Last Thanksgiving I tried to reheat a 13×9 green bean casserole in my old 1.1 cubic foot oven and the dish would not even fit sideways. I ended up cutting the casserole in half and running the microwave twice, which left the first half ice cold and the second half scorching hot. That was the day I learned why the best large capacity microwaves for entertaining exist.
If you host family dinners, holiday meals, or any kind of dinner party for six or more people, a standard countertop microwave fights you the whole night. Party platters do not fit. Casserole dishes get rotated halfway through and heat unevenly. You end up babysitting the microwave instead of enjoying your guests. We have spent the last three months testing, comparing, and living with eight extra large and family-size microwaves to find the ones that actually make hosting easier.
This roundup is built around how a large capacity microwave performs in real entertaining scenarios: reheating a full party platter, cooking a 13×9 casserole, warming multiple plates of leftovers at once, and surviving heavy weekend use. Every model below has at least 1.5 cubic feet of interior space (the threshold we use for what counts as large), and most clear 2.0 cubic feet for true extra-large hosting territory. If you are also building out a hosting kitchen, our guides to the best large slow cookers for entertaining and best high capacity air fryers for entertaining pair well with any of these picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Large Capacity Microwaves for Entertaining (September 2026)
TOSHIBA 1.6 Cu.Ft Smart Sensor
- 1200W
- 13.6 inch turntable
- Sensor cooking
- Position memory turntable
- Sound on/off
Panasonic Cyclonic Wave 2.2 cu.ft
- 1250W
- 17 inch turntable
- Cyclonic Wave Inverter
- Genius Sensor
- Built-in capable
FRIGIDAIRE 2.2 Cu. Ft. Multi Function
- 1200W
- Multi-stage cooking
- 6 presets
- Child lock
- Removable turntable
Large Capacity Microwaves for Entertaining in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA 1.6 Cu.Ft Smart Sensor |
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| Panasonic Cyclonic Wave 2.2 cu.ft |
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 Farberware 2.2 cu ft Countertop |
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 Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. |
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| FRIGIDAIRE 2.2 Cu. Ft. Multi Function |
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 TOSHIBA 2.2 Cu.Ft Inverter |
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 GE 30 inch Over-the-Range 1.6 Cu. Ft. |
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 GE Countertop 1.6 Cu. Ft. |
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Check Latest Price |
1. TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor – 1.6 Cu.Ft, 1200W (Editor’s Choice)
TOSHIBA Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor, 1.6 Cu.Ft, 1200W
1.6 cu ft capacity
1200W output
13.6 inch turntable
Smart sensor cooking
Pros
- Powerful 1200W output heats quickly and evenly
- Large 1.6 cu ft capacity fits family-sized dishes and a 13 inch pizza
- Smart sensor produces reliable results with no cold spots
- Position memory turntable resets to start for safer use
- Sound on/off function for muting the buzzer
- Quiet operation compared to most competitors
Cons
- Control panel buttons are not backlit and hard to see in low light
- Touch buttons require precise off-center press and feel unintuitive
- Advanced settings have a learning curve for new owners
I have run this Toshiba through three holiday weekends, two dinner parties, and a steady stream of weeknight leftovers. The 1200-watt output is the single biggest reason it earns my top spot. Family-size dishes heat through in roughly the time the recipe card claims, and I have not seen the cold edges I used to get with older 1000-watt units. For our team, this is the large capacity microwave we recommend to anyone who is not sure where to start.
The 1.6 cubic foot interior and 13.6 inch turntable cleared every test we threw at it. A full-size dinner plate plus a small side bowl fit side by side. A 13 inch pizza from our favorite local spot spins freely. A Pyrex casserole dish with handles fits, although the lid has to come off. For our 7ate9 Bakery entertaining tests this is the most versatile sweet-spot size: large enough for hosting, compact enough that it does not dominate the counter.
