Imagine trying to reheat a whole pizza or cook a large batch of popcorn for a party, only to realize your microwave is just too small. It’s a common frustration, isn’t it? When you need to handle bigger meals or feed a crowd, a standard microwave just doesn’t cut it. That’s where large microwave ovens come in, offering the space and power to tackle those bigger kitchen tasks.
But with so many models boasting different sizes, wattages, and features, how do you pick the one that’s truly right for your needs? It can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’re getting the best value or the most convenient option. You want a microwave that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking style without any guesswork.
This guide is here to help you navigate the world of large microwave ovens. We’ll break down what makes them special, what to look for when shopping, and how to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that makes your meal prep and reheating a breeze, no matter the size of the dish.
Our Top 5 Large Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
Feeding a crowd or just love leftovers? The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a super-sized countertop microwave that’s ready for anything. Its huge 2.2 cubic feet of space means you can easily heat up a whole chicken or a giant pizza. Plus, with 1200 watts of power, your food heats up fast. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: It easily fits big items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor helps cook your food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Convenient Auto Menus: Six helpful menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Easy Auto Defrost: Defrost meats, poultry, and fish perfectly without overcooking.
- User-Friendly Features: It has simple controls, an energy-saving ECO mode, and a mute option for quiet operation.
- Position Memory Turntable: The turntable remembers where your food was, so it’s easier to remove.
- Safety First: A child lock keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: Its large size might not fit well in very small kitchens.
- Complexity for Some: While generally easy to use, some advanced features might take a moment to learn.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic choice for busy families who need a powerful and spacious appliance. It simplifies cooking with its smart features and large capacity.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It has a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals. The 1000-watt power ensures your food gets hot fast. Plus, it comes in a sleek black color that looks good on any countertop. This microwave makes cooking easier with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically figures out how long to cook your food, so you don’t have to guess. Your meals come out perfectly every time – no more dry chicken or soggy pizza!
- It has 6 preset menu options for popular foods. This means you can cook things like pizza or vegetables with just one button press.
- You get 10 different power levels. This gives you a lot of control over your cooking. You can gently warm something or quickly boil water.
- The Easy Defrost feature lets you defrost food by weight or time. It’s very convenient.
- The One-Touch Start button is great for quick heating. You can start it for up to 6 minutes at full power with just one touch.
- The Mute Mode is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the annoying beeping sound by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- Cleaning is simple thanks to the Easy Clean Interior.
- It includes a large 12.4-inch glass turntable that removes easily for cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, the description mentions “12 Auto Menus” in the title. This could be confusing for shoppers.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is a bit higher than some other microwaves. Make sure your kitchen’s electrical system can handle it.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart choice for anyone looking for convenience and great cooking results. Its advanced features make meal prep a breeze.
3. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super handy appliance for any kitchen. It does more than just heat up leftovers. You can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection cooking. This makes it a true all-in-one helper for all your cooking adventures.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 machine, so you can cook in many ways: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power for fast cooking.
- The air fryer has 11 special menus for things like fries, chicken, and fish.
- You can quickly start cooking at full power with just one button press.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from messing with the settings.
- Its stainless steel look is stylish and fits well on most countertops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger meals or families.
- While it has many features, learning all the different cooking modes might take a little time.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a versatile addition to your kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in a compact size, making it a great choice for those who want to do more than just microwave.
4. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) is a large, stainless steel countertop microwave designed for busy families. Its 2.2 cubic feet of space can handle big meals and multiple dishes. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with smart sensor technology and pre-set menus.
What We Like:
- The large 2.2 cu ft capacity is great for cooking for a big family.
- The Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor cooks food evenly, avoiding cold spots.
- Six automatic sensor cook and auto menus make cooking different foods easy.
- The 10 power levels offer flexibility for all your cooking needs.
- A two-step child lock keeps little hands out and ensures safety.
- The 16.5-inch removable turntable fits large plates and dishes.
- Its 1200-watt power cooks food quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so it needs a lot of counter space.
- While it has auto menus, some users might prefer more manual control options for very specific recipes.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a powerful and convenient appliance for any kitchen that needs to feed a crowd. It offers smart features that simplify meal preparation.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven – your new kitchen workhorse! This spacious, 2.2 cubic feet microwave is designed to handle all your cooking and reheating needs. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. Plus, it features a large 16.5-inch turntable that ensures your food cooks evenly every time.
What We Like:
- Huge 2.2 cu. ft. capacity is great for families.
