Imagine this: you pull a giant, steaming casserole out of the oven, but it just won’t fit in your microwave. Or maybe you’re trying to reheat leftovers for the whole family, and you have to do it in batches. Sound familiar? For many of us, our current microwave feels a little… small. We need something that can handle bigger meals, more people, and maybe even a few more cooking functions.
Choosing a large countertop microwave oven can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider! You want one that’s big enough, but not too big for your kitchen. You need it to cook well, but you don’t want to break the bank. It’s a balance, and finding that perfect fit can be tricky.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll walk you through what to look for, the important features to consider, and how to pick the best large countertop microwave oven for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to make a smart choice that will make your kitchen life much easier.
Our Top 5 Large Countertop Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Countertop Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.5/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large, powerful countertop microwave designed to handle all your cooking and reheating needs. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and 1200 watts of power mean it can easily cook a whole chicken or fit a 16-inch pizza, making it ideal for busy families. This microwave also boasts smart features like a humidity sensor and pre-programmed menus to ensure your food is heated perfectly.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 2.2 cu. ft. size fits big meals, like a whole chicken or a large pizza.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The humidity sensor helps cook food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Helpful Auto Menus: Six pre-set menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Efficient Auto Defrost: It defrosts meat, poultry, and fish like a natural process, giving great results.
- User-Friendly Features: Easy one-pound defrost, an ECO mode to save energy, and a mute option for quiet operation are very handy.
- Convenient Memory Function: The position memory turntable ensures your food is perfectly aligned after spinning.
What Could Be Improved:
- Interface Complexity: Some users might find the range of features a little overwhelming at first.
- Countertop Space: Its large size means it takes up a good amount of counter space.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic appliance for anyone needing a large, smart, and powerful addition to their kitchen. It makes everyday cooking and reheating simpler and more efficient.
2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.3/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a large appliance that can handle all your cooking needs. Its family-sized 2.2 cubic feet capacity means you can fit big dishes inside. The powerful 1200-watt cooking power heats food quickly. The stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave also has a brand-new gray interior, a bright white LED display, and new LED interior lighting so you can see your food clearly.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cubic feet capacity is great for family meals.
- 1200 watts of power cooks food fast.
- The 16.5-inch carousel turntable ensures even cooking.
- New Inverter Cooking Technology provides better results.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook features make cooking simple.
- The convenient “+30 seconds” key is handy.
- Weight and Time Defrost works well for thawing food.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking with one button.
- The new LED interior lighting makes it easy to see inside.
- The new gray interior and white LED display add a modern touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might not fit in smaller kitchens.
- Some users might find the many features a bit overwhelming at first.
This SHARP microwave oven is a fantastic choice for busy families. It offers a lot of power and smart features to make cooking easier.
3. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a spacious and smart appliance designed for busy households. Its large 2.2 cubic feet capacity easily handles big meals, while the sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its advanced features.
What We Like:
- The 1200-watt Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor cooks food evenly. It prevents undercooking or overcooking because a built-in humidity sensor adjusts the power and cooking time.
- It has 6 Automatic Sensor Cook & Auto Menus that make cooking and reheating meals, snacks, and drinks super easy. You just pick a setting, and the microwave does the rest.
- With 10 power levels, you can do everything from defrosting frozen food to boiling water or cooking full meals. This gives you lots of options for your cooking needs.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature that stops little hands from turning the microwave on by accident. It keeps your kids safe.
- The large 16.5-inch removable turntable fits big dishes and platters, and it’s easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large (24.4 x 21.6 x 13.6 inches), so make sure you have enough counter space before buying.
- While it has many features, some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the sensor menus a bit challenging at first.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic choice for families needing a large, capable, and user-friendly appliance. Its smart technology and ample space make meal preparation a breeze.
4. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter? The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is here to help! This sleek black stainless steel appliance does more than just reheat your leftovers. It’s a true kitchen multitasker, ready to air fry your favorite snacks, bake a small cake, or even broil some chicken. With its smart features like a position memory turntable and odor removal, it makes cooking easier and your kitchen smell fresher.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more, saving you counter space.
- The healthy air fry option lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- A child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn button and easy-to-use knobs are a plus.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The two-step child lock requires a specific sequence to open, which might take a moment to learn.
