7 Best Large Microwave Ovens of 2025

This powerhouse performer redefines what a mid-sized microwave can do—delivering 1,200 watts of cooking precision in a surprisingly compact frame. With its 2.0 cubic feet capacity, it handles oversized plates and family-sized meals with ease, while the sensor cooking technology eliminates guesswork by automatically adjusting time and power for perfect reheating and defrosting. It’s engineered for real-life kitchens where space is tight but performance demands are high, making it ideal for busy households and compact living spaces alike.

In everyday use, the GE shines brightest when reheating leftovers or preparing frozen meals—the auto-sensor settings respond accurately to moisture levels, preventing soggy or overcooked results. The glass turntable ensures even heat distribution, though it may struggle slightly with very large platters due to clearance limits. At 1,200 watts, it heats quickly across all 8 preset modes, including popcorn, beverage, and potato, but lacks advanced features like convection or air frying. Its child-lock system adds peace of mind, especially in homes with curious kids, though some users might find the control layout slightly dated compared to touchscreen models.

When stacked against other large-capacity models, this GE unit holds its own as a reliable, no-frills workhorse—especially when compared to the multi-function Toshiba combo units that cost more but add complexity. It doesn’t try to be everything at once; instead, it focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well. For those who prioritize consistent performance over bells and whistles, this microwave delivers where it counts. While the SHARP model offers a larger 2.2 cu ft interior, the GE matches it in power and smart cooking features at a more accessible price point.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the SHARP 2.2 cu ft microwave, where inverter technology meets family-sized convenience in a sleek, modern package. This isn’t just another reheating box—it’s a precision appliance that uses continuous power delivery to eliminate hot and cold spots, ensuring your lasagna heats evenly and your veggies don’t turn to mush. Boasting a massive 16.5-inch turntable and 1200 watts, it effortlessly fits 16-inch pizzas and whole chickens, making it a game-changer for large families or frequent entertainers.

During testing, the inverter-powered cooking proved superior in delicate tasks like melting butter or reheating sauces without scorching—a common pain point with traditional microwaves. The sensor cook and auto menu options adapt intelligently to food moisture, while the +30 seconds shortcut makes quick additions effortless. Even with its size, it maintains a relatively slim footprint thanks to efficient internal design, though ventilation clearance should still be respected. However, the LED display, while bright and clear, can feel overly sensitive, registering accidental touches during cleaning.

Compared to the GE 2.0 cu ft model, this SHARP offers more space and better heat consistency, thanks to inverter tech—an edge that justifies its higher cost for serious users. Against the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS), it shares similar capacity and wattage but stands out with its newer interior lighting and responsive controls. If you’re upgrading from an older, uneven-heating microwave, this one feels like a quantum leap in control and reliability. It’s not the cheapest, but for those who value precision and space, it offers unmatched value in its class.

Don’t let its modest footprint fool you—the Farberware 1.6 cu ft microwave punches far above its weight, delivering smart cooking intelligence in a space-saving design. With 1,100 watts of power and smart sensor tech, it handles everyday meals with surprising agility, from perfectly popped popcorn to evenly reheated soups. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for dorms, offices, or tiny kitchens, yet it still manages to include essential features like weight-based defrost and one-touch presets without sacrificing usability.

Real-world testing shows it excels at basic meal prep and reheating, though it can’t match the speed or capacity of larger 2.2 cu ft models. The interior lighting is bright, and the easy-clean coating resists splatters, a small but meaningful win for busy users. However, the sensor responses are slightly slower than premium models, occasionally undercooking dense foods like casseroles. The 10 power levels offer decent flexibility, but lack multi-stage programming finesse found in higher-end Toshibas. Still, for a no-fuss, reliable reheater, it performs admirably across daily tasks.

Positioned between budget builds and premium performers, this Farberware unit is the sweet spot for small-space dwellers who want more than a bare-bones microwave. Compared to the larger GE or SHARP models, it gives up capacity and power but wins on footprint and affordability. It’s not built for large families or heavy-duty cooking, but for students, singles, or secondary kitchens, it’s a compact champion. While it lacks inverter tech and advanced menus, it delivers essential smart features at a fraction of the cost, making it one of the most sensible picks under 1.7 cu ft.

Meet the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS)—a kitchen transformer that blends microwave speed with air fryer crispiness and convection baking, all in one 1.5 cu ft powerhouse. This 4-in-1 combo unit is a revelation for home cooks tired of cluttered countertops and underused appliances. With 1000 watts of microwave power and convection heating, it can reheat, roast, bake, and air fry with impressive results—think crispy wings without the oil, or a golden-brown casserole straight from frozen. The position memory turntable stops in the same spot every time, making it safer and easier to handle hot dishes.