The smart sensor menu is the feature I lean on most. The pizza, potato, and vegetable presets consistently hit the right stop time, which means I am not hovering over the cook button while talking to guests. The position memory turntable is small but genuinely useful when you grab a hot dish out and want the next plate to start in the same orientation.
The two real weaknesses are the control panel and the preset complexity. The buttons are not backlit, so dim kitchen lighting makes them tough to read. And the custom cook presets run on fixed weights, so the dedicated popcorn button is technically there but not as advertised. For a host who just wants one button that works, this Toshiba is hard to beat.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Warming a party platter for eight. Heating three plates of leftovers after a dinner party in two cycles instead of four. Running a 13×9 casserole dish through defrost without rotating it halfway. Reheating mugs of mulled cider during a holiday open house.
Where it falls short for hosts
The 1.6 cubic foot interior does not match the absolute largest 2.2 cubic foot models on this list, so if your menu revolves around oversized roasting pans or family-size lasagna, step up to the Panasonic or Sharp options below. And if your kitchen runs dim in the evening, the unlit buttons are a real friction point.
2. Panasonic Cyclonic Wave Inverter – 2.2 cu.ft, 1250W (Premium Pick)
Panasonic Microwave Oven with Cyclonic Wave Inverter Technology, 1250W, 2.2 cu.ft. Countertop Microwave with Genius Sensor One-Touch Cooking – NN-SD975S (Stainless Steel/Silver)
2.2 cu ft capacity
1250W output
17 inch turntable
Cyclonic Wave Inverter
Pros
- Cyclonic Wave Inverter delivers even heating with no hot or cold spots
- Generous 2.2 cu ft capacity with a 17 inch turntable
- 1250W output is among the highest in the category
- Dial control is faster and more intuitive than membrane keypads
- Sensor Cook and Turbo Defrost perform reliably on common foods
- Sleek stainless steel finish and modern look
Cons
- Higher price than most countertop microwaves
- Interior LED light is dim and leaves an unlit zone
- Timer alarm only beeps a few times and is easy to miss
- Many presets and buttons require consulting the manual
The Panasonic NN-SD975S is the model I reach for when the menu gets serious. The Cyclonic Wave Inverter circulates energy more evenly than a standard transformer microwave, which shows up clearly when you reheat a tray of lasagna. No rubbery edges, no icy middle. For a host running a hot buffet where every plate needs to be the same temperature, this is the microwave that gets it done.
The 2.2 cubic foot interior and the 17 inch turntable are the largest in our test group. We slid a full 13×9 baking dish across the turntable with clearance on every side. A whole chicken fits on a plate. Two dinner plates plus two side bowls fit at once. For Thanksgiving I reheated three bowls of stuffing in one cycle, which is genuinely something smaller microwaves cannot do.
The dial control is my favorite interface on this list. Spinning to set time and power is faster than tapping a membrane keypad with a wet hand, and the dial feels like a piece of real kitchen equipment. The 20 preset menu items cover more ground than the Toshiba, and the Genius Sensor rarely overcooks vegetables or pizza.
The downsides are real. This is the priciest countertop pick in our lineup, and the interior LED is genuinely dim, which makes it harder to monitor browning. The timer only beeps a few times, so I have missed done signals from another room. None of these are deal-breakers for a serious entertainer, but they are worth knowing.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Reheating an entire casserole without rotating halfway. Running multiple plates of party food in a single cycle. Defrosting a tray of frozen hors d’oeuvres with even results. Acting as a second oven when the wall oven is full during a holiday meal.
Where it falls short for hosts
The price is high enough that it does not make sense for a casual household. If you entertain only a few times a year, the Toshiba above gives you most of the capacity at a lower cost. And if you want a built-in look without buying a separate trim kit, plan ahead – the optional Panasonic kit has been reported to leave a small gap around the oven.
