9 Best Large Countertop Microwave Ovens (November 2026)

The best large countertop microwave ovens include the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven for sensor cooking in a medium-large cabinet, the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft. for compact counters, and the BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven for straightforward everyday cooking.

On this page (3 sections)

1. The best large countertop microwave ovens for family portions
2. How to choose a large countertop microwave oven
3. Which large countertop microwave oven should you choose?

The best large countertop microwave ovens give you enough interior space for family portions without requiring permanent cabinet installation.

The TOSHIBA 2.2 cu. ft. model is the strongest fit for large dishes, while the Panasonic adds inverter technology and the 1.6 cu. ft.

Sharp uses less counter space.

Capacity alone does not decide the best choice.

A large cabinet only helps if your plates, bowls and serving dishes can actually sit flat on the turntable.

That is why turntable diameter matters as much as the cubic foot figure on the label.

A 16.5-inch turntable gives you room for a wider pizza or a family serving dish.

A 12.4-inch turntable is easier to work with for everyday plates, but it will limit very large items.

If you are weighing the two appliance types, see microwave oven vs air fryer.

The exterior footprint is the next practical check.

The largest models here need about 24 inches of width and close to 20 inches of depth.

That depth can be the problem in a kitchen with standard countertops.

You also need height clearance if the microwave will sit under wall cabinets.

Measure width, depth and height before you compare presets or power levels.

Output power changes how you should use cooking directions.

Higher wattage can shorten reheating time, but it does not make every food cook evenly on its own.

Sensor controls can help with common foods by adjusting time and power.

Manual power levels give you more control when you want gentler reheating.

Control style also affects daily use.

Touch controls keep the panel flat and easy to wipe, while button controls can feel clearer for frequent use.

Child safety locks, mute options and timers are small features that matter in a busy kitchen.

If your needs are smaller, start with our guide to the best countertop microwave oven.

For a larger microwave that still needs to fit beneath cabinets, measure the full counter area before comparing features.

Think about the dish you use most often, then work backward to capacity and turntable size.

That approach keeps a large microwave practical instead of oversized.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for sensor cooking in a medium-large cabinet

   TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for compact counters

   Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for straightforward everyday cooking

   BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop

   Best for a balanced family kitchen
   Check it
5. 5

   TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart

   Best for the largest family meals
   Check it
6. 6

   Panasonic Microwave Oven

   Best for inverter cooking
   Check it
7. 7

   Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts

   Best for flexible one-touch cooking
   Check it
8. 8

   Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. 1200W Stainless

   Best for family-size sensor cooking
   Check it
9. 9

   Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. 1100W Stainless

   Best for middle-size family portions
   Check it

The best large countertop microwave ovens for family portions

The best large countertop microwave ovens balance capacity, turntable size and counter space.

The 2.2 cu. ft. models fit the largest dishes, while the 1.1 to 1.6 cu. ft. options are easier to place in a regular kitchen.

Capacity should match the food you cook most often.

A family that reheats large trays needs a different cabinet than a household that warms single plates.

Turntable diameter tells you what will fit in real use.

A wider turntable helps with round dishes, while depth and height decide whether taller bowls will clear the door.

We compared capacity, output power, turntable diameter, sensor functions, presets and stated dimensions.

Output power ranges widely across this group, so timing guidance matters when you switch models.

Sensor functions can adjust cooking for some foods, while presets cover common items with one touch.

Manual power levels remain useful for leftovers that need gentler reheating.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

We also paid close attention to exterior size.

A model with strong features is not a good fit if it blocks counter space or sits too close to overhead cabinets.

Use the stated dimensions to check width, depth and height on your own counter.

Then match the turntable to your plates and serving dishes.

That balance is what makes a large microwave useful every day.

