Imagine a world where your leftovers are ready in a flash, your popcorn pops perfectly every time, and defrosting meat doesn’t take hours. That’s the magic of a microwave! But when it comes to “Big Microwaves,” the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you need more space for that giant casserole dish? Are you tired of uneven heating? Finding the right one can feel like a chore, leaving you with buyer’s remorse.
This post is here to help! We’ll dive deep into what makes a Big Microwave truly great. You’ll learn about the different features that matter, from powerful wattage to smart cooking presets. We’ll break down the confusing jargon and show you how to pick a model that fits your kitchen and your needs. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave mishaps and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 Big Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Big Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), a large countertop microwave designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. This stainless steel appliance boasts a generous 2.2 cubic feet of space, meaning it can handle big meals and family-sized dishes with ease. With 1200 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Huge Capacity: The 2.2 cu. ft. size is fantastic for cooking large items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- Smart Cooking: The humidity sensor and 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is heated evenly and stays moist.
- Versatile Presets: You get 6 helpful auto menus for common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal.
- Gentle Defrosting: The Auto-Defrost function is great for safely thawing meats, poultry, and fish, giving you better results.
- User-Friendly Features: It includes convenient options like one-pound defrost, an ECO mode to save energy, and a mute option for quiet operation. The position memory turntable is a neat touch for easy unloading.
- Safety First: A child safety lock provides peace of mind for families with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While generally easy to use, mastering all the advanced features like multi-stage cooking might take a little practice.
- Countertop Footprint: Its large size means it will take up a significant amount of counter space.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and feature-rich appliance that can handle almost any kitchen need. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for convenience and performance.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of guessing how long to microwave your food? The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven takes the guesswork out of cooking with its smart humidity sensor. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave boasts a powerful 1000 watts, ensuring quick and efficient heating. Its sleek black design fits perfectly on any countertop and can even handle a 12-inch pizza thanks to its generous interior and 12.4-inch removable turntable. Plus, with 12 pre-programmed auto menus, you can easily heat popular foods like potatoes and vegetables with just the touch of a button. It also features a handy mute function and an ECO mode to save energy.
What We Like:
- The smart humidity sensor cooks food perfectly every time.
- It has a large 1.2 cubic foot capacity, fitting even a 12-inch pizza.
- 12 auto menus make cooking common foods super easy.
- The mute function is great for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- ECO mode helps save on electricity bills.
- The interior is easy to clean after cooking.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel, while clear, has a protective film that needs to be removed before first use.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for convenience and smart cooking features. It simplifies meal prep and offers a user-friendly experience.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 9.5/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its 1.1 cubic foot capacity and 1000 watts of power make it great for heating and cooking all sorts of food. The sleek stainless steel design looks modern, and it comes with helpful features like auto menus and power level adjustments.
What We Like:
- The Express Cook feature with 6 presets makes cooking common items super easy.
- You have lots of control with 10 power levels, perfect for everything from defrosting to cooking.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite settings for quick reheating.
- You can even use two cooking cycles in a row with multiphase cooking.
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet late-night snacks.
- Eco mode helps save energy by dimming the display.
- The +30 second button is handy for quick bursts of heat.
- A child safety lock adds peace of mind.
- It’s UL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stainless steel looks good, it might show fingerprints easily and require frequent wiping.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger dishes or multiple items.
This Chefman microwave offers a great mix of convenience and power for everyday cooking needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly countertop microwave.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact powerhouse, perfect for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Its 0.7 cubic foot capacity and 700 watts of power handle everyday cooking tasks with ease. With 10 power levels and 6 convenient cooking presets, you can quickly heat up leftovers, pop popcorn, or warm your favorite beverage with just a touch. The sleek black design fits into any kitchen decor, and thoughtful features like a child safety lock and a mute button add extra convenience and peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Extra-quick cooking with six popular presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, and leftovers.
- 10 power levels from low to high for flexible cooking.
- Digital controls make it easy to set time and power.
- Memory function lets you program frequently used settings for one-touch cooking.
- Child safety lock and Lock Mode enhance safety.
- Mute option silences beeps for quiet operation.
- Eco Mode saves power and disables the display.
- Durable exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- cETL approved with advanced safety technology and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger meals or families.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking features.
This Chefman microwave offers great value and convenience for everyday use. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance that makes cooking simpler.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a handy appliance for any kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it great for smaller spaces. This microwave heats food quickly with its 700 watts of power. It also looks stylish with its stainless steel finish.
