Comparison: Best Microwave For Family Of 6 (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’re feeding a busy family of six, you know how crucial a reliable microwave can be—mornings are chaotic, snacks are endless, and dinner prep needs to be fast. But not all microwaves can keep up with big-family demands. We’ve tested and compared top models to find the best microwave for families, focusing on size, power, ease of use, and smart features that actually help. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or defrosting dinner in a flash, the right microwave makes life a whole lot smoother. Let’s find the perfect fit for your bustling household.
- Best for family-size power: Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor
- Best for inverter even cook: TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook
- Best for compact quick cook: Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
- Best for versatile auto menus: BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft
- Best for space-saving power: GE Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for air-fry multi-cook: TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo
- Best for eco unbreakable set: 18PCS Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets Unbreakable Reusable Dinnerware Set for 6
- Best for color-coded taco: SanmChuf Microwave Safe Taco Holder Set of 6
- Best for family-size air fry: Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer
Product Comparison: Best Microwave For Family Of 6
Toshiba ML-EM62P(SS) Large Countertop Microwave with Smart Sensor, 6 Menus, Auto Defrost, ECO Mode, Mute Option & 16.5″ Position Memory Turntable, 2.2 Cu Ft, 1200W, Stainless Steel
- 【Large Capacity】2.2 Cu. Ft. capacity countertop microwave with 1200W power is perfect for large families. It can easily accommodate a 16-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
- 【Intuitive Humidity Sensor】The built-in humidity sensor with 6 Automatic Preset Menus gives your food an even heating result and seals the moisture inside for optimal results.
- 【6 Auto Menus】Equipped with 6 menus that fits your most daily needs including: bacon, frozen roll/muffin-reheat, beverage, chicken pieces and oatmeal.
- 【Auto-Defrost Function】 The Auto-Defrost Function defrosts meat, poultry and fish with different programs, simulating a natural defrost environment and achieving optimal defrosting results.
- 【Easy to Use】Kitchen essential with One pound/ auto defrost, energy-saving eco mode and sound on/off function, speedy cooking, memory function, multi-stage cooking, child safety lock, indoor light, clock and kitchen time.
TOSHIBA ML4-EM22PAIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Sensor Cook, 6 Auto Menus, Origin Inverter, Child Lock, 2.2 Cu Ft for Large Family, 16.5 Inch Removable Turntable, 1200W, Stainless Steel
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor: Built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power and cooking time, making sure your food is never undercooked or overcooked. Inverter technology provides even cooking, reheating, and defrosting with no cold spots for great results every time.
- 6 Automatic Sensor Cook & Auto Menus: This microwave oven features 6 sensor cook and auto menus for effortless cooking and reheating of dinners, snacks, beverages, and much more.
- 10 Power Levels: Perfect for everything from defrosting to boiling liquids to preparing full meals, 10 power cooking power levels offer great versatility for all of your culinary needs.
- Specifications: Microwave output power 1200 watts, input power 1350 watts. External dimensions 24.4 x 21.6 x 13.6 inches (WxDxH), internal dimensions 17.8 x 19.1 x 11.2 inches (WxDxH); includes a 16.5-inch glass turntable.
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button – Black
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 700W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
- SAFETY FIRST: The built-in child safety lock on the handle ensures the door doesn’t open accidentally, and you can disable the microwave control panel using the Lock Mode.
- MUTE OPTION: Silence this counter top microwave with the Audio Button, turning off any annoying beeps if you’re trying to stay quiet or not wake up your kids.
- MODERN DESIGN: This microwave countertop design fits in well alongside your other kitchen appliances. Its compact frame and sleek, black finish blend in well with any home décor. Plus, you can save power and disable the display when not in use with Eco Mode.
- EASY TO CLEAN: Don’t worry about grease or scuffs; this black microwave exterior is durable and wipes clean with a damp towel. Additionally, the glass turntable is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- TRUSTED QUALITY: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 700W/120V-RJ55-7-V2
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Menus, Child Lock, Memory Function, 10 Power Levels, Easy One-Touch Start, Digital Panel, 900W
- 6 PRE-PROGRAMMED AUTO MENUS: popcorn, potato, pizza, frozen vegetables, beverages and dinner plates. Perfectly cook your favorite foods, saving your time while ensuring delicious results every time
- 10 ADJUSTABLE POWER SETTINGS: Experience the ultimate versatility in your kitchen with 10 adjustable power settings that cater to all your culinary needs. Whether you’re defrosting, reheating or cooking, these customizable power levels can always meet your need. Microwave rated voltage: 120V-60Hz
- ONE TOUCH START: With just a single press, you can effortlessly begin cooking or reheating your favorite meals. No more complicated settings – this feature simplifies your kitchen routine, saving you valuable time and effort. Ideal for busy families and individuals
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: enjoy enhanced safety and convenience with our microwave’s child safety lock, a kitchen timer and a memory function for quick recalls of your favorite settings
- SPACIOUS 0.9 Cubic Feet CAPACITY: this microwave offers ample cooking space without occupying too much countertop area, can easily fits a 10-inch pizza on the removable turntable, ideal for small kitchens or dorm rooms. Dimensions (H*W*D): 10.7”*18.6”*13.2”
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory safety feature safeguards against unintended child use through a quick two-step process, providing great assurance to parents. CAN BE EASILY DEACTIVATED BY FOLLOWING PROVIDED INSTRUCTIONS IF NOT NEEDED
GE Countertop Microwave Oven, Compact 1.1 Cubic Ft., 950-watt Capacity, 6 Auto Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed.
