7 Best Large Countertop Microwaves of 2025

This GE 2.0 cu. ft. microwave is a kitchen powerhouse that strikes a rare balance between spacious capacity and compact footprint, making it ideal for small kitchens that demand big performance. With 1,200 watts of cooking power and sensor-driven automation, it excels at reheating leftovers without drying them out or perfectly defrosting proteins with minimal guesswork. The two-step child lock adds peace of mind in homes with curious kids, while the instant-on express buttons eliminate menu diving when you’re in a rush—solving the universal pain point of slow, clunky interfaces.

In real-world use, the sensor cooking controls shine when handling delicate tasks like reheating lasagna or steaming vegetables, adjusting power and time to prevent overcooking. The 2.0 cubic foot cavity fits a 12-inch casserole dish comfortably and handles family-sized meals with ease, though the glass turntable occasionally struggles with very heavy dishes, leading to slight wobbling. It performs consistently across multiple surfaces, but users with deep countertops may find the depth slightly limiting due to its freestanding design. While it lacks inverter technology, the weight-based defrost function delivers accurate thawing results better than timed alternatives.

Positioned between budget models and high-end combos, this GE model outperforms smaller siblings like the 1.6 cu. ft. GE Black Stainless unit by offering greater capacity and equal wattage, making it a smarter pick for growing households. Compared to the SHARP 2.2 cu. ft., it trades a bit of space for a more streamlined footprint and simpler interface—ideal for users who value reliable performance without advanced features. It’s best suited for apartment dwellers, small families, or anyone upgrading from an underpowered microwave, delivering solid features and smart automation at a mid-tier value that beats feature-heavy but pricier combos.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the SHARP 2.2 cu. ft. microwave, a true giant-killer that redefines what large-capacity microwaves can do. Boasting a massive 16.5-inch turntable and inverter technology, this model delivers unmatched cooking consistency, eliminating the cold spots that plague traditional pulsing microwaves. The bright white LED display and interior lighting make it feel premium, while 10 power levels with 2-stage programming give serious control—perfect for multi-step meals or delicate sauces that demand precision.

During testing, the inverter cooking tech proved transformative, gently simmering oatmeal without boiling over and crisping the edges of a frozen burrito while keeping the center warm—something most microwaves fail at. The 2.2 cubic foot interior easily accommodated a full 9×13 pan or a whole rotisserie chicken, making it a standout for families or meal preppers. Even with heavy use, the removable turntable cleaned effortlessly, though the size may challenge tighter countertops. While the express cook buttons are intuitive, the menu layout can feel slightly cluttered for tech-averse users.

When stacked against the GE 2.0 cu. ft., the SHARP offers more space, better heat distribution, and a superior turntable, making it the overall leader in performance and innovation. It’s a direct upgrade over basic models, trading minimal counter real estate for professional-grade results. Ideal for busy households, home chefs, or anyone tired of unevenly heated meals, this microwave justifies its position as the best overall large-countertop option—delivering smarter cooking, bolder capacity, and better engineering than rivals in its class.

Don’t let the smaller size fool you—the GE 1.6 cu. ft. Black Stainless microwave is a compact dynamo engineered for efficiency in tight spaces without sacrificing core functionality. With 1,150 watts of power and smart sensor cooking, it handles everyday tasks like reheating coffee or defrosting ground beef with surprising accuracy, making it a lifesaver for dorms, studio apartments, or office kitchens. The two-step child lock and instant-on express buttons cater to safety and speed, solving the frustration of finicky controls in minimalist living setups.

Real-world testing confirmed its strength in small-batch cooking, where the glass turntable ensured even heating for mugs, bowls, and single-serve meals. While it can’t fit a full-size casserole, the 1.6 cubic foot cavity snugly holds a 10-inch pizza or medium-sized dish—perfect for one to two people. It lacks inverter tech, so delicate tasks like melting chocolate require manual power adjustments, but the weight-based defrost remains impressively accurate. The black stainless finish resists fingerprints better than standard stainless, a small but meaningful win for low-maintenance users.

Compared to the larger GE 2.0 cu. ft. model, this version is shorter in capacity and power, but its space-saving design makes it the better fit for minimalist environments. It outshines budget models with the same footprint by including sensor cooking and child safety lock, features often cut to save costs. For renters, students, or secondary kitchens, it’s the ideal blend of smart features and compact form, offering 90% of the function in 70% of the space—a true champion of small-space efficiency.

Meet the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS)—a kitchen multitasker that blurs the line between microwave and convection oven, packing four cooking modes into one sleek silver unit. With air fry, convection, combo, and microwave functions, it’s engineered for users who want crispy fries without the deep fryer and roasted chicken without firing up the oven. The 13.6-inch position-memory turntable resets to the same spot every time, making it safer and easier to handle hot dishes—a small but brilliant touch for real-world usability.

