Does your kitchen feel a little cramped, but you still need a microwave that can handle family-sized meals? You’re not alone! Finding the perfect 2.2 cubic foot microwave can feel like a treasure hunt through a maze of features and brands. Many people want a microwave that’s big enough for a roast chicken or a large casserole, but they worry about it taking up too much counter space or being too complicated to use.
Choosing the right appliance is important because it affects your daily cooking and how smoothly your kitchen runs. You want a microwave that heats evenly, has easy-to-use buttons, and looks good in your kitchen, all without breaking the bank. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices out there, making it hard to know which one is the best fit for your needs.
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll discover what makes a great 2.2 cubic foot microwave. We’ll break down the key features to look for, compare popular models, and offer tips to help you pick the one that will make your kitchen life easier. Get ready to find a microwave that’s just right for you!
Our Top 5 2.2 Cu Ft Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 2.2 Cu Ft Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed to make cooking easier for busy households. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity means it can handle big meals, like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza. With 1200 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave also has smart features to help you cook perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Huge capacity is great for families and big meals.
- Smart sensor cooks food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Six handy auto-menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like bacon and oatmeal.
- Auto-defrost works well for meats, poultry, and fish.
- ECO mode saves energy, and the mute option lets you silence beeps.
- The position memory turntable puts your dish back where it started.
- Easy-to-use controls and a child safety lock add convenience and peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might not fit in smaller kitchens.
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all features a bit much.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and feature-rich appliance that simplifies meal prep. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for performance and convenience.
2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven! This big microwave has lots of room for all your food. It’s made of sleek stainless steel and looks great on any counter. Plus, it has cool new features like a gray interior and bright white LED lights inside and out.
What We Like:
- It’s super big, with 2.2 cubic feet of space, so you can cook or heat up family-sized meals.
- 1200 watts of power means it cooks food fast and evenly.
- The 16.5-inch turntable is extra large, helping your food cook perfectly every time.
- Inverter Cooking Technology makes sure your food is heated gently and thoroughly.
- There are 10 power levels, so you can choose just the right heat for anything you cook.
- The “+30 seconds” button is handy for quick reheating.
- Sensor Cook and Auto Cook take the guesswork out of cooking many different foods.
- Defrosting is easy with Weight and Time Defrost.
- The Express Cook button lets you start cooking for up to 6 minutes with just one press.
What Could Be Improved:
- Because it’s so large, it might take up a lot of counter space in smaller kitchens.
- With so many advanced features, it might take a little time to learn how to use them all.
This SHARP microwave is a fantastic choice for families who need a powerful and spacious appliance. It makes cooking and reheating food a breeze with its many smart features.
3. Panasonic 2.2 cu. ft. Stainless-Steel Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
Rating: 8.9/10
The Panasonic 2.2 cu. ft. Stainless-Steel Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology is a powerful appliance that can handle all your cooking needs. Its large capacity makes it ideal for families or for heating up larger meals. The sleek stainless-steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cubic feet capacity, perfect for big meals and family-sized portions.
- Inverter Technology ensures even cooking and better results by delivering consistent power.
- Stylish stainless-steel design that adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
- Simple and intuitive controls make it easy to operate, even for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
- While the stainless steel looks good, it can show fingerprints and smudges, requiring regular cleaning.
This Panasonic microwave is a solid choice for those needing a large, reliable appliance with advanced cooking technology. It definitely makes meal preparation more efficient.
4. Panasonic NN-SN98JS Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Countertop/Built-In with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor
Rating: 8.5/10
The Panasonic NN-SN98JS is a large, powerful microwave that can handle all your cooking needs. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop or can be built into your cabinetry. This microwave uses special Inverter Technology to cook food evenly and efficiently, keeping your meals flavorful and nutritious. It’s designed for busy families and makes reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 1250-watt power cooks food quickly and thoroughly.
- Inverter Technology ensures even heating, preventing overcooked spots.
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the defrosting process.
- The large 2.2 cubic foot capacity fits big dishes and family-sized meals.
- The 16.5-inch turntable can hold larger items.
- The Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for different foods.
- It offers 20 preset menu items for easy cooking.
- Features like a quick-minute timer, delay start, and child safety lock add convenience and peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up significant counter space for smaller kitchens.
- While powerful, the 1250 watts might be overkill for simple tasks.
This Panasonic microwave is a fantastic appliance for anyone who wants speed, convenience, and evenly cooked food. It’s a great investment for busy households.
