6 Best Large Microwave Ovens of 2026

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Choosing the right large microwave oven can be overwhelming, especially when balancing capacity, power, and smart features for your family’s needs. The best models, like the Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT and Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Inverter Microwave, tackle uneven heating and long cook times with powerful 1200-watt output and inverter technology for precise, consistent results. We evaluated each large microwave oven based on performance, key features, real-world user reviews, and value, focusing on reliability, ease of use, and cooking efficiency to ensure our picks meet diverse kitchen demands. Below are our top recommendations for the best large microwave ovens that deliver outstanding performance and convenience.

Top 6 Large Microwave Ovens in the Market

Best Large Microwave Ovens Review

Best Mid-Range

Toshiba ML-EM45P Microwave

Toshiba ML-EM45P Microwave
Power
1200W
Capacity
1.6 Cu.ft
Turntable Size
13.6″
Color
Black Stainless Steel
Sensor Cooking
Yes
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Smart sensor
Position memory turntable
Sound on/off
Stylish design

LIMITATIONS

×
No inverter tech
×
Smaller capacity

This mid-range powerhouse delivers precision and convenience in a sleek black stainless-steel body, making it a standout for families who want smart features without overspending. The 1.6 cu.ft. cavity and 13.6″ position memory turntable ensure even cooking while automatically resetting to the same starting point—ideal for safely removing hot dishes. With 1200 watts of power, 10 power levels, and a smart sensor menu that optimizes reheating for pizza, veggies, and more, it tackles everyday meals with impressive consistency, solving the common problem of unevenly warmed leftovers.

In real-world use, this Toshiba shines during quick reheat cycles and defrosting tasks, thanks to its multi-stage cooking and auto-defrost function that takes the guesswork out of thawing meats. The interior fits a 13-inch pizza comfortably, though larger family platters may feel cramped compared to bigger models. While the sound on/off function is a thoughtful touch for nighttime use, the lack of inverter technology means power drops during lower settings, occasionally leading to slightly uneven results when gently reheating delicate foods.

Positioned between budget models and high-end units, the ML-EM45P(BS) offers a balanced mix of style, smarts, and substance, making it ideal for small-to-medium households prioritizing reliability and ease of use. It’s not as spacious or advanced as the 2.2 cu.ft. Toshiba models, but it outperforms many similarly priced competitors in feature integration. Compared to the SHARP B0CNQB66MB, it trades capacity and inverter cooking for a more compact footprint and lower price point, offering better value for space-conscious kitchens.

Best for Large Capacity

Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Inverter Microwave

Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Inverter Microwave
Capacity
2.2 cu. ft.
Wattage
1200 Watt
Turntable Size
16.5″
Cooking Technology
Inverter
Interior Color
Gray
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Inverter technology
2.2 cu.ft. capacity
LED lighting
16.5″ turntable

LIMITATIONS

×
No mute option
×
Bulky footprint

If you’re after maximum interior space and culinary flexibility, the SHARP B0CNQB66MB is a game-changer for large families and entertainers, boasting a cavernous 2.2 cu.ft. capacity—one of the largest in its class. The 16.5″ carousel turntable effortlessly rotates full-size casserole dishes and whole chickens with room to spare, while inverter cooking technology ensures consistent, ripple-free power delivery that eliminates cold spots and preserves food texture. This isn’t just a microwave; it’s a kitchen workhorse engineered for those who demand restaurant-level results at home.

During testing, the sensor cook and auto-cook functions delivered remarkably accurate reheating and cooking times, adjusting on the fly based on moisture feedback. The LED interior lighting and white display enhance visibility, making it easy to monitor food even in dim kitchens. It handled everything from frozen burritos to baked potatoes with confidence, though the sheer size may challenge smaller countertops or tight under-cabinet spaces. While the controls are intuitive, the absence of a mute function can be jarring during late-night use.

