Imagine this: you’re hungry, and you need a quick meal. You open your kitchen cabinet and all you see are frozen dinners and leftovers. You want to heat them up fast, but your old microwave is too small. It can barely fit a dinner plate, let alone a family-sized casserole. This is where a 2.0 cubic foot microwave comes in. It’s like a giant in the microwave world, ready to tackle all your heating needs.
Choosing a microwave this big can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features to consider. Will it fit on your counter? Does it have enough power? What about all those buttons? It’s easy to get lost in the options and end up with something that doesn’t quite work for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes a 2.0 cubic foot microwave a game-changer for busy kitchens. We’ll look at what to look for, the best options available, and how to make sure you pick the perfect one. Get ready to say goodbye to cramped cooking and hello to effortless meal prep!
Our Top 5 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large, stainless steel countertop microwave designed for busy kitchens. Its 2.2 cubic feet of space and 1200 watts of power make it ideal for families. You can easily heat up a whole chicken or a large pizza in this spacious microwave.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: It easily fits large items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor cooks food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Convenient Auto Menus: Six pre-programmed menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Efficient Auto Defrost: This feature safely thaws meat, poultry, and fish.
- User-Friendly Features: It includes one-pound defrost, an ECO mode to save energy, a mute option for quiet operation, a position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multi-stage cooking, a child lock, and a clock.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: Some users might find the many features take a little time to master.
- Countertop Footprint: Its large size requires significant counter space.
This Toshiba microwave offers a great blend of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and versatile kitchen appliance.
2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven – a large, powerful appliance designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity is great for families. The sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any counter. This microwave heats food quickly and evenly with its 1200 watts of power.
What We Like:
- The extra-large 2.2 cubic feet size is perfect for cooking big meals or multiple dishes at once.
- 1200 watts of power means your food heats up fast.
- The new gray interior and white LED display make it look modern.
- LED interior lighting helps you see your food clearly.
- Inverter Cooking Technology cooks food more evenly and gently.
- The big 16.5-inch carousel turntable ensures everything gets cooked thoroughly.
- You have 10 power levels and a 2-stage cooking option for precise control.
- The “+30 seconds” button is super handy for quick reheating.
- Melt/Soften and Sensor Cook features take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Auto Cook and Weight/Time Defrost make meal prep simple.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking with a single button press.
What Could Be Improved:
- Its large size might take up a lot of counter space.
- The high wattage might require a strong electrical outlet.
This SHARP microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen, offering a great blend of size, power, and smart features for everyday cooking needs.
3. SAMSUNG 1.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Sensor Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the SAMSUNG 1.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Sensor Cooking, Stainless Steel, MS19DG8500SRAA. This microwave is designed to make your kitchen life easier. Its large size and smart features help you cook and reheat food quickly and perfectly. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of reheating. It automatically figures out the best time for your food.
- It has a huge 1.9 cu. ft. capacity. This means you can heat up large dishes or even a whole chicken.
- The ceramic interior is tough. It resists scratches and is super easy to wipe clean.
- Many preset cooking options are included. These make preparing meals with fresh ingredients simple.
- You can also buy a trim kit. This lets you install it in a cabinet for a built-in look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The trim kit is sold separately. This means an extra cost if you want a built-in look.
- While it’s a countertop model, its large size might take up a good amount of counter space in smaller kitchens.
This Samsung microwave offers excellent capacity and smart cooking technology. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen that needs a reliable and spacious appliance.
4. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a large and powerful appliance designed for busy households. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave offers smart cooking features that make meal prep a breeze for families of all sizes.
What We Like:
- The spacious 2.2 cubic foot capacity easily fits large dishes and is ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Origin Inverter technology ensures food cooks evenly without any cold spots, making reheating and defrosting much better.
- The Smart Sensor detects humidity and automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food is always cooked perfectly.
- Six pre-programmed Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking common meals, snacks, and drinks.
- Ten different power levels offer amazing control for various cooking tasks, from gentle defrosting to quick boiling.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature that prevents little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- A large 16.5-inch removable turntable can hold big plates and is easy to clean.
- The 1200-watt power output cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully before buying.
- While the Child Lock is effective, it requires following specific steps to engage, which might take a moment to learn.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for families needing a large, feature-rich appliance. Its smart cooking capabilities and safety features make it a reliable kitchen helper.
