Ever felt like your microwave is just too small for even a regular-sized dinner plate? Or maybe you’re tired of having to cut sandwiches in half just to fit them inside? You’re not alone! Many of us have faced the frustration of a microwave that just doesn’t cut it for our everyday cooking needs. Choosing a large countertop microwave can feel like a big decision, with so many sizes, features, and brands out there. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if you’re picking the right one for your kitchen and your family.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a large countertop microwave truly great. We’ll explore how to find one that fits your space, heats your food evenly, and makes cooking and reheating a breeze. You’ll learn about the important things to look for so you can stop guessing and start enjoying a microwave that actually works for you.
Get ready to discover how to pick the perfect large countertop microwave that will become a valuable and reliable tool in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and find the one that’s just right!
Our Top 5 Large Countertop Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Countertop Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a powerful and spacious countertop microwave designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its large 2.2 cubic foot capacity means you can heat up big meals, like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken, without any trouble. With 1200 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly. This microwave is packed with smart features that take the guesswork out of cooking and defrosting.
What We Like:
- The huge 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity is fantastic for families or when you need to cook larger items.
- Its 1200W power heats food super fast.
- The Smart Sensor and 6 Automatic Preset Menus ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time, keeping it moist and delicious.
- The Auto-Defrost function is a lifesaver for quickly and safely thawing meats.
- It’s very easy to use with simple controls and helpful features like the one-pound defrost and speedy cooking.
- The ECO Mode saves energy, and the Mute Option lets you cook without any annoying beeps.
- The position memory turntable is a neat feature that ensures your food is always in the best spot for even heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s large, it does take up a good amount of counter space.
- Some users might find the 6 auto menus a bit limited for highly specific cooking needs.
This Toshiba microwave is a great addition to any kitchen that needs a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It simplifies cooking and defrosting, making meal prep a breeze.
2. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of unevenly cooked meals or reheating leftovers with cold spots? The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven is here to make your kitchen life easier. This large, 2.2 cubic foot stainless steel microwave boasts powerful 1200-watt cooking and smart sensor technology to ensure your food is always cooked perfectly. It’s designed for busy households, offering convenience and safety features for everyone.
What We Like:
- The Origin Inverter technology provides incredibly even cooking and reheating, eliminating those frustrating cold spots.
- Smart Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power, so you don’t have to guess.
- With 6 automatic sensor cook and auto menus, preparing meals, snacks, or drinks is as simple as pressing a button.
- The spacious 2.2 cubic foot capacity easily fits large dishes and platters, perfect for big families.
- The 16.5-inch removable turntable handles bigger items with ease.
- 10 power levels offer great flexibility for all your cooking needs, from gentle defrosting to quick boiling.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature, giving parents peace of mind.
- The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully before buying.
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more manual control options for very specific recipes.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition for any family seeking efficient, even, and smart cooking. It takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a sleek black countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. Its 1.2 cubic feet of space is generous, and the 12.4-inch turntable handles larger plates with ease. This microwave boasts smart features that take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your meals come out just right.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking for perfect results.
- Six preset menu options simplify cooking popular foods.
- Ten power levels offer great flexibility for different cooking tasks.
- Easy Defrost feature lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- One-touch start gets you cooking quickly for up to 6 minutes.
- The Mute Function lets you turn off the buzzer for quiet operation.
- ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The easy-clean interior makes tidying up simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the features only mention 6 preset menus. This might be confusing for some buyers.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some compact microwaves, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a top pick for hassle-free cooking.
4. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.0/10
Introducing the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen multitasker! This sleek stainless steel appliance is more than just a microwave. It’s a countertop powerhouse designed to handle all your cooking needs. With its 0.9 cubic feet capacity and 900 watts of power, it’s perfect for busy families and small kitchens. Get ready to explore a world of culinary possibilities with this versatile oven.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast. This means you can cook almost anything!
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking. Just press a button for things like popcorn or frozen pizza.
- The air fryer function is amazing with 11 presets. You can make crispy fries, chicken wings, and more with simple operation.
- Speedy cooking is a breeze. Press start for 30 seconds of full power, or press again to add more time.