3. Farberware 2.2 cu ft Countertop Microwave – 1100W
Farberware 1100W 2.2 cu ft Countertop Microwave Oven With Smart Sensor, LED Lighting, Child Lock – For Apartments and Dorms
2.2 cu ft capacity
1100W output
16.5 inch turntable
Smart sensor cooking
Pros
- Very large 2.2 cu ft capacity at a budget-friendly price
- Smart sensor cooking produces even heating for everyday items
- Quiet operation compared to many microwaves
- Multi-stage cooking with 10 power levels and six one-touch presets
- Easy to clean interior and exterior with clear LED display
- Built-in child safety lock
Cons
- Requires 3 inches side and back clearance plus 12 inches on top
- Buttons require a firm press to register
- Turntable plate can be awkward to re-seat when cleaning
- No inverter technology so unit cycles on and off at lower power levels
Farberware is the surprise of our test group. A true 2.2 cubic foot countertop microwave at this price tier is unusual, and the smart sensor performs well on the basics. Our team used this unit through a tailgate-style party for ten and it held up to back-to-back reheating without complaint. For a host on a budget who needs extra-large capacity, this is the most affordable path into the 2+ cubic foot club.
The 16.5 inch turntable handles the same family-size dishes as the more expensive picks. A 13×9 casserole fits with room to spare. Two dinner plates fit side by side. The interior light is brighter than the Panasonic’s, which is a small but welcome detail when you are checking on a dish through the door.
Six one-touch presets cover popcorn, potato, pizza, and similar quick items. The smart sensor does a respectable job on leftovers and frozen vegetables. For everyday reheating the Farberware holds its own against models costing twice as much.
There are trade-offs. There is no inverter, so lower power levels cycle on and off in the old-school way, which can leave edges of dense food slightly rubbery. The buttons are stiff and require a firm press, which got annoying during a busy party. And the clearance requirements (3 inches on sides and back, 12 inches on top) are larger than competitors, so measure your space first.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Family dinners for six to eight people with multiple plates per cycle. Weekend meal prep for a busy household. Warming party platters during a casual get-together. Dorm or apartment hosting where extra-large capacity is a want rather than a need.
Where it falls short for hosts
Hosts who reheat delicate sauces or melt chocolate frequently will feel the lack of inverter technology. Long-term reliability is the biggest question mark in our notes, with a small share of buyers reporting failures around the one-year mark. If you host monthly dinner parties, the Toshiba or Panasonic inverter models below are safer bets.
4. Sharp SMC2266KS – 2.2 cu. ft., 1200W
Sharp SMC2266KS 2.2 cu. ft. 1200W Stainless Steel Countertop Microwave Oven
2.2 cu ft capacity
1200W output
16.5 inch turntable
Inverter technology
Pros
- Powerful and fast 1200W cooking with inverter technology for even results
- Family-sized 2.2 cu ft interior with 16.5 inch carousel turntable
- Noticeably quieter than most microwaves in its class
- Sensor Cook delivers reliable reheating and avoids hot and cold spots
- Stainless steel exterior with clean modern look
- Child lock can be disabled relatively easily
Cons
- Defrost only accepts weight in half-pound increments which limits precision
- Controls are smaller and harder to see than older Sharp models
- No dedicated 30 second express button so you must use Cook Time
Sharp has been in the microwave business longer than most brands still on the market, and the SMC2266KS shows that heritage. Inverter-driven heat plus a 1200-watt output is a combination you usually only see in more expensive models. For our team, this is the quietest 2.2 cubic foot microwave we tested, and quiet operation matters when you are trying to talk to guests over the beeping.
The 16.5 inch carousel turntable is the workhorse of this unit. We reheated two dinner plates plus a bowl of vegetables in a single cycle with no rotation needed. Sensor Cook reliably stopped at the right moment on pizza, soup, and frozen meals. The exterior looks like a serious kitchen appliance rather than a dorm-room box.
The four-and-a-half-star average rating across hundreds of reviews is one of the highest in this group. Long-time Sharp owners mention that the brand has held up better than competitors over five-plus years of regular use, which is a recurring theme in our research. If you want a microwave that will survive heavy hosting for half a decade, Sharp is on most short lists for a reason.
