Ever stared at a mountain of leftovers and wished for a magical box that could heat them up instantly, perfectly, and without taking over your entire kitchen? We’ve all been there! When it comes to countertop microwaves, finding the sweet spot between ample cooking space and a compact design can feel like a culinary quest. You want enough room for that family-sized lasagna or a whole chicken, but you don’t want a bulky appliance hogging all your precious counter real estate.
Choosing a 2.2 cubic feet countertop microwave presents its own set of challenges. With so many brands, features, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Are you wondering about the best wattage for quick heating? Or maybe you’re curious about special cooking modes that can do more than just reheat? This is where we come in to help.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great 2.2 cu ft microwave. We’ll break down the essential features to look for, highlight some top contenders, and offer tips to ensure you pick a model that fits your needs and your kitchen perfectly. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to effortless reheating!
Our Top 5 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave 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 countertop microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. Its stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is designed for busy families, offering plenty of space and powerful performance.
What We Like:
- It has a huge 2.2 cubic feet of space, so you can fit big items like a whole chicken or a 16-inch pizza.
- The smart sensor cooks your food evenly and keeps it moist.
- It comes with 6 handy auto-cook menus for things like bacon, drinks, and oatmeal.
- The auto-defrost feature takes the guesswork out of thawing meat, poultry, and fish.
- It’s super easy to use with simple controls.
- You can save energy with the ECO mode.
- The mute option lets you turn off the beeps.
- The turntable remembers its position, so your food is ready to go.
- It has a child safety lock for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the size a bit too large for smaller counter spaces.
- While it has many features, mastering all the settings might take a little time for some.
This Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and excellent cooking results. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies meal preparation.
2. SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5″ Carousel Turntable
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven. This big, stainless steel microwave is designed for busy families. It has a huge 2.2 cubic feet of space, so you can fit large dishes and cook for everyone. With 1200 watts of power, it heats food fast and evenly. The new gray interior and bright white LED display make it look modern and easy to use. Plus, the new LED lights inside help you see your food clearly.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cubic feet size is great for large meals and family-sized portions.
- 1200 watts of power means super-fast cooking.
- The new gray interior and white LED display are stylish and easy to read.
- LED interior lighting makes it simple to check on your food.
- Inverter Cooking Technology cooks food more evenly and gently.
- The large 16.5″ carousel turntable ensures everything heats up perfectly.
- 10 power levels and 2-stage cooking give you lots of control.
- The “+30 seconds” key is super handy for quick reheating.
- Melt/Soften and Sensor Cook functions take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Weight and Time Defrost make thawing food a breeze.
- “Express Cook” is perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large size might take up a lot of counter space in smaller kitchens.
- Some users might find the extensive features a bit overwhelming at first.
This SHARP microwave is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. Its large capacity and advanced features make cooking and reheating a breeze for the whole family.
3. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper for busy households. This large, 2.2 cubic foot microwave is built with stainless steel and features smart cooking technology to make meal prep a breeze. It’s designed to handle big meals and make everyday cooking easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- The Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor cooks food evenly. It has a special sensor that adjusts cooking time and power. This means your food won’t be cold in the middle or burnt on the outside.
- It comes with 6 Automatic Sensor Cook & Auto Menus. These make cooking simple. You can easily heat up dinners, snacks, or drinks.
- There are 10 Power Levels. This gives you lots of options for different cooking tasks. You can defrost, boil water, or cook full meals with precision.
- The Two-Step Child Lock is a great safety feature. It stops little hands from turning the microwave on by accident.
- The large 16.5-inch removable turntable fits big dishes. This is perfect for large families or when you cook bigger meals.
- It has a powerful 1200-watt output. This means it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions (24.4 x 21.6 x 13.6 inches) are quite large. Make sure you have enough counter space before buying.
This Toshiba microwave is a powerful and smart choice for any kitchen. Its large capacity and advanced features make it ideal for families who need a reliable and efficient appliance.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking easy and efficient. Its sleek silver finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, ensuring your food heats up quickly. Plus, it has a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking times, so you get perfect results every time. With its user-friendly features and modern design, this Toshiba microwave is a fantastic addition to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It automatically adjusts time and power based on the food’s humidity, preventing overcooking or undercooking.
- It offers 12 auto menus, including popular options like pizza and vegetable settings, making it simple to prepare your favorite meals.
- The 10 power levels give you great control for different cooking tasks, from gently warming leftovers to boiling water.
- Defrosting is a breeze with options to defrost by weight or time.
- One-touch start lets you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power, perfect for busy moments.
- The 12.4-inch removable glass turntable is large enough for most dishes and easy to clean.
- An ECO mode helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
- The Mute Function is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to silence the beeps for a quieter kitchen.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning, saving you time and effort.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the features list only mentions 6 preset menus. Clarification on the exact number of auto menus would be helpful.
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a smart and capable microwave that simplifies daily cooking. Its advanced features and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
5. Farberware 2.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1100 Watts Power
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Farberware 2.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven. This stainless steel microwave packs a punch with 1100 watts of power, making meal prep a breeze. Its smart sensor technology and auto-cook settings take the guesswork out of cooking, while the defrost function handles frozen foods quickly. Plus, the easy-clean interior and child safety lock offer convenience and peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1100-watt cooking heats food fast.
