Ever feel like your microwave is just too small? Maybe you’re trying to heat up leftovers for your whole family, or perhaps you’re baking a big batch of cookies and need more space. If you’ve ever wrestled with fitting a large casserole dish or a whole chicken into your current microwave, you know the frustration. It’s a common problem for many households, and finding the perfect large microwave can feel like a treasure hunt with no map.
Choosing a large microwave oven involves more than just looking at the size. You need to think about power, features, and how it will fit in your kitchen. Many people get overwhelmed by all the different models and technical terms. This can lead to buying a microwave that doesn’t quite meet your needs, leaving you disappointed. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate this!
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a great large microwave oven. We’ll break down the important features and what to look for, so you can confidently pick the best one for your kitchen and your busy life. Get ready to discover how a spacious microwave can make cooking and reheating so much easier!
Our Top 5 Large Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed for busy households. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts make it ideal for cooking big meals. You can easily fit a whole chicken or even a 16-inch pizza inside. This microwave boasts smart features that simplify cooking and ensure great results every time.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 2.2 cu. ft. size is fantastic for families and can handle large dishes.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor and 6 automatic menus take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring food is heated evenly and stays moist.
- Versatile Auto Menus: Six handy presets for common items like bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal are very convenient.
- Effective Auto Defrost: This feature defrosts meats, poultry, and fish realistically, giving you better results.
- User-Friendly Features: The one-pound auto-defrost, ECO mode for energy saving, and mute option for quiet operation add to its practicality.
- Helpful Functions: Speedy cooking, memory settings, multi-stage cooking, a child lock, interior light, and a clock make it a complete kitchen tool.
- Position Memory Turntable: The 16.5-inch turntable keeps food rotating for even cooking, and the position memory feature means it stops with the door facing forward.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size: For smaller kitchens, its large size might be a concern.
- Learning Curve: While generally easy to use, some of the advanced features might require a brief look at the manual.
Overall, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a powerful and feature-rich microwave that makes everyday cooking much easier. It’s a great addition to any kitchen looking for convenience and performance.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and smart kitchen helper. It boasts a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, easily fitting a 12-inch pizza. This microwave makes cooking a breeze with its 1000W of power and a smart humidity sensor that optimizes heating for common foods. Plus, it offers 12 pre-programmed auto menus, a handy mute function, and an ECO mode to save energy. Its sleek black design and easy-to-clean interior make it a stylish and practical addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 1000W power heats food quickly and evenly.
- Its large 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit big meals, like a 12-inch pizza.
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of reheating.
- 12 auto menus offer quick cooking for popular foods.
- The mute function lets you silence the beeps for a quieter kitchen.
- An ECO mode helps conserve energy.
- The easy-clean interior simplifies cleanup.
- The large digital display and clear control panel are easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior dimensions (W 20.6 in x D 16.0 in x H 11.8 in) might be large for very small kitchens.
- The user manual is provided as a PDF, which might be less convenient for some users than a physical copy.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich countertop appliance. It offers great performance and user-friendly features.
3. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) is a large countertop microwave oven designed to handle the cooking needs of a big family. Its 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power mean it can heat and cook food quickly and efficiently. The stainless steel finish gives it a sleek look that fits well in most kitchens. This microwave boasts smart features like sensor cook and multiple auto menus to make meal preparation simpler.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cu ft capacity is great for cooking large meals or multiple items at once, perfect for families.
- Origin Inverter technology ensures even heating and defrosting, preventing cold spots.
- Smart Sensor Cook automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfectly cooked food.
- Six automatic menus offer easy cooking for common foods and drinks.
- The 16.5-inch removable turntable fits large dishes.
- The Two-Step Child Lock provides essential safety for homes with young children.
- 10 power levels offer flexibility for various cooking tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- The “mandatory safety feature” explanation for the child lock could be clearer.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a powerful and feature-rich appliance that simplifies cooking for busy households. It’s a solid choice for those needing a large-capacity, reliable microwave.
4. Farberware Countertop Microwave 1100 Watts
Rating: 9.1/10
Introducing the Farberware Countertop Microwave, your new kitchen essential for quick and delicious meals. This 1100-watt powerhouse boasts a spacious 1.6 cubic feet interior, making it perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or any kitchen needing a reliable countertop companion. Its sleek stainless steel finish adds a touch of modern style, while smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1100-watt output cooks food fast.