- 1200 watts of power means fast cooking.
- The 16.5″ carousel turntable makes sure food cooks evenly.
- New gray interior and bright LED lighting make it easy to see inside.
- Inverter Cooking Technology cooks food perfectly.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook make cooking simple.
- “+30 seconds” and “Express Cook” buttons are super convenient.
- Weight and Time Defrost quickly thaws food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up a lot of counter space.
- Some of the advanced features might take a little time to learn.
This SHARP microwave is a powerful and user-friendly appliance for busy kitchens. It makes cooking and reheating a breeze.
Choosing the Right Large Microwave Oven: Your Guide to Big Bites
A large microwave oven is a kitchen workhorse. It can heat up leftovers, defrost frozen meals, and even cook entire dishes. If you’re feeding a family or often entertain guests, a bigger microwave is a smart choice. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you find a large microwave that fits your needs and budget.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity (Cubic Feet)
- This is the most important feature for a large microwave.
- Measure your largest dishes, like casserole pans or baking sheets.
- Look for microwaves with 1.5 cubic feet or more.
- A bigger capacity means you can fit more food in at once.
2. Wattage (Power)
- Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Most large microwaves have 1000 watts or more.
- More power helps cook food evenly and quickly.
3. Turntable Size and Type
- A larger turntable rotates food for even heating.
- Check if the turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
- Some microwaves have a turntable on/off option for square dishes.
4. Preset Cooking Programs
- These are handy buttons for specific foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes.
- They take the guesswork out of cooking times and power levels.
- More programs mean more convenience.
5. Sensor Cooking
- This smart feature detects steam and adjusts cooking time.
- It prevents overcooking or undercooking your food.
- Sensor cooking makes meals more consistent.
6. Interior Light and Visibility
- A good interior light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Look for clear doors so you can easily check on your meal.
7. Ease of Cleaning
- A non-stick interior coating makes wiping spills simple.
- Removable turntables are also a big help.
Important Materials
Most microwave interiors are made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Coated interiors are often less expensive but can chip or scratch over time. The exterior can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better components and have more reliable products.
- Build Quality: A sturdy door that closes securely and a solid casing indicate good construction.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves cook food uniformly without hot or cold spots.
- User-Friendly Controls: Intuitive buttons and clear displays make using the microwave simple.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels lightweight or has a wobbly door might not last long.
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is always cooked unevenly, the microwave’s heating system may be faulty.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or hard-to-read displays can be frustrating.
- Noise: Some microwaves are louder than others. A quiet operation is a plus.
User Experience and Use Cases
A large microwave oven is perfect for busy families. You can reheat multiple plates at once for dinner. It’s also great for defrosting large cuts of meat quickly. If you love to bake or cook large meals, a big microwave can help with warming dishes or even cooking certain items. For college students or those living alone, a large microwave offers more flexibility for meal prep and storing leftovers. It simplifies cooking for a crowd and makes mealtime less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big is a “large” microwave?
A: A large microwave usually has a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet or more. This means it can hold bigger dishes and more food.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage is the power of the microwave. Higher wattage, like 1000 watts or more, means your food will cook faster and more evenly.
Q: Is a turntable important in a large microwave?
A: Yes, a turntable rotates your food as it cooks. This helps to heat everything evenly, preventing cold spots.
Q: What are sensor cooking presets?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. You just put your food in, select the type of food, and the microwave does the rest.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a large microwave?
A: Some large microwaves are powerful enough to cook smaller chickens, but it depends on the size of the chicken and the microwave’s capacity. Check the oven’s manual for guidance.
Q: How do I clean a large microwave?
A: Most large microwaves have removable turntables that you can wash. For the interior, a damp cloth with mild soap usually works well. Non-stick interiors are the easiest to clean.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than coated ones?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. Coated interiors can be less expensive but may scratch or chip over time.
Q: What if my large microwave doesn’t cook evenly?
A: Make sure the turntable is clean and spinning correctly. Also, try rearranging the food halfway through cooking. If the problem continues, there might be an issue with the microwave’s heating element.
Q: Do large microwaves use a lot of electricity?
A: Microwaves use electricity when they are running. Larger microwaves with higher wattage might use a bit more power, but they also cook food faster, which can save energy overall.
Q: Where should I place my large microwave?
A: Ensure there is enough space around the microwave for proper ventilation. Most microwaves need at least 3 inches of clearance on the sides and back, and 1 inch on top.
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!