How Big is a Microwave? [By Type]

Are you in the market for a new microwave? Maybe you're getting ready to remodel your kitchen. No matter the reason, you need to know the standard size. After carefully researching the topic, we found the best answer to the question. You can see our findings below.

Microwaves come in various sizes, including large, compact, over-the-range, countertop, and built-in. While the inner dimensions, often known as capacity, are typically between 1 and 2.2 cubic feet, the outer dimensions vary greatly, depending on the type. That being said, most standard microwaves range from approximately 12 to 15 inches high and 21 to 25 inches wide. 

Now that you know the basic measurements of microwaves, it's time to learn more about the sizes in each category. Keep reading to see examples of each kind of microwave, learn how to figure out the size, and more.

Microwave Sizes By Type

Different consumers have different needs, depending on the size and style of their homes. Therefore, manufacturers make microwaves in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of everyone. While there is not one definitive measurement, we can break it down, giving you the average size of microwaves in each category.

Large Microwave

As stated above, the inner dimensions range from approximately 1 to 2.2 cubic feet. According to KitchenAid, most larger microwaves vary in size from roughly 20 to 25 inches deep, 12 to 15 inches high, and 16 to 20 inches wide. These are ideal for people with lots of counter space and plenty of room in their kitchen.

Panasonic Family Size Microwave Oven

This large microwave weighs about 40 pounds and has an inner capacity of 2.2 cubic feet with a 16.5-inch turntable. Not only is it big, but it also heats at 1250 watts, meaning your food will cook faster. Additionally, the preset buttons make it easy to know precisely how long you should heat your food.

Dimensions - 14.2" H, 19.4" D, 23.86" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Toshiba Microwave Oven with Built-In Humidity Sensor

This large microwave has a capacity of 2.2 cubic feet. It features 1200 watts with ten power levels, allowing you to choose the wattage at which your food will cook. It features a built-in humidity sensor and weighs roughly 50 pounds with a 16.5-inch position memory turntable.

Dimensions - 13.6" H, 19.6" D, 24.4" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Compact Microwave

For people in smaller houses and apartments, compact microwaves are ideal. The average compact microwave has roughly 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet inside. The width is usually around 15 to 18 inches, and the height is about 10 or 11 inches with a 12 to 16-inch depth.

Not only are they smaller in size, but they also weigh much less than their larger counterparts. Unfortunately, they typically have less wattage as well.

Black+Decker Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable 

This microwave is perfectly compact, making it an excellent choice for college students, camper trailers, and apartments. It features a child safety lock, a 10.6-inch turntable, and a one-year warranty. The 900 watts can be adjusted between 10 power settings, and it only weighs 30 pounds.

Dimensions - 11.5" H, 14.8" D, 19.1" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Commercial Chef Small Microwave Oven

For the ultimate compact microwave, check out the Commercial Chef. It weighs an astonishing 23 pounds, and you can choose between 6 power settings up to 600 watts. It is tiny enough to fit almost anywhere, boasting a capacity of 0.6 cubic feet and a 9.5-inch turntable.

Dimensions - 10.25" H, 12.5" D, 17.75" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven

If you want a small microwave but don't want to sacrifice cooking power, this is the one for you. It only weighs 25.4 pounds, but it offers 1200 watts of cooking power with 11 settings. The inside is fairly large at 1.2 cubic feet of capacity. It also features a large, 13.4-inch turntable and inverter technology.

Dimensions - 12.2" H, 15.8" D, 20.7" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Over-the-Range Microwave

Most over-the-range microwaves are a bit on the larger side, making it easier for them to match the underlying oven. Additionally, the sizes don't vary much, allowing us to give a more definitive answer.

You can count on most being about 17 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 15 to 18 inches deep, with inner capacities ranging from 0.8 to 2.1 cubic feet.

Galanz 24 inch Over The Range Microwave

The Galanz Over-the-Range Microwave makes it easy to set your cooking preferences from below with its bottom-mounted touch controls. It has 1,000 watts of power with 11 different levels and weighs approximately 50 pounds. It also features a generous, 12.8-inch turntable and 2-speed fan control.

Dimensions - 17.5" H, 16.7" D, 23.9" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

GE Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

This microwave is rather heavy, weighing in at 60 pounds. However, it features 1.6 cubic feet of inner space and a 10-inch turntable. Cooking power is no problem with 1000 watts of energy, and two lights at the bottom illuminate the stove, offering two brightness settings.

Dimensions - 16.5" H, 15.25" D, 29.87 " W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Countertop Microwave

The convenience that countertop microwaves offer makes them among the most popular on the market. You can place them just about anywhere with a level surface, and you can even purchase kits that allow you to install them into cabinets.

Countertop microwaves generally range between 21 to 24 inches deep, 13 inches high, and 16 to 20 inches wide, with a capacity of about 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.