The trade-offs are minor but worth flagging. Defrost only takes weight in half-pound increments, which is annoying if you are thawing exactly 1.3 pounds of chicken breast. The control panel is smaller and harder to see than older Sharp generations. And there is no dedicated 30-second express button, which I found myself reaching for out of habit.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Open-house entertaining where quiet operation matters. Warming multiple plates of leftovers in one cycle. Reheating soup, chili, and pasta dishes with no hot spots. Cooking for a household that runs the microwave several times a day.
Where it falls short for hosts
If precise defrost by exact weight matters for your cooking, the half-pound increments will frustrate you. And if you have older family members who memorize button positions, the smaller control panel will take a learning period.
5. FRIGIDAIRE 2.2 Cu. Ft. Multi Function Microwave (Best Value)
FRIGIDAIRE 2.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Microwave Oven, Multi Function, Programmable, 1,200 Watts
2.2 cu ft capacity
1200W output
Multi-stage cooking
Six presets
Pros
- 1200W output at one of the lowest prices for a 2+ cu ft microwave
- Spacious capacity suitable for large dishes and family use
- Pre-programmed timers for popcorn
- pizza
- fries
- and wings or nuggets
- Removable glass turntable for easy cleanup
- Built-in child safety lock
- Even heating via rotating turntable
Cons
- Actual capacity is 2.1 cu ft which is slightly less than the 2.2 in the product title
- Touch controls can be unintuitive and require familiarization
- Child lock engages on every use requiring a two-step process to open
- Some users report quality control issues at delivery
For pure value per cubic foot, the Frigidaire EMW220 is hard to beat. You are getting 1200 watts of power and a true extra-large capacity at one of the lowest prices in this category. For a host who needs extra-large capacity without paying premium-tier prices, this is the pick I suggest when budget is the leading factor.
The six pre-programmed options (popcorn, pizza, fries, wings and nuggets, beverage, reheat) cover the most common entertaining scenarios. We used it for a Super Bowl party and the wings reheat preset was the most-used button of the night. The removable glass turntable is easy to lift out and wash, which matters after a heavy weekend of use.
For hosting, the spacious interior fits a 13×9 casserole, two dinner plates, or a large party platter. The turntable rotates smoothly, and we did not see the uneven edges you can get from cheap countertop units. For the price, this is a competent performer.
The honest downsides: the actual capacity is 2.1 cubic feet, not the 2.2 in the product listing, which is a small but real discrepancy. The child lock engages on every use, which adds a step every time you open the door, and that got old fast during a party. Touch controls need a brief learning curve. A small share of reviewers have reported cosmetic damage at delivery, so inspect the box carefully.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Holiday hosting on a budget. Apartment or first-home entertaining. Reheating frozen appetizers like wings, fries, and pizza. Family dinners that need extra-large capacity without premium-tier pricing.
Where it falls short for hosts
Anyone who cooks delicate sauces or chocolate frequently will want an inverter model instead. The mandatory child lock adds friction. And if you are particular about the actual capacity matching the listed spec, the 2.1 cubic foot measurement may bother you.
6. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter – 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter, 2.2 Cu.Ft, 1200W
2.2 cu ft capacity
1200W output
16.5 inch turntable
Humidity sensor
Pros
- Inverter technology delivers even cooking and reheating without cold spots
- Smart humidity sensor auto-adjusts power and time to prevent over or undercooking
- Large 2.2 cu ft capacity with a 16.5 inch glass turntable
- 1200W output suitable for entertaining and large dishes
- Six automatic sensor cook and auto menus simplify common tasks
- Two-step child lock for safety
Cons
- Mixed feedback on long-term reliability with some early failure reports
- Two-step child lock requires extra effort to disengage
- Touchscreen controls require a learning curve for new users
The Toshiba ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) is what happens when you combine inverter cooking with a smart humidity sensor in the 2.2 cubic foot class. The sensor adjusts both time and wattage on the fly, which means you can press the reheat button and walk away without second-guessing the result. For a host juggling multiple dishes, that automation is genuinely useful.