1

TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for sensor cooking in a medium-large cabinet

9.6/10Our score

• 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts
• 12.4-inch glass turntable
• Smart humidity sensor
• 10 power levels

The TOSHIBA combines 1.2 cu. ft. of space with a humidity sensor, 10 power levels and a 12.4-inch turntable. It fits buyers who want more room than a compact microwave without moving to the largest cabinet.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smart humidity sensor
• 10 power levels
• 12.4-inch removable turntable

Cons

• Less capacity than the 2.2 cu. ft. models
• Needs a 20.6-inch-wide space

The TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven is the best overall match for buyers who want a capable medium-large microwave without the footprint of a 2.2 cu. ft. cabinet. Its 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, 1000 watts and 12.4-inch glass turntable handle many everyday plates, bowls and medium-size dishes.

The smart humidity sensor adjusts cooking time and power based on food humidity. That gives you an automatic option for sensor cooking, while 10 power levels let you choose a lower setting for tasks such as softening or gentle reheating.

Six preset menus cover foods such as pizza, vegetables and sensor reheat. The control panel also includes defrost by weight or time, one-touch starts from 1 to 6 minutes and a kitchen timer.

At 20.6 inches wide, 14.6 inches deep and 11.8 inches high, it needs a substantial counter area but remains smaller than the extra-large models. The black stainless steel finish and removable turntable suit buyers who want practical features in a medium-large footprint.

Choose this TOSHIBA if your usual dishes fit on a 12.4-inch turntable. For more capacity and a 16.5-inch turntable, compare it with our best Toshiba countertop microwave oven guide.

2

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for compact counters

9.5/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• 10 power levels
• 6 cooking presets
• Mute button

The Chefman is the smallest model here, but its 10 power levels and 6 presets make it useful where counter depth and width matter more than large-dish capacity.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smallest footprint here
• 10 power levels
• Child safety lock and mute button

Cons

• Lowest capacity here
• 700 watts takes a different timing approach

The Chefman is not a large microwave by capacity, but it earns a place here for buyers who need a compact countertop appliance with useful controls. Its 0.7 cu. ft. cabinet measures 17.52 inches wide, 12.93 inches deep and 9.53 inches high.

At 700 watts, it uses less output power than every other pick in this roundup. That makes the cooking time guidance especially important when you move from a higher-powered microwave.

The Chefman has 10 power levels and 6 presets for popcorn, pizza, beverages, vegetables, potatoes and leftovers. A +30 seconds button adds time quickly, while the mute button lets you silence cooking alerts.

The handle includes a child safety lock. Its glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe, and the black exterior can be wiped with a damp towel.

Choose the Chefman when counter space matters more than large-dish capacity. It is better suited to smaller portions, office use or a compact kitchen than to a 16-inch pizza or a large casserole.

3

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for straightforward everyday cooking

9.4/10Our score

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
• 900 watts
• 10 power settings
• 6 auto cook presets
• 10.6-inch glass turntable

This BLACK+DECKER gives you 900 watts, 10 power settings and familiar presets in a cabinet smaller than the 1.1 cu. ft. models.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 6 preset cooking buttons
• 900 watts
• Child safety lock

Cons

• 10.6-inch turntable is smaller than several picks
• Less capacity than 1.1 and 2.2 cu. ft. models

The BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven suits everyday reheating when you want a cabinet larger than the Chefman but smaller than the 1.1 cu. ft. options. It provides 0.9 cu. ft. of capacity, 900 watts and a removable 10.6-inch glass turntable.

Six preset buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. You can also choose from 10 power settings, use the 30-second express control and set the clock or kitchen timer.

The large LED display shows cooking information clearly. A push-button door release makes access simple, while the child safety lock adds a control for households where the microwave is within easy reach.

Its exterior measures 18.7 inches wide, 13.4 inches deep and 10.68 inches high. The stainless steel door frame contrasts with the black enclosure, so check the surrounding appliances if a matching finish matters.

Choose this model for regular reheating and smaller plates. If your dishes often approach the size of a dinner plate or casserole, the 12.4-inch turntables in the next group give you more room.