5. Black+Decker EM262AMY-PHB 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Sensor Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
The Black+Decker EM262AMY-PHB 2.2 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Sensor Cooking, Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating meals super easy and quick. This microwave is not just about heating food; it offers smart cooking features that take the guesswork out of meal prep.
What We Like:
- You can pick from 10 different power levels for all your cooking tasks.
- The time/weight defrost feature makes thawing frozen food simple.
- Express Cook lets you heat up meals in a flash.
- The Auto-Menu function handles the cooking for you.
- It has a clear digital control panel and a bright interior LED light.
- The sleek stainless steel exterior looks modern and is easy to clean.
- A child safety lock prevents little ones from turning it on by accident.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the 2.2 cu. ft. size a bit too large for very small kitchens.
- The sensor cooking, while generally good, can sometimes require a bit of adjustment for perfect results depending on the food.
This Black+Decker microwave offers a great mix of convenience and smart features for busy households. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave Companion
So, you’re looking for a microwave that’s big enough for family meals and busy weeknights. A 2.0 cubic feet microwave is a fantastic choice for larger households or anyone who loves to cook and reheat big portions. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When picking out your new microwave, keep these important features in mind.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage (like 1000 watts or more) heats food faster and more evenly.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable (often 14 inches or more) means you can fit bigger dishes. This is crucial for a 2.0 cu ft model.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart technology senses the humidity and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Convection Cooking: Some microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great feature if you want more cooking options.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little hands from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel exterior. Stainless steel is strong and looks sleek. Other options include plastic or painted metal.
- Interior: The inside cavity is usually made of painted steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more durable.
- Door: The door usually has a glass window so you can see your food. The handle is typically made of plastic or metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Different things make a microwave great or not so great.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better parts and have better customer service. This can mean a longer-lasting microwave.
- Build Quality: Feel how sturdy the microwave is. Does it feel solid? Are the buttons responsive? A well-built microwave will last longer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth interiors and simple controls make cleaning much easier. Nobody likes scrubbing burnt-on food.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are advertised as quiet.
- Energy Efficiency: While most microwaves use a lot of power when running, some are more efficient than others. Check for Energy Star ratings.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your microwave.
- Family Meals: A 2.0 cu ft microwave is perfect for reheating large casseroles, multiple servings of pasta, or even a whole chicken.
- Busy Households: If you have a busy family, quick reheating and cooking for multiple people is a breeze.
- Small Kitchens with Big Needs: Even if your kitchen isn’t huge, a larger microwave can save you time and effort.
- Entertaining: Reheating appetizers or warming up dishes for guests is fast and easy.
- Beyond Reheating: If you choose a convection model, you can bake cookies, roast vegetables, or even cook a small turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2.0 Cu Ft Microwaves
Q: What is the main advantage of a 2.0 cu ft microwave?
A: The main advantage is its large capacity. You can fit bigger dishes and reheat more food at once, which is great for families or when entertaining.
Q: Are 2.0 cu ft microwaves more expensive?
A: Generally, yes. Larger appliances often cost more due to the increased materials and more powerful components needed.
Q: How much counter space does a 2.0 cu ft microwave take up?
A: They are quite large. You’ll need a good amount of counter space, or consider a model designed for over-the-range installation.
Q: What is the typical wattage for a 2.0 cu ft microwave?
A: Most 2.0 cu ft models have high wattage, often 1000 watts or more. This ensures powerful and quick cooking.
Q: Can I fit a standard 9×13 inch baking dish inside a 2.0 cu ft microwave?
A: Yes, most 2.0 cu ft microwaves can easily fit a 9×13 inch baking dish, and often larger ones too.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture and steam. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results without over or undercooking.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a painted interior?
A: Yes, a stainless steel interior is generally considered better. It’s more durable, easier to clean, and doesn’t scratch or chip as easily as painted interiors.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with convection cooking?
A: If you want to do more than just reheat, like baking or roasting, then yes. Convection cooking adds versatility to your microwave.
Q: How do I clean a large microwave interior?
A: You can clean it by heating a bowl of water with lemon slices or vinegar for a few minutes. The steam will loosen food splatters, making them easy to wipe away.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with larger microwaves?
A: No, larger microwaves are just as safe as smaller ones when used properly. Always ensure the door is closed securely before operating.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!