Best Large Microwave Ovens – Top 5 Picks & Review

Imagine a world where you can reheat a whole pizza in mere minutes, or warm up a giant pot of stew for your whole family without breaking a sweat. Sounds pretty great, right? But when it comes to choosing a microwave oven that’s big enough for all your culinary adventures, the choices can feel overwhelming. It’s like standing in a giant grocery store, trying to pick just one flavor of ice cream when there are dozens!

Many people find themselves frustrated when they buy a microwave that’s too small for their needs. They end up juggling dishes, making multiple trips, or just giving up on reheating larger meals. This is where a large microwave oven shines. It’s built for efficiency and convenience, especially for families or anyone who loves to cook in batches. But with so many different sizes, features, and brands out there, figuring out which one is the best fit for *your* kitchen can be a real headache.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about large microwave ovens. We’ll guide you through the important features to look for, explain different capacity sizes, and even share tips on how to find one that won’t empty your wallet. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick the perfect large microwave oven that will make your kitchen tasks a breeze.

Our Top 5 Large Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Large Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews

1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor

Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5" Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel

Rating: 8.7/10

Meet the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) microwave, a large countertop appliance designed to handle all your family’s cooking needs. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts make it a workhorse in the kitchen. You can easily fit a whole chicken or a large pizza inside. This microwave is packed with smart features to make cooking easier and more efficient. It even has a position memory turntable, so your food always ends up in the right spot.

What We Like:

  • The large 2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity is great for families and can hold big items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
  • The smart humidity sensor helps cook food evenly and keeps it moist.
  • Six handy auto-menus take the guesswork out of common cooking tasks like reheating rolls or cooking oatmeal.
  • The auto-defrost function is a lifesaver, safely thawing meat, poultry, and fish.
  • It’s easy to use with features like one-pound defrost, an energy-saving ECO mode, and a mute option for the sound.
  • The position memory turntable is a clever touch that ensures your food is perfectly placed every time.
  • It includes useful extras like a child safety lock, interior light, clock, and kitchen timer.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While large, its size might be a challenge for very small kitchen spaces.
  • Some users might find the 6 auto-menus a bit limited if they cook a wider variety of dishes.

This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen, offering both capacity and smart features. It simplifies everyday cooking and delivers reliable results.

2. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4" Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)

Rating: 9.1/10

Meet the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS). This kitchen gadget is more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking machine! You can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more, all from one sleek appliance. Its black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. Plus, it has smart features like a position memory turntable and a child lock for safety.

What We Like:

  • It’s an 8-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost all in one.
  • Healthy air frying lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
  • The 1.0 cu.ft. capacity is surprisingly roomy, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
  • The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is clever – it stops with the door facing forward.
  • Convenience is key with one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, a timer, and a mute function.
  • The child lock provides peace of mind for families.
  • It boasts a powerful 1000-watt microwave output.
  • The black stainless steel design is stylish and easy to clean.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The “Two-Step Child Lock” requires following specific steps to engage, which might be a minor hassle for some.
  • While compact, its external dimensions are still substantial for smaller kitchens.

This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in a stylish package. It’s a smart choice for those looking to save space and expand their cooking abilities.

3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W

Rating: 8.9/10

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens is a smart and powerful kitchen helper. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power, perfect for quickly heating up meals or defrosting frozen items. Its sleek black design fits well on any countertop, and it comes with a large 12.4-inch removable turntable for easy cleaning and to fit bigger dishes.

What We Like:

  • The Smart Humidity Sensor is a standout feature. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on how much moisture is in your food. This means your food will be cooked just right, never too dry or too soggy.
  • It has 6 preset menu options that make cooking popular foods like pizza and vegetables super easy. Just select the menu and let the microwave do the work.
  • You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control. This makes it great for all sorts of cooking tasks, from gently warming leftovers to quickly boiling water.
  • The Easy Defrost function lets you defrost food by weight or time. Plus, the One-Touch Start lets you begin cooking for 1 to 6 minutes with a single press.
  • A helpful Mute Mode lets you turn off the buzzer sound. You just need to press and hold the “8” button for a few seconds.
  • The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
  • The interior is designed for easy cleaning, saving you time and effort.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for a wider variety of options for more specific dishes.
  • The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves. This is something to consider if you have limited electrical capacity in your kitchen.

Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS microwave is a well-rounded appliance that brings convenience and smart cooking to your kitchen. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for reliable performance and user-friendly features.

4. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook

TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook, 6 Auto Menus, Origin Inverter, Child Lock, 2.2 Cu Ft for Large Family, 16.5 Inch Removable Turntable, 1200W, Stainless Steel

Rating: 9.3/10

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven is a big helper for busy kitchens. Its large 2.2 cubic feet size means it can handle big meals for your whole family. It has smart features that make cooking easy and safe.

What We Like:

  • The Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor cooks food evenly. It uses a humidity sensor to get the cooking time just right, so your food is never undercooked or overcooked.
  • It has 6 Automatic Sensor Cook & Auto Menus. This makes cooking or reheating dinners, snacks, and drinks super simple.
  • The microwave offers 10 Power Levels. This gives you lots of control for defrosting, boiling water, or making full meals.
  • A Two-Step Child Lock feature keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on. This is a great safety addition for families.
  • The large 16.5-inch removable turntable fits big dishes easily.
  • It’s powerful at 1200 watts, cooking food fast.
  • The stainless steel finish looks nice in any kitchen.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The external dimensions are quite large (24.4 x 21.6 x 13.6 inches). Make sure you have enough counter space before buying.
  • While the menus are helpful, some users might want more advanced cooking options.

