Microwave Sizes Guide and Comparison (Finding the Right Fit)

Microwaves come in a wide range of different sizes, so it’s important to know what size will best suit your needs. If you’re looking for something large enough to feed multiple people and cook two dinners simultaneously, a larger microwave may be the answer. On the other hand, if you only need one dinner or just want room for some snacks and drinks, an under-the-counter model might be better suited.,

The “over the range microwave size chart” is a guide that allows users to find what size of oven they will need. The guide includes both over-the-range and countertop microwaves, as well as their measurements.

Buying a microwave isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. With so many varieties, sizes, brands, and prices to choose from, finding the proper fit may be difficult if you don’t have the appropriate information.

Microwaves are divided into four types: countertop, commercial, built-in, and over-the-range. Each of these varieties is available in a variety of sizes, prices, wattages, weights, oven capacities, and features.

In this post, we’ll go through the different sizes of each microwave type to help you pick the best match for your requirements. Stick around until the conclusion to learn about the features of each size and category, as well as what it implies for functioning. Let’s get started.

Sizes of Countertop Microwaves

The cheapest and most widespread of the three microwave kinds are countertop microwaves (built-in, over-the-range, and countertop). They’re popular not just because they’re inexpensive, but also because they don’t need expert installation—just package and plug in, and you’re good to go.

Microwaves for the countertop are available in three sizes. Let’s take a closer look at each of these:

Microwaves for the Countertop

These are the tiniest countertop microwaves, as their name implies. As a result, they feature the lowest oven capacity of the three countertop Size of a microwaves, making them suited for small kitchens or applications with less than three people.

Microwaves for the Countertop also come with the least variety of features. This means you’d be better off restricting their usage to cooking basics, such as frozen veggies, popcorn, tea, instant rice, warming leftovers, or any other form of cooking that doesn’t require much oven capacity, cooking power, and functionality.

To make up for these shortcomings, Microwaves for the Countertop are the most portable and cheapest of the three types of countertop ovens. They also require the least kitchen space, making them ideal for small apartments.

Having reviewed their strengths and weakness, let’s examine some of the defining characteristics of Microwaves for the Countertop:

Size and Capacity of Cooking

Typically, Microwaves for the Countertop’ exterior width averages between 15 inches (38.1cm) and 19 inches (48.3 cm). As for the external height and depth, both range from 10 to 14 inches (25.4cm to 35.6cm).

The Capacity of Cooking of any given microwave simply means its internal oven size and dictates what it can realistically accommodate. Microwaves for the Countertop typically have a Capacity of Cooking of less than one cubic feet. The most popular size is 0.9 ft.³ (25485.2 cm³), but some microwaves can be as small as 0.5 ft.³ (14158.4 cm³).

Wattage and Weight

Microwaves for the Countertop are the lightest of all types because they’re designed with an emphasis on portability. Typically, they weigh between 20lbs (9.1kg) and 30lbs (13.6kg).

The cooking power of a microwave is measured in watts. To put it another way, it’s the amount of energy required to heat the meal. In general, the greater the wattage, the quicker and more evenly the microwave will heat the food (and vice versa).

The wattage of Microwaves for the Countertop ranges between 600 and 1100 watts, with most options averaging 700-1000watts. While such a low wattage means slower and uneven cooking, the upside is that it helps keep the electricity bill low.

Functionality and cost

Microwaves for small countertops are the least expensive of all Size of a microwaves. Low-cost solutions cost about $60, while high-expensive alternatives may cost up to $300. A regular countertop microwave, on the other hand, costs about $80.

In most Microwaves for the Countertop, a glass turntable comes standard to rotate the food as it heats up for even cooking. Also included are functionalities such as configurable power levels, defrost, and express cooking. As for the finish, it’s mostly plastic, even though some options may come with stainless steel finishes.

Keep in mind that some Microwaves for the Countertop may have more features than these, but these usually come at a premium.

Microwaves with a Medium Countertop

Microwaves with a Medium Countertop have a significantly higher wattage, oven capacity, and more features than Microwaves for the Countertop. Understandably, they’re also more expensive than small countertop models.

The best thing about Microwaves with a Medium Countertop is that they strike a good balance between value for money and convenience. That is, they pack the most of the important features of larger models and still come in a more portable size and favorable price. They’re also the most common Size of a microwave, meaning you won’t struggle to find something within your budget.

You can use Microwaves with a Medium Countertop for basic microwave applications like warming food, as well as major tasks such as defrosting large chunks of meat. They cook faster and more evenly than small microwaves and can serve a family of 5.

