Imagine this: you’re ready to reheat leftovers, pop some popcorn, or even cook a quick meal, but your current microwave feels like a cramped shoebox. You can barely fit a dinner plate inside, let alone a casserole dish for family night. Sound familiar? For many of us, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and a microwave is a vital tool, but finding one that’s truly *large enough* can feel like a frustrating treasure hunt.
Choosing a large countertop microwave isn’t just about size; it’s about convenience, versatility, and making your kitchen life easier. But with so many brands, features, and capacities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You want a microwave that cooks evenly, has enough space for your needs, and fits perfectly on your counter without taking over. We get it – the struggle is real!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a large countertop microwave. We’ll break down the important features, explain different capacities, and help you discover the perfect model that will make cooking and reheating a breeze. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave frustration and hello to effortless meal prep!
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: 9.0/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large, powerful countertop microwave designed to make cooking and reheating easier for busy families. Its generous 2.2 cubic feet capacity means you can fit big items like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza inside. Plus, with 1200 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- The large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity is fantastic for family-sized meals and fits even large dishes.
- The 1200W power cooks food fast and efficiently.
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of reheating, ensuring food is cooked perfectly and stays moist.
- Six handy auto-cook menus cover common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, and oatmeal.
- Auto-Defrost takes the stress out of thawing meat, poultry, and fish.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- You can turn off the microwave’s beeping sound with the Mute Option, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The 16.5-inch turntable remembers its position, making it easy to put dishes in and take them out.
- Simple controls and features like speedy cooking and multi-stage cooking make it easy to use for everyone.
- Safety features like a child lock are included for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a large capacity, it takes up a significant amount of counter space.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a large, feature-rich appliance. It simplifies daily cooking tasks with its smart technology and generous size.
2. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a large and capable appliance designed for busy households. Its stainless steel finish looks sleek in any kitchen. This microwave offers smart cooking features and plenty of space for family-sized meals.
What We Like:
- It has a huge 2.2 cubic feet capacity, perfect for cooking large dishes or multiple items at once.
- The Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor cooks food evenly, so there are no cold spots.
- It comes with 6 automatic menus for quick and easy cooking of common foods.
- The 1200-watt power cooks food fast.
- A two-step child lock adds an important safety feature for families with young children.
- The 16.5-inch turntable easily fits large plates and platters.
- It offers 10 different power levels for precise cooking control.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more manual control for specific recipes.
Overall, this TOSHIBA microwave is a powerful and smart addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking for a large family much easier.
3. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.7/10
This SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerhouse for any kitchen. Its large capacity and high wattage make it ideal for families and busy households. The sleek stainless steel design looks great on any counter, and the new gray interior, white LED display, and LED lighting add a modern touch.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cubic feet capacity easily fits large dishes and multiple servings.
- 1200 watts of power cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- The 16.5-inch carousel turntable ensures even cooking and heating.
- New Inverter Cooking Technology provides precise and consistent results.
- Sensor Cook and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Convenient features like “+30 seconds” and “Express Cook” make reheating a breeze.
- Weight and Time Defrost options are super handy for quick thawing.
- Melt/Soften function is perfect for delicate ingredients.
- 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking offer great control.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up a lot of counter space in smaller kitchens.
- While the LED display is bright, some users might prefer a more traditional dial interface.
This SHARP microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and smart features for everyday cooking needs.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up meals or cooking quick snacks. This microwave boasts a powerful 1000-watt output, ensuring your food heats up fast. Its sleek black design and easy-to-clean interior make it a stylish and practical choice.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results every time.
- It comes with 6 preset menu options, making it super easy to cook popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for all your cooking needs.
- Defrosting is a breeze with options for weight or time. Plus, the one-touch start gets you cooking quickly.
- The Mute Function is a game-changer! You can turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for more variety in the auto-cook options.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some compact microwaves, so measure your counter space carefully.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and user-friendly appliance. Its advanced features and thoughtful design make it a top pick for simplifying your cooking routine.
5. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a super versatile kitchen helper. This black stainless steel appliance packs a lot of power and features into a compact size. It’s not just a microwave; it can also air fry, bake with convection, broil, and more. This makes it a real space-saver for any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: You can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and use other special modes like odor removal. This means you can cook many different kinds of food.
