Do you ever feel like your kitchen is just… a little too small? You want to heat up leftovers or pop some popcorn, but your current microwave barely fits a dinner plate, let alone a casserole dish. It’s a common kitchen frustration! Finding a microwave that’s big enough to handle your family’s meals without taking over your entire counter can feel like a treasure hunt.
That’s where the large countertop microwave comes in. These giants of the kitchen can handle more food, cook more evenly, and often come with extra features that make meal prep a breeze. But with so many models and brands, how do you pick the one that’s just right for you? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by confusing specs and flashy advertisements.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! This guide will cut through the noise and show you exactly what to look for. We’ll explore the key features, help you understand what makes a large microwave a great choice, and even give you tips on how to measure your space. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave frustration and hello to a kitchen that works for you.
Our Top 5 Large Microwave Countertop Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Microwave Countertop Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Microwave, a large countertop helper designed to make your kitchen tasks a breeze. This stainless steel microwave boasts a generous 2.2 cubic feet of space and a powerful 1200 watts, making it ideal for busy households. It easily handles big meals, from a whole chicken to a large pizza. Its smart sensor technology and pre-programmed menus take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is heated perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Huge capacity can fit large items like pizzas and whole chickens.
- Smart humidity sensor cooks food evenly and keeps it moist.
- Six convenient auto-menus for everyday cooking needs like bacon, frozen treats, and oatmeal.
- Auto-defrost feature safely thaws meat, poultry, and fish.
- Easy to use with one-pound defrost, energy-saving ECO mode, and a mute option for quiet operation.
- Position memory turntable ensures your food is always in the right spot after cooking.
- Includes helpful features like a clock, kitchen timer, speedy cooking, multi-stage cooking, and a child safety lock.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up significant counter space in smaller kitchens.
- While it has many features, some users might find the initial learning curve for all the settings a bit steep.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and versatile kitchen appliance. It simplifies cooking and defrosting, making it a valuable addition to any home looking for convenience and capacity.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek silver design fits nicely in any kitchen. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, ensuring your food heats up quickly and evenly. The smart humidity sensor is a standout feature, automatically adjusting cooking to prevent over or undercooking.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking, giving you perfectly cooked food every time.
- It offers 12 auto menus, including pizza and vegetable settings, simplifying meal prep.
- You get 10 different power levels for precise cooking control, from gentle warming to rapid heating.
- Defrosting is easy with options for weight or time, and the one-touch start gets you cooking in seconds.
- The Mute Function and ECO Mode are great for quiet kitchens and saving energy.
- The 12.4-inch removable turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
- The interior is designed for simple cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are explicitly listed as preset options for popular foods.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, but the output is a standard 1000 watts.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for busy households looking for convenience and consistent results. Its smart features and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven brings smart cooking to your kitchen. With its 1.2 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts of power, it handles everyday meals with ease. Its sleek black design fits well on any countertop, and the included 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heating for your food.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology cooks your food perfectly every time by sensing moisture. You won’t have to worry about overcooked or undercooked meals.
- It offers 12 auto menus, including options for pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat, making meal preparation simple.
- You get 10 power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks, from melting butter to boiling water.
- The defrost function works by weight or time, and the one-touch start gets you cooking quickly.
- A handy Mute Mode lets you turn off the annoying buzzer, so you can heat food without loud beeps.
- The ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the easy-clean interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The microwave has 12 auto menus listed in the features, but only 6 preset menus are specifically mentioned in the description. It would be helpful to know what all 12 are.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen, simplifying your cooking with its intelligent features and user-friendly design.
4. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven offers a blend of power and convenience for your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design fits nicely on any countertop, and it’s packed with features to make cooking quick and simple. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food fast. This microwave is designed for busy households, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts, so food heats up quickly.
- It has lots of handy settings, like auto cook for popcorn and potatoes.
- You can defrost food by weight or time, which is super convenient.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size is perfect for smaller kitchens or offices.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- It has quick start buttons for 1-6 minute cooking and an “Add 30 Seconds” button.
- The LED display shows the time and has a kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- While it has auto cook settings, advanced users might want more manual control options.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It gets the job done efficiently and safely.
5. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven. This large, 2.2 cubic feet microwave is perfect for families. It cooks food fast with 1200 watts of power. The sleek stainless steel design looks great on any counter. It also features a new gray interior and a bright white LED display.
What We Like:
- It has a huge 2.2 cubic feet capacity, so you can cook large meals or heat up leftovers for everyone.
- The 1200-watt power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- The 16.5-inch carousel turntable ensures your food heats up perfectly from every side.
- New LED interior lighting makes it easy to see your food while it cooks.
- Inverter Cooking Technology provides more consistent cooking results.
- Sensor Cook and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking. Just choose your food type, and the microwave does the rest.
