Most shoppers buy a microwave that is entirely too small for their actual dinner plates, realizing their mistake only when a casserole dish refuses to spin.
Measuring your available counter space and your largest cookware before buying is the easiest way to avoid this kitchen frustration.
Let us compare the best large countertop Microwaves available right now so you can find a machine that actually fits your life.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize a capacity of at least 1.6 cubic feet if you regularly cook family-sized meals or large casserole dishes.
- Look for a power rating of 1200 watts to ensure your food heats quickly and evenly without cold spots.
- Choose smart sensor technology if you want the microwave to automatically adjust cooking times and power levels based on humidity.
- Verify your countertop footprint and clearance requirements carefully because larger models take up significantly more depth and width.
- Select a stainless steel finish for durability and an appearance that easily matches standard modern kitchen appliances.
| Best Overall Choice |  |
Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave 1.6 Cu.Ft | Smart sensor cooking | Generous 1.6 cubic feet | High power output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Family Capacity |  |
Toshiba Large Smart Sensor Microwave 2.2 Cu.Ft | Massive interior capacity | Powerful 1200 watt output | Smart humidity sensor | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Daily Performer |  |
Black and Decker Stainless Steel Microwave 1.1 Cu.Ft | Balanced mid-size footprint | Clean stainless steel finish | Simple control layout | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Saver |  |
Black and Decker Compact Microwave 0.7 Cu.Ft | Fits tiny spaces | Lightweight portable design | Simple mechanical controls | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Versatile Kitchen Staple |  |
Toshiba Stainless Steel Microwave 1.2 Cu.Ft | Ideal mid-size capacity | Attractive stainless exterior | Intuitive control panel | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sleek Modern Standard |  |
Toshiba Black Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu.Ft | Stylish black finish | Reliable heating power | Comfortable 1.2 capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Even Heat Specialist |  |
Toshiba Inverter Technology Microwave 1.6 Cu.Ft | Advanced inverter technology | True low power defrost | Spacious 1.6 capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensor Assisted Cooking |  |
Farberware Smart Sensor Microwave 1.6 Cu.Ft | Smart steam sensors | Generous 1.6 capacity | Handy child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Commercial Grade Power |  |
Sharp Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Microwave 2.2 Cu.Ft | Huge 2.2 capacity | Powerful 1200 watt motor | Commercial grade build | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Footprint Upgrade |  |
Toshiba Compact Stainless Microwave 0.9 Cu.Ft | Punchy 900 watt motor | Compact stainless housing | Quick start controls | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
-
Toshiba Smart Sensor Microwave 1.6 Cu.Ft
Finding the right appliance for a busy kitchen feels like searching for a parking spot right outside the door, but this model makes the process remarkably simple. It operates as the ideal daily driver for families who need both speed and reliability on busy weeknights. You get plenty of interior room for large dinner plates, alongside precise heating technology that prevents cold spots.
The main drawback lies in the physical footprint, which requires clearing off a significant amount of counter space before you even plug it in. But the reliable performance easily outweighs the bulk for most households.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.6 Cu.Ft
- Power:1200W
- Additional Feature:Smart sensor technology
- Additional Feature:Preset menu options
- Additional Feature:Interior LED lighting
-
Toshiba Large Smart Sensor Microwave 2.2 Cu.Ft
Cooking for a crowd requires an appliance that treats a casserole dish like a coffee mug, and this massive 2.2 cubic foot cavity handles oversized cookware without complaint. It suits large households and batch cookers who frequently reheat heavy portions all at once. The powerful 1200-watt engine reduces cooking times significantly compared to standard entry-level models.
You will need a sturdy table or deep counter because this unit takes up serious real estate. However, the sheer internal volume makes up for the exterior dimensions.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:2.2 Cu.Ft
- Power:1200W
- Additional Feature:Humidity sensor cooking
- Additional Feature:Eco mode function
- Additional Feature:Sound on and off option
-
Black and Decker Stainless Steel Microwave 1.1 Cu.Ft
Apartment dwellers and office breakrooms often lack square footage, making this mid-sized 1.1 model a smart compromise between capacity and footprint. It handles standard lunch containers and frozen dinners with reliable 1000-watt heating. The sleek stainless steel finish also looks sharp without dominating the entire room.
The control panel can feel a bit stiff to press during the first few weeks of use. Still, it breaks in nicely over time.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.1 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Express cook buttons
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Interior glass turntable
-
Black and Decker Compact Microwave 0.7 Cu.Ft
Tight studio apartments and dorm rooms demand minimalist appliances, and this tiny 0.7 model tucks neatly into cramped corners where larger units simply refuse to fit. It works best for single occupants who mostly reheat single bowls of soup or make morning oatmeal. The modest 700-watt motor gets the job done without overloading older electrical circuits.