4

BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop: Best for a balanced family kitchen

9.4/10Our score

• 1.1 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts
• 12.4-inch glass turntable
• 10 power settings
• 6 auto cook presets

The 1.1 cu. ft. BLACK+DECKER adds a larger turntable and 1000 watts for family portions while keeping the feature set simple.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 12.4-inch turntable
• 1000 watts
• Push-button door release

Cons

• Same width class as the 1.2 cu. ft. TOSHIBA
• Black enclosure with stainless steel door frame

The BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop is a balanced choice for buyers who want 1.1 cu. ft. of space and 1000 watts without moving to the 2.2 cu. ft. class. Its 12.4-inch removable glass turntable gives you more dish room than the smaller BLACK+DECKER model.

Six preset buttons cover popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. The microwave also provides 10 power settings, a kitchen timer, a clock and 30-second express cooking.

The large LED display and easy-to-use button controls keep the main functions visible. A push-button door release provides quick access, and the child safety lock adds a useful household control.

This model measures 20.6 inches wide, 14.8 inches deep and 11.8 inches high. The black enclosure and stainless steel door frame make it different from a fully stainless steel exterior, which may matter if you are coordinating appliances.

Choose it for a regular family kitchen with room for a 20.6-inch-wide appliance. It is a strong middle choice when 0.9 cu. ft. feels tight but a 2.2 cu. ft. microwave would take too much counter space.

5

TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart: Best for the largest family meals

9.3/10Our score

• 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1200 watts
• 16.5-inch glass turntable
• Smart humidity sensor
• 23 menus

The large TOSHIBA is built around family-size portions, with room for a 16-inch pizza or whole chicken and a 16.5-inch turntable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest stated capacity group
• 1200 watts
• 23 menus and smart sensor

Cons

• Largest footprint here
• 49.2 lb weight

The TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart is the top pick for large dishes and family portions. Its 2.2 cu. ft. capacity, 1200 watts and 16.5-inch glass turntable give it the interior room needed for a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.

A smart humidity sensor adjusts cooking power and time. The 23 menus cover common foods such as pizza, potatoes, beverages and vegetables, while custom defrost settings work by weight or time.

The control set also includes memory, multi-stage cooking, an ECO mode, a mute option and a child safety lock. Those features make it suitable for households that want both automatic programs and manual control.

The trade-off is the footprint. It measures 24.4 inches wide, 19.6 inches deep and 13.6 inches high, and it weighs 49.2 lb.

Measure the full counter and overhead area before choosing it.

Choose this TOSHIBA if you regularly cook or reheat large dishes. If you want a similar capacity with inverter technology, compare the Panasonic below.

6

Panasonic Microwave Oven: Best for inverter cooking

9.2/10Our score

• 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1250 watts
• 16.5-inch turntable
• Cyclonic Wave technology
• Genius Sensor

The Panasonic pairs 2.2 cu. ft. of space with 1250 watts, inverter technology, Cyclonic Wave cooking and 20 preset menu items.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Highest output power here
• Inverter technology
• 16.5-inch turntable

Cons

• 14-inch height needs clearance
• Large 19.5-inch depth

The Panasonic Microwave Oven is the strongest choice for buyers who want large capacity with inverter technology. It holds 2.2 cu. ft., uses 1250 watts and includes a 16.5-inch turntable.

Cyclonic Wave technology circulates heat in 3D waves, while the inverter system delivers a continuous stream of cooking power at different temperature levels. The Genius Sensor adjusts power and time based on the food, and Turbo Defrost helps with frozen items.

Panasonic includes 20 preset menu items, a quick-minute timer, delay start and a child safety lock. The warming feature is designed for soups, gravies and desserts that need to stay warm until serving.

Its exterior measures 23.9 inches wide, 19.5 inches deep and 14 inches high. The stainless steel countertop or built-in design needs careful clearance planning, especially beneath low cabinets.