5. Panasonic Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Panasonic NN-SN97JS microwave is a powerful and spacious appliance designed to make your cooking and reheating easier. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop or in a built-in setup. With 1250 watts of power and a large 2.2 cubic foot capacity, it can handle family-sized meals and larger dishes with ease.
What We Like:
- The Cyclonic Wave technology cooks food evenly and keeps flavors rich.
- Inverter Technology ensures consistent power, preventing overcooking.
- Turbo Defrost speeds up the thawing process significantly.
- The large 16.5-inch turntable fits big plates and casserole dishes.
- Genius Sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
- It has 20 preset menu items, making cooking common foods simple.
- The food warming feature keeps your dishes hot until you’re ready to eat.
- It includes a quick-minute timer, delay start, and a child safety lock for added convenience and safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for countertop or built-in, the specific installation requirements for built-in use aren’t detailed here.
- The 12.7A power draw is standard, but ensure your kitchen circuit can handle it, especially if other high-power appliances are in use.
This Panasonic microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering advanced features for efficient and delicious cooking. It’s a smart choice for families who need a reliable and versatile microwave.
Your Guide to a Super-Sized 2.2 Cu Ft Microwave
Are you looking for a microwave that can handle big meals and family-sized portions? A 2.2 cubic foot microwave might be just what you need! These large capacity microwaves are perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking family dinners, or even defrosting a whole turkey. Let’s dive into what makes these microwaves a great choice and how to pick the best one for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 2.2 cu ft microwave, several features can make a big difference in how you use it.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with at least 1000 watts for efficient heating.
- Turntable: A good turntable ensures even cooking. Many large microwaves have extra-large turntables to fit bigger dishes.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature that adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. This makes cooking simple.
- Child Lock: If you have kids, a child lock feature keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
- Interior Light: A bright interior light lets you easily see your food as it cooks.
- Easy-Clean Interior: Some microwaves have special coatings that make them easier to wipe down after use.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how well it works.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a popular choice because it’s durable and easy to clean. It also looks sleek in any kitchen.
- Ceramic Enamel Interior: This material is also easy to clean and scratch-resistant. It’s a good option if you want a budget-friendly choice.
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass turntable. Make sure it’s sturdy and fits the entire microwave space.
- Exterior Casing: Stainless steel exteriors are common and look modern. Plastic exteriors can be more affordable but might not be as durable.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make your microwave experience better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. Check that the door closes properly and the buttons are responsive.
- Even Heating: The best microwaves heat food evenly. You can test this by placing a plate of small marshmallows inside and seeing if they all puff up at the same time.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy. If you’re sensitive to sound, look for reviews that mention how loud the microwave is.
- User Interface: A microwave with a clear and simple control panel is easier to use. Buttons should be well-labeled.
- Durability: A good microwave should last for many years. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how well a specific model holds up over time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave most often.
- Family Meals: The large 2.2 cu ft size is perfect for reheating large dishes or cooking multiple items at once.
- Entertaining: If you often have guests, a big microwave makes it easy to warm up appetizers or side dishes quickly.
- Busy Households: For families with active schedules, a spacious microwave speeds up meal prep and clean-up.
- Specific Cooking Tasks: If you plan to use your microwave for more than just reheating, like baking or steaming, look for models with specialized features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main advantage of a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: The main advantage is its large capacity, which lets you cook or reheat bigger food items and larger portions.
Q: Are 2.2 cu ft microwaves energy efficient?
A: Energy efficiency can vary by model. Look for ENERGY STAR certified microwaves for better energy savings.
Q: Can I fit a whole chicken in a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: Many 2.2 cu ft microwaves are large enough to fit a small to medium-sized whole chicken, especially if it has a large turntable.
Q: Do I need special cookware for a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: You can use most microwave-safe cookware, including glass, ceramic, and some plastics. Always check the cookware’s instructions.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn stains, try heating a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are 2.2 cu ft microwaves more expensive than smaller ones?
A: Generally, larger microwaves tend to be more expensive due to their size and often more advanced features.
Q: What is the typical wattage for a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: Most 2.2 cu ft microwaves have wattages between 1000 to 1200 watts, providing powerful cooking performance.
Q: Can I use metal in a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: No, you should never put metal objects, including foil or dishes with metal trim, in the microwave as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the humidity released by food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results.
Q: Where should I place a 2.2 cu ft microwave in my kitchen?
A: Ensure it has proper ventilation. Place it on a sturdy countertop or a dedicated microwave cart, leaving some space around the sides and back.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!