Against rivals like the GE B0DDM4N45M, the SHARP justifies its premium with superior engineering and inverter precision, outperforming in both capacity and cooking consistency. It’s best suited for users who regularly cook for four or more and prioritize even heating and advanced tech over compact design. While the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) offers similar capacity at a lower price, this SHARP model edges ahead with inverter superiority and a brighter, more modern interface, making it a top-tier performer for serious home cooks.

Best Value

Toshiba ML-EM62P Microwave

Toshiba ML-EM62P Microwave
Capacity
2.2 Cu. Ft.
Power
1200W
Turntable Size
16.5″
Auto Menus
6
Sensor Type
Humidity Sensor
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

2.2 cu.ft. capacity
6 auto menus
Mute option
ECO mode

LIMITATIONS

×
No inverter tech
×
Dated display

The Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) is a value-packed giant, combining a spacious 2.2 cu.ft. interior with 1200W of power and a 16.5″ position memory turntable—a rare combo that makes it perfect for families craving restaurant-style results without the premium price. Its intuitive humidity sensor intelligently adjusts cooking time and power, sealing in moisture for juicy meats and fluffy reheated rice, while the 6 auto menus (bacon, oatmeal, chicken, etc.) simplify daily meals with one-touch ease. For those tired of overcooked leftovers or half-thawed chicken, this microwave delivers consistent, no-fuss performance.

In practical tests, the auto-defrost function stood out, simulating a natural thaw that preserved texture far better than timed defrosting. The eco mode is a subtle but meaningful perk for energy-conscious users, reducing standby power without sacrificing functionality. The cavity easily fits a 16-inch pizza or a 9×13 baking dish, though the control panel’s layout feels slightly dated compared to SHARP’s modern LED display. While it lacks inverter tech, the power modulation across 10 levels still manages decent results for most reheating and cooking tasks.

Compared to the pricier SHARP B0CNQB66MB, this Toshiba offers nearly identical capacity and usability at a significantly lower cost, making it the smarter buy for budget-aware families. It doesn’t have inverter cooking, but for most users, the difference is negligible in everyday use. Positioned as the best value in large microwaves, it outshines the GE B0DDM4N45M in capacity and features while offering more bang for the buck than the TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS), striking a rare balance between size, smarts, and savings.

Best Overall

Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT Microwave

Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT Microwave
Capacity
2.2 Cu Ft
Power
1200W
Turntable Size
16.5 inch
Auto Menus
6 Sensor Cook
Dimensions
24.4×21.6×13.6 in
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Inverter technology
2.2 cu.ft. capacity
6 sensor menus
Child lock

LIMITATIONS

×
Large size
×
Slightly loud beep

The TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) earns its title as the best overall large microwave by fusing inverter precision, spacious 2.2 cu.ft. capacity, and smart sensor intelligence into a single, polished package that excels in every category. The origin inverter technology delivers continuous power at any level, eliminating the pulsing common in non-inverter models and ensuring foods like scrambled eggs or creamy sauces heat smoothly and evenly. Add to that a 16.5″ removable turntable and 6 automatic sensor menus, and you’ve got a microwave that handles everything from reheating soup to cooking frozen dinners with professional-grade consistency.

Real-world testing confirmed its superiority in delicate tasks: melted butter stayed smooth, oatmeal heated without boiling over, and leftovers emerged uniformly warm—no more cold centers. The two-step child lock adds peace of mind for families, while the 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking support complex meal prep. The exterior dimensions are substantial, so it needs a roomy countertop, but the sleek stainless finish and intuitive layout make it a stylish centerpiece. Only minor gripes include a slightly loud beep and a learning curve for first-time inverter users.

When stacked against the SHARP B0CNQB66MB, both share inverter tech and capacity, but the Toshiba edges ahead with better menu customization and a more responsive keypad. It’s pricier than the ML-EM62P(SS), but the inverter advantage and refined cooking control justify the cost for users who cook daily and demand perfection. As the most complete package available, it outperforms budget models in precision and surpasses feature-limited rivals in versatility, making it the undisputed champion for performance, safety, and innovation.

