7 Best Big Microwave Ovens of 2026

This Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a game-changer for large households, delivering massive 2.2 cu. ft. capacity and 1200W of power that effortlessly handles oversized dishes like whole chickens and 16-inch pizzas. Its smart humidity sensor intelligently adjusts cooking time and power, ensuring food retains moisture without overcooking—perfect for busy families tired of rubbery leftovers. The position memory turntable is a subtle but brilliant touch, returning to its original spot after removal for easier cleaning and safer reinstallation.

In real-world testing, this microwave shines when multitasking—reheating a casserole while defrosting meat using the auto-defrost by weight function delivers consistent, reliable results. The 6 preset menus (bacon, oatmeal, beverages, etc.) reduce guesswork, and multi-stage cooking lets you program defrost-to-cook sequences seamlessly. While the interior lighting could be brighter, the ECO mode helps reduce energy consumption when idle—a smart perk for eco-conscious users. However, the sheer size means it won’t suit compact kitchens or dorms, and the control panel, though intuitive, lacks backlighting.

Compared to the GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, this Toshiba offers more interior space and a larger turntable, making it better for oversized cookware. While both have sensor cooking, the Toshiba’s dedicated auto-defrost programs and ECO mode add extra utility. It’s the best overall pick for families who need maximum capacity and smart features without sacrificing performance. If you’re upgrading from a smaller unit, this microwave feels like a kitchen upgrade in one appliance.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) strikes a near-perfect balance between power, size, and smart features, making it a standout mid-range contender for small to medium families. With 1200W output and a 1.6 cu. ft. cavity, it handles 13-inch pizzas and family-sized meals with ease, while the smart sensor menus optimize heating for common foods like vegetables, pizza, and popcorn. The position memory turntable is a clever innovation—no more fumbling to reseat the glass plate correctly after washing.

During testing, the pre-programmed sensor settings delivered impressively consistent results, eliminating the need to manually adjust time or power for reheating leftovers. The 10 power levels offer precision for delicate tasks like melting chocolate or simmering sauces. It fits comfortably on most countertops, and the sleek black stainless finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless steel. However, the interior depth is slightly limited, making tall dishes a tight fit, and the popcorn button lacks customization, defaulting to a fixed time that may overcook certain brands.

When compared to the budget-friendly Farberware model, this Toshiba offers superior build quality, better sensor accuracy, and a more premium finish. It doesn’t have the massive capacity of the ML-EM62P(SS), but it’s more space-efficient without sacrificing core performance. Ideal for those who want smart cooking features and solid power in a compact yet capable design. It outperforms similarly priced models with its refined sensor logic and thoughtful usability upgrades.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a kitchen multitasker par excellence, packing 8-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, bake, broil, convection, combi, low-temp cook, and odor removal—into a surprisingly compact 1.0 cu. ft. body. This is the ultimate tool for health-conscious cooks who want crispy, air-fried textures without deep frying. The 1000W microwave power pairs with convection heating to deliver golden fries and juicy roasted chicken in one appliance, all while using up to 75% less oil than traditional frying.

In daily use, the air fry mode heats up quickly and circulates air evenly, producing results comparable to standalone air fryers. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, accommodating a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza with room to spare. The odor removal mode is a subtle but welcome feature, especially after cooking fish or strong-smelling foods. However, the smaller cavity limits batch cooking, and the controls require a learning curve—switching between microwave and convection modes isn’t as seamless as on higher-end models.

Against the 4-in-1 Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS), this model offers more cooking modes but a smaller capacity and less intuitive interface. It’s best suited for singles, couples, or small kitchens where counter space is at a premium. If you prioritize versatility and healthy cooking over sheer volume, this combo microwave delivers remarkable value. It outshines basic microwaves by transforming from reheater to mini oven with true air fry capability.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is a powerhouse of multifunctionality, merging microwave speed with convection baking and air frying in a spacious 1.5 cu. ft. cavity—making it the best multi-function microwave for serious home cooks. With smart sensor cooking and 13.6-inch turntable, it handles everything from frozen pizzas to roasted vegetables with precision. The combination cooking mode (microwave + convection) slashes cooking time while delivering crispy, oven-quality results—ideal for weeknight dinners when speed and texture matter.

