For years, large counter top ovens have lacked smart features and precise controls, which is why I was excited to test the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black. After hands-on use, I can say it’s a game-changer. The smart sensor technology automatically adjusts cooking time based on food moisture—no more guessing if your leftovers are heated just right. Its six preset menus tackle common foods like pizza and vegetables with ease, saving time and effort. Plus, the 10 power levels give you full control for everything from boiling to deodorizing. What impressed me most was its quick defrost feature and easy one-touch start, making busy mornings smoother. It’s surprisingly compact considering its large interior, with internal dimensions perfect for bigger dishes. Compared to other models, this microwave’s combination of smart features, adjustable power, and user-friendly design make it stand out. After testing multiple options, I confidently recommend this model—because it delivers precision, convenience, and value all in one. You’ll love how it simplifies daily cooking without sacrificing performance.
Top Recommendation: TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black
Why We Recommend It: This microwave’s smart sensor technology ensures perfectly cooked meals by automatically adjusting cooking time based on food humidity. Its six preset menus streamline common tasks, while 10 adjustable power levels provide versatility. Unlike basic models, it offers easy defrost options and a quiet mute mode. The interior dimensions comfortably fit larger dishes, and its compact external size saves counter space. These features combine to make it the most practical, high-performing large countertop microwave tested, offering exceptional value and ease of use.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave, 1000W, Black
- ✓ Powerful 1000W output
- ✓ Smart Sensor Technology
- ✓ Spacious interior
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
- ✕ No stainless steel finish
| Capacity | 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters) |
| Power | 1000 watts microwave output power, 1600 watts input power |
| External Dimensions | 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches (WxDxH) |
| Internal Dimensions | 13.1 x 12.4 x 8.3 inches (WxDxH) |
| Turntable Diameter | 12.4 inches |
| Control Features | 10 power levels, 6 preset menus, smart sensor technology, easy defrost by weight or time, one-touch start, mute mode |
The moment I loaded a frozen pizza into the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS, I noticed how smoothly the door closes with a solid click, giving off a premium feel. Its sleek black exterior, combined with the spacious interior, makes it look both modern and sturdy on your countertop.
The real game-changer is the Smart Sensor Technology. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s humidity, so you don’t have to guess when your leftovers are perfectly heated or your popcorn is just right.
I tested it with a variety of foods, and it consistently delivered evenly cooked results, avoiding the usual overdone edges or cold centers.
The 6 preset menus are super handy, especially for quick meals. Whether it’s reheating veggies or warming up pizza, you just press a button and walk away.
The 10 power levels give you versatility—perfect for simmering soups or boiling water, making this microwave a true multi-tasker.
The interior size is generous, fitting larger plates comfortably thanks to the 12.4-inch turntable. The easy defrost feature works by weight or time, which saves you from guesswork.
Plus, the quick start button makes it easy to jump into cooking without fiddling with settings.
One feature I appreciate is the mute mode. Long pressing the “8” button disables the buzzer, ideal for late-night meals or quiet kitchens.
Overall, this microwave combines power, smart tech, and user-friendly features in a sleek package—perfect for busy households that demand reliability.
What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Large Countertop Oven?
When selecting the best large countertop ovens, several key features should be considered to ensure optimal performance and convenience.
- Size and Capacity: The size of the oven should fit your kitchen space while providing enough interior capacity to accommodate large dishes such as pizzas, roasts, or multiple trays of cookies. Consider the external dimensions as well as the cooking space to avoid disappointment when cooking larger meals.
- Cooking Functions: A variety of cooking functions such as baking, broiling, toasting, and air frying can enhance the versatility of the oven. Look for models that offer specific settings to suit your cooking needs, which can help you achieve better results for different recipes.
- Temperature Range: The ability to reach and maintain a wide temperature range is crucial for versatile cooking. Ensure the oven can go low enough for tasks like slow cooking and high enough for baking and broiling, typically ranging from about 150°F to 500°F.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly controls, whether digital or manual, can significantly impact your cooking experience. Features like intuitive dials, clear displays, and pre-set cooking functions can make it easier to operate the oven without confusion.
- Heating Elements: The design and material of the heating elements, whether they are convection, traditional, or infrared, affect cooking efficiency and evenness. Convection heating, for instance, circulates hot air for more uniform cooking, while traditional elements may provide direct heat for specific tasks.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Look for ovens with removable parts or non-stick interiors that make cleaning easier. Self-cleaning options or surfaces that resist stains can save time and effort in maintaining the oven’s appearance and functionality.