- 1.6 cu ft capacity handles larger dishes.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking offer great control.
- Six one-touch cooking options like popcorn and potato make life easy.
- Defrost by weight or time is a time-saver.
- Bright LED interior lighting lets you watch your food.
- Child safety lock provides peace of mind.
- Easy-to-clean interior and exterior save you scrubbing time.
- Clear LED display shows the time and kitchen timer.
- Farberware is a trusted brand for quality kitchenware.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the exterior prone to fingerprints.
- The “smart sensor” cooking might require some initial adjustment for personal preference.
This Farberware microwave delivers both performance and convenience. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those with limited space.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven, a sleek and handy kitchen helper. Its stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. This microwave is designed for simple, everyday cooking and reheating. It’s a good size for small kitchens or dorm rooms. It has a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, which is just right for most meals and snacks.
What We Like:
- It has six pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for quick reheating.
- You can easily see cooking progress on the large LED digital display.
- The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.
- A child safety lock is included for peace of mind.
- The removable 10-inch glass turntable makes cleaning easy.
- It offers 10 different power settings to cook food just right.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a little longer to cook some foods compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic foot interior might be too small for very large dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for straightforward kitchen tasks. It offers useful features in a compact and stylish package.
Choosing the Perfect Large Microwave Oven
A large microwave oven can be a real time-saver in the kitchen. It heats food faster and can cook bigger meals. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity (Cubic Feet)
This is the most important thing for a large microwave. Think about how much food you usually cook. If you heat big dishes or cook for a family, you’ll want a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet or more. Smaller families might be okay with 1.0 to 1.4 cubic feet.
2. Wattage (Power)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For a large microwave, aim for 900 watts or higher. This will help cook your food evenly and quickly.
3. Cooking Presets and Sensor Cooking
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Sensor cooking is even better. It uses sensors to detect how much moisture is in your food and adjusts the cooking time. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
4. Turntable Size
A larger turntable means you can fit bigger plates and bowls inside. Most large microwaves have turntables that are 12 inches or more in diameter. Make sure the turntable can be turned off if you need to fit a rectangular dish.
5. Interior and Exterior Finish
The inside of the microwave should be easy to clean. Stainless steel or a smooth enamel coating is best. The outside finish should match your kitchen appliances. Stainless steel looks nice, but other colors like black or white are also available.
Important Materials
Microwaves are made from different materials. The outside is usually metal or plastic. The inside is often coated metal or ceramic. The door has a glass window with a metal mesh to block microwaves. Look for sturdy materials that feel well-made.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Better:
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food all the way through, without cold spots.
- User-Friendly Controls: Buttons should be clear and easy to understand.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy when running. A quieter one is more pleasant to use.
- Durability: A well-built microwave will last a long time.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Uneven Cooking: If food is cooked unevenly, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons make it hard to use.
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic or thin metal can break easily.
- Short Lifespan: A microwave that stops working after a year or two is a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
A large microwave is great for busy families. You can reheat leftovers for everyone at once. It’s perfect for cooking frozen meals or making popcorn for movie night. Some people use them to steam vegetables or bake potatoes. If you have a big family or entertain often, a large microwave is a smart choice.
Think about how you will use the microwave most. Will you be cooking full meals or just reheating drinks? This will help you decide which features are most important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 is the best wattage for a large microwave?
A: For faster and more even cooking, aim for 900 watts or higher.
Q: Do I need sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking is a helpful feature. It makes cooking easier by automatically adjusting the time. It’s not required, but it improves the user experience.
Q: Can I fit a rectangular dish in a large microwave?
A: Yes, if the turntable can be turned off. This allows you to place larger, non-round dishes inside.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a microwave?
A: Most microwave interiors can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have special easy-clean coatings.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better?
A: Stainless steel looks good and is durable. However, other finishes like enamel are also easy to clean and can be just as good.
Q: What if I only need to heat up small things?
A: If you only heat small items, a smaller microwave might be enough. But a large microwave still works for small items and gives you more options.
Q: How long should a large microwave last?
A: A good quality large microwave should last for several years, typically 5-10 years with proper care.
Q: Is it worth buying a microwave with many presets?
A: If you regularly cook the foods listed on the presets, it can save you time and effort. If not, you might not need them.
Q: What should I do if my microwave is cooking unevenly?
A: Try turning the food halfway through cooking. If it continues to cook unevenly, there might be an issue with the microwave’s heating element or distribution system.
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!