Medium countertops do not have many drawbacks. The main disadvantages are that they may not be able to serve very big families and that they take somewhat longer to prepare than huge countertop units.

Having reviewed their main strengths and probable drawbacks, let’s take a look at the distinguishing traits of Microwaves with a Medium Countertop:

Capacity of Cooking

Medium-sized countertop microwaves come with a more-than-decent Capacity of Cooking, with units ranging between 1ft.³ (28316.8 cm³) to 2ft.³(56633.7 cm³). The standard Capacity of Cooking is about 1.6 ft.³ (45307 cm³), which more than most families need for typical day-to-day microwave applications.

Dimensions and Weight

Microwaves in this size range are typically 24 inches (61 cm) wide, 16 inches (40.6 cm) deep, and 14 inches (35.6 cm) tall. These are the exterior aspects to keep in mind.

The weight varies from 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) to 50 pounds (22.7kg).

Price range and wattage

While the majority of units consume between 1000 and 1100 watts, certain models might use as little as 800 watts and some as much as 1300 watts.

The price of Microwaves with a Medium Countertop varies greatly, mainly based on the number of features included. Basic models can be as cheap as $60, while high-end units may cost as much as $800.

Features

As is the case with price, the features of Microwaves with a Medium Countertop vary greatly. Most basic units come with features similar to those of Microwaves for the Countertop, while high-end options pack additional features that you might not find in a standard, medium-sized countertop microwave.

Some, for example, include Cooking with an inverter, which uses an inverter instead of a typical magnetic coil to heat food, resulting in more energy efficiency and faster cooking.

A midsize countertop microwave may have the following characteristics, depending on the price range:

• Cooking with sensors
• Function of the grill
• Convection
• Inverter technology is what we’re talking about here.
• Auto-weight
• Door opener with a push-button
• Interior is simple to clean.

Microwaves with a Large Countertop

As you’d expect, Microwaves with a Large Countertop come with the highest wattage and Capacity of Cooking of the three sizes of countertop microwave units. That means they cook faster and heat food more uniformly than any other countertop Size of a microwave. They can also accommodate the largest food sizes for extended periods, making them ideal for heavy-duty microwave applications in large families.

However, such operational excellence means a higher price and electricity bill. Microwaves with a Large Countertop also take up more space, making them unsuitable for those with small kitchens. Lastly, they aren’t as common as their medium-size counterparts, meaning it might take a bit of shopping to find one.

With the pros and cons covered, let’s take a look at the defining characteristics of Microwaves with a Large Countertop:

Dimensions and Weight

The exterior of Microwaves with a Large Countertop is usually 35 inches (88.9cm) tall, 18 to 24 inches (45.7cm to 61cm) wide, and 18 inches (45.7cm) deep.

The weight varies between 50 and 70 pounds (22.7kg to 31.8kg)

Capacity and Wattage of the Oven

The Capacity of Cooking of countertop microwaves is usually over 2ft.³ (56633.7 cm³), with most options averaging 2.2ft.³ (62297.1 cm³). This capacity is large enough to accommodate a whole chicken or a small turkey.

The most common wattage in Microwaves with a Large Countertop is 1250 watts, with 1200 watts being the lower limit and 1400watts the upper limit. Such a high wattage means faster cooking than any other size unit, but that comes at the expense of higher power consumption.

Features & Price Range

The least affordable of the three types of countertop units, Microwaves with a Large Countertop are usually priced between $150 and $300.

Microwaves with a Large Countertop pack virtually the same features you’d find in their medium-sized counterparts but come with more cooking presets.

The following are some of the features:

• Cooking with an inverter
• Auto-defrost
• Function of the grill
• Power levels and cooking time are automatically adjusted.
• Cooking using a convection oven
• There are now ten new presets for preparing typical dishes.

Table of Comparisons for Countertop Microwaves

Here’s a table that summarizes the key differences between the different sizes of countertop microwaves for quick comparison:

Table of Comparisons for Countertop Microwaves

2. Microwaves with built-in ovens

Built-in microwaves are frequently put in base cabinets or walls, rather than on kitchen counters. The location of these microwaves is primarily what distinguishes them from countertop and above-range microwaves. It’s also the source of one of the most significant benefits of built-in microwaves: the ability to save important kitchen counter space.

