Best 20-Inch Wide Microwaves for Big Counters and Busy Kitchens
Finding a microwave that fits a wide countertop footprint can be essential for homes with spacious kitchens or shared office spaces. This guide highlights five 20-inch-wide or similarly sized microwaves that offer reliable performance, smart features, and easy cleaning. Each option balances power, capacity, and user-friendly controls to help you cook quickly and evenly. Read on to compare sizes, sensors, presets, and safety features across popular models.
Summary Table: Selected 20-Inch-Wide Microwaves
| Product | Brand | External Width (approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS | TOSHIBA | 20.6 inches | 1000W, Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus |
| TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS | TOSHIBA | 20.6 inches | 1000W, Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus |
| TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) | TOSHIBA | 18.7 inches | 0.9 cu ft, 900W, 6 Auto Menus |
| BLACK+DECKER EM031MB11 | BLACK+DECKER | Unknown | 1000W, 1.1 cu ft, 6 presets |
| GE Countertop Microwave Oven | GE | Unknown | 1200W, 2.0 cu ft, Auto Cook, Child-Lock |
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave
The EM131A5C-SS combines a 1000-watt microwave with Smart Humidity Sensor technology to tailor power and time based on food moisture. This helps prevent overcooking and maintains texture for a wide range of dishes. A 12.4-inch removable turntable supports larger plates, while 6 preset menus cover popular items such as pizza, vegetables, and sensor reheat. External dimensions are 20.6 x 16.0 x 11.8 inches, making this model a practical fit for many wide counters. ECO Mode and an easy-clean interior add convenience to daily use.
TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave
This Black-Color variant mirrors the EM131A5C-SS’s features, including 1000W output, 12.4-inch glass turntable, and Smart Sensor Technology for adaptive cooking. The model maintains six preset menus for familiar meals like pizza and sensor-reheat. Its layout and finish suit modern kitchens, while the same 20.6-inch external width ensures it fills a wide counter area with a cohesive look and reliable performance.
TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(SS) Small Microwave
The ML-EM09PA(SS) is a compact option with 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900W output. It includes 6 preset menus and a two-step child lock for safety in households with children. External dimensions are 18.7 x 14.7 x 10.7 inches, which places it slightly under the 20-inch-wide threshold but still fits well in many wider countertop spaces while delivering convenient one-touch controls and reliable performance for smaller kitchens or dorm rooms.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave
Designed for straightforward daily use, the EM720CB7 offers 700W with 10 power settings and a 10-inch turntable. It features pre-programmed buttons for common foods and a child safety lock, along with a large LED display for simple operation. While its width is not specified here, its compact footprint makes it a strong option for less expansive countertops that still require a dependable, easy-to-use microwave with quick-cook presets.
GE Countertop Microwave Oven
The GE model delivers 1200 watts of power and a generous 2.0 cu ft interior capacity. Sensor cooking controls automatically adjust time and power for reliable results, while a two-step child lock enhances safety in households with children. This unit sits among taller, wider microwaves that can handle large meals and big dishware, ideal for busy kitchens or shared living spaces where speed and capacity matter.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
- Size and fit: If maximizing counter space matters, prioritize models with external widths around 20 inches or slightly larger. Check internal cavity dimensions to ensure your largest dishes fit and rotate properly.
- Power and speed: Most models in this range offer 900–1200W. Higher wattage reduces cooking times for dense foods but may require more precise control to avoid overcooking delicate items.
- Sensors and presets: Humidity sensors and sensor cooking adjust time and power for you, reducing guesswork. Look for multiple preset menus for common items like popcorn, pizza, reheating, and beverages.
- Turntable and interior: A 10–12 inch to 12.4-inch glass turntable supports standard cookware. A larger interior can accommodate bigger plates and casserole dishes, but ensure the overall exterior width remains suitable for your space.
- Safety features: Child locks, door safety mechanisms, and simple programmable timers are important for households with kids or shared living environments.
- Ease of cleaning: Interior finishes that resist staining and easy-access doors help with daily maintenance. Models with ECO modes can reduce energy use when idle.
- Durability and warranty: Consider brands with strong service networks and clear warranty terms for parts and labor, especially for frequent use in busy homes or offices.
- Color and finish: Stainless steel and black stainless trims blend with most kitchens, while color variants may suit particular decor preferences.
Across the selection, larger external widths around 20 inches typically yield easier integration on wide countertops while delivering strong microwaving performance with modern sensor technology. Compare sensor features, turntable size, and preset coverage to choose the best model for daily meals, dorm living, or shared kitchen spaces. Always measure your available space and plate sizes to ensure a comfortable fit with room for ventilation.