Imagine this: a family gathering, and you need to reheat a giant platter of lasagna. Or maybe you’re a busy parent who wants to cook a whole chicken quickly. If your current microwave feels like it’s always too small, you’re not alone! Many of us face the same problem. Finding a microwave that’s big enough for all your needs can be surprisingly tricky. You want something that fits your food, your kitchen, and your budget, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different sizes and features.
That’s where a large microwave oven comes in! These aren’t your average countertop boxes. They offer more space to cook bigger meals, reheat family-sized dishes, and even handle some roasting or baking. But choosing the right one can still feel like a puzzle. How much bigger do you really need? What special features are worth the extra cost? This post will help you solve that puzzle.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a large microwave oven. We’ll break down the important things like capacity, power, and different types of large microwaves. Get ready to say goodbye to cramped cooking and hello to a more convenient kitchen!
Our Top 5 Large Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.7/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large, stainless steel countertop microwave packed with features. It boasts a generous 2.2 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for families. With 1200 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently. This microwave is designed to simplify your cooking and reheating tasks with its smart sensor technology and pre-set menus.
What We Like:
- Its large 2.2 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- The intuitive humidity sensor and 6 automatic menus ensure food is heated evenly and stays moist.
- It comes with 6 handy auto menus for everyday cooking needs, from bacon to oatmeal.
- The Auto-Defrost function is great for meats, poultry, and fish, defrosting them gently.
- This microwave is easy to use with features like one-pound defrost, speedy cooking, and a child safety lock.
- The ECO Mode saves energy when the microwave is not in use.
- You can mute the annoying beeping sounds with the Mute Option.
- The 16.5″ turntable has a position memory, so it stops with the door facing you.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many features, some users might find the sheer number of options a bit overwhelming at first.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping.
Overall, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a powerful and versatile microwave that makes everyday cooking and reheating a breeze. Its large capacity and smart features make it a valuable addition to any busy kitchen.
2. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven, a spacious and smart kitchen helper designed for busy households. Its generous 2.2 cubic feet capacity easily handles large meals and family-sized portions. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave makes cooking and reheating simple with its advanced features.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cu ft size is perfect for big families and large dishes.
- Origin Inverter technology ensures food cooks evenly without cold spots.
- Smart Sensor Cook automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
- Six Auto Menus offer quick and easy cooking for common foods.
- Ten power levels provide flexibility for all your cooking needs, from defrosting to simmering.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature for homes with kids.
- A large 16.5-inch removable turntable fits bigger plates and platters.
- 1200 watts of power means food cooks quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- Operating the Child Lock requires following specific steps, which might take a moment to learn.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking for large families with its smart technology and spacious design.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. This sleek black microwave boasts a powerful 1000-watt output, ensuring your food heats up quickly and evenly. Its smart humidity sensor and 12 auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking, delivering perfectly prepared meals every time. Plus, with features like a mute function and ECO mode, it’s designed for convenience and efficiency.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is amazing. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food is never overcooked or undercooked.
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, and 10 power levels for lots of cooking options.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make quick meals super simple.
- You can turn off the loud buzzer with the Mute Mode by pressing the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is easy to clean and fits most dishes.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While it has 12 auto menus, some users might wish for more specialized options.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering smart features and simple operation for everyday cooking needs.
4. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen powerhouse in sleek black stainless steel. This appliance does more than just heat food; it air fries, bakes with convection, broils, and even has a special odor removal mode. Its 1.0 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly roomy, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, while its compact size makes it a great fit for most countertops. Plus, the 12.4-inch turntable remembers where your food started, so it comes out perfectly placed every time.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost all in one.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fry function – less fat, same great taste.
- The 12.4-inch position memory turntable makes sure your food is always perfectly positioned when done.
- It’s a compact appliance but offers a generous 1.0 cu.ft. capacity.
- Safety is key with the two-step child lock feature.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn, speedy cooking, and a mute function add to its ease of use.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “mandatory safety feature” for the child lock requires following specific steps, which could be a bit confusing at first.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one convenient unit.
5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a sleek silver countertop microwave that makes cooking easy. With 1.2 cubic feet of space and a 1000-watt power output, it handles everyday meals with ease. Its smart humidity sensor and auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your food is always just right. The large 12.4-inch turntable fits even big plates, and the easy-clean interior means less time scrubbing.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology is a game-changer. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food never gets overcooked or undercooked.
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making quick meals even faster.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks.
- Defrosting is simple, whether you choose to defrost by weight or by time.
- The “One Touch Start” feature lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Function is a nice touch for quiet kitchens.
- ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the features section only mentions 6 preset menus. This could be confusing for shoppers.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than many microwaves. While this helps achieve the 1000-watt output, it’s worth noting for energy consumption.
Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a smart and capable microwave that simplifies your kitchen tasks. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a great addition to any home.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Big Microwave Oven Companion
Finding the right large microwave oven can make your kitchen life so much easier. These bigger models cook more food at once, heat up leftovers faster, and are perfect for families or anyone who loves to cook. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Size Matters!
This is the most important part of a “large” microwave. Measure the space where you plan to put it. Also, think about what you’ll be heating. If you want to fit large dinner plates, casserole dishes, or even a whole chicken, you’ll need a bigger interior.
Wattage Power
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most large microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts. For quick reheating and cooking, aim for 1000 watts or more.
Turntable Size
A good turntable ensures even cooking. For large microwaves, look for turntables that are 12 inches or wider. This helps your food spin around properly, so every part gets heated.
Presets and Smart Features
Many microwaves come with special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Some even have sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time based on how much steam your food releases. These can be super helpful!
Interior Light and See-Through Door
A bright interior light lets you easily check on your food. A clear door lets you watch your food cook without opening the door and losing heat.
Important Materials
Stainless Steel Interior
Many high-quality large microwaves have stainless steel interiors. This material is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t hold onto food smells as much as other materials. It also looks very sleek and modern.
Glass Turntable
A sturdy glass turntable is standard. Make sure it feels solid and fits well on its track.
Exterior Finish
You’ll often find microwaves with stainless steel, black, or white exteriors. Stainless steel is popular for its modern look, but it can show fingerprints. Black and white finishes are easier to keep clean for some people.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Build Quality
A well-built microwave feels sturdy. When you open and close the door, it should feel solid. The buttons should be responsive. Cheaply made microwaves might feel flimsy and break down sooner.
Even Cooking
The best microwaves cook food evenly. This means no cold spots or overcooked edges. Good airflow inside the microwave and a reliable turntable help with this.
Ease of Cleaning
A smooth interior surface makes cleaning much easier. Non-stick coatings can also help. If the inside has lots of nooks and crannies, it will be harder to keep clean.
Noise Level
Some microwaves can be quite loud when they run. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that reviewers say are quieter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Busy Families
Large microwaves are a lifesaver for busy families. You can reheat multiple plates of food at once or quickly cook meals for everyone. They save time during hectic evenings.
Entertaining Guests
Hosting a party? A large microwave can help you keep appetizers warm or quickly heat up dishes for your guests. It’s also great for popping a big batch of popcorn.
Small Kitchens with Big Needs
Even if your kitchen isn’t huge, a large microwave can still be a great addition. It can handle bigger cooking tasks without needing a separate oven. Some models are designed to be placed on a countertop or mounted over a range.
Meal Prepping
If you prepare meals for the week, a large microwave can reheat your prepped containers quickly and efficiently. You can easily heat up larger portions of stews or pasta dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the average capacity of a large microwave oven?
A: Large microwave ovens typically have an interior capacity of 1.5 cubic feet or more. This means they can hold bigger dishes and more food.
Q: How do I measure the space for my new microwave?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space. Also, make sure there is enough clearance around the microwave for ventilation, usually a few inches on the sides and back.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better?
A: Higher wattage generally means faster cooking. If you want to cook or reheat food quickly, a higher wattage (like 1000W or more) is better. However, some lower wattage models can still cook well.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a large microwave?
A: Yes, you can cook many types of meals. They are great for reheating, cooking frozen meals, and even baking some items with special microwave recipes. Some advanced models have convection cooking features, which allow for roasting and baking.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a large microwave?
A: You can usually clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, place a bowl of water with lemon slices or vinegar inside and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the grime, making it easier to wipe away.
Q: What is the difference between a countertop and an over-the-range microwave?
A: A countertop microwave sits on your kitchen counter. An over-the-range microwave is mounted above your stove and often includes a ventilation fan and a light for your stovetop.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors harder to clean?
A: No, stainless steel interiors are generally easy to clean. They resist stains and odors well. You can usually wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” mean?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the humidity released by food as it cooks. The microwave then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results, so you don’t have to guess.
Q: How long do large microwave ovens typically last?
A: With proper care and regular cleaning, a good quality large microwave oven can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: Should I buy a microwave with pre-programmed settings?
A: Pre-programmed settings can be very convenient for quickly cooking or reheating common foods like popcorn or pizza. If you often use these items, they can save you time and effort.
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.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.