Built-in microwaves can give an appealing, contemporary touch to kitchen décor, particularly if the oven color is chosen with your decor concept in mind. Some of the creative ways you may utilize a colored built-in microwave to compliment your kitchen décor, depending on the appearance you’re striving for, include:

• To achieve a tidy, coherent, and space-saving aesthetic, recess it into one of the walls.
• With the addition of a microwave trim kit to the shelf, your unit will have a completed appearance.
• Adding vibrant color bursts in unexpected places with a brilliantly colored microwave.
• To create a retro aesthetic, combine kitchen accessories and décor pieces with a pastel-colored microwave.
• To generate contrast, group your microwave with other kitchen equipment.

Furthermore, built-in microwaves are suitable for families with children, the elderly, or individuals who are short since they can be made child-proof with easy programming and installed so that no one in your family needs to reach above to get food.

It’s also worth noting that built-in microwaves come in a variety of sizes and power levels, making it simple to select one that fits snugly into any drawer.

Like any other type of microwave, built-in units also come with their fair share of drawbacks. Perhaps the biggest issue is that they lack some of the features you’d find in a large or medium countertop unit like a turntable, Function of the grill, inverted cooking, and Cooking using a convection oven. There’s also the fact that they’re quite expensive and that they require professional installation.

Now that we’ve addressed the advantages and disadvantages, let’s look at the characteristics that distinguish built-in microwaves:

Dimensions and Weight

Built-in microwaves’ outward dimensions are usually determined by the amount of drawer space available. Most units are 30 inches wide (76.2cm), 26 inches deep (66cm), and 15 inches high (38.1cm).

The weight varies from 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) to 100 pounds (2.2 kilograms) (45.4kg).

Capacity and Wattage of the Oven

While some models have a bigger oven capacity, most built-in microwaves have an oven capacity of 1ft3 (28316.8cm3) to 2ft.3 (56633.7cm3).

Microwave drawer wattage varies as well. The majority of devices use between 800 and 1000 watts, with some exceeding 1500 watts (e.g., FRIGIDAIRE FPMO3077TF runs on 1750 watts).

Functionality and price range

Built-in microwaves are the most expensive form of household microwave, costing between $700 and $2000. This does not include the cost of installation.

Child-safe mode, interior LED lighting, auto defrost, soften/keep warm/melt modes, single-touch open/close, a choice of power levels, cooking pre-configurations for popular meals, and easy-to-clean oven interiors are some of the highlights of built-in microwaves.

Keep in mind that the features list may differ across brands.

3. Microwaves that can be used over-the-range

An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a two-in-one appliance that includes a range hood and a microwave oven. These units are often mounted above a cooktop or range, and they come with all of the required mounting gear for a fast and painless installation.

OTR microwaves are most popular because they conserve essential kitchen counter space. It’s also worth noting that they have a ventilation system to keep your kitchen free of the extra heat, pollutants, and steam that occur with regular cooking. This avoids the need to buy and install a range hood, which would be required if you used a countertop unit.

An OTR microwave’s built-in vent system may also assist save money on electricity. By removing the heat and moisture associated with heavy-duty cooking, you may lessen your dependency on your HVAC system, lowering your power cost.

Last but not least, over-the-range microwaves are safe to use in households with young children. You won’t have to worry about youngsters reaching the unit while you’re not there since OTR microwaves are placed far above the counter.

However, although this positioning makes over-the-range microwaves safe for children, it also makes them difficult to operate for short individuals. Another difficulty with an over-the-range microwave is that if it’s put in a tall pot, it might be difficult to keep an eye on what you’re cooking. When using such pots, you must be cautious not to spill the food on yourself when pulling it out.

After we’ve gone through the advantages and disadvantages, let’s look at the qualities that distinguish over-the-range microwaves:

Dimensions and Weight

OTR microwaves are typically 15 inches (38.1cm) tall, 30 inches (76.2cm) wide, and 16 inches (40.6cm) deep on the outside. These dimensions, however, may vary depending on the size of the cabinet area into which your device will be installed.

The weight ranges between 50 and 65 pounds on average (22.7kg to 29.5kg).

Capacity and Wattage of the Oven

OTR microwave oven capacity varies widely, ranging from less than 1 ft.3 (28316.8cm3) to more than 2 ft.3 (56633.7cm3).

Because OTR microwaves vary in size and capacity, wattage varies as well, with most devices averaging between 600 and 1200 watts.

Functionality and price range

A microwave that does not have a fan might cost anywhere from $50 to $300. The price ranges from $200 to $500 with the fan included, with high-end models costing more than $500.