Choose the Panasonic if consistent power control and large capacity matter more than a shorter cabinet. Read our best Panasonic countertop microwave oven guide for another look at the brand's countertop options.

7

Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts: Best for flexible one-touch cooking

9.1/10Our score

• 1.1 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts
• 10 power levels
• Multi-stage cooking
• Defrost by weight or time

Farberware gives you 1.1 cu. ft. of space, 1000 watts, 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking for varied reheating and defrosting tasks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Defrost by weight or time
• 10 power levels
• 6 preset options

Cons

• Deeper than the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu. ft. model
• Turntable size is not specified here

The Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven gives you a practical 1.1 cu. ft. and 1000 watts for everyday family cooking. It includes 10 power levels, multi-stage cooking and 6 one-touch options.

Defrost by weight or time gives you two ways to thaw food. Express cooking starts from 1 to 6 minutes, and the add-30-seconds control lets you extend a cycle without entering a new time.

The LED display includes a clock and kitchen timer. Interior lighting helps you watch the dish, while the child safety lock adds an extra control for household use.

At 20.2 inches wide, 16.54 inches deep and 12.03 inches high, it is about the same width as some 1.1 to 1.2 cu. ft. models but deeper than the BLACK+DECKER option. Measure front-to-back clearance carefully.

Choose Farberware if you use different power levels and defrost settings often. Its controls are more flexible than a simple preset-only microwave, but the turntable diameter is not specified here.

8

Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. 1200W Stainless: Best for family-size sensor cooking

8.5/10Our score

• 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1200 watts
• 16.5-inch carousel turntable
• Sensor Cook
• 2-stage cooking

Sharp gives large households a 2.2 cu. ft. cabinet, 1200 watts, sensor cooking and a 16.5-inch carousel turntable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Family-size capacity
• Sensor Cook and Auto Cook
• 16.5-inch turntable

Cons

• Large footprint
• Trim kit is sold separately for built-in installation

The Sharp SMC2266KS is a family-size microwave with 2.2 cu. ft. of capacity, 1200 watts and a 16.5-inch carousel turntable. It suits larger serving trays, casserole dishes and meal portions.

Sensor Cook adjusts cooking for selected foods, while Auto Cook provides preset choices. The microwave also includes 10 power levels, 2-stage cooking, weight and time defrost, Melt and Soften, +30 seconds and express cooking up to 6 minutes.

A gray interior, white LED display and LED interior lighting give the control area a clear layout. The stainless steel finish fits a modern kitchen, but it has the same large footprint as the largest TOSHIBA.

The model measures 24.4 inches wide, 19.6 inches deep and 13.6 inches high. It can also be built in with an optional Sharp trim kit for a 27-inch or 30-inch custom look, and the trim kit is sold separately.

Choose the Sharp if you want large capacity with sensor and staged cooking. If your counter cannot handle 19.6 inches of depth, the 1.6 cu. ft.

Sharp is easier to place.

9

Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. 1100W Stainless: Best for middle-size family portions

8.3/10Our score

• 1.6 cu. ft. capacity
• 1100 watts
• 13.6-inch carousel turntable
• Sensor Cook
• 6 presets

The Sharp SMC1662KS sits between compact and extra-large models, with 1.6 cu. ft. of capacity, 1100 watts and a 13.6-inch carousel turntable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• More room than compact models
• 1100 watts
• Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost

Cons

• Less capacity than the 2.2 cu. ft. picks
• 13.6-inch turntable may limit very large dishes

The Sharp SMC1662KS is the middle-size choice for buyers who need more room than a compact microwave but less bulk than a 2.2 cu. ft. model.

It has 1.6 cu. ft. of capacity, 1100 watts and a 13.6-inch carousel turntable.

That size suits households that cook for two or more people without needing the largest cabinet.

The 13.6-inch turntable gives more dish room than compact models.

It can handle larger plates and medium serving dishes that feel tight in a 0.7 or 0.9 cu. ft. microwave.

Sensor Cook provides 6 presets for cooking and reheating.

