Imagine trying to reheat a giant leftover pizza or fit a whole chicken in your microwave, only to find it’s just too small. Sound familiar? Many of us face this frustrating problem when our regular microwave just doesn’t cut it for bigger meals or family-sized portions.
That’s where the large microwave steps in. But with so many models boasting different sizes, power levels, and features, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks well, saves you time, and doesn’t take up your entire kitchen counter. It’s a common struggle to find that balance.
This post is here to guide you through the world of large microwaves. We’ll break down what makes them great, what to look for, and how to choose the best fit for your kitchen and your cooking needs. Get ready to say goodbye to reheating struggles and hello to effortless meal prep!
Our Top 5 Large Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Large Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
Rating: 8.8/10
The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a large countertop microwave designed for busy households. Its spacious 2.2 cubic feet capacity and powerful 1200 watts make it ideal for cooking and reheating big meals. You can easily fit a whole chicken or a large pizza inside. This microwave also boasts smart features that simplify cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 2.2 cu. ft. size easily holds large items like a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken, perfect for families.
- Smart Sensor Cooking: The intuitive humidity sensor ensures your food heats evenly and stays moist with its 6 automatic preset menus.
- Versatile Auto Menus: Six helpful menus cover common daily needs, including bacon, frozen rolls, beverages, chicken pieces, and oatmeal.
- Efficient Auto-Defrost: It expertly defrosts meat, poultry, and fish with specialized programs that mimic natural thawing.
- User-Friendly Features: Simple controls include one-pound defrost, an energy-saving ECO mode, a mute option for quiet operation, and a memory function for multi-stage cooking.
- Safety First: A child safety lock provides peace of mind for households with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- Large Footprint: Its substantial size might take up a lot of counter space in smaller kitchens.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While generally easy to use, mastering the multi-stage cooking and specific sensor menus might require some initial practice.
This Toshiba microwave offers a blend of ample space and smart cooking technology. It’s a reliable appliance that simplifies meal preparation for any family.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking a breeze. Its sleek silver finish fits right into any kitchen. This microwave comes packed with smart features to help you cook perfectly every time. It’s powerful at 1000 watts, meaning it heats food quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology is a game-changer. It automatically figures out how long and how much power your food needs, so no more burnt popcorn or undercooked chicken.
- With 12 auto menus, cooking popular items like pizza or vegetables is as simple as pushing a button.
- You get 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks, from melting butter to boiling water.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features make quick work of frozen meals or reheating leftovers. Just press a button for up to 6 minutes of full power cooking.
- The large 12.4-inch removable turntable fits bigger dishes, and it’s easy to clean.
- The Mute Function is a thoughtful addition, letting you cook without annoying beeps.
- ECO Mode helps save energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions 12 auto menus but then lists only 6 preset menus. This could be confusing.
- While it has 10 power levels, the “6 Preset Menus” mentioned might be a typo and should align with the “12 Auto Menus” from the product title.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart and convenient addition to any kitchen, offering advanced features for effortless cooking.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that makes cooking easy and convenient. It has a powerful 1000-watt output, which means it heats food quickly. This microwave is designed to fit nicely on your kitchen counter and has a sleek black finish.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology automatically figures out how long to cook your food. This stops your food from getting overcooked or undercooked.
- It comes with 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables. This saves you time and guesswork.
- You can choose from 10 different power levels for more control over your cooking.
- The microwave has an “Easy Defrost” feature that lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- The “One Touch Start” button lets you quickly start cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer sound by pressing the “8” button for 3-5 seconds. This is great for late-night snacks or early mornings.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy when the microwave is not in use.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might prefer more options for a wider variety of foods.
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some compact microwaves, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart features and convenience for everyday cooking needs. Its user-friendly design and helpful functions make it a solid addition to any kitchen.
4. TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
Rating: 8.6/10
The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) is a large, powerful countertop microwave designed for busy families. Its spacious 2.2 cubic foot capacity easily handles family-sized meals, and the 1200-watt cooking power means your food heats up fast. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 2.2 cu ft capacity is great for cooking large dishes or multiple items at once.
- Origin Inverter technology cooks food evenly, eliminating cold spots.
- Smart Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of reheating and cooking with automatic adjustments.
- Six automatic menus make preparing common foods simple.
- The Two-Step Child Lock adds an important layer of safety for households with young children.
- A large 16.5-inch turntable fits big plates and bowls easily.