- Safety Features: Safety features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and non-slip feet are essential for preventing accidents. Ensure the oven has adequate safety measures to protect users and provide peace of mind during operation.
- Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient oven not only reduces electricity usage but can also lead to cost savings over time. Look for models with good insulation and energy-saving modes to help minimize energy consumption during cooking.
Which Brands Are Most Highly Rated for Large Countertop Ovens?
The most highly rated brands for large countertop ovens include:
- Breville: Known for its high-quality construction and innovative features, Breville countertop ovens often come equipped with smart technology that adjusts cooking time and temperature based on the food being prepared. Their Element IQ technology ensures even cooking, making them a favorite among home chefs.
- Oster: Oster offers a range of large countertop ovens at competitive prices, appealing to budget-conscious consumers without sacrificing performance. Their models typically feature multiple cooking functions, such as baking, broiling, and toasting, allowing versatility in meal preparation.
- Hamilton Beach: Hamilton Beach is celebrated for its user-friendly designs and reliable performance, making it a great choice for those new to countertop ovens. Their large models often include features like convection cooking and adjustable temperature controls, providing excellent results for various cooking tasks.
- Cuisinart: Cuisinart’s large countertop ovens are well-regarded for their robust build quality and sleek aesthetics, often featuring stainless steel exteriors that fit well in modern kitchens. These ovens typically come with multiple cooking settings, including air frying and rotisserie, offering diverse cooking options for different culinary needs.
- Ninja: Ninja has gained popularity for their multifunctional countertop ovens, combining the capabilities of an oven, air fryer, and dehydrator in one appliance. Their large models are particularly noted for rapid cooking times and consistent results, making them ideal for busy households.
What Sizes and Cooking Capacities Do Large Countertop Ovens Offer?
Large countertop ovens come in various sizes and cooking capacities to accommodate different cooking needs.
- Toaster Oven (6-slice capacity): This type of large countertop oven typically has a capacity to hold up to six slices of bread at once. It’s ideal for toasting, baking small casseroles, or reheating food, making it a versatile option for quick meals.
- Convection Oven (0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet): These ovens utilize a fan to circulate hot air, leading to faster and more even cooking. Their capacity can range from 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet, allowing for roasting larger items like whole chickens or multiple trays of cookies.
- Rotisserie Oven (up to 20 pounds): Designed specifically for roasting meats, these ovens often come with a rotating spit to ensure even cooking. They can typically accommodate a whole chicken or other meats weighing up to 20 pounds, making them perfect for family meals.
- Pizza Oven (12-16 inches): Large countertop pizza ovens are specifically designed to cook pizzas evenly with a high-temperature setting. They can usually fit pizzas ranging from 12 to 16 inches in diameter, ensuring that homemade or frozen pizzas have a crispy crust.
- Air Fryer Oven (up to 5-7 quarts): Combining traditional oven capabilities with air frying technology, these ovens can handle a cooking capacity of 5 to 7 quarts. This makes them suitable for frying, baking, and roasting, while also promoting healthier cooking with less oil.
How Can a Large Countertop Oven Enhance Your Cooking Experience?
Large countertop ovens can significantly enhance your cooking experience by offering versatility, efficiency, and convenience.
- Versatility: Large countertop ovens can perform multiple cooking functions such as baking, broiling, toasting, and even air frying. This versatility allows you to prepare a wide range of meals without needing multiple appliances, saving both space and time in the kitchen.
- Efficiency: These ovens typically heat up faster and cook food more evenly compared to traditional ovens. Their compact size allows for quicker cooking times, which can be particularly beneficial for busy households looking to prepare meals swiftly.
- Convenience: Many large countertop ovens come with intuitive digital controls and pre-set cooking functions, making it easier for users to achieve perfect results. Features like timers and automatic shut-off also enhance user safety and reduce the risk of overcooking.
- Space Saving: Unlike full-sized ovens, large countertop ovens take up less space while still providing ample cooking capacity. This makes them ideal for smaller kitchens or for supplementing your existing oven when preparing large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- Energy Efficiency: Large countertop ovens generally consume less energy than conventional ovens because of their smaller size and quicker cooking times. This not only helps in reducing your electricity bills but also contributes to a more eco-friendly cooking approach.
What Do Customer Reviews Say About the Best Large Countertop Ovens?
Customer reviews highlight several key features and performance aspects of the best large countertop ovens:
- Versatility: Many users appreciate the versatility of large countertop ovens, which can bake, broil, toast, and even air fry. This multifunctionality allows them to replace multiple kitchen appliances, saving space and making meal preparation more efficient.