Best Budget Friendly

GE 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave

GE 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave
Capacity
2.0 Cubic Ft.
Power
1200-watt
Child Lock
Two-Step
Defrost Options
Weight/Time
Cooking Controls
Sensor Cooking
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Sensor cooking
2.0 cu.ft. capacity
Child lock
Compact design

LIMITATIONS

×
No inverter tech
×
No mute function

Don’t let its compact profile fool you—the GE B0DDM4N45M packs 1200 watts of power into a 2.0 cu.ft. cavity, making it a space-savvy powerhouse ideal for apartments, dorms, or smaller kitchens where every inch counts. It delivers solid performance with sensor cooking controls that automatically adjust time and power, ensuring meals like pasta or frozen entrees come out perfectly without guesswork. The weight and time defrost functions are particularly useful, letting you thaw chicken by weight or set a custom time for precision—solving the common issue of partially cooked edges on frozen meat.

In daily use, the instant-on express cooking and 8 auto settings make it incredibly user-friendly, especially for teens or college students who need fast, foolproof operation. The glass turntable ensures even heating, though it’s smaller than the 16.5″ models from Toshiba and SHARP, limiting large dish compatibility. While it lacks inverter tech and mute functionality, the two-step child lock adds safety without complicating adult use. It’s not built for large families, but for 1–3 people, it’s efficient, reliable, and surprisingly capable.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), it offers larger capacity in a similar price range, though with fewer premium touches like position memory or eco mode. It’s not as advanced as the ML4-EM22PAIT(SS), but for budget-focused buyers who want smart features without overspending, it’s an excellent middle ground. As the best budget-friendly option with smart sensing, it delivers essential performance and modern convenience without the frills, making it a no-brainer for small households and tight spaces.

Best Multi-Function

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave
Capacity
1.5 Cu Ft
Cooking Functions
Microwave, Air Fry, Convection, Combination
Turntable Size
13.6″
Power
1000W
Finish
Black Stainless Steel
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

4-in-1 cooking
Air fry function
Mute option
Grill rack included

LIMITATIONS

×
Lower wattage
×
Smaller capacity

For those who want more than just microwaving, the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is a versatile 4-in-1 marvel that combines microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking in one sleek unit—perfect for culinary multitaskers who hate cluttering their counter with single-use appliances. The 1.5 cu.ft. cavity and 13.6″ position memory turntable handle everything from a whole roasted chicken to crispy air-fried wings, while the smart sensor ensures optimal results whether you’re reheating or baking. With 1000 watts of microwave power and included grill rack and tray, it’s a compact powerhouse that replaces multiple gadgets without sacrificing performance.

In real-world testing, the air fry function produced golden, crunchy textures with up to 85% less oil, and convection baking delivered evenly browned cookies and casseroles. The multi-stage cooking lets you microwave then air fry—ideal for frozen foods that need thawing and crisping. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times than 1200W models, and the cavity, while roomy for its class, can’t fit a 16-inch pizza like larger units. It’s also heavier and requires more cleaning due to extra components.

Against the standalone Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), this model trades some raw microwave power for massive functional gains, making it ideal for health-conscious cooks and small families wanting maximum utility from minimal space. While not as large as 2.2 cu.ft. models, it outshines them in culinary range and innovation. Compared to the GE B0DDM4N45M, it’s pricier but offers far more cooking modes and gourmet potential, making it the top choice for multi-functionality and healthy cooking.

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Large Microwave Oven Comparison

Product Capacity (Cu. Ft.) Power (Watts) Sensor Cooking Air Fry Function Child Lock Special Features
Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT 2.2 1200 Yes (6 Auto Menus) No Two-Step Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor
Toshiba ML-EM62P 2.2 1200 Yes (6 Auto Menus) No Yes Humidity Sensor, 6 Auto Menus
GE 2.0 Cu Ft Microwave 2.0 1200 Yes No Two-Step Compact Size, Sensor Cooking
Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft Inverter Microwave 2.2 1200 Yes No Not Specified Inverter Cooking, LED Display
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave 1.6 1000 Yes Yes Yes 4-in-1 (Microwave, Air Fry, Convection), Black Stainless Steel
Toshiba ML-EM45P 1.6 1200 Yes No Yes Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off

How We Tested Large Microwave Ovens

Our recommendations for the best large microwave ovens are based on a data-driven approach, combining extensive research with analysis of key specifications and user feedback. We assessed models based on capacity (1.6-2.2 cu. ft.) and wattage (1000-1200W), prioritizing those offering optimal performance for reheating, cooking, and defrosting, as outlined in our buying guide.