- SPACE-SAVING EXTERIOR, SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 950 watts of power and 1.1 cu. ft. inside allow for effective, efficient cooking while not taking up valuable kitchen space; glass turntable rotates throughout cycles for optimum cooking
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: Simple, one-touch operation with convenience cooking controls; kitchen timer, child lock controls and cooking complete alarms add convenience
- WEIGHT & TIME DEFROST – Simply enter the weight of the food, and the oven automatically sets the optimal defrosting time and power level or set your desired time for defrosting
- EASY SET UP: Freestanding microwave fits easily on countertop or open shelf, with 39inch power cord
TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo, MASTER Series, Air Fryer, Broil, Convection, Speedy Combi, Even Defrost, Sound On/Off 27 Auto Menu Stainless Steel
- 【6-In-1 Ultimate Versatility】This multi-microwave with 10 power levels is your ultimate kitchen helper. The versatility as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, Speedy-Combi, make it your best countertop space-saver
- 【Inverter Technology for Even Cooking & Defrost】TOSHIBA ORIGIN Inverter Technology allows more uniform distribution of heat in cavity, provides even cooking, reheating and defrosting, the maximum tender texture. Also the 50dB working noise level brings you and your family a quiet and undisturbed cooking environment.
- 【Less Fat and Crispier】TOSHIBA convection microwave with 360° heat circulation air fry cuts down on calories by using no added oil while delivering crispier and golden fried food like chicken nuggets, fried fish and French fries. The supplied bake tray and two wire racks are used for optimal air fry results. NOTE: Please use convection mode if need to customize timing and temperature, functions equally as air fryer.
- 【Speed up Cooking with Combi-Modes】Despite powerful output of 1800W under Convection up to 425°F and 1000W under Grill, Combi-Modes speed up your cooking with combination of Microwave, convection and grill function, while delivering perfect dishes with crispy, browned outsides and tender texture insides.
- 【Discover Amazing Recipes】Comes with an original cookbook with 27 classic recipes. Also, the microwave itself has 11 Auto Menus, 10 Air Fry Menus and 6 Defrost Presets, so that novice can also make Michelin-star meals at home. External Dimension: 19.5”W x 17.6”D x 11.5”H with 11.3” turntable.
- Energy consumption : 1800.0 watts
18PCS Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets Unbreakable Reusable Dinnerware Set for 6, Microwave Dishwasher Safe Dinnerware for Outdoor Camping Dishes
- Wheat Straw Dinnerware Sets: The wheat straw dishes set includes 6 dinner plates, 6 bowls and 6 cups. This lightweight and unbreakable dinnerware set is ideal for everyday use. It’s especially great for kids and busy households
- 100% BPA Free, Non-toxic: This 18pcs dinnerware sets service for 6 are made from natural wheat straw fibers. Food grade 100%BPA-free, non-toxic. More safe, sustainable and unbreakable, it’s perfect for families
- Microwaveable and Dishwasher Safe: Save time with this microwave-safe dinnerware set (up to 248°F/120°C ). It’s also dishwasher-friendly, ensuring a simple clean-up process, so you can spend more time enjoying your meals and less time cleaning
- Versatile for All Dining Needs: Wheat straw dinnerware set is perfect for family meals, picnics and packed lunches. This set is ideal for any dining need, offering convenience and style wherever you go
- Convenient and Space-Saving: Stackable and compact, it stores easily in kitchens, dorms, RVs or while camping . It saves valuable space while keeping your plates, bowls and cups organized and within reach. Helping you save space and stay organized
SanmChuf Microwave Safe Taco Holder Set of 6, Colorful Taco Holder Set 2 Sauce Cups, Connectable & Stackable Plastic Taco Stands, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, Great for Family Meals & Taco Nights
- 🌈 Color-Coded for Sharing: Includes 6 taco holders in bold, fun colors so everyone knows which one’s theirs—great for families, kids, or parties.
