If you’re tired of cramming oversized dishes into a tiny microwave, you’re not alone. But with so many models boasting big interiors and fancy features, how do you know which one truly delivers? We’ve tested the top contenders—focusing on power, size, ease of use, and value—to help you find the best extra large microwave that fits your kitchen and lifestyle perfectly.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for family-size sensor: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
- Best for compact smart sensor: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
- Best for inverter powerhouse: SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5" Carousel Turntable
- Best for memory turntable: TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
- Best for mute mode microwave: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
- Best for inverter sleek design: TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
- Best for air fry 4-in-1: GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
- Best for spacious sensor oven: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for popcorn preset pro: SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable
- Best for space-saving compact: GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
Product Comparison: Best Extra Large Countertop Microwave
Family-Size 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
TOSHIBA
- 【Large Capacity】2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity countertop microwave with 1200W power is perfect for large families. It can easily accommodate a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
- 【Intuitive Humidity Sensor】The built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus gives your food an even heating result and seals the moisture inside for optimal results.
- 【6 Auto Menus】Equipped with 6 menus that fits your most daily needs including: bacon, frozen roll/muffin-reheat, beverage, chicken pieces and oatmeal.
- 【Auto-Defrost Function】 The Auto-Defrost Function defrosts meat, poultry and fish with different programs, simulating a natural defrost environment and achieving optimal defrosting results.
- 【Easy to Use】Kitchen essential with One pound/ auto defrost, energy-saving eco mode and sound on/off function, speedy cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, indoor light, clock and kitchen time.
Compact Smart 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
TOSHIBA
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
Inverter Powerhouse
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 16.5" Carousel Turntable, 1200 Watt, 2.2 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
Sharp
- Family-sized 2.2 cu. ft. capacity, 1200 watts, Stainless
- New! Gray Interior; New! White LED Display; New! LED Interior Lighting; New! Inverter Cooking Technology
- 16.5" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Melt/Soften Function; Sensor Cook for precise cooking and reheating; Auto Cook for popular menu items
- Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient "Express Cook" with single press up to 6 mins cooking
Memory Turntable
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable, Function, 1.6 Cu.ft 13.6" Removable Black Stainless Steel, 1200W
TOSHIBA
- 【Better texture with sensor menus 】This 1200-watt high power countertop microwave with 10 power levels includes a pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetable and more
- 【Large Capacity for a Family Size】1.6 cu. ft. capacity ; 13.6" turntable; fitting a 13inch pizza; with one touch popcorn button as kitchen essential
- 【Position Memory Turntable】 Innovative position-memory technique resets the turntable to the initial position for more convenient and safer use
- 【Convenience Features】Auto defrost, fast cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, clock and kitchen timer
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button "8" for 3-5 seconds; The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- 【Stylish Design for Kitchen】Stylish black stainless-steel finish adds the perfect look in every kitchen
- 【Product Specs】External dimension (WxDxH): 21.77"x17.91"x12.87", internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.51"x17.05"x10.24",13.6"position memory turntable
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment; Please peel it off before first use.
Mute Mode Microwave
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
TOSHIBA- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimensions 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH); internal dimensions 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH); includes 12.4-inch glass turntable.
- Smart Sensor Technology for Optimal Cooking: Automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- 6 Preset Menus: This countertop microwave features 6 preset menu options for popular foods like pizza, veggle, sensor reheat and more.
- 10 Unique Power Levels with clock and kitchen timer: Tailor your cooking power levels for greater culinary flexibility, making it an essential kitchen tool. Perfect for everything from deodorization to boiling liquids.
- Easy Defrost & One touch start: Defrost your frozen food by weight or by time. Quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 6 minutes cooking at full power.
- Mute Mode: If yout want to mute the buzzer of the microwave, please long press on the button "8" For 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
Inverter Sleek Design
TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- 【Sleek Design with Large Capacity】Stylish Stainless Steel (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with timeless design, 13.6" removable turntable fits a 12" pizza. external dimension (WxDxH): 21.77x19.17x12.87 inches, internal dimension (wxdxh): 15.5 x 17 x 10.2 inches; needs 1.2 inch back to the wall
- 【Origin Inverter Technology】Inverter technology provides even heating and defrosting, enables faster cooking and more satisfying user experience; also inverter microwave is lighter compared with same size microwave.
