Imagine this: you’ve just pulled a piping hot dinner from the oven, but your old microwave is too small to even fit the side dish. Frustrating, right? If you’re tired of playing Tetris with your meals or wishing your microwave could handle more than just a single serving, then you’ve landed in the right spot. Choosing a microwave that’s just the right size can feel like a puzzle, especially when you’re looking at the larger 2 cubic feet models. You want something that cooks well, fits your space, and doesn’t break the bank.
This post is here to be your guide. We’ll cut through the confusion and highlight what truly matters when you’re shopping for a 2 cubic feet microwave. By the end of this read, you’ll feel confident knowing what features to look for, understand the benefits of this larger size, and be ready to pick the perfect appliance for your kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of spacious microwave cooking!
Our Top 5 2 Cu Ft Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 2 Cu Ft Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.9/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed to make your kitchen tasks easier. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200W heating capability handle big meals with ease. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a whole chicken, this microwave has you covered. It also features smart technology to help you cook perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity is great for families and fits large items like a 16-inch pizza.
- The Smart Sensor cooks food evenly and keeps it moist with 6 automatic preset menus.
- It has 6 helpful auto menus for common foods like bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal.
- Auto-Defrost is a lifesaver for quickly and safely thawing meat, poultry, and fish.
- It’s very easy to use with one-pound defrost, an energy-saving ECO mode, and a mute option so it won’t disturb you.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food is always in the right spot when the door opens.
- Other handy features include speedy cooking, multi-stage cooking, a child safety lock, an interior light, and a clock.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the large capacity is a pro, it might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular cleaning.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and user-friendly addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and reheating with its smart features and large capacity.
2. SAMSUNG 1.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Sensor Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
The SAMSUNG 1.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Sensor Cooking in Stainless Steel (MS19DG8500SRAA) is a powerful and spacious appliance that makes cooking and reheating meals simple and efficient. Its large capacity and smart features mean you can handle big family meals or just reheat leftovers with ease. The sleek stainless steel design also looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- Sensor Cooking is a Game Changer: This microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically figures out the right amount of time needed for your food, so you get perfectly cooked meals every time. No more undercooked or overcooked food!
- Huge Capacity: With 1.9 cubic feet of space, this is Samsung’s biggest countertop microwave. You can fit large dishes, casserole pans, or multiple plates inside, making it ideal for busy families or entertaining.
- Easy to Clean Interior: The inside is lined with durable ceramic enamel. This material resists scratches and is super easy to wipe clean. Spills and splatters won’t be a problem.
- Lots of Preset Options: It comes with many cooking presets. These buttons make it simple to cook popular foods like popcorn or potatoes with just a touch.
- Flexible Installation: You can even turn this countertop microwave into a built-in unit with an optional trim kit (sold separately). This gives you more options for fitting it into your kitchen design.
What Could Be Improved:
- Trim Kit is Extra: To get that sleek, built-in look, you have to buy the trim kit separately. It would be nice if it was included or at least an option to bundle.
This Samsung microwave offers impressive capacity and smart cooking technology. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use microwave with plenty of room for all their cooking needs.
3. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 8.6/10
The SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven is a large, powerful appliance designed to handle all your family’s cooking and reheating needs. Its spacious interior and high wattage make quick work of meals, while smart features ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Its huge 2.2 cubic feet capacity easily fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- The 1200 watts of power heats food quickly and efficiently.
- The new gray interior and bright white LED display look modern and are easy to see.
- LED interior lighting makes it simple to check on your food.
- New Inverter Cooking Technology provides even cooking and better results.
- The large 16.5-inch carousel turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all around.
- You have 10 power levels and a 2-stage cooking option for custom control.
- The convenient “+30 seconds” key lets you add cooking time with just one press.
- Melt/Soften functions are great for delicate items like butter or chocolate.
- Sensor Cook and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking and reheating.
- Auto Cook offers pre-programmed settings for popular foods.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing frozen foods fast and accurate.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking for up to 6 minutes with a single button press.
What Could Be Improved:
- For some kitchens, its large size might take up a lot of counter space.
- While powerful, the 1200 watts might be more than some users need for basic reheating.
This SHARP microwave is a fantastic option for busy families who need a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It makes cooking and reheating meals simple and efficient.
4. GE Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen, dorm room, or apartment with the GE Countertop Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a spacious 2.0 cubic feet of interior space and a powerful 1200 watts of cooking power. It’s designed for convenience with 8 auto-cook settings, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK is a great safety feature for families with young children. It prevents accidental starts and can be turned off when not needed.
- It’s COMPACT YET POWERFUL. The 1200 watts cook food quickly, and the 2.0 cubic feet capacity is surprisingly large for its size. The rotating glass turntable ensures even cooking.
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS take the guesswork out of cooking. The microwave automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results every time.