OTR microwaves offer many of the same characteristics as big countertop microwaves. While the list varies by brand, price, and size, the following are some of the most typical characteristics of over-the-range units:

• Cooking using a convection oven
• Function of the grill
• Several pre-configurations for cooking typical dishes are available.
• Defrosting using an auto weight function
• Cooking with an inverter
• Self-ventilation

4. Commercial Size of a microwaves

Commercial microwaves may seem to be plug-in countertop devices due to their small size, but they are substantially more costly and powerful. They’re usually made for commercial foodservice applications where speed and efficiency are essential.

Interestingly, they often come in a smaller size than Microwaves with a Large Countertop, mainly because they’re meant to be used in commercial kitchens where space tends to be limited.

Commercial microwave ovens are often classified by wattage and cooking power, which are two of the most significant elements to consider while buying for such machines. Light, medium, and Commercial Microwaves for Heavy-Duty Use are available, each with unique features that impact operating efficiency.

Let’s look at each kind in more detail.

Microwaves for Commercial Use (Light Duty)

Microwaves for Commercial Use (Light Duty) average about 1000watts in terms of energy consumption. While they’re still more powerful than typical residential units, they’re the weakest of commercial microwaves.

As a result, they’re best suited to food service enterprises with microwave cooking requirements of 50 times or fewer. The following are examples of typical applications:

• Soups, desserts, drinks, and rolls are sometimes warmed up at the wait stations.
• Warming frozen dinners, packed lunches, and drinks are available in the break rooms.
• Food that has gone cold is heated at concession stalls.
• Breakfast bars: reheat leftovers, muffins, oatmeal, and other drinks on occasion.

In terms of oven capacity, light-duty commercial microwaves average between 0.3 – 0.8 cu.ft. In commercial microwaves, cu.ft. denotes a unit’s interior dimensions in cubic feet. This figure is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and Inches of Height and then dividing that value by 1728. The higher it is, the more a unit can accommodate.

Light-duty commercial microwaves can accept most small oven-friendly china plates and 14 and 16 size high-temperature food pans with their 0.3–0.8 cu.ft. oven capacity. Most bowls, mugs, tiny plates, measuring cups, and ramekins will also fit.

Microwaves for Commercial Use (Medium-Duty)

Medium-duty commercial units have a greater power range of 1,200 to 2000 watts, allowing for speedier cooking than light-duty models. They may also be used more often and have a longer service life (up to 150 times per day).

As a result of this capabilities, these devices may be used in commercial applications such as:

• Pre-packaged foods, sandwiches, and snacks may be heated at convenience shops.
• Bakeries: defrosting and baking various products quickly, as well as melting butter.
• Cafes provide hot drinks, baked pastries, and a limited lunch menu.

In terms of Capacity of Cooking, Microwaves for Commercial Use (Medium-Duty) range between 0.8 – 1.0 cu.ft. This is large enough to fit most ⅓ and ½ size high-temperature food pans, oven-friendly plastic takeout containers, medium-size plates, and bowls.

Commercial Microwaves for Heavy-Duty Use

These are the most powerful commercial microwaves, with wattages ranging from 2000 to 3000. They are also the most durable and cook quicker than light and medium-duty commercial microwaves, making them suitable for foodservice operations that use a microwave 200 times or more each day.

Such capability makes Commercial Microwaves for Heavy-Duty Use perfect for applications such as:

• Service that is quick high-volume cooking of meals with rapid turnaround times in restaurants
• High-speed heating of big servings in cafes; continual holding to reduce waste
• Catering companies/commercial kitchens: quickly preparing and reheating mass-produced foods, steaming vegetables and shellfish, melting cheese, heating, and/or defrosting meals.

These devices have the highest oven capacity of the three kinds of commercial microwaves, ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 cu.ft., to accommodate such heavy-duty applications. To put things in perspective, this is enough space to accommodate most oven-safe plastic muffin trays, full-size high-temperature food pans, normal plates, dishes, and other similarly sized objects.

Summary

That concludes today’s post. Hopefully, we’ve provided enough information on the many microwave kinds and sizes to assist you in selecting the best microwave for your requirements.

However, in case you missed anything, here are the highlights:

• Countertop microwaves are the cheapest and least powerful, making them suitable for those on a tight budget who need a quick fix.
• Built-in units, on the other hand, are a terrific option if you want to conserve room in your kitchen while still adding an exquisite, contemporary touch.
• Due to its excellent mix of cooking speed, operating efficiency, and compactness, commercial microwaves are an excellent choice for foodservice establishments.
• The key selling feature of over-the-range units is their positioning, which helps conserve kitchen counter space and has a ventilation system that decreases energy use.

There are many different sizes of microwaves. It can be difficult to know what size will fit your needs. This guide and comparison will help you find the right size microwave for your home. Reference: microwave sizes in litres.

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