- 10 power levels offer flexibility for all your cooking and defrosting needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The microwave’s external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While the sensor cook is smart, some users may prefer more manual control for specific recipes.
This Toshiba microwave is a solid choice for families needing a large, capable appliance. Its smart features and ample space make meal prep easier.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6″ Removable Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper! This stylish black stainless steel microwave is packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze. Its large capacity and smart sensor technology ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time. Plus, it looks great on any countertop!
What We Like:
- The 1200-watt power and 10 heat levels cook food quickly and evenly.
- Smart sensor menus take the guesswork out of heating common foods like pizza and potatoes.
- The generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit large items, including a 13-inch pizza.
- The innovative position memory turntable returns the plate to its starting spot for easy removal.
- Convenient features like auto defrost, fast cooking, and a child lock make it user-friendly.
- You can turn off the annoying beeping sound by holding the “8” button for a few seconds.
- The sleek black stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The protective film on the keypad needs to be removed before the first use, which is an extra step.
This Toshiba microwave offers a blend of power, convenience, and style. It’s a fantastic option for busy families who want perfectly cooked meals with minimal effort.
Choosing the Right Large Microwave: Your Guide to Big Flavor
Microwaves make life easier. They heat up leftovers fast. They also cook food quickly. If you need more space for bigger meals, a large microwave is the answer. This guide helps you find the best one.
What to Look For in a Large Microwave
1. Size Matters: Interior Capacity
Large microwaves have more room inside. Look for cubic feet (cu. ft.) to see how much fits. A good size for families is 1.6 cu. ft. or more. This lets you heat big dishes. You can even fit a whole chicken!
2. Power: Wattage and Cooking Speed
Microwaves use watts to cook. More watts mean faster cooking. Most large microwaves have 1000 watts or more. This is plenty of power for most tasks. Some have lower wattage, which cooks slower. Check the wattage to match your needs.
3. Turntable or No Turntable?
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most large microwaves have a turntable. Some newer models have flatbeds. Flatbeds offer more usable space. They are also easier to clean. Think about which you prefer.
4. Preset Cooking Options
Many microwaves have special buttons. These buttons cook common foods. Think popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These presets make cooking simple. They take the guesswork out of it. Look for options you will use.
5. Extra Features for Convenience
Some microwaves have cool extra features. Sensor cooking adjusts time for you. It senses how much moisture is in the food. Defrost settings thaw frozen items. Keep warm keeps food hot. Think about what makes your life easier.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The inside of a microwave is usually stainless steel or enamel-coated metal. Stainless steel looks nice. It is also durable. Enamel is easy to clean. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a mix. Stainless steel looks more high-end. It also resists fingerprints better.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Solid Construction: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food all the way through. No cold spots!
- Easy Controls: Buttons and displays should be clear and simple to use.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Build: If it feels cheap, it might not last long.
- Uneven Heating: Food cooked poorly is frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure it out, it’s not helpful.
- Excessive Noise: A loud microwave can be annoying.
User Experience and Use Cases
A large microwave is perfect for families. It can heat multiple servings at once. It is great for reheating big casserole dishes. It also works well for cooking larger items like a roast chicken. If you entertain often, a large microwave is a lifesaver. It helps you prepare food quickly.
For busy people, presets are a big help. You can heat up meals with just a few buttons. Kids can even use simple presets safely. The extra space means you can cook more at once. This saves time on busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best size for a large microwave?
A: For families, 1.6 cubic feet or more is a good start. This gives you plenty of room.
Q: How important is wattage?
A: Higher wattage means faster cooking. 1000 watts or more is usually best for large microwaves.
Q: Do I need a turntable?
A: Turntables help food cook evenly. Flatbed microwaves offer more space and are easy to clean.
Q: What are sensor cooking presets?
A: These presets automatically adjust cooking time based on the food’s moisture.
Q: How do I clean a large microwave?
A: Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a mild soap and water solution.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in a large microwave?
A: Yes, if the microwave is large enough (around 1.6 cu. ft. or more) and has a powerful enough wattage.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than enamel?
A: Stainless steel looks good and is durable. Enamel is very easy to clean.
Q: What if I only need to reheat small portions?
A: Even with a large microwave, you can still reheat small portions. Just use less power or shorter times.
Q: How much noise is too much noise for a microwave?
A: This is subjective, but a very loud humming or rattling sound is usually a sign of poor quality.
Q: Where is the best place to put a large microwave?
A: On a countertop, in a dedicated cabinet space, or above a range (if it’s designed for that).
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.