If you’ve ever attempted to buy a microwave, you’d know that it’s not as easy as it looks with so many models and sizes to pick from but with this microwave size chart guide, you can rest easy knowing exactly what you want and why you want it.

There are plenty of microwaves out there with various sizes and dimensions. However, you’ll need to ask yourself what microwave is best for you before buying one. Generally, the larger a microwave is, the stronger it is, and the more high-priced it tends to be.

You can find several ranges of microwaves including the premium models and cheaper variants at retail outlets and stores. This microwave size chart will help guide you through the different sizes of microwaves available so you can choose which is best for you.

When checking out microwaves or other similar kitchen appliances, you should consider a number of factors. These include your kitchen size, the number of people in your home, your budget, how regular you’ll use the appliance, as well as what stuff you plan on cooking.

All of these are crucial in picking the microwave oven dimension that fits you perfectly. Fortunately, this helpful microwave size chart highlights and explains all the popular types of microwaves along with their relative size and dimensions, cooking power and capacities, features, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Expansive Microwave Size Chart

Small countertop microwaves

The smallest types of microwaves are the countertops. These units are just portable enough for small apartments and dorm rooms. Because they are the smallest, these units are light and easy to transport. They make a convenient companion in kitchens because they do not take up many spaces. They’re also the most affordable set of microwaves in terms of size.

The downside of these units is that their cooking power, capacity, and overall functionality is severely limited. They’re best suited for cooking basic stuff such as popcorn, instant rice, frozen veggies, leftover, and tea. Regardless of their limitations, these portable microwaves are uniquely convenient and do make a perfect choice for small kitchens.

Average size and dimensions

For a small countertop microwave, the average dimension is about 15-19 inches wide, 10-14 inches in height, and 10-14 inches deep.

Cooking capacity

The cooking capacity of a microwave is its internal size. This is measured using cubic feet. In addition, it determines what can actually be put in the microwave that’ll fit. So, for small microwaves, the capacity is usually below 1 cubic foot. In fact, the commonest size you’ll see in most microwaves is about 0.9 cubic feet while some units can even be as small as 0.5 cubic feet.

Wattage

Wattage or watts is the measure of energy needed by a microwave to heat food. It can also be called a microwave’s cooking power. A lower wattage will take a microwave longer to heat up food. It may also make the food less evenly cooked. Small microwaves unit usually measures between 600 to 1100 watts while the most popular values are between 700 – 1000 watts.

Weight

The countertop models are much lighter than other microwave variants because they are manufactured mainly for the purpose of portability. The average weight of small microwave units measures between 20 and 30 lbs.

Features

Many small microwaves feature a glass turntable. When the unit is switched on, the turntable rotates food, allowing it to evenly cook. You’ll likely see other common functions like timers, defrost modes and other pre-configured buttons that make it easy to cook basic food like pizza or popcorn.

Advantages

• They’re the most affordable units
• They’re lightweight and hardly take up much counter space
• The wattage consumed is low which translates to lower operating costs
• Easy to clean because of its small interior
• Portable and makes for easy mobility

Disadvantages

• Food takes generally longer to heat up
• Limited quantity of food allowed in the interior because of its small size
• Features are also limited compared to bigger units.

Medium countertop microwaves

Medium countertop microwaves are an upgrade to the smaller variants in terms of their power, cooking capacity, and overall features. The medium models represent a delicate balance since they can boast all the regular features of bigger units while still conveniently small and affordable. Furthermore, they can heat up all the common microwave foods including larger projects like defrosting an entire chicken or heating up a tray of lasagna.

The bottom line is that a medium microwave oven is the best value of any microwave size. These models are perfectly suited for bigger homes of about 3 to 5 people. Luckily, this size is the commonest of the microwave family, thus, you’ll get the best options from this range.

Average size and dimensions

The most common dimensions for a medium countertop microwave are 14 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 16 inches in depth.

Cooking capacity

1 to 2 cubic feet is the interior cooking capacity of many medium countertop ovens. However, the customary capacity for many models of this range is 1.6 cubic inches. This is considered more than enough space for many families to cook virtually all microwaved foods.

Wattage

Usually, many medium countertop microwaves cook with 800 to 1300 watts of electricity. However, the most commonly available units use around 1000 to 1100 watts.

Weight

A medium countertop microwave weighs in averagely between 30 to 50 lbs.

Features

The features you’ll find on a medium countertop microwave varies greatly. Some basic units can have the same features as seen in small microwave models. Fortunately, lots of affordable medium countertop microwave units have excellent features such as a grill setting, an auto weight mode for defrosting, easy to clean interiors, convection cooking, as well as pre-programmed sensors for common meals. Some newer models even come with inverter cooking technology which relies on an inverter to cook rather than the old magnetic coil. This literally ensures faster microwaving and energy-efficiency.