Click here to see this trim kit on Amazon.

Toshiba Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and ECO Mode

This countertop microwave is lightweight at only 34.6 pounds. It offers top-of-the-line convenience with three programmable favorites and a kitchen timer. The 12.4-inch turntable combined with the 1.2 cubic feet of capacity provides plenty of cooking space.

With the large, easy-to-see display, you won't have to worry about straining your eyes. What's more, you can choose to turn the sound off during nap time and such. You'll save 50 percent electricity with eco mode, or you can choose between 10 power settings up to 1100 watts.

Dimensions - 17.1" H,  12.8" D, 20.5" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Farberware Classic Microwave Oven with LED Lighting

The Farberware classic microwave comes in various color choices, including white, red, copper, and stainless steel. While it offers 1000 watts of power, you can choose from 10 power levels, ranging from 10 percent power up to 100 percent.

You'll enjoy the locking keypad feature, which allows you to keep children from making a mess or burning themselves. Additionally, it features a 12.4-inch turntable and 1.1 cubic feet inner capacity for plenty of cooking space.

Dimensions - 16.93" H, 12.03" D, 20.2" W

 

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Samsung Speed Cooking Microwave

Are you tired of smudges? If so, check out this Samsung Speed Cooking Microwave. Its fingerprint-resistant finish keeps it looking clean and shining for longer. The ceramic enamel interior is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, meaning you won't have to scrub when food mishaps occur.

It offers a large inner capacity of 1.4 cubic feet of space and a large 14.2-inch turntable. You'll also enjoy 1000 watts of power with ten levels from which to choose. However, despite its size, this Samsung microwave is fairly lightweight at only 37.5 pounds.

Dimensions - 18.6" H, 12.3" D, 21.8" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Built-In Microwave

Built-in microwaves, like over-the-range, free up space in your home. They are installed in dedicated cabinets or under counters, and the doors pull down much like those of ovens or pull out similarly to drawers.

They generally match the sizes of standard cabinets, measuring 24, 27, or 30 inches wide, 17 to 22 inches high, and approximately 20 to 25 inches deep.

Frigidaire Gallery Series Built-in Microwave with Drop-Down Door

The Frigidaire Gallery Series boasts a sleek, pull-down design with an astounding 1750 watts of power and nine different levels for the choosing.

It's heavier than traditional microwaves, weighing a whopping 92 pounds. With 1.6 cubic feet of inner capacity, you will have plenty of space for a wide range of dishes. The Frigidaire Gallery Series also doubles as a convection oven, and you can use it to broil or grill, giving you plenty of cooking options.

Dimensions - 22" H, 19" D, 29" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Cosmo 24 in. Built-in Microwave Drawer

If you were hoping for something a bit lighter, the Cosmo Microwave Drawer totals 70 pounds. It opens easily with the push of a button, but you can keep children safe with the safety locking feature.

Melting butter has never been easier with the preset function, along with several other automatic buttons. You'll also enjoy 1000 watts of power and 11 settings from which to choose, along with plenty of space with its 1.2 cubic foot capacity.

Dimensions - 24" H, 15" D, 25" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

Sharp 24 Inch Microwave Drawer Oven Stainless Steel

The Sharp built-in microwave is heavier than the Cosmo but lighter than the Frigidaire at 81 pounds. Like the Cosmo, the Sharp microwave has a sliding drawer instead of a door. However, you can choose to manually open and close the drawer or press the automatic button.

This one does not feature a safety locking mechanism, and you'll get slightly less power with 950 watts across 11 different cooking levels. However, you will still get plenty of space with the 1.2 cubic foot capacity.

Dimensions - 23.88" H, 15.88" D, 26.19" W

Click here to see this microwave on Amazon.

What are standard microwave sizes?

According to Maytag, most standard microwaves range from approximately 12 - 15 inches high, 21 - 25 inches wide, and 16 - 20 inches deep.

How do I measure microwave dimensions?

For built-in or over-the-range microwaves, you'll need to remove the unit before measuring. Then, using a tape measure, measure the length, width, and depth of the cutout.

How do I figure out the size of a microwave?

If you have the box, you can find the dimensions on it. Otherwise, you will use a tape measure to measure across the bottom (depth), down the side (height), and along the edge (width).

How big is a small microwave?

The average compact microwave has roughly 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet inside and is approximately 15 - 18 inches wide, 10 - 11 inches high, and 12 - 16 inches deep, with a capacity between 1 and 2.2 cubic feet.

In Closing

Microwaves vary greatly, depending on the type you buy. However, most standard microwaves range from 12 - 15 inches high, 21 - 25 inches wide, and 16 - 20 inches deep. Check out these other posts from our blog to learn more about microwaves:

Does A Microwave Cook From The Inside Out? 

How Many Inches Should There Be Between The Stove And Microwave?