You cannot fit wide dinner plates inside the scaled-down interior cavity. But the compact dimensions are worth the compromise for tiny kitchens.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.7 Cu.Ft
- Power:700W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Mechanical dial controls
- Additional Feature:Removable glass turntable
- Additional Feature:Compact footprint
-
Toshiba Stainless Steel Microwave 1.2 Cu.Ft
Striking the sweet spot between heavy-duty capacity and counter-hogging bulk, this 1.2 cubic foot appliance fits comfortably in most suburban kitchens. It serves couples and small families who want dependable 1000-watt power without buying an industrial-sized machine. The stainless exterior resists smudges reasonably well under daily use.
The interior light bulb is on the dimmer side, making it a bit tricky to check on browning cheese without opening the door. Even so, the heating consistency remains solid.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.2 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
- Additional Feature:Energy saving ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Sound on and off feature
-
Toshiba Black Countertop Microwave 1.2 Cu.Ft
Matching dark kitchen cabinetry or minimalist aesthetics requires an appliance that blends into the background rather than screaming for attention. This matte black finish resists fingerprints while offering the exact same reliable internal performance as its stainless steel sibling. You get 1000 watts of power wrapped in a very approachable mid-size frame.
Dust and pet hair tend to show up clearly on the dark exterior surface, requiring a quick wipe down every few days. But the overall look is exceptionally clean.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.2 Cu.Ft
- Power:1000W
- Color:Black
- Additional Feature:Position memory turntable
- Additional Feature:Easy clean interior
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
-
Toshiba Inverter Technology Microwave 1.6 Cu.Ft
Traditional heating cycles can turn delicate fish edges into rubber while leaving the center frozen like an ice cube, but inverter technology solves this frustrating problem completely. This model delivers a steady stream of low power for true defrosting rather than just pulsing on and off violently. It suits home cooks who care deeply about culinary texture.
The operating manual is notoriously brief, leaving you to experiment with some of the advanced inverter settings on your own. Yet the cooking results speak for themselves once you learn the ropes.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.6 Cu.Ft
- Additional Feature:Inverter cooking system
- Additional Feature:Smart sensor menu
- Additional Feature:One touch start buttons
-
Farberware Smart Sensor Microwave 1.6 Cu.Ft
Guessing microwave cooking times often leads to dry leftovers, which is why built-in sensors feel like having a personal chef watching your food. This smart sensor system automatically adjusts time and power based on the steam rising from your meal. It works wonderfully for busy parents who need reliable auto-cook settings at the end of a long workday.
The door latch mechanism feels a bit mechanical and loud when clicking shut in a quiet house. Otherwise, the cooking performance is consistently impressive.
- Brand:Farberware
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:1.6 Cu.Ft
- Power:1100 Watts
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless
- Additional Feature:Smart sensor auto cook
- Additional Feature:Child safety lock
- Additional Feature:Easy clean interior
-
Sharp Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Microwave 2.2 Cu.Ft
Large households and small offices require an appliance built for heavy lifting, and this heavy duty 2.2 unit treats constant reheating as a casual hobby. It features a robust 1200-watt motor that blasts through large dishes with ease. The premium build quality ensures it survives years of relentless button-pushing.
The sheer physical footprint requires a dedicated corner, as it will quickly overwhelm a small kitchen counter. But the commercial-grade capacity is unmatched.
- Brand:Sharp
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:2.2 cu. ft.
- Power:1200W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Sensor cook technology
- Additional Feature:Popcorn preset button
- Additional Feature:Interactive display
-
Toshiba Compact Stainless Microwave 0.9 Cu.Ft
Not everyone needs to roast a turkey inside a microwave, making this compact 0.9 model an excellent choice for minimalists who still want decent cooking power. It packs a surprising 900 watts into a tight frame, meaning your food heats up fast without taking over the room. The stainless steel exterior adds a touch of class to small spaces.
The interior turntable track can be slightly fussy to align properly after cleaning. Still, it delivers great value for small households.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Type:Countertop
- Capacity:0.9 Cu.Ft
- Power:900W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Color:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:ECO mode setting
- Additional Feature:Sound toggle option
- Additional Feature:Bright LED cavity light
Frequently Asked Questions
How much counter space do I actually need for a large microwave?
You will need a surface that is at least 24 inches wide and 20 inches deep to support the base securely. Manufacturers also recommend leaving about two inches of clear space on the sides and top for proper airflow.
Can a large countertop microwave replace a wall oven?
Standard models cannot fully replace an oven because they lack traditional baking and browning capabilities. However, if you purchase a convection microwave, you can bake, roast, and crisp foods similarly to a conventional oven.
What is inverter technology and is it worth the extra cost?
Traditional microwaves blast food at full power in pulses, while inverter technology delivers a steady, continuous stream of low power. This results in much more even defrosting and prevents delicate items like fish from overcooking on the edges.
Do I need a dedicated electrical outlet for a high-wattage microwave?
Most large microwaves draw 1200 watts or more, which can overload standard circuits shared with heavy appliances like refrigerators or coffee makers. Plugging your microwave into a dedicated 15-amp circuit prevents frustrating tripped breakers and electrical issues.
Why does my microwave keep running after the timer hits zero?
This is usually part of the cooling fan cycle designed to protect the internal electrical components from residual heat. The fan will automatically shut off after a minute or two once the chassis cools down completely.