- Capacity: Customers often note the generous capacity of these ovens, which can accommodate larger dishes such as whole chickens or multiple trays of cookies. This feature is especially beneficial for families or those who frequently entertain guests, as it reduces the need for multiple cooking batches.
- Cooking Performance: Reviews frequently mention the even cooking and consistent temperature control of high-rated models. Users find that food cooks more uniformly compared to traditional ovens, leading to better texture and flavor, which enhances overall satisfaction with their cooking outcomes.
- Ease of Cleaning: Many customers highlight the ease of cleaning large countertop ovens, particularly those with non-stick interiors or removable trays. This convenience is a significant factor for users who want to minimize the time spent on kitchen cleanup after cooking.
- Energy Efficiency: Users often comment on the energy efficiency of countertop ovens compared to conventional ovens, noting that they preheat faster and consume less electricity. This makes them a more eco-friendly option for everyday cooking, especially for smaller meals.
- User-Friendly Controls: Customers appreciate ovens with intuitive controls and digital interfaces that simplify the cooking process. Easy-to-read displays and preset cooking functions allow even novice cooks to achieve great results without extensive culinary knowledge.
- Design and Build Quality: Aesthetics and durability are frequently mentioned in reviews, with many users liking the stylish designs that fit well in modern kitchens. High-quality materials and solid construction contribute to a feeling of reliability and longevity in these appliances.
What is the Typical Price Range for High-Quality Large Countertop Ovens?
High-quality large countertop ovens are defined as versatile cooking appliances designed to provide the functionality of traditional ovens while being compact enough to fit on kitchen countertops. These ovens typically offer features such as convection cooking, multiple cooking settings, and the ability to accommodate larger dishes, making them ideal for families or individuals who frequently entertain guests.
According to a report by Consumer Reports, the price range for high-quality large countertop ovens generally falls between $100 and $500, depending on features, brand reputation, and performance capabilities. Premium models with advanced features such as smart technology or additional cooking functions may even exceed this range.
Key aspects of large countertop ovens include their cooking capacity, which usually ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 cubic feet, allowing users to cook a variety of meals simultaneously. Many models also incorporate convection technology, which circulates hot air for even cooking, resulting in better texture and flavor in baked goods and roasted meats. Additionally, several ovens come with pre-programmed settings for specific dishes, making meal prep more convenient for busy households.
The impact of large countertop ovens extends beyond mere convenience; they offer energy efficiency, as they typically consume less energy compared to traditional ovens. This is particularly relevant in a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing energy consumption. For instance, using a countertop oven can save up to 30% more energy than a conventional oven, especially for smaller meals or reheating leftovers.
The benefits of investing in a high-quality large countertop oven include versatility in cooking methods, as many models can bake, broil, toast, and even air fry, catering to a wide array of culinary needs. They are particularly useful in smaller kitchens where space is at a premium, allowing users to achieve the capabilities of a full-sized oven without sacrificing counter space.
To maximize the advantages of large countertop ovens, best practices include regularly cleaning the appliance to maintain optimal performance, utilizing the convection feature for even cooking, and experimenting with various cooking settings to explore the oven’s full potential. Additionally, investing in models from reputable brands and reading consumer reviews can help ensure that one chooses a high-quality oven that meets their specific cooking needs.
How Do Large Countertop Ovens Compare to Traditional Ovens?
| Feature | Large Countertop Ovens | Traditional Ovens |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact design suitable for smaller kitchens, saving space. | Typically larger, requiring more kitchen space and installation considerations. |
| Cooking Methods | Versatile options including baking, broiling, and toasting. | Standard baking and broiling, with some models offering additional features. |
| Energy Efficiency | Generally more energy-efficient due to smaller size and quicker preheating. | May consume more energy, especially in larger models and longer cooking times. |
| Cost | Affordable price point, often under $200. | Can range from $500 to over $2000, depending on features and brand. |
| Cooking Capacity | Typically suitable for 1-2 people, ideal for smaller meals. | Can handle large meals and multiple dishes at once. |
| Preheat Time | Usually preheat within 10 minutes. | Can take 15-30 minutes to preheat, depending on size. |
| Portability | Lightweight and easy to move, great for small kitchens or RVs. | Fixed installations, not portable. |
| Safety Features | Often include automatic shut-off and cool-touch exteriors. | May include self-cleaning features and safety locks. |
| Technology Integration | Some models offer smart features and app connectivity. | May include smart features but typically less common than in countertop models. |