In real-world use, the air fry function stands out, delivering restaurant-quality texture using little to no oil—perfect for fries, chicken tenders, or roasted veggies. The smart sensor adjusts cooking time intelligently, though it works best with pre-programmed items like pizza or vegetables. While the 13.6-inch turntable fits most family-sized dishes, the interior is tighter than 2.2 cu ft models, limiting whole poultry or large pans. The mute function is a thoughtful touch for late-night snacks, and multi-stage cooking lets you defrost then cook automatically. However, the learning curve is steeper, and menu navigation feels less intuitive than simpler microwaves.

Compared to the standalone SHARP or GE models, this Toshiba trades pure microwave performance for versatility—a worthy compromise for multi-appliance users. While it doesn’t heat quite as fast as a 1200W pure microwave, it replaces three appliances in one, saving space and energy. It’s not the best for those who only reheat, but for cooks who crave crispy, healthy meals without extra gadgets, it’s a culinary powerhouse. If you’re choosing between this and the Farberware, this one offers vastly more functionality despite a smaller footprint.

This Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) isn’t just another microwave—it’s a precision-engineered kitchen command center built for families that demand consistent, intelligent cooking. With 1200 watts, 2.2 cu ft capacity, and inverter technology, it delivers unmatched heat consistency, eliminating the cold spots that plague conventional microwaves. The smart humidity sensor adjusts power in real time, so reheated pasta stays moist and frozen dinners cook evenly—no more dry edges and icy centers. It’s the complete package for those who want top-tier performance without sacrificing usability.

Testing reveals it excels in reheating, defrosting, and sensor-based cooking, with the 16.5-inch turntable accommodating full 16-inch pizzas and whole chickens. The 6 auto-sensor menus cover everything from beverages to snacks, responding quickly and accurately. Even with dense foods, the inverter tech maintains steady power, unlike pulsing systems that cause uneven results. The child lock is robust, requiring a two-step activation, and the interior lighting makes monitoring easy. However, the external dimensions are on the larger side, so ensure your countertop has the clearance.

Against the SHARP 2.2 cu ft model, this Toshiba matches capacity and power but surpasses it with superior inverter integration and sensor logic. Compared to the GE 2.0 cu ft, it offers more space and better cooking intelligence. It’s the most well-rounded high-end microwave in the lineup—ideal for large households that cook daily and demand reliability. While it’s the most expensive model, it justifies the cost with elite performance and durability, making it the best overall choice for those who want the pinnacle of countertop microwave engineering.

Built for large families and meal-prep warriors, the Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) combines spacious 2.2 cu ft capacity with smart cooking logic to handle everything from Sunday roasts to weekday leftovers. With 1200 watts and a 16.5-inch position memory turntable, it delivers reliable, family-scale performance, fitting full pizzas and whole chickens with room to spare. The intuitive humidity sensor auto-adjusts cooking time, locking in moisture so meals never dry out—an essential upgrade over basic timers and manual power settings.

In daily use, the auto-defrost function is a standout, offering dedicated programs for meat, poultry, and fish that mimic natural thawing—no more rubbery edges or frozen centers. The 6 preset menus (bacon, oatmeal, beverages, etc.) are thoughtfully chosen for real-life needs, and the ECO mode reduces standby power, appealing to energy-conscious users. The mute option silences beeps, perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing others. However, while the position memory turntable improves safety, it doesn’t rotate as smoothly as standard models when heavily loaded.

Compared to the SHARP 2.2 cu ft, it offers similar capacity and power but adds ECO mode and better defrost programming. Against the premium Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT(SS), it lacks inverter tech but delivers nearly the same usability at a lower cost. It’s the ideal balance of space, smarts, and value for families who need a workhorse microwave without paying for overkill. While not as advanced as the inverter model, it delivers 90% of the performance at a more digestible price, making it the top pick for large households seeking practical excellence.

Sleek, smart, and perfectly sized, the Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) brings premium features into a mid-range footprint, making it the ideal upgrade for modern kitchens. With 1200 watts and 1.6 cu ft capacity, it delivers full-power performance without dominating the counter, fitting neatly in apartments, offices, or secondary kitchens. The black stainless steel finish adds a touch of luxury, while the position memory turntable stops in the same spot every time, enhancing safety when removing hot dishes—a small detail that makes a big difference.

In practice, the smart sensor menus shine, delivering consistent results for pizza, potatoes, and vegetables with minimal input. The one-touch popcorn button is a welcome convenience, and the sound-off function lets you mute alerts—perfect for quiet households. Though smaller than 2.2 cu ft models, it handles 13-inch pizzas and family meals with ease, though whole chickens may not fit flat. The 10 power levels allow precise control, but lack multi-stage automation finesse found in higher-end models. Still, for its size, it offers exceptional cooking intelligence and build quality.

Stacked against the Farberware 1.6 cu ft, this Toshiba offers more power (1200W vs 1100W) and better sensor logic, justifying the slight price bump. Compared to the combo air fryer model, it trades versatility for simplicity and reliability—ideal for those who want a dedicated, high-performance microwave without the complexity. It’s not for large families needing maximum space, but for couples, small households, or design-focused users, it’s the best mid-range microwave available. With premium looks and smart functionality, it outperforms its class and elevates everyday cooking.