- Healthy air frying: You can enjoy crispy fried foods with less oil, which is great for healthier eating.
- Powerful cooking: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- Spacious interior: Despite its compact size, the 1.0 cu.ft. interior and 12.4-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient features: It has one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, a position memory turntable that remembers where your food was, and a mute function.
- Safety first: The two-step child lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Stylish look: The black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen and the interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “position memory turntable” feature requires a specific setup to work correctly, which might take a moment to figure out.
- While it has many functions, mastering all 8 modes might take some practice.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one appliance that offers convenience and healthy cooking options. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen tasks.
Choosing the Right Large Countertop Microwave Oven
Finding a large countertop microwave oven can make your kitchen life so much easier. These appliances are workhorses, perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking meals, and even defrosting frozen foods. But with so many options, how do you pick the best one for your needs? This guide will help you navigate the choices.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a large countertop microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This measures the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 1000 watts for good performance.
- Capacity: “Large” usually means 1.5 cubic feet or more. This is great for fitting bigger dishes, like a whole chicken or a casserole.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable fits bigger plates and helps food cook more evenly. Check its diameter.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature adjusts cooking time and power automatically based on the food’s steam. It prevents overcooking or undercooking.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the microwave.
- Interior Light: A good light helps you see your food as it cooks.
- Easy-Clean Interior: Non-stick coatings make cleaning up splatters much simpler.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave’s construction affect its durability and how it performs.
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks sleek and is very durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
- Interior: The inside of the microwave is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to clean. Some have a ceramic enamel coating, which is also a good option for easy cleaning.
- Door: The door is typically glass, often with a metal frame. Look for a sturdy handle that feels good to use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a microwave oven better or worse.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-built will last longer. Doors that close smoothly and buttons that are easy to press are good signs.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly on all sides. This is often due to good wattage distribution and a well-functioning turntable.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are known to be quieter.
- Ease of Use: A microwave with a simple control panel and clear instructions is a joy to use. Confusing buttons can be frustrating.
- Durability: A high-quality microwave should withstand daily use for many years.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your microwave will guide your choice.
- Busy Families: Large microwaves are perfect for quickly heating up meals for multiple people. Preset buttons and sensor cooking save time.
- Apartment Dwellers: If you have limited kitchen space but need more cooking power than a small microwave, a large countertop model can be a great fit.
- Frequent Cooks: If you regularly reheat leftovers, bake potatoes, or steam vegetables, a powerful and feature-rich microwave will be very useful.
- Entertaining: Need to warm up appetizers or keep dishes warm for a party? A large microwave handles these tasks with ease.
- Defrosting: Large capacity microwaves make it easy to defrost larger items like a whole chicken or a big roast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is considered a “large” countertop microwave oven?
A: A large countertop microwave oven typically has a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet or more. This gives you plenty of space for bigger dishes.
Q: How important is wattage for a microwave?
A: Wattage is very important. Higher wattage means your food cooks faster. For a large microwave, aim for at least 1000 watts for the best results.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long and at what power your food needs to cook. It helps prevent your food from being overcooked or undercooked.
Q: Is stainless steel better than plastic for a microwave?
A: Stainless steel is generally more durable and looks more modern. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive. Both can work well, but stainless steel tends to last longer.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Many microwaves have easy-clean interiors. You can usually wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have non-stick coatings that make cleaning even easier.
Q: What is a turntable, and why is it important?
A: A turntable is the rotating plate inside the microwave. It helps your food cook more evenly by turning it as it heats.
Q: Should I look for preset cooking options?
A: Preset options can be very helpful. They have buttons for common foods like popcorn or potatoes, making it simple to cook them perfectly without guessing.
Q: How much space do I need for a large countertop microwave?
A: Measure your counter space before you buy! Large microwaves can be quite big, so make sure you have enough room for the appliance itself and for the door to open fully.
Q: Can a large microwave replace my oven?
A: A microwave is excellent for reheating and cooking many things quickly. However, it usually cannot bake or roast in the same way a conventional oven can.
Q: Are there microwaves with special features for families with young children?
A: Yes, many large countertop microwaves come with a child lock feature. This is a safety setting that prevents the microwave from being turned on accidentally.
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!