- Smart sensor auto-cook settings make cooking simple.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking give you control.
- Six one-touch options, like popcorn and pizza, are super handy.
- Defrost by weight or time saves you time.
- The 2.2 cu. ft. size fits plenty of food without taking up too much space.
- Easy-clean interior and exterior means quick cleanup.
- Clear LED display with timer and clock keeps you on track.
- Interior light lets you check your food easily.
- Child safety lock adds extra security for families.
- The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large capacity might be too big for very small countertops.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering power, convenience, and smart features for all your cooking needs. It’s a reliable choice for quick meals and busy households.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next 2.2 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave
So, you’re in the market for a big microwave! A 2.2 cubic foot countertop microwave offers a lot of space. This means you can heat up larger dishes, cook more food at once, or even fit a whole turkey. Let’s find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking out a large microwave, certain things make a big difference.
Capacity: The Big Picture
The 2.2 cubic feet is the main selling point. This is a lot of room. You can easily fit a 9×13 inch baking dish. Think about cooking for a family or reheating leftovers from a big meal. This size is great for those situations.
Power (Wattage): How Fast It Heats
Microwaves use wattage to show how much power they have. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a 2.2 cu ft model, you’ll usually find them in the 1000-1200 watt range. This is plenty of power for most jobs.
Cooking Presets: Easy Buttons
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These are called presets. They take the guesswork out of cooking. Just press the button, and the microwave sets the time and power for you.
Turntable: Even Cooking
A turntable rotates your food while it cooks. This helps heat everything evenly. Most large microwaves have a turntable. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
Control Panel: Simple or Fancy
Control panels can be simple buttons or fancy touchscreens. For most people, simple buttons are easy to use. If you like a modern look, a touchscreen might be nice. Look for buttons that are clear and easy to understand.
Child Lock: Safety First
A child lock feature stops kids from accidentally turning on the microwave. This is a great safety feature if you have young children in your home.
Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave affect how it looks and lasts.
Exterior: Stainless Steel vs. Plastic
Most large microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also pretty durable. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper. It can sometimes show fingerprints more easily.
Interior: Easy to Clean
The inside of the microwave should be easy to wipe down. Many have a non-stick coating. This makes cleaning up spills and splatters much simpler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, and some can make it not so good.
Brand Reputation: Trustworthy Names
Stick with well-known brands. Companies like Panasonic, LG, and GE have been making appliances for a long time. They usually make good quality products.
User Reviews: What Others Say
Always read reviews from other people who have bought the microwave. They can tell you about real-world problems or great features you might not have thought of.
Noise Level: Quiet Operation
Some microwaves are louder than others. If you have an open kitchen, a quieter microwave is better. Reviews often mention how noisy a microwave is.
Build Quality: Feels Solid
When you look at a microwave, does it feel sturdy? A well-built microwave will feel solid and not flimsy. This usually means it will last longer.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use your new microwave.
For Families: Big Meals, Fast
If you have a big family, this size is perfect. You can reheat multiple plates of food at once. Cooking a whole chicken or a large casserole becomes much easier.
For Busy Individuals: Quick and Easy
Even if you live alone, the extra space is handy. You can store pre-made meals in larger containers. Reheating leftovers from a restaurant is no problem.
For Entertainment: Party Prep
Hosting a party? This microwave can help you warm up appetizers or side dishes quickly. It frees up your oven for other things.
For Dorms or Small Kitchens: Maximize Space
While it’s a large countertop model, if you have limited oven space, a 2.2 cu ft microwave can be a workhorse. It can handle many cooking tasks that would normally go in an oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does 2.2 cubic feet actually mean in terms of food I can fit?
A: It means you can fit large items like a 13-inch pizza, a whole turkey (up to a certain weight, check specs), or multiple dinner plates at once. Think big casserole dishes or several bowls of leftovers.
Q: Is a 2.2 cu ft microwave too big for a small kitchen?
A: It takes up more counter space, so consider your kitchen layout. However, if you don’t have an oven or need to cook large portions, it can be a great space-saver in terms of cooking capability.
Q: What is the typical wattage for a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: Most 2.2 cu ft microwaves have a wattage of around 1000 to 1200 watts. This is considered high power and will cook food quickly and efficiently.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a large microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to clean. You can use a damp cloth with mild soap. For tough stains, microwave a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are 2.2 cu ft microwaves energy efficient?
A: Newer models are generally more energy efficient. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models if energy saving is a priority for you.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a 2.2 cu ft microwave?
A: Yes, many 2.2 cu ft microwaves can fit smaller whole chickens. Always check the microwave’s dimensions and the size of the chicken you plan to cook.
Q: What’s the difference between a convection microwave and a regular microwave of this size?
A: A convection microwave has a heating element and fan, allowing it to bake and roast like an oven, in addition to microwaving. A regular microwave only uses microwaves to heat food.
Q: How long does a typical 2.2 cu ft microwave last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality 2.2 cu ft microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
Q: Do I need special cookware for a large microwave?
A: You need microwave-safe cookware. This usually includes glass, ceramic, and certain plastics. Avoid metal unless the microwave specifically says it’s safe for it.
Q: What are the benefits of a stainless steel finish?
A: Stainless steel looks more modern and premium. It is also often more durable and resistant to scratches compared to plastic exteriors.
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.