- 🔗 Connectable & Modular Design: Each holder can be used on its own or connected together like LEGO-style blocks to build your own custom taco tray.
- 🌮 Fits All Taco Sizes: Large single-slot holders accommodate everything from street tacos to fully loaded tortillas, both hard and soft shells.
- 🔥 Microwave & Dishwasher Safe: Made from BPA-free plastic that’s durable, heat-resistant, and super easy to clean—no extra dishes, no extra hassle.
- 📦 Stackable & Easy to Store: Designed to nest together for compact storage in your kitchen drawer or cabinet. A great space-saving solution!
Chefman 12-Quart 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Digital Timer, Touchscreen, and 12 Presets – Family Size Countertop Convection Oven, Dishwasher-Safe Parts
- 6-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, roast or reheat to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance.
- ROTISSERIE CHICKEN COOKER: The stainless-steel rotisserie oven spit ensures crispy air-fried skin with a fraction of the added fat.
- FAMILY-SIZED MEALS: Our large capacity 12-qt air fryers has a spacious cooking interior to make delicious meals for large groups quickly!
- LOW-TO-HIGH HEAT RANGE: This all-in-one convection oven offers a wide temperature range from 95-450°F with rapid air heating elements. The new Hi-Fry option is the smart way to add a crisp finish when you crave that extra crunch.
- 12 COOKING PRESETS: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 12 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen.
- MONITOR YOUR MEAL: The interior lights and extra – large air fryer oven window allows you to check your food’s cooking progress.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Includes three cooking racks, stainless-steel rotisserie oven spit and forks, a rotisserie retrieval tool, and a drip tray.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts keep clean-up fast and simple.
- RESOURCES: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What capacity should I look for in a microwave for a family of six?
A microwave with at least 2.0 cubic feet of interior space will comfortably fit large dishes like a 16‑inch pizza or a whole chicken. Models such as the Toshiba ML-EM62P offer 2.2 cu ft, while the TOSHIBA 6‑in‑1 inverter combo provides 1.4 cu ft but adds air‑fry capability. Choose the larger capacity if you frequently cook family‑size meals, or opt for a slightly smaller unit if countertop space is limited.
How important is wattage when cooking for a big household?
Higher wattage (around 1200 W) cooks food faster and more evenly, which is useful when preparing multiple servings. The Toshiba ML‑EM62P and the TOSHIBA ML4‑EM22PAIT both deliver 1200 W, while the Chefman mini microwave provides only 700 W and may require longer cooking times. For a family of six, a 1200 W model typically offers the best balance of speed and performance.
Do sensor‑cook or auto‑menu features add real value for busy families?
Sensor‑cook technology automatically adjusts power and time based on moisture levels, reducing the guesswork for reheating or defrosting large items. Both Toshiba models include six auto‑menus, and the BLACK+DECKER also offers six preset programs, making everyday cooking quicker. These features can save time and improve consistency, especially when juggling multiple meals.
Is a child lock essential, and which models have the most robust safety options?
A child lock prevents accidental operation, which is crucial in homes with young kids. The TOSHIBA ML4‑EM22PAIT and GE microwave feature two‑step child locks, while the BLACK+DECKER and Chefman include single‑step locks. Two‑step locks generally provide an extra layer of safety, making them a preferable choice for families.
How do price and extra functions like air‑fry or convection affect overall value?
Microwaves that combine air‑fry, convection, and grill functions, such as the TOSHIBA 6‑in‑1 inverter combo, cost more but replace the need for separate appliances. If you frequently want crispy, low‑fat meals, the added versatility can be worth the higher price. For basic reheating and defrosting, a simpler, lower‑cost model like the Chefman 0.7 cu ft may provide better value.
What should I consider regarding countertop space and dimensions?
Measure your available countertop area and compare it to each model’s exterior dimensions. The BLACK+DECKER is compact at 18.6 in W × 13.2 in D, while the larger Toshiba ML‑EM62P measures about 24 in W × 16 in D. Ensure there is enough clearance for the door swing and ventilation to avoid overheating.
Are there any energy‑saving features that can lower operating costs?
Eco‑mode or energy‑saving settings reduce power consumption during idle periods, a feature found on the Toshiba ML‑EM62P. Inverter technology, present in the TOSHIBA ML4‑EM22PAIT, also improves efficiency by modulating power output instead of cycling on and off. These options can help keep electricity bills lower over time.
How do I decide between a microwave‑only model and a combo appliance for my family?
If you need separate appliances for microwaving and air‑frying, a combo unit like the TOSHIBA 6‑in‑1 can save countertop space and simplify cooking workflows. However, combo units are larger and often pricier, so assess whether you’ll use the extra functions regularly. For families focused mainly on reheating, defrosting, and basic cooking, a dedicated high‑wattage microwave may be the more cost‑effective solution.