Advantages

• Size and power fits most regular families
• Food heats up quickly with the medium model
• Affordable and still delivers premium quality service
• Several useful features and quite user-friendly
• Many similar model options available to choose from

Disadvantages

• Cooks certain foods slightly longer than bigger models
• Size may be unsuitable for larger families

Large countertop microwaves

The large countertop microwaves have the most cooking capacity compared to countertop models. They also boast the most cooking power than other similar countertop microwaves. This means the large countertop microwaves cook foods quicker and more evenly than their smaller counterparts.

They also let you cook almost any size of food in their interior and in fact, are most suited for cooking foods for long periods. In addition, they are tough, durable appliances built to stand the test of time.

For larger families, this microwave size offers the best microwave cooking. Unfortunately, with such quality comes a steep price and an increase in operating costs.

Average size and dimensions

The external dimensions of the large countertop microwaves typically measure about 18 inches in depth, 18-24 inches in width, and 35 inches in height.

Cooking capacity

Large countertop microwaves usually have cooking capacities of over 2 cubic feet. Although the commonest capacity you’ll likely find measures around 2.2 cubic feet, the best thing about this microwave size is it lets use insert even the biggest of plates, bowls, platters, and containers. You can use this microwave unit to defrost a whole chicken, small turkey, or duck.

Wattage

Large countertop microwaves cook using a range of 1200 – 1400 watts of electricity though the most popular wattage you’ll find in most units is 1250 watts.

Weight

The weight of a large countertop microwave measures at 50 to 70 lbs.

Features

Both large and medium countertop microwaves have similar features. Thus, it won’t be out of place to see the large models having automatic adjustment of cooking times as well as power levels. The features should also include an auto defrost mode, a grill function, inverter cooking technology, convection cooking, and more cooking pre-sets for several commonly microwaved foods.

Advantages

• Thanks to its high wattage, meals get cooked much quicker
• Large capacity holds bigger foods that smaller models lack
• They can cook foods for long periods more conveniently

Disadvantages

• High-priced and overly expensive
• Their large size means they’ll take up a lot of counter space
• Higher energy costs to be expected along with its high wattage
• Difficult to find as many manufacturers produce less of them

Over the range microwaves

These models are fundamentally different from the countertop types discussed previously. This is because they are professionally installed into a cabinet space over a range as against being placed on a counter and plugged into a main.

Perhaps the biggest appeal the over-the-range variants have is that they save counter space and give your kitchen a classic, fancy look. These models also come with a vent system (that replace the traditional kitchen hoods) and lights at the bottom to beautifully illuminate the range.

Well, before you choose to get an over the range microwave, you’ll need to consider whether you have enough cabinet space to house one. These models are generally similar in capacity, size, and features to the medium countertop microwaves.

However, because they need to be fitted into a cabinet space, all of their aspects can vary greatly depending on the size of that space. This is why you have to carefully measure your space before buying a unit.

Average size and dimensions

An over-the-range microwave typically measures at 15 inches in height, 30 inches in width, and 16 inches in depth. However, this dimension can vary since they have to be fitted into specific cabinet spaces.

Cooking capacity

In terms of size, the cooking capacity of over the range microwaves can vary immensely. The size of the cabinet will largely influence the unit’s capacity. So, it is pretty important to measure the cabinet space properly. However, the internal size of these units can range from a little under 1 cubic foot to over 2 cubic feet.

Wattage

As a result of the unit’s variation in capacity and size, the wattage can also differ significantly. Thus, you can find over the range microwaves with 600 to 1200 watts as there are plenty of options to fit your request.

Weight

The average weight of this model ranges between 50-65 lbs.

Features

The features of over the range microwaves stick closely to the medium and large countertop variants. The common features usually include several pre-configured modes for popular meals, auto defrosting functions, grill functions, convection cooking, as well as inverter technology. Lastly, one of the more unique features of over the range microwaves is their self-ventilating function.

Advantages

• Saves plenty of space on the counter
• Includes incorporated fans in the unit disregarding the need for a hood system
• Poses less risk for children since it is up high

Disadvantages

• Can be difficult for shorter people to make use of
• It is also hard to pull hot liquids out of the unit
• It’s a challenge to see your food while it cooks
• Needs professional installation; you may not be able to take them with you if you change apartments

Built-in microwaves

As the name suggests, the built-in microwave isn’t set on a counter, rather it is installed or built into the kitchen. Also referred to as drawer microwave, built-in microwaves reflect the most luxurious and sophisticated of home microwave ovens.