Those presets are aimed at common foods, so you do not need to set time and power from scratch every time.

Auto Defrost handles thawing, while One Touch Cook covers popcorn and beverages.

Express Cook provides one-touch cooking for up to 6 minutes.

The +30 Sec key adds time during cooking or works as a quick start.

That is handy when a dish needs a short extra burst after the first cycle.

The stainless steel cabinet measures 21.8 inches wide, 17.7 inches deep and 12.8 inches high.

That is still a substantial footprint, but it gives you more interior space without reaching the width and depth of the 2.2 cu. ft. models.

Measure depth carefully if your counter is shared with other appliances.

A 17.7-inch depth can leave less room in front for a plate or mug.

Choose this Sharp for middle-size family portions and a higher output level.

If you regularly use 16-inch pizzas or very large casserole dishes, move up to a model with a 16.5-inch turntable.

How to choose a large countertop microwave oven

The best large countertop microwave oven for your kitchen depends first on the dish size you need to fit. A bigger capacity is useful only when your counter can support the microwave and the turntable is wide enough for your cookware.

Which capacity fits your dishes?

Choose 2.2 cu. ft. when you need room for large family portions, serving trays, a 16-inch pizza or a whole chicken.

The TOSHIBA, Panasonic and Sharp SMC2266KS all use this capacity class.

That size makes sense for entertaining, holiday meals and dishes that do not fit in a standard microwave.

It also helps when several people need reheating at once.

Choose 1.6 cu. ft. when you want a middle ground.

The Sharp SMC1662KS has a 13.6-inch turntable and is easier to place than the 2.2 cu. ft. models.

This class suits family plates and medium serving dishes without taking up the full counter depth of the largest cabinets.

It is a sensible step up if compact models have felt too small.

The 1.1 to 1.2 cu. ft. models work for common family plates and medium dishes.

Their 12.4-inch turntables give you more room than compact models without requiring the full footprint of a 2.2 cu. ft. cabinet.

These models fit many everyday kitchens where counter space is limited.

They are often the better match when you mainly reheat dinners, vegetables and drinks.

Smaller models below 1.1 cu. ft. suit single servings and tight counters.

Be honest about how often you use large dishes.

If a 16-inch pizza is rare, a middle-size cabinet may serve you better day to day.

Also check interior height and shape, not just capacity.

A tall bowl needs clearance when the door closes and the turntable rotates.

Measure your most used dishes before you decide.

Put a plate or casserole dish on a counter and note its diameter.

Then compare that measurement with the turntable size.

That simple test prevents a common buying mistake.

How much counter space do large microwave ovens need?

Measure width, depth and height with the microwave door closed and open. The largest models here measure about 24 inches wide, 19.5 to 19.6 inches deep and 13.6 to 14 inches high.

Leave room for the door, controls and airflow according to the appliance instructions. Do not assume a microwave will fit beneath a cabinet just because its width matches the available counter.

The 1.6 cu. ft. Sharp measures 21.8 inches wide and 17.7 inches deep.

The 1.1 cu. ft. Farberware is 20.2 inches wide but 16.54 inches deep, so width and depth can change independently.

Is higher wattage better?

Higher wattage can shorten cooking times, but it does not remove the need to follow directions for your specific microwave. The models here range from 700 watts to 1250 watts.

The Panasonic has the highest output at 1250 watts. The large TOSHIBA and Sharp SMC2266KS use 1200 watts, while the 1.1 to 1.2 cu. ft. options use 1000 watts.

A 700-watt microwave can still handle common reheating tasks, but you may need different timing than you use with a 1000-watt model. Start with the package directions and adjust carefully.

Are sensor cooking and inverter cooking the same?

No. Sensor cooking adjusts time and power based on food conditions, while inverter technology controls how cooking power is delivered.

Some microwaves offer one, and the Panasonic combines inverter technology with a Genius Sensor.