- The child-lock setting keeps little hands from accidentally changing the settings. Just press and hold the stop button.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- While it offers many functions, mastering each one might take a little practice for beginners.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility in a compact design. It simplifies cooking and opens up new meal possibilities.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.5/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a large, powerful appliance that can handle all your cooking needs. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. This microwave boasts a roomy 2.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for family-sized meals. With 1200 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly. The new gray interior, white LED display, and LED lighting make it modern and easy to see inside. Plus, the Inverter Cooking Technology ensures your food is cooked just right.
What We Like:
- The large 2.2 cubic feet capacity fits big dishes.
- 1200 watts of power cooks food fast.
- The 16.5-inch carousel turntable helps cook everything evenly.
- Inverter Cooking Technology provides better results.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook make preparing meals simple.
- The “+30 seconds” key is handy for quick reheating.
- Weight and Time Defrost works well for thawing.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking with one touch.
- The new gray interior and LED lighting are nice upgrades.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the large size takes up a lot of counter space.
- The stainless steel finish can show fingerprints.
This SHARP microwave is a powerful and spacious option for busy families. It offers a lot of smart features to make cooking easier.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Large Countertop Microwave**
When you need to heat up leftovers fast or whip up a quick meal, a microwave is a kitchen superhero. If you often cook for a crowd or prepare bigger dishes, a large countertop microwave is your best bet. These workhorses offer more space and power. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Why Choose a Large Countertop Microwave?
Large microwaves give you room to fit bigger plates, casserole dishes, and even multiple items. They are perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who loves to cook. You can reheat a whole chicken, bake a potato, or steam vegetables with ease.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a large countertop microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: This is the most crucial factor. Large microwaves typically range from 1.6 to 2.2 cubic feet. Measure your favorite dishes to ensure they fit comfortably.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for models between 1000 to 1200 watts for efficient heating.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable ensures even cooking. Most large models have turntables around 13-15 inches in diameter.
- Presets and Auto-Cook Options: These handy buttons take the guesswork out of cooking. They can cook popcorn, reheat beverages, or cook specific foods like baked potatoes.
- Sensor Cooking: This technology detects humidity and adjusts cooking time automatically. It prevents overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that prevents children from accidentally starting the microwave.
- Interior Light: Lets you easily see your food as it cooks.
- Easy-Clean Interior: A non-stick coating makes cleaning up spills a breeze.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have an exterior made of durable plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and is strong. The interior is usually coated with enamel or a ceramic material. These coatings resist stains and are easy to wipe clean. The turntable is typically made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave great?
- Build Quality: A sturdy construction means the microwave will last longer. Look for a solid door and a well-built control panel.
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food evenly. This comes from a well-designed interior and a properly functioning turntable.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
What can make a microwave less ideal?
- Flimsy Door: A door that feels weak might not seal properly, affecting cooking performance.
- Uneven Heating: This is a common problem. Food might be hot in some spots and cold in others.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a complicated menu make using the microwave frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
A large countertop microwave makes life easier.
- Families: Quickly heat up multiple servings of dinner.
- Entertaining: Warm appetizers or side dishes for guests.
- Meal Preppers: Reheat large batches of pre-cooked meals.
- Busy Individuals: Prepare quick lunches or snacks without much fuss.
You can defrost frozen meats, cook vegetables until tender, or even bake simple desserts. The large size means you won’t be struggling to fit your meal inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What is the best capacity for a large microwave?
A: For a large microwave, aim for at least 1.6 cubic feet. More space means you can fit bigger items.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: Most large microwaves have 1000 to 1200 watts. This provides fast and effective cooking.
Q: Are sensor cooking features worth it?
A: Yes, sensor cooking is very helpful. It automatically adjusts cooking time, preventing over or undercooking.
Q: What is the difference between enamel and ceramic interiors?
A: Both are designed to be easy to clean and durable. Ceramic interiors are often considered more scratch-resistant.
Q: How do I know if my dishes will fit?
A: Measure your favorite dishes and compare them to the microwave’s interior dimensions or turntable size.
Q: Is a stainless steel exterior better than plastic?
A: Stainless steel looks premium and is more durable. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive.
Q: What does “child lock” do?
A: The child lock feature prevents accidental operation of the microwave by young children.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a large microwave?
A: Yes, with a large capacity microwave, you can often cook smaller whole chickens or large portions of other meats.
Q: How important is the turntable size?
A: The turntable ensures food rotates for even heating. A larger turntable is better for larger dishes.
Q: What if I have limited counter space?
A: Even large microwaves have a footprint. Measure your counter space carefully before buying.
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!