This TOSHIBA microwave is a solid choice for families needing a large, capable, and user-friendly appliance. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and adds a layer of safety.

5. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

Rating: 9.3/10

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Oven is a powerful and smart addition to any kitchen. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it heats and cooks food quickly. Its sleek silver finish and compact size make it a great fit for most countertops. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier and more efficient for everyone.

What We Like:

  • The Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts the time and power based on how much steam your food makes, so your meals are cooked perfectly every time.
  • It comes with 6 handy preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, plus a sensor reheat option. This makes heating up leftovers or cooking quick meals super simple.
  • You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control over how you cook. This is great for everything from gently warming up food to boiling water.
  • The “Easy Defrost” feature lets you defrost food by weight or by time, saving you hassle.
  • A “One Touch Start” function lets you quickly start the microwave for 1 to 6 minutes at full power, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
  • The 12.4-inch glass turntable is spacious and removable, making it easy to clean.
  • The Mute Function lets you turn off the annoying beeping sounds, which is a nice touch.
  • ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it boasts 12 auto menus in its full title, the feature list only explicitly mentions 6 preset menus. Clarification on the total number of auto menus would be helpful.
  • The internal dimensions are a bit smaller than the external dimensions, which is typical for microwaves, but it’s good to be aware of if you plan to heat very large dishes.

Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a versatile and user-friendly microwave that offers smart features for better cooking results. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop microwave.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Large Microwave Oven Adventure

Choosing a large microwave oven is a big decision! These appliances can do so much more than just reheat leftovers. They can cook full meals, bake, and even make toast. This guide will help you find the perfect large microwave for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re shopping for a large microwave, keep these important features in mind:

  • Capacity: This is the most important thing for a large microwave. Look for cubic feet (cu. ft.) measurements. A good size for families or people who cook a lot is 1.6 cu. ft. or bigger. This gives you room for big dishes and multiple items.
  • Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most large microwaves are between 1000 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food more evenly and quickly.
  • Turntable Size: A larger turntable fits bigger plates and bowls. Make sure it’s big enough for your favorite casserole dish.
  • Pre-set Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
  • Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature! The microwave senses the humidity from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
  • Convection Cooking: Some large microwaves have a convection feature. This means they have a fan that circulates hot air, like a regular oven. You can bake, roast, and broil with these.

Important Materials

The materials used in a microwave affect its durability and how it cooks.

  • Interior: Most microwave interiors are made of painted metal or stainless steel.
    • Painted Metal: This is common and easy to clean.
    • Stainless Steel: This looks sleek and is very durable. It can be a bit harder to clean fingerprints off.
  • Exterior: The outside can be plastic, stainless steel, or a combination. Stainless steel exteriors look modern and are easy to wipe down.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things can make a large microwave oven better or worse.

  • Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy microwave might not last as long.
  • Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. If your food has hot or cold spots, the microwave isn’t working as well. Sensor cooking helps with this.
  • Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to wipe down inside and out is a lifesaver. Non-stick interiors or removable turntables make cleaning simpler.
  • Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when running. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are advertised as quiet.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use your large microwave will guide your choice.

  • For Families: Large capacity microwaves are great for busy families. You can reheat multiple servings at once or cook larger meals for everyone. Convection features mean you can even bake cookies for the kids!
  • For Entertainers: If you often host parties, a large microwave can be a lifesaver. You can warm up appetizers quickly or cook side dishes while your main course is in the oven.
  • For Small Kitchens: Even in a small kitchen, a large microwave can be a versatile tool. It can act as a second oven, freeing up your main oven for other tasks.
  • For Quick Meals: Need to cook a quick dinner after a long day? A large microwave with sensor cooking takes the stress out of meal prep. Just pop in your food, press a button, and let it do the work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Large Microwave Ovens

Q: What is a good capacity for a large microwave?

A: A good capacity for a large microwave is 1.6 cubic feet or bigger. This gives you plenty of space for bigger meals and dishes.

Q: Is higher wattage better for a microwave?

A: Yes, higher wattage generally means faster and more even cooking. Most large microwaves have 1000 to 1200 watts.

Q: What is sensor cooking?

A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture and adjust cooking time and power automatically. This helps your food cook perfectly.

Q: What does convection cooking do?

A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, just like a regular oven. This allows you to bake, roast, and broil.

Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than painted ones?

A: Stainless steel interiors are very durable and look nice. Painted interiors are also easy to clean and common.

Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?

A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. Microwaves with sensor cooking or good internal design tend to cook more evenly.

Q: Can a large microwave replace my regular oven?

A: A large microwave with convection can do many of the same things as a regular oven, but it might not be able to fit as much food for big baking projects.

Q: How important is the turntable size?

A: The turntable size is important if you plan to cook large dishes. Make sure it fits your favorite casserole or serving plates.

Q: What are some common pre-set cooking options?

A: Common pre-sets include buttons for popcorn, pizza, baked potatoes, and beverages. These make cooking common items easier.

Q: How can I make my large microwave last longer?

A: Keep it clean inside and out. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Make sure the door seals properly and don’t force it open or shut.

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.

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