- While compact, it might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It offers great versatility and convenience for everyday cooking needs.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven, a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. This 1.1 cubic feet microwave in black is designed for convenience and efficiency, making your everyday cooking tasks a breeze. Its modern look and updated features, like a gray interior and bright white LED display, add a touch of style. Plus, with 1000 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.1 cu. ft. capacity fits most family meals.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food fast.
- The 12.4″ carousel turntable ensures even cooking.
- 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking offer great control.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for quick reheating.
- Auto Cook and Express Cook features make meal prep simple.
- Weight and Time Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing.
- New LED interior lighting makes it easy to see your food.
- The new gray interior is stylish and easy to clean.
- New white LED display is clear and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- While stylish, the black exterior might show fingerprints easily.
- The “New! Cooking platform” mention is a bit vague without more detail.
This SHARP microwave offers a great blend of power, capacity, and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for a reliable and efficient countertop appliance.
Your Guide to Choosing a Great Large Countertop Microwave
A large countertop microwave oven is a kitchen workhorse. It reheats leftovers, cooks meals, and defrosts food quickly. Picking the right one makes your cooking life much easier. This guide helps you find the best large microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Size
Large microwaves typically offer 1.5 cubic feet or more. This means you can fit bigger dishes, like a whole chicken or a casserole dish. Measure your counter space before you buy. Make sure the microwave fits with room to open the door and for air circulation.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most large microwaves are between 1000 and 1200 watts. A higher wattage is generally better for cooking and defrosting.
3. Cooking Presets and Functions
Many microwaves come with special buttons. These are for things like popcorn, pizza, or defrosting specific foods. Some also have sensor cooking. This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. Look for functions that match how you plan to use the microwave.
4. Turntable System
A good turntable makes sure food cooks evenly. Most large microwaves have a glass turntable. Some have larger or heavier-duty turntables that can handle bigger plates. Check if the turntable is removable for easy cleaning.
5. Ease of Use
The control panel should be easy to understand. Buttons should be clearly labeled. A digital display helps you see the cooking time. Some microwaves have intuitive touch controls. Others use simple push buttons. Think about what you find easiest to use.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have an exterior made of durable stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. Plastic is usually lighter and less expensive. The inside of the microwave is typically coated with enamel or a non-stick material. These coatings are easy to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Sturdy build: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Even cooking: The food should be heated all the way through. No cold spots!
- Reliable performance: The microwave should work consistently. It shouldn’t break down easily.
- Quiet operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Flimsy construction: A microwave that feels cheap might not last long.
- Uneven heating: This is a major frustration. You don’t want to reheat food multiple times.
- Difficult controls: If the buttons are confusing, you won’t enjoy using it.
- Poor insulation: This can let out heat and make the microwave less efficient.
User Experience and Use Cases
A large countertop microwave is perfect for families or anyone who cooks a lot. It’s great for reheating family-sized meals. You can also use it to cook side dishes or even main courses. If you have a busy schedule, a microwave saves you time. It’s also handy for quick snacks like popcorn or heating up soup.
For students living in dorms or apartments, a large microwave offers more cooking options. It can replace a small oven for many tasks. People who entertain often find it useful for keeping food warm or quickly preparing appetizers.
Think about your daily routine. How often do you use a microwave? What types of food do you heat up? Answering these questions will help you choose a microwave that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for a large countertop microwave?
A: Most large microwaves are between 1000 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is big enough?
A: Look for a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet or more. Measure your counter space first.
Q: What are microwave presets?
A: Presets are buttons for specific foods like popcorn or pizza. They set the cooking time and power for you.
Q: Is sensor cooking useful?
A: Yes, sensor cooking adjusts time and power based on the food’s moisture. It helps prevent over or undercooking.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: A good turntable helps your food cook evenly. Make sure it’s large enough for your dishes.
Q: What is the difference between stainless steel and plastic exteriors?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. Plastic is usually lighter and cheaper.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for a sturdy build, even cooking, and reliable performance. Read reviews from other buyers.
Q: Can a large microwave cook full meals?
A: Yes, many large microwaves can cook full meals, especially with advanced features.
Q: Are large microwaves hard to clean?
A: No, most have non-stick interiors and removable turntables that make cleaning easy.
Q: Where should I place a large countertop microwave?
A: Place it on a stable counter with enough space around it for ventilation and door opening.
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!