- The convenient “+30 seconds” key lets you add time with one touch.
- Weight and Time Defrost makes thawing frozen foods simple and accurate.
- “Express Cook” lets you start cooking for up to 6 minutes with a single button press.
- The Melt/Soften function is great for butter, cheese, or ice cream.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the size is a pro for families, it might be too large for very small kitchens.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping.
This SHARP microwave offers powerful performance and smart features for busy kitchens. It makes cooking and reheating simple and efficient.
Finding Your Perfect Large Countertop Microwave
A large microwave can be a kitchen superhero. It heats up leftovers, pops popcorn, and cooks meals quickly. Choosing the right one makes a big difference in your kitchen. This guide helps you find the best large countertop microwave.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
Large microwaves are bigger than standard ones. They usually measure 2 cubic feet or more. This extra space lets you heat larger dishes or multiple items at once. Think about your biggest casserole dish or serving platter. Will it fit? Measure your counter space too. You need room for the microwave and some breathing space around it.
Power (Wattage)
Microwave power is measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most large microwaves offer 1000 watts or more. This is great for quick reheating and cooking. Some even have variable power settings. This lets you adjust the heat for delicate foods like fish.
Cooking Presets
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods. These are called presets. You can find buttons for popcorn, pizza, baked potatoes, and even defrosting. These presets take the guesswork out of cooking. Just press the button, and the microwave does the rest.
Turntable Size
A turntable rotates your food. This ensures even heating. Larger microwaves often have larger turntables. This helps larger dishes cook more evenly. Some models have an off/on option for the turntable. This is useful if you need to fit a rectangular dish.
Ease of Use
Look for a microwave with a clear control panel. Buttons should be easy to read and press. A digital display shows the cooking time and settings. Some microwaves have a simple dial for setting time. Others have touch-sensitive buttons. Choose what feels most comfortable for you.
Important Materials
Most microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Plastic is often lighter and more affordable. The interior is usually coated with a non-stick material. This makes cleaning easier. The door has a glass window. This lets you see your food as it cooks. Make sure the door opens and closes smoothly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should close with a satisfying click. The buttons should be responsive. Cheaper models might feel flimsy. They might also have uneven heating. Higher-quality microwaves often last longer.
Even Heating
This is a big one. A good microwave heats food evenly. Cold spots mean some parts of your food are still cold. Look for reviews that mention even heating. Some models use special technology to improve this. This is a sign of a quality appliance.
Noise Level
Microwaves can be noisy. Some are louder than others. If your kitchen is near a living area, a quieter model might be better. Check product descriptions or reviews for noise levels.
Durability
A durable microwave will serve you well for years. Good materials and solid construction contribute to durability. Read reviews to see how long other people’s microwaves have lasted.
User Experience and Use Cases
Busy Families
Large families often need to heat multiple servings. A big microwave saves time. You can reheat dinner plates quickly. It’s perfect for after-school snacks too.
Entertaining Guests
When you have friends over, a large microwave is a lifesaver. You can warm up appetizers or side dishes easily. It helps keep food warm while you finish cooking other things.
Meal Preppers
People who like to cook meals ahead of time benefit from a large microwave. You can reheat larger containers of food. This makes healthy eating more convenient.
Choosing a large countertop microwave is about finding a balance of size, power, and features. Think about how you’ll use it most. This will help you pick the perfect kitchen helper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the average size of a large countertop microwave?
A: Large countertop microwaves are typically 2 cubic feet or larger. This means they have more internal space for bigger dishes.
Q: How important is wattage in a microwave?
A: Wattage determines how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage, like 1000 watts or more, cooks food more quickly and efficiently.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable rotates food to ensure it heats evenly. Most large microwaves have one, and it’s a very useful feature for consistent cooking.
Q: What does “cooking presets” mean?
A: Cooking presets are buttons that automatically set the time and power for specific foods like popcorn or pizza. They make cooking simple.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy build quality, responsive buttons, and reviews that mention even heating. A well-made microwave feels solid and performs reliably.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave exterior?
A: Yes, stainless steel exteriors are durable and look nice in most kitchens. Plastic exteriors are also common and can be more affordable.
Q: Can I put rectangular dishes in a microwave with a turntable?
A: Many large microwaves allow you to turn off the turntable. This lets you fit larger rectangular dishes, though you might need to stir or rotate them manually.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a large microwave?
A: Most microwave interiors have a non-stick coating. You can usually wipe them clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, try heating a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes.
Q: Are larger microwaves more energy-efficient?
A: Not necessarily. Wattage and how often you use the microwave are bigger factors in energy use. A higher wattage microwave might cook faster, potentially using less energy overall for a single task.
Q: Where is the best place to put a large countertop microwave?
A: Place it on a sturdy countertop with enough space around it for ventilation. Make sure it’s near an electrical outlet and easy to reach.
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.