The TOSHIBA models and Sharp picks include sensor cooking features. The Chefman, BLACK+DECKER and Farberware models focus more on manual power levels and preset controls.

Choose sensor cooking if you want help with common foods. Choose inverter technology if continuous power control is a central reason for your purchase.

Which large countertop microwave oven should you choose?

The best large countertop microwave ovens solve different kitchen problems.

Choose the TOSHIBA 2.2 cu. ft. model for the biggest dishes, Panasonic for inverter cooking, or Sharp SMC1662KS when you need a middle-size cabinet.

Start with your usual dishes.

If you cook for a large household, the 2.2 cu. ft. models give you the most flexibility.

A 16.5-inch turntable helps with wide pizzas, trays and serving dishes.

That extra room can make reheating leftovers for several people much simpler.

Choose Panasonic if continuous power control is your main priority.

Its inverter system is designed to deliver steady cooking power at lower settings.

That can help with foods that need gentler heating instead of full power bursts.

Choose the Sharp SMC1662KS if you want a middle ground.

Its 1.6 cu. ft. cabinet and 13.6-inch turntable suit family portions without the largest footprint.

For a balanced 1.1 to 1.2 cu. ft. choice, compare the TOSHIBA 1000-watt model with the BLACK+DECKER and Farberware options.

Those models are easier to place in many kitchens.

They still offer 1000 watts, preset menus and manual power levels for everyday reheating.

Measure your counter first, then match the turntable diameter to the dishes you use most.

Check width, depth and height with the door closed.

Leave room for the door to open and for airflow around the cabinet.

Also think about how you cook.

Sensor cooking helps with common foods, while manual controls suit people who like to adjust time and power.

Defrost options matter if you thaw food often.

Weight or time defrost can give you more control for frozen items.

If cabinet color matters, our guide to best countertop microwave ovens white covers a lighter finish category.

Pick the size that fits your counter and your routine, not just the largest number on the list.

1

TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for sensor cooking in a medium-large cabinet

9.6/10Our score

• 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts
• 12.4-inch glass turntable
• Smart humidity sensor
• 10 power levels

The TOSHIBA combines 1.2 cu. ft. of space with a humidity sensor, 10 power levels and a 12.4-inch turntable. It fits buyers who want more room than a compact microwave without moving to the largest cabinet.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smart humidity sensor
• 10 power levels
• 12.4-inch removable turntable

Cons

• Less capacity than the 2.2 cu. ft. models
• Needs a 20.6-inch-wide space

2

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.: Best for compact counters

9.5/10Our score

• 0.7 cu. ft. capacity
• 700 watts
• 10 power levels
• 6 cooking presets
• Mute button

The Chefman is the smallest model here, but its 10 power levels and 6 presets make it useful where counter depth and width matter more than large-dish capacity.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Smallest footprint here
• 10 power levels
• Child safety lock and mute button

Cons

• Lowest capacity here
• 700 watts takes a different timing approach

3

BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven: Best for straightforward everyday cooking

9.4/10Our score

• 0.9 cu. ft. capacity
• 900 watts
• 10 power settings
• 6 auto cook presets
• 10.6-inch glass turntable

This BLACK+DECKER gives you 900 watts, 10 power settings and familiar presets in a cabinet smaller than the 1.1 cu. ft. models.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 6 preset cooking buttons
• 900 watts
• Child safety lock

Cons

• 10.6-inch turntable is smaller than several picks
• Less capacity than 1.1 and 2.2 cu. ft. models

4

BLACK+DECKER Microwave Oven Countertop: Best for a balanced family kitchen

9.4/10Our score

• 1.1 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts
• 12.4-inch glass turntable
• 10 power settings
• 6 auto cook presets

The 1.1 cu. ft. BLACK+DECKER adds a larger turntable and 1000 watts for family portions while keeping the feature set simple.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 12.4-inch turntable
• 1000 watts
• Push-button door release

Cons

• Same width class as the 1.2 cu. ft. TOSHIBA
• Black enclosure with stainless steel door frame

