A household that wants a dedicated rice or frozen-pizza sensor menu and can meet Toshiba's installation clearances

Best fit: Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Toshiba's manual lists rice and frozen pizza among its sensor-cook selections. This recommends a documented control match, not a cooking result.

View Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) 1.6 cu. ft. countertop microwave on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare current offers separately; the documented installation and control differences alone do not establish whether a price premium is worthwhile for you.

Insufficient price history is available to support a buy-timing recommendation; compare current offers separately.

Limitations

  • No hands-on cooking, clearance, noise or reliability tests were performed.
  • The manuals provide setup instructions and menu names; they do not establish comparative heating speed, temperature uniformity, taste, energy use or durability.
  • Sound controls and dish/turntable fit are not evaluated in this comparison.
  • Follow the installation instructions supplied with the microwave and measure the location before buying.
  • Prices and offer details change; check the current listing before buying.

Questions shoppers ask

How much space does each model need above it?

The Sharp manual says about four inches of overhead free space and four inches between its top, sides and rear and nearby surfaces. The Toshiba manual requires twelve inches above, three inches from adjacent walls, and one side open. Follow the full manual for the location you have measured.

Which sensor menu includes rice or frozen pizza?

Toshiba's ML-EM45P(BS) manual lists both rice and frozen pizza among its sensor selections. Sharp's SMC1662KS spec sheet lists six sensor groups, including beverage and sensor reheat; choose from the menu that matches the foods you actually prepare, without treating menu coverage as a cooking-quality rating.

Methodology and sources

Compared each exact model's published countertop-installation requirements and documented sensor-cook menu names. Recommendations are conditional on the reader's measured counter space and food routine.

Automated tools assisted with locating and organizing manufacturer documents; the comparison summarizes published instructions and features and includes no hands-on product test.

View 5 sources
  1. 1.Sharp 1.6 cu. ft. 1100W Countertop Microwave Oven (SMC1662KS)Sharp USA · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-28 00:28 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product title and product details; SMC1662KS feature description: Identifies exact U.S.-market SMC1662KS model and lists its nominal size and manufacturer-described controls. Page's 14.1-inch ceramic-plate statement conflicts with Sharp's model-specific spec sheet, so that size claim is excluded.
  2. 2.Sharp Microwave Oven Operation Manual (SMC1660KS / SMC1662KS)Sharp Electronics Corporation (manual copy hosted by P.C. Richard & Son) · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-28 00:28 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Cover p. 1; Installation Guide p. 7; Controls pp. 14–19; Specifications p. 8: Names SMC1662KS; specifies four inches of space between oven top/sides/rear and adjacent surfaces, about four inches overhead, dimensions and 120V/60Hz grounding; documents sensor-cook limits, menu use and controls. Silent-mode passage conflicts with the Sharp spec sheet and is not used.
  3. 3.Sharp Carousel Countertop Microwave Oven SMC1662KS SpecificationsSharp Electronics Corporation (specification sheet copy hosted by P.C. Richard & Son) · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-28 00:28 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Feature rows: turntable, auto defrost, sensor cook and melt/soften; p. 2: Exact model spec sheet lists six sensor-cook groups, auto-defrost food groups and melt/soften task list. The sheet states 13.6-inch turntable and Silent Mode: No; conflicting Sharp primary text is excluded from claims.
  4. 4.DisclosureToshiba Lifestyle U.S. · Official support · Source checked 2026-09-28 00:28 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Microwave Oven for Solo, Referenced Products model list: Lists exact model ML-EM45P(BS), linking the manual/product identity to Toshiba's U.S. model family; it is not a product-specification page.
  5. 5.Instruction Manual: Microwave Oven ML-EM45P(BS)Toshiba / manufacturer-authored manual (hosted on Amazon media CDN) · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-09-28 00:28 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Specifications p. 6; Countertop Installation p. 11; Sensor Cook Chart and Auto Menu Chart pp. 15–17: Exact ML-EM45P(BS) manual provides rated U.S. electrical values, dimensions, turntable, clearance diagram/instructions, sensor menu list and its use conditions, and separate auto/custom cook chart.

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