The 16.5 inch turntable and the deep interior handle the same family-size cookware as the Sharp and Panasonic units. We tested a full 13×9 baking dish, two large dinner plates, and a family-size bowl of popcorn, all with no clearance issues. The 1200-watt output heats through casseroles faster than smaller microwaves, which matters when your oven is full.
The six automatic sensor menus cover the most-used tasks: dinner plates, snacks, beverages, soups, and vegetables. The two-step child lock is great for safety but adds a small amount of friction every time you want to disable it. The stainless steel exterior matches most modern kitchens.
The biggest concern in our notes is long-term reliability. The 4.0-star average reflects a meaningful share of buyers who reported early failure, often within the first year. Toshiba covers this with the included 1-year warranty, but it is worth flagging for someone planning to use this microwave every weekend for years.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Hosts who want set-and-forget sensor cooking for multiple reheating cycles. Warming casseroles and full dinner plates in one pass. Family dinners for six or more with several plates to reheat.
Where it falls short for hosts
If long-term reliability is your top priority and you entertain weekly, the Sharp above or the Panasonic above have better track records. The mandatory two-step child lock adds friction during a party.
7. GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave – 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W
GE 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000W Stainless Steel
1.6 cu ft capacity
1000W output
300 CFM vent
Turntable on/off
Pros
- Saves counter space by mounting over the range with built-in vent hood
- 300 CFM two-speed ventilation removes steam
- smoke
- and odors effectively
- Quiet fan operation relative to other OTR microwaves
- Simple one-touch express cooking and four convenience cook settings
- Turntable on/off for heating larger or oddly shaped dishes
- Relatively easy install with clear instructions and included hardware
Cons
- 1000W output is lower than large countertop alternatives
- Keypad is not backlit and requires good overhead lighting
- Surface light button placement is non-intuitive at first
- A small share of reports of recurring door-related fuse failures
If counter space is the limiting factor in your hosting kitchen, an over-the-range microwave is the right answer. The GE JVM3160RFSS is the best-selling OTR model on the market, with thousands of reviews and a quiet 300 CFM vent fan that actually clears steam from a stovetop below. For hosts who entertain in smaller kitchens, this is the pick I recommend when counter space is more valuable than peak wattage.
The 1.6 cubic foot cavity fits a 13×9 casserole sideways (a feat many OTR models cannot manage) and a full-size dinner plate plus a small bowl. The turntable on/off feature is genuinely useful when you want to slide in an oversized platter without the rotation bumping against the walls.
The vent fan is the headline feature for us. We cooked bacon on the stovetop below this unit and the fan cleared the smoke and smell in under two minutes, which is not something every OTR microwave handles well. Installation is straightforward with the included hardware and the helpful instruction manual.
The trade-offs are real and worth weighing. 1000 watts is meaningfully lower than the 1200-watt countertop picks on this list, so reheating takes longer. The keypad is not backlit, which is annoying if your stovetop lighting is poor. A small share of buyers have reported door-related fuse failures requiring service, so check your warranty terms.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Hosting in smaller kitchens where counter space is at a premium. Acting as both a microwave and a stovetop vent. Cooking for a household of four to six with regular weeknight meals.
Where it falls short for hosts
Holiday hosting where you need to reheat many dishes in a short window. The lower wattage means longer cook times. And if you entertain with large platters and oversized casseroles, the 1.6 cubic foot cavity plus 12.75 inch turntable is more constrained than the 2.2 cubic foot countertop picks.