5

TOSHIBA Large Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart: Best for the largest family meals

9.3/10Our score

• 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1200 watts
• 16.5-inch glass turntable
• Smart humidity sensor
• 23 menus

The large TOSHIBA is built around family-size portions, with room for a 16-inch pizza or whole chicken and a 16.5-inch turntable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest stated capacity group
• 1200 watts
• 23 menus and smart sensor

Cons

• Largest footprint here
• 49.2 lb weight

6

Panasonic Microwave Oven: Best for inverter cooking

9.2/10Our score

• 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1250 watts
• 16.5-inch turntable
• Cyclonic Wave technology
• Genius Sensor

The Panasonic pairs 2.2 cu. ft. of space with 1250 watts, inverter technology, Cyclonic Wave cooking and 20 preset menu items.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Highest output power here
• Inverter technology
• 16.5-inch turntable

Cons

• 14-inch height needs clearance
• Large 19.5-inch depth

7

Farberware Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 cu.ft.1000 Watts: Best for flexible one-touch cooking

9.1/10Our score

• 1.1 cu. ft. capacity
• 1000 watts
• 10 power levels
• Multi-stage cooking
• Defrost by weight or time

Farberware gives you 1.1 cu. ft. of space, 1000 watts, 10 power levels and multi-stage cooking for varied reheating and defrosting tasks.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Defrost by weight or time
• 10 power levels
• 6 preset options

Cons

• Deeper than the BLACK+DECKER 1.1 cu. ft. model
• Turntable size is not specified here

8

Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. 1200W Stainless: Best for family-size sensor cooking

8.5/10Our score

• 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
• 1200 watts
• 16.5-inch carousel turntable
• Sensor Cook
• 2-stage cooking

Sharp gives large households a 2.2 cu. ft. cabinet, 1200 watts, sensor cooking and a 16.5-inch carousel turntable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Family-size capacity
• Sensor Cook and Auto Cook
• 16.5-inch turntable

Cons

• Large footprint
• Trim kit is sold separately for built-in installation

9

Sharp SMC1662KS 1.6 cu. ft. 1100W Stainless: Best for middle-size family portions

8.3/10Our score

• 1.6 cu. ft. capacity
• 1100 watts
• 13.6-inch carousel turntable
• Sensor Cook
• 6 presets

The Sharp SMC1662KS sits between compact and extra-large models, with 1.6 cu. ft. of capacity, 1100 watts and a 13.6-inch carousel turntable.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• More room than compact models
• 1100 watts
• Sensor Cook and Auto Defrost

Cons

• Less capacity than the 2.2 cu. ft. picks
• 13.6-inch turntable may limit very large dishes

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for sensor cooking in a medium-large cabinet

   TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for compact counters

   Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for straightforward everyday cooking

   BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size is best for a large countertop microwave oven?

A large countertop microwave oven usually means at least 1.6 cu. ft., while the biggest models here provide 2.2 cu. ft. Choose by the dish you use most often.

A 16.5-inch turntable suits larger pizzas and family serving dishes, but it also needs more counter space.

How much power should a large countertop microwave have?

The large models here range from 1100 to 1250 watts, while medium models use 900 to 1000 watts. Higher output can shorten cooking times, but use the directions for your microwave's wattage.

Sensor cooking can also adjust time and power for some foods.

Will a 2.2 cu. ft. microwave fit on my counter?

Measure the counter width, depth and overhead clearance before choosing a 2.2 cu. ft. model. The TOSHIBA and Sharp SMC2266KS measure 24.4 inches wide and 19.6 inches deep.

Panasonic measures 23.9 inches wide, 19.5 inches deep and 14 inches high.

What is the difference between a countertop oven and a microwave?

A microwave heats food with electromagnetic energy, while a countertop oven generally uses a heating element and may bake, roast or toast. If you want to understand the appliance category, read How Does A Countertop Oven Work? and What Is A Countertop Oven?.