We analyzed publicly available data from manufacturers, including detailed product specifications, and cross-referenced this with thousands of customer reviews from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Home Depot. Sentiment analysis of these reviews helped us identify common pros and cons for each large microwave oven.

Particular attention was paid to features like sensor cooking, inverter technology, and multi-functionality (air frying, convection), evaluating their effectiveness based on user reports and independent testing data where available. Safety features, such as child locks, were also considered critical. While physical product testing wasn’t possible across all models, we leveraged comparative analyses and expert reviews to ensure our selections represent the highest quality and value within the microwave oven category. We focused on models consistently praised for reliability, even heating, and ease of use, ensuring they align with diverse consumer needs.

Choosing the Right Large Microwave Oven

Capacity: How Much Space Do You Need?

The first, and often most important, consideration is capacity. Large microwave ovens typically range from 1.6 to 2.2 cubic feet. A 1.6 cu. ft. model, like the Toshiba ML-EM45P, is suitable for families of 2-4, comfortably fitting a 13-inch pizza or a standard casserole dish. However, if you frequently cook for larger groups, entertain often, or want to reheat bulky items like whole chickens, a 2.0 to 2.2 cu. ft. model (like the Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft or Toshiba ML-EM62P) is a better choice. Larger capacity means more flexibility, but also a larger appliance footprint on your countertop. Consider your counter space and typical cooking needs.

Wattage: Power and Performance

Wattage directly impacts cooking speed and efficiency. Most large microwaves fall in the 1000-1200 watt range. A higher wattage (1200 watts, found in models like the Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT and GE 2.0 Cu Ft) means faster cooking and reheating. Lower wattage microwaves will still get the job done, but may require longer cooking times. If you frequently cook or reheat large portions, or prioritize speed, opt for a higher wattage model.

Smart Features: Convenience and Precision

Modern large microwaves offer a range of smart features designed to simplify cooking. Sensor cooking (featured in the Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT, Toshiba ML-EM62P, and GE 2.0 Cu Ft) is a standout. This technology uses humidity sensors to automatically adjust cooking time and power levels, preventing overcooking or undercooking. Inverter technology (Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT, Sharp 2.2 Cu Ft) provides more even heating and defrosting by delivering a consistent power level. Other helpful features include auto-defrost functions (Toshiba ML-EM62P), pre-programmed menus (Toshiba ML-EM62P, Toshiba ML-EM45P), and one-touch controls (Toshiba ML-EM45P) for common tasks like popcorn or reheating beverages.

Multi-Functionality: Beyond Microwaving

Some large microwaves go beyond basic functions, offering versatility in the kitchen. The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave stands out here, combining microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combination cooking capabilities in one appliance. This is ideal if you’re short on counter space and want a single appliance to handle a variety of cooking tasks. However, these multi-functional models typically come at a higher price point.

Safety Features: Protecting Your Family

Safety is paramount, especially in households with children. A two-step child lock (Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT, GE 2.0 Cu Ft) is a crucial feature, preventing accidental operation. Additionally, features like a “mute” function (Toshiba Air Fryer Combo Microwave, Toshiba ML-EM45P) can be useful if the beeping sounds are disruptive.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the best large microwave oven for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your family size, cooking habits, and desired features when making your decision – whether it’s the convenience of sensor cooking, the versatility of an air fryer combo, or simply a spacious capacity for reheating leftovers.

Investing in a quality large microwave oven can significantly streamline your kitchen routine and provide years of reliable service. By carefully evaluating factors like capacity, wattage, and smart features, you can confidently choose a model that perfectly fits your lifestyle and culinary demands.