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST makes thawing food simple. Just enter the weight, or set your own time for defrosting.
- The CONVENIENT CONTROLS are easy to use. Instant On express cooking and multiple cooking modes are readily available. The kitchen timer and cooking complete alarms are helpful additions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stainless steel looks great, it can show fingerprints easily and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
- The user manual could be clearer about the specific functions of each of the 8 auto-cook settings.
This GE microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich cooking solution. Its combination of power, capacity, and smart features makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen space.
5. 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, powerful appliance designed to handle the cooking needs of a big family. Its stainless steel finish looks sleek in any kitchen. This microwave boasts smart features like sensor cook and auto menus, making meal prep easier than ever. It also includes important safety features for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cubic feet capacity is huge, perfect for large meals or multiple dishes.
- The Origin Inverter technology cooks food evenly without cold spots.
- Sensor Cook and 6 Auto Menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1200W power cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- The 16.5-inch removable turntable fits large plates and bowls easily.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature for families with young children.
- Ten power levels offer flexibility for various cooking tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The microwave is quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- The “mandatory safety feature” explanation for the child lock could be clearer.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen, offering power, convenience, and safety. It’s a solid choice for families who need a reliable and spacious microwave.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next Big Microwave
Why a 2 Cu Ft Microwave?
A 2 cubic foot microwave is a big appliance. It’s perfect for families or people who cook a lot. You can fit large dishes inside. This makes reheating leftovers or cooking meals much easier.
1. Key Features to Look For
Power (Wattage)
More watts mean faster cooking. Most 2 cu ft microwaves have 1000 watts or more. This is good power for cooking and reheating.
Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods. Think popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking.
Sensor Cooking
This is a smart feature. It senses the steam from your food. Then, it adjusts the cooking time and power. This prevents overcooking or undercooking.
Turntable Size
A good turntable makes sure your food cooks evenly. For a 2 cu ft microwave, you want a large turntable. This fits bigger plates and bowls.
Interior Light
A bright interior light lets you see your food while it cooks. This helps you check on your meal without opening the door.
Child Lock
This safety feature stops little hands from turning the microwave on. It gives parents peace of mind.
2. Important Materials
Exterior Casing
Most microwaves have a stainless steel or plastic exterior. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
Interior Coating
The inside of the microwave is usually coated. Common coatings are ceramic enamel or non-stick surfaces. These make cleaning easy. They also resist scratches.
Door Material
The door has a glass window. This lets you see inside. The door also has a handle. Make sure the handle feels sturdy.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels solid. It doesn’t wobble. The door opens and closes smoothly. Good build quality means it will last longer.
Brand Reputation
Some brands are known for making good appliances. Reading reviews can tell you which brands are reliable. A good brand often means better quality.
Noise Level
Some microwaves are louder than others. If you prefer a quiet kitchen, look for models with lower noise levels. This can be found in product descriptions or reviews.
Ease of Cleaning
A microwave with a smooth interior and removable turntable is easier to clean. Spills happen. You want to be able to wipe them up quickly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Family Meals
A 2 cu ft microwave is great for busy families. You can reheat large portions of dinner. It also cooks casseroles and other family-sized dishes.
Entertaining
Hosting a party? This microwave can help. You can warm up appetizers or keep dishes warm. It’s big enough for party platters.
Batch Cooking
If you like to cook meals ahead of time, this microwave is useful. You can reheat large containers of food. This saves you time during the week.
Large Cookware
Do you use big bowls or baking dishes? A 2 cu ft microwave can fit them. This means you don’t have to transfer food to smaller containers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does a 2 cu ft microwave typically cost?
A: Prices can range from $150 to $400 or more. It depends on the brand and features.
Q: Are 2 cu ft microwaves energy efficient?
A: Newer models are often more energy efficient. Look for Energy Star ratings if this is important to you.
Q: Can I fit a whole chicken in a 2 cu ft microwave?
A: Yes, many 2 cu ft microwaves are large enough for a whole chicken. Always check the interior dimensions before buying.
Q: Do I need a special outlet for a 2 cu ft microwave?
A: Most use a standard household outlet. Check the microwave’s power requirements to be sure.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my 2 cu ft microwave?
A: You can use a damp cloth with mild soap. For tough spots, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes. Then wipe clean.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a 2 cu ft microwave?
A: With proper care, a microwave can last 7-10 years.
Q: Is a 2 cu ft microwave too big for a small kitchen?
A: They take up a lot of counter space. If space is tight, consider a smaller model or a countertop microwave.
Q: What’s the difference between a countertop and a built-in 2 cu ft microwave?
A: Countertop models sit on your counter. Built-in models are installed into cabinets or walls.
Q: Can I microwave metal in a 2 cu ft microwave?
A: No. Never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What are the benefits of sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking helps prevent overcooking. It ensures your food is heated just right.
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.