In performance tests, the air fry function delivered golden, crunchy results on frozen tater tots using no oil, rivaling standalone air fryers. The convection mode baked a moist cake and roasted vegetables evenly, though preheating took longer than a full oven. The 1.5 cu. ft. cavity fits a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken, but the 1000-watt microwave power feels underpowered compared to 1200W+ models when reheating large portions quickly. While the smart sensor works well for popcorn and frozen meals, combo cooking requires careful timing to avoid over-browning.

Against the TOSHIBA 8-in-1 ML2-EC10SA(BS), this model offers fewer functions but more interior space, making it better for families who air fry often but don’t need broil or odor removal. It’s a smarter value than high-end combos that charge more for rarely used features. Perfect for health-conscious cooks, small families, or anyone with limited oven access, this 4-in-1 combo delivers restaurant-style results with countertop convenience, offering greater versatility than a microwave alone at a fraction of the cost of dual appliances.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) is a budget-savvy revelation—a 1200-watt smart microwave that delivers premium features at a shockingly accessible price. With sensor-powered reheating, 10 power levels, and a 13.6-inch position-memory turntable, it punches well above its weight, especially for users who want automatic cooking precision without overspending. The one-touch popcorn button and mute function cater to everyday convenience, addressing the noise and fumbling that plague basic models.

In daily use, the smart sensor consistently nailed reheating tasks, from soggy takeout to dry rice, adjusting power and time to preserve texture. The 1.6 cu. ft. interior fits a 13-inch pizza, and the removable turntable simplifies cleaning—key for busy households. While it lacks inverter tech, the multi-stage cooking allows for defrost-then-cook sequences, adding flexibility. The black stainless finish looks upscale, though the control panel feels slightly plasticky compared to higher-end units.

Stacked against the pricier SHARP 2.2 cu. ft., it sacrifices space and inverter cooking but retains core intelligence at half the cost. Compared to the GE 2.0 cu. ft., it offers better value with the same wattage in a smarter package. Ideal for students, first-time homeowners, or anyone seeking maximum features per dollar, this microwave proves you don’t need to splurge for smart, reliable performance—it’s the undisputed king of budget-smart sensors.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a functionality powerhouse, packing eight cooking modes—including air fry, broil, convection, and odor removal—into a surprisingly compact frame. This kitchen Swiss Army knife is built for users who want maximum versatility from minimal counter space, especially in tiny kitchens or RVs. The 12.4-inch position-memory turntable ensures safe, repeatable loading, while the child lock and mute function enhance usability in shared environments.

Real-world testing showed the broil function actually delivers browning on chicken skin and melted cheese, a rare feat for combo microwaves. The air fry mode crisped fries beautifully with minimal oil, and the odor removal feature noticeably reduced lingering smells after fish or garlic-heavy meals. However, the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity limits large dishes—no full pizzas or big roasts—and the 1000-watt power means longer reheat times. The knob-based controls are intuitive but lack the polish of digital interfaces.

Compared to the 4-in-1 Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), this model trades interior space for expanded cooking modes, making it better for tech lovers than big eaters. It outshines most combos by offering true broiling and air frying, features often missing at this price. Best for singles, couples, or culinary experimenters in compact kitchens, it’s the ultimate multi-function pick, delivering restaurant-grade techniques with countertop practicality—a feature-rich alternative to buying multiple appliances.

The TOSHIBA ML-EM45PIT(BS) is a precision cooking beast, leveraging inverter technology to deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results you simply won’t get from standard microwaves. With 1250 watts of output power—the highest in this lineup—and 6 smart sensor menus, it excels at everything from gently defrosting salmon to reheating lasagna without rubbery edges. The inverter-powered continuous heating eliminates power pulsing, allowing true simmering and delicate cooking—solving the #1 complaint about microwave food quality.

In side-by-side tests, it outperformed non-inverter models by retaining moisture and texture, whether steaming veggies or reheating fried chicken. The 1.6 cu. ft. cavity and 13.6-inch turntable handle family-sized dishes with ease, and the quick-start button lets you launch full-power cooking in seconds. While heavier at 33 lbs, its sturdy build inspires confidence. The only hiccup? The sensor menus are limited to six presets, slightly less flexible than rivals with more auto-cook options.

Against the SHARP 2.2 cu. ft., it trades slightly less space for superior heating tech and more power, making it the better choice for cooking quality over sheer size. Compared to the budget Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS), it’s a significant upgrade in performance and durability. For home chefs, foodies, or anyone tired of “microwave mush,” this model is the pinnacle of even, intelligent cooking, offering pro-level inverter tech in a family-friendly package—a top-tier investment for culinary excellence.