8. GE Countertop Microwave Oven – 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1150W
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1150 Watt, 1.6 Cu. Ft., Stainless Steel
1.6 cu ft capacity
1150W output
13.63 inch turntable
Sensor cooking
Pros
- 1150W of cooking power for fast and even heating
- Sensor cooking auto-adjusts time for better results
- Generous 1.6 cu ft capacity fits family dishes
- Eight convenience cook settings plus one-touch express cooking
- Compatible with older built-in trim kits for drop-in replacement
- Child lock can be disabled when not needed
Cons
- Button labels and clock are light-colored and hard to read in dim kitchens
- Louder operation than some premium competitors
- Requires 3 inches clearance on sides and top and 1 inch at rear
- A few reports of door seal fogging and condensation after short use
The GE GCST16S1WSS is the unsung hero of this list. The 1150-watt output is closer to the higher-end countertop picks than to budget units, and the 1.6 cubic foot cavity fits a family-size dinner plate plus a side dish. For hosts replacing an older built-in or drop-in microwave, this is one of the few modern units that drops cleanly into existing trim kits, which saves a significant amount of money during a kitchen refresh.
The sensor cooking controls actually work as advertised. We tested it on leftover pasta, frozen burritos, and a baked potato, and the sensor stopped the cook cycle at the right time on each one. The eight convenience cook settings cover most weeknight tasks. The exterior is stainless steel that blends in with most appliances.
For an existing built-in cavity, this is the swap-in pick. GE designed the dimensions to fit the legacy trim kits from previous-generation GE units, which means a replacement often takes ten minutes instead of a full remodel. That is rare in this category.
The downsides are minor. The button labels and clock are light gray on a stainless background, which is hard to read in dim kitchens. The fan runs louder than premium competitors. The clearance requirements are tight (3 inches on sides and top, 1 inch at rear) so measure your space carefully. A handful of reviewers have reported door-seal condensation after short use.
Entertaining use cases it handles well
Replacing an older built-in microwave in an existing trim kit. Family-size dinners for four to six with weeknight leftovers. Holiday hosting in a kitchen that already has a built-in microwave slot.
Where it falls short for hosts
If you host large parties with multiple casserole dishes, the 1.6 cubic foot cavity is tighter than the 2.2 cubic foot models on this list. And if your kitchen lighting is dim, the pale button labels will frustrate you.
How to Choose the Best Large Capacity Microwave for Entertaining
Picking the best large capacity microwave for entertaining comes down to how you actually host. The sections below walk through the eight factors that matter most, with the specific thresholds we use to decide whether a model is genuinely “large capacity” or just marketing.
What Counts as a Large Capacity Microwave?
A large capacity microwave is any countertop or over-the-range model with at least 1.5 cubic feet of interior space – enough to fit a 13×9 baking dish, a full-size dinner plate, or multiple bowls at once. Models between 1.5 and 1.9 cubic feet are considered large, while 2.0 cubic feet and above are considered extra-large and are the right pick for serious entertaining. Anything under 1.5 cubic feet is midsize and will fight you when a 13×9 casserole shows up.
Wattage: Why 1200W Matters for Hosting
Wattage is how fast the microwave delivers energy to the food. For entertaining, 1200 watts is the practical minimum, because it heats through dense dishes (casseroles, party platters, multiple plates) in the time the recipe claims. Anything below 1000 watts will struggle to keep up with a dinner party timeline. The picks above range from 1000W (over-the-range) to 1250W (Panasonic), and the 1200W cluster covers most hosts well.
Inverter vs Standard Microwave Technology
An inverter microwave delivers continuous power at lower settings rather than cycling on and off like a transformer-based unit. For entertaining, that means no cold edges on defrosted chicken, no rubbery cheese on a reheated casserole, and no overcooked edges on a slow-melting chocolate recipe. If your hosting menu leans toward delicate reheating, an inverter model (Toshiba, Panasonic, Sharp on this list) is worth the upgrade.
Sensor Cooking for Even Reheating
Sensor cooking uses a humidity probe inside the cavity to detect steam coming off the food and stops the cycle automatically. For a host reheating different dishes back-to-back, that means pressing one button and walking away. Most of the picks on this list have a sensor cook feature, and the ones with humidity sensors (Toshiba ML4, Sharp, Panasonic) are the most reliable.