- 【6 Smart Sensor Auto Menus】Pre-programmed sensor menus for optimum heating of popular foods like pizza, potato, vegetables and more. Smart sensorwill automatically adjust power and keeps food texture.
- 【Quick Start Button】One touch quick access to start the microwave from 1 to 3 minutes cooking at full power (Control panel No backlit)
- 【Sound On/Off Function】If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, pleas long press on the button "8" for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- 【Easy to Use】Equipped with power-saving Eco mode, sound on/off option and child safety lock
- 【First Use Tips】The keypad is covered by a protective film during shipment. Please peel it off before first use. 1 year limited warranty, please keep the packaging for contacting Toshiba after sales service and product returns.
Air Fry 4-in-1
GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1,050 w Air Fryer, Child-Lock Technology, 1.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Kitchen Door Room, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- AIR FRY MODE: Cook healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods in less time, thanks to an air fryer built into your microwave.
- CONVECTION MODE: Achieve crisp, golden brown results in this microwave oven with convection, which includes a special rack that allows air to circulate around foods for even heat distribution.
- BROIL MODE: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection.
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike.
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food.
Spacious Sensor Oven
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: 1200watts of power and 2.0 CU. FT. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates for optimum cooking
- SENSOR COOKING CONTROLS: Automatically adjusts time and power for delicious cooking results
- WEIGHT AND TIME DEFROST: Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with Instant On express cooking controls and multiple cooking modes; kitchen timer, and cooking complete alarms add convenience
Popcorn Preset Pro
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
Sharp
- Medium-sized 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts, Stainless
- Orville Redenbacher's Certified Popcorn Presets
- 12.4" Carousel turntable for even cooking; 10 Power Levels with 2-stage cooking
- Convenient "+30 seconds" key for instant start; Auto Cook for popular menu items; Weight and Time Defrost for quick and accurate thawing; Convenient "Express Cook" with single press up to 6 mins cooking
Space-Saving Compact
GE Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950w Capacity, 6 Auto Cook Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Dorm Room, Apartment, Stainless Steel
GE
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST - Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39 power cord
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I look for in an extra‑large countertop microwave?
For big families or entertaining, aim for at least 2.0 cu ft. of interior space, which can fit a 16‑inch pizza or a whole chicken. Models like the Toshiba ML‑EM62P and Sharp 2.2 cu ft. units provide that room, while still fitting on most countertops.
How does sensor cooking differ from inverter technology?
Sensor cooking measures food humidity and automatically adjusts time and power for even heating, great for reheating and defrosting. Inverter technology delivers continuous low‑level power for smoother cooking and faster thawing, often resulting in better texture, as seen in Sharp’s inverter model.
Is a larger turntable important for cooking performance?
A bigger turntable, such as Sharp’s 16.5‑inch carousel, allows larger dishes to rotate evenly, reducing cold spots. Smaller turntables (12‑13 in.) work fine for standard plates but may require manual repositioning for oversized items.
Should I consider extra functions like convection or air‑fry?
If you want a single appliance that can bake, crisp, or broil, a 4‑in‑1 model like the GE with convection and air‑fry adds versatility and can replace a small oven. These features usually increase price, so weigh the convenience against the cost and space requirements.
How important is child‑lock safety for a family microwave?
Child‑lock prevents accidental activation and is a standard safety feature on many models, including GE and Toshiba. Look for a two‑step lock that can be easily disengaged by adults but stays secure for children.
What power level is ideal for fast cooking without sacrificing food quality?
Microwaves in the 1,200‑watt range, like Toshiba’s 1200 W models, heat food quickly while maintaining moisture, especially when paired with sensor or inverter tech. Lower‑wattage units (1,000 W) may need longer cook times and can dry out delicate dishes.
Are preset menus worth the extra price?
Preset menus simplify cooking common items such as pizza, popcorn, or oatmeal, and they work best with sensor‑enabled microwaves. If you frequently prepare those foods, the convenience can justify a modest price premium.
How do I assess overall value when comparing large microwaves?
Consider capacity, wattage, cooking technology (sensor vs. inverter), extra features (convection, air‑fry), and safety options together with price. A model that balances high capacity, 1,200 W power, and versatile functions—while staying within your budget—offers the best overall value.