Real-world testing shows the sensor reheat function excels at preserving moisture, while the air fry mode produces golden, crunchy exteriors without drying out food. The included grill rack and tray expand versatility, allowing you to broil or bake with ease. The mute function is a quiet win for late-night use, and the black stainless finish resists smudges beautifully. However, the 1000W microwave power feels slightly underpowered compared to 1200W models, and the control layout can feel cluttered with so many functions.

Next to the 8-in-1 ML2-EC10SA(BS), this model trades some specialty modes (like low-temp cook) for greater capacity and a more intuitive cooking experience. It’s the better choice for families who want oven-like performance without heating up the whole kitchen. While pricier than basic models, its combination of size, power, and smart features justifies the cost for those who cook daily. It beats single-purpose microwaves by delivering true culinary flexibility in one appliance.

The GE 2.0 cu. ft. countertop microwave is a space-savvy giant, offering near-top-tier capacity in a footprint that still fits neatly on most countertops—making it the best for large capacity without bulk. With 1200W power and an 8-sensor auto-cook menu, it handles large dishes like lasagnas and whole chickens with ease, while the weight-based defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing. The sensor cooking adjusts power and time dynamically, preventing overcooked edges and cold centers—a common pain point this model solves beautifully.

In practice, the glass turntable ensures even heating, and the instant-on express cooking lets you start at 30-second intervals with a single press—perfect for busy mornings. It’s surprisingly compact for its size, fitting in apartments and dorms where space is tight but meals are large. However, the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food in low light, and the child lock requires two steps, which can be cumbersome. While it lacks air fry or convection features, it focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), it offers slightly less capacity (2.0 vs 2.2 cu. ft.) but a more space-efficient design. It doesn’t have ECO mode or position memory turntable, but its sensor accuracy and compact-yet-large design make it ideal for urban dwellers. If you want maximum cooking space without dominating your counter, this GE model is a smarter spatial compromise than bulkier options. It outperforms smaller microwaves by delivering family-sized meals in a dorm-friendly shell.

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a budget-savvy performer that punches above its weight, offering smart sensor cooking, 12 auto menus, and ECO mode in a compact 1.2 cu. ft. frame—making it the best budget-friendly option for singles and small households. Its smart humidity sensor adjusts cooking in real time, delivering perfectly reheated meals without drying out, a major upgrade over basic timers. The mute function and ECO mode add quiet, energy-efficient operation, ideal for late-night snacks or eco-conscious users.

In real use, the 12 auto menus (including pizza, soup, and reheat) are surprisingly accurate, and the 10 power levels allow fine-tuned control for everything from defrosting to boiling water. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, accommodating 12-inch pizzas with ease, and the easy-clean interior resists stains and wipes down fast. However, the 1000W power lags behind 1200W models, requiring slightly longer cook times, and the sensor doesn’t match the precision of higher-end Toshibas.

Against the Farberware model, this microwave offers more presets, better sensor logic, and ECO mode at a slightly higher cost. It’s not for large families, but for students or couples, it delivers premium features at a mid-range price. It outshines basic models by bringing smart cooking to an affordable price point without sacrificing reliability.

The Farberware 1.2 cu. ft. microwave is a no-frills workhorse built for small spaces and tight budgets, earning its title as the best value for small space living. With 1000W power and smart sensor cooking, it handles everyday tasks like reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, and defrosting meat with reliable consistency. The six one-touch presets (pizza, potato, popcorn) are intuitive and responsive, and the child safety lock adds peace of mind in shared homes.

In testing, the sensor cooking performs adequately, though it occasionally underheats dense foods like casseroles. The compact 1.2 cu. ft. size fits perfectly on dorm shelves or office counters, and the easy-clean interior resists splatter buildup. The LED display is bright and clear, and the interior light makes monitoring food easy. However, the turntable is non-removable, making cleaning a hassle, and the sensor lacks the refinement of Toshiba’s models. It doesn’t offer ECO mode or mute function, limiting quiet operation.

Compared to the Toshiba EM131A5C-SS, this Farberware model is cheaper but less feature-rich, missing ECO mode, mute, and advanced presets. It’s best for those who need basic, dependable performance in a tiny footprint. While it doesn’t impress with innovation, it delivers core functionality where space and cost matter most. It beats generic brands by offering sensor cooking and a trusted name at entry-level pricing.