As expected, these beautifully crafted ovens save valuable space on the counter by being built into cabinets. Thus, they create a classy, elegant look in your kitchen. In addition, they’re quite convenient and easy to use and can be regarded as the safest microwave model for children, short people, and older folks.

Unfortunately, these luxury microwaves are quite pricey and may not have the best features boasted by some medium and large countertop variants. Be aware that a built-in microwave is a kitchen investment that needs a lot of careful planning and research. More often than not, they do not easily fit into just any cabinet.

Because built-in microwaves are expected to fit into a set drawer space, they can come in different sizes with varying power levels.

Average size and dimensions

A built-in microwave’s external dimensions may vary based on the size of the cabinet or drawer space. However, as a general rule, microwave drawers are normally deeper than countertop or over-the-range units. The common dimensions for a built-in microwave could be about 15 inches in height, 30 inches in width, and 25 inches in depth.

Cooking capacity

Although there are some units with much larger capacity, typically, built-in microwaves have between 1 – 2 cubic feet of cooking capacity.

Wattage

A built-in microwave cooks around a range of 800 to 1000 watts.

Weight

The weight of built-in or drawer microwaves range between 50 to 100 lbs.

Features

Some of the features you can find in a microwave drawer or built-in microwave include modes for popular microwave foods, varying power settings, a child-safe function, auto defrost mode, LED lights, easy-to-clean interiors, one-touch open and close functions, and melt/soften/keep warm modes.

Advantages

• The placement is perfect. You don’t have to reach all the way above the unit to take food in and out, thus, indicating how safer these models are
• Child-proof program or setting available
• Gives the kitchen a pleasing, elegant, classy look
• A built-in microwave helps save lots of space on the counter

Disadvantages

• It has no turntable function, thus, foods may unevenly heat
• It needs professional installation. You cannot take the unit with you if you are changing homes
• Lacks some important features like convection cooking, inverted cooking, grill functions
• It is the most pricey microwave model

Commercial microwaves

Much similar to countertop microwaves are the commercial microwaves. These plug-in units are unlike your regular home microwaves though. Commercial microwaves are significantly more powerful and costlier both in upfront value and operating costs.

Commercial microwaves are heavy-duty machines manufactured with durability in mind. They’re created to heat higher volumes of foods under the shortest possible time using commercial foodservice settings.

Unless you own a café, restaurant, hotel, or any other professional food service business, then there’s no point in getting a commercial microwave for your kitchen.

Average size and dimensions

Surprisingly, the average commercial microwave is much smaller than the large countertop microwaves. They are made this way because commercial kitchens are usually enclosed areas with limited spare shelf or counter space. Generally, a commercial microwave measures 18 inches in width, 20 inches in depth, and 14.5 inches in height.

Cooking capacity

The internal microwave size of commercial units can range between 1-1.5 cubic feet. Once more, the capacity has to be much smaller in order to accommodate professional kitchens.

Wattage

Some commercial units have surprisingly lower units of power as low as 1000 watts. However, some heavy-duty models cook with as much as 3000 watts or higher.

Weight

Usually, the power output of the commercial microwave determines its weight rather than its capacity or dimension. For example, a 2000-watt commercial model can weigh about 65 lbs. Generally, the average weight of commercial microwaves ranges from 40 to 170 lbs.

Features

Because a commercial microwave’s usage is based more on durability and cooking capacity, it hardly comes with a range of unique features. However, certain features commonly found on commercial microwaves include convection cooking, automatic defrost, bun warming mode, and multiple preset cooking programs.

Advantages

• Cooking is superfast
• Durable and can last for several years
• It is a heavy-duty machine that can comfortably handle hundreds of uses daily

Disadvantages

• It is quite expensive than your regular home units
• It will require high operating costs because of its high wattage

Top Royal Microwaves

If you’ve made up your mind on purchasing a microwave or you’re still in two minds as to which brand to choose, check out these top Royal Microwaves below.

Royal 25-Litre Built-In Microwave Oven (RBIMW25S)

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread, or coming home to a juicy, roasted chicken, ready to eat. With the Royal 25-Litre Built-In Microwave Oven (RBIMW25S), you can make all your culinary dreams come true, with just the touch of a button.

This powerful 900W microwave oven features digital controls and a variety of cooking functions, so you can grill, bake, roast, and broil with ease. The meticulous attention to detail ensures that heat is evenly distributed, so you can say goodbye to hotspots and unevenly cooked dishes.

Royal 34-Litre Microwave (RMW34SMP)

Conclusion

Getting a microwave isn’t always as easy as one would expect, especially when you consider the various sizes, dimensions, and models available in stores and retail shops. However, with this microwave size chart guide, you can better understand microwave units’ dimensions and tailor them exactly to your home and kitchen needs.