What We Like:
- It has special buttons for cooking common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and frozen vegetables.
- The express cooking feature lets you heat food for 30 seconds with just one button press.
- A big LED screen makes it easy to see the time and settings.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- It has a removable glass plate that is easy to clean.
- The door opens with a simple button push.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 0.7 cubic feet capacity a bit small for larger meals or dishes.
- While it has many useful features, it doesn’t offer advanced cooking options like convection.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and easy-to-use microwave for daily tasks. It offers a good balance of features and affordability.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Big Microwave Adventure
So, you’re in the market for a big microwave. Maybe your old one is too small, or you’re feeding a hungry family. Whatever the reason, choosing the right one can be a bit tricky. Let’s break down what makes a big microwave great.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a large microwave, keep these important things in mind:
- Capacity: This is the most obvious. Big microwaves usually start around 1.6 cubic feet and go up from there. Think about how much food you usually heat or cook. Do you warm up large casseroles or cook family-sized meals? Make sure the inside is big enough for your needs.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most big microwaves are 1000 watts or more. This is good for heating food quickly and evenly.
- Turntable Size: A bigger turntable means you can fit larger dishes. Some big microwaves have extra-large turntables, which are super helpful.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking easy. Look for settings that match what you cook most often.
- Convection Cooking: Some big microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is called convection cooking. It’s a great feature if you want more cooking options.
- Sensor Cooking: This technology senses the moisture in your food. It then adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature is a must. It stops them from turning the microwave on by accident.
Important Materials
What your microwave is made of matters.
- Stainless Steel: Many big microwaves have stainless steel exteriors and interiors. This material looks sleek and is easy to clean. It’s also durable.
- Plastic: The inside cavity is usually made of a strong plastic. Make sure it’s BPA-free for your health.
- Glass: The turntable is typically made of tempered glass. This glass is strong and can handle heat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should be responsive. A sturdy build means it will last longer.
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food evenly. No one likes cold spots in their leftovers! Look for reviews that mention even cooking.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on how noisy the microwave is.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean. Non-stick interiors are a bonus.
- Energy Efficiency: While most microwaves use a good amount of energy, some are more efficient than others. Look for Energy Star ratings if this is important to you.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your big microwave.
- Family Meals: Large families can benefit from the extra space to heat up multiple dishes or cook larger portions.
- Entertaining: When you have guests, a big microwave can quickly heat appetizers or warm up side dishes.
- Meal Prepping: If you prepare meals in advance, a big microwave makes reheating your pre-portioned meals a breeze.
- Busy Households: For busy parents or professionals, the speed and convenience of a powerful, large microwave save precious time.
- Versatile Cooking: Microwaves with convection features open up new possibilities, allowing you to bake, roast, and broil alongside traditional microwave cooking.
Choosing a big microwave is about matching its features to your lifestyle. With these tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect one for your kitchen.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Big Microwaves
Q: What is considered a “big” microwave?
A: A “big” microwave usually refers to models with a capacity of 1.6 cubic feet or larger. These offer more interior space for bigger dishes.
Q: How much wattage do I need for a big microwave?
A: For a big microwave, aim for 1000 watts or higher. This ensures faster and more even cooking for larger amounts of food.
Q: Is convection cooking worth it in a big microwave?
A: Yes, convection cooking adds versatility. It allows you to bake, roast, and broil, making your microwave more like a second oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a large microwave?
A: Most large microwaves have removable glass turntables that you can wash like a dish. Wipe down the interior walls with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have non-stick interiors for easier cleaning.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses moisture sensors to automatically adjust cooking time and power. This helps prevent your food from getting overcooked or staying undercooked.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves harder to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel exteriors can show fingerprints, but they are generally easy to wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Stainless steel interiors are very durable and easy to wipe down.
Q: Can I fit a large rectangular baking dish in a big microwave?
A: Most big microwaves have large turntables, often 13 inches or more in diameter. This usually allows for fitting larger rectangular or oval dishes, but it’s always best to check the specific interior dimensions.
Q: How important is the turntable size in a big microwave?
A: The turntable size is very important. A larger turntable allows you to use bigger plates and dishes, making it more convenient for family-sized meals.
Q: What are the benefits of a child lock feature?
A: A child lock prevents young children from accidentally starting or operating the microwave, ensuring safety in your kitchen.
Q: How long should a good quality big microwave last?
A: With proper care and regular use, a good quality big microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years, or even longer.
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!