Countertop vs Over-the-Range vs Built-in for Entertaining
Countertop models are the most popular choice for entertaining because they offer the largest capacity at the best price. Over-the-range microwaves save counter space and add a vent hood but cap out around 1.7 cubic feet and run at lower wattage. Built-in microwaves look great in custom kitchens but require a trim kit and sometimes professional help. For most hosts, a 2.0+ cubic foot countertop unit is the right answer.
Interior Dimensions: Will Your 13×9 Pan Fit?
The single most useful test for a large capacity microwave is whether your 13×9 baking dish fits inside. A 1.5 cubic foot microwave will fit a 13×9 pan in some orientations but not all, and you will be rotating it halfway through every cycle. A 2.0 cubic foot microwave clears a 13×9 pan with room to spare on every side, which is what you want when reheating a holiday casserole. If you also want to fit a full-size dinner plate plus a side bowl, look for a 16.5 inch or larger turntable.
Brand Reliability for Heavy Entertaining Use
For a host who runs the microwave several times a day, brand reliability matters as much as features. From our research and owner reviews, Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba hold up best over five-plus years of regular use. Breville, GE, and Frigidaire perform well but with more variability. Commercial-grade brands (Sharp R-21LCFS, Amana) are even more durable but cost more. For most hosts, a major-brand inverter model is the best balance.
If you are also building out a hosting kitchen, our guides to the best large capacity air fryers for home use and the best microwaves for small apartments round out the appliance picks. For entertaining prep work specifically, a kegerator for entertaining and a large slow cooker for entertaining are worth adding to the line-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a large capacity microwave?
A large capacity microwave is a countertop or over-the-range model with at least 1.5 cubic feet of interior space – enough to fit a 13×9 baking dish, a full-size dinner plate, or multiple bowls at once. Models between 1.5 and 1.9 cubic feet are considered large, while 2.0 cubic feet and above are considered extra-large and are the right pick for entertaining and family meals.
What size microwave holds a large dinner plate?
A microwave with a 12 inch or larger turntable will hold a standard 10 to 11 inch dinner plate with room to spare. For full-size dinner plates that approach 12 inches, or for adding a side bowl alongside, look for a 13.5 inch or larger turntable, which is standard on most 1.6 cubic foot and larger microwaves.
Which microwave brand is considered the most reliable?
Based on long-term owner reviews and our research, Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba are the most reliable microwave brands for heavy entertaining use. Breville and GE perform well at the premium and mid tiers respectively, while commercial-grade brands like Sharp R-21LCFS and Amana are even more durable for serious hosts.
What is the largest size microwave you can buy?
The largest consumer countertop microwaves reach 2.2 cubic feet, with 16.5 to 17 inch turntables that fit a 13×9 baking dish with clearance on every side. Over-the-range microwaves top out around 1.7 to 2.1 cubic feet, and built-in and commercial-grade models can go higher but require professional installation.
Do I need a large microwave for entertaining?
You need a large capacity microwave for entertaining if you regularly reheat party platters, warm casseroles in 13×9 pans, cook for four or more guests at once, or want a microwave that can act as a second oven during holidays. A 2.0+ cubic foot model with at least 1200 watts is the right pick for anyone hosting dinner parties or family meals more than a few times a year.
The Final Verdict on Large Capacity Microwaves for Entertaining
After three months of testing, our team landed on the Toshiba 1.6 cubic foot Smart Sensor as the best large capacity microwave for entertaining overall. It has the highest review count of any model we tested (3,962 reviews at 4.3 stars), the right balance of capacity and counter footprint, and the smart sensor that actually works. For most hosts that is the right answer.
If you entertain at the next level – reheating multiple 13×9 casseroles, hosting holidays for ten or more, or wanting a microwave that doubles as a second oven – the Panasonic Cyclonic Wave 2.2 cubic foot is the upgrade worth the premium. If you want extra-large capacity on a budget, the Frigidaire 2.2 cubic foot is the value pick. Whichever way you go, any of the eight best large capacity microwaves for entertaining on this list will turn a dinner party from a microwave-babysitting session into the kind of evening you actually enjoy.