Standard microwave sizes

Can you imagine a microwave oven 1.7 m high and weighing 350 kg in the kitchen? These were the dimensions of the first microwave, which was used in military hospitals and barracks for defrosting and heating food.

Later, for the use of microwave ovens at home, more compact representatives of the equipment were created. But in size they also exceeded the parameters of modern stoves.

Now the microwave oven is compact and fits well into the interior of even a very small kitchen.

What parameters are included in the size of microwave ovens?

Before buying a stove, you need to choose a location and determine the appropriate dimensions.
Among other characteristics of a microwave oven that influence the choice of a specific model, the size and compactness of the device are among the main ones.

What parameters characterize the device

• Width. Characteristics of the width of the external body of the device.
• Length. Distance along the front and back walls.
• Height. Characterizes the distance from the base of the device to its cover.
• Volume. The capacity of the internal chamber, which is measured in liters. In addition, the parameters of the internal compartment of the furnace can be expressed in the depth of the chamber.That is, the distance from the line of the front wall of the internal compartment to its rear wall is taken into account.
• Weight. The characteristic includes the total weight of the oven without packaging.

Advice. When purchasing a microwave oven, it is best to look at the dimensions indicated on the packaging rather than visually assess the dimensions of the device.

So, when choosing a microwave for a small kitchen, you need to pay attention to the length, width and height.

For suspended structures, in addition to the specified parameters of the device, it is necessary to take into account its weight. The weight of the microwave should be significantly less than the maximum possible load that the shelf or stand can withstand.

As for built-in appliances, the choice of models directly depends on the parameters of the cabinet or niche where the built-in appliances will be installed.

Helpful information

• If the device will be installed on a bracket or shelf, then you need to choose a compact and lightweight stove that the stand can support.
• In the case when the device is installed on any kitchen surface, the choice is not limited by either weight or height, unless there are additional shelves or cabinets above it.
• It is also important to take into account the width of the microwave so that the edges of the equipment do not extend beyond the boundaries of the countertop.
  The standard width of kitchen surfaces is from 60 to 90 cm. The widest microwave ovens do not exceed 60 cm, so there will be no restrictions. And if the surface is narrower, then you need to choose a stove that will be smaller than the bedside table.

Attention! You cannot select a microwave oven that is proportional to the stand or cabinet on which it will be installed. For ease of use and stability of the device, the surface parameters should be at least 5 cm higher than the parameters of the device.

To decide on the type and dimensions of a microwave oven, read on to find out what the dimensions depend on, what parameters are included in the size table of the device, and also get acquainted with an overview of models of various sizes.

What determine the dimensions of microwave ovens?

The main characteristics of microwave ovens depend on the functionality of the equipment.

Nowadays, the microwave is used not only for defrosting and heating food. Additional functions have been added to the main ones, such as:

• bakery;
• grill;
• preparing regular meals;
• steamed dishes.

Thus, a modern microwave oven can replace several pieces of kitchen appliances.
Its dimensions depend on how expanded the functionality of the device is.

Types of microwave ovens

• solo. Small models equipped with only heating and defrosting functions.
• Microwave oven with grill function. Used for heating, cooking or baking. The internal compartment of this appliance is slightly enlarged to accommodate a larger volume of grilled products.
• Microwave with grill and convection function. A device with a built-in fan that promotes uniform distribution of waves and heat. The models have slight dimensional differences from conventional stationary ovens.
• Inverter ovens. Microwaves with radiation power control function. In size they do not differ much from standard stoves. But the design of the device does not include a transformer, which made it possible to increase the volume of the internal compartment.
• Multifunctional devices or microwave ovens with oven functions. Larger ones, equipped with additional equipment for expanded functionality. They are similar to models of medium or conventional ovens.

In addition to functionality, the size of the device is also affected by the design of the case.Thus, some models are equipped with handles, large control panel displays, or additional design elements, which also increase the volume and dimensions of the oven.

In addition, the dimensional characteristics of devices depend on the characteristics of their use. Thus, there are several types of microwaves - stationary, built-in and portable models. Let's look at the features of each type below.

Standard sizes of stationary microwave ovens

Stationary microwave ovens are installed on any flat surface. This type of equipment can be installed on a countertop, cabinet, cabinet niche or shelf. They can also be mounted on the wall using a special bracket.

The devices are independent devices with a set of specific capabilities.

Reference. The dimensional characteristics of stationary ovens depend on the additional functions that the device is equipped with.

Mini microwave solo type

They have a small internal compartment volume from 8.5 to 20 liters.

The standard usually does not exceed the following values:

• body length - from 20 cm to 30 cm.
• Width – from 35 to 50 cm;
• Height - up to 30 cm.
• The depth of the internal compartment is from 25 to 40 cm.
• The diameter of the tray for placing dishes can be from 20 to 26 cm.

Among the popular mini-microwave ovens, the top sellers are ovens from Samsung, Daewoo, LG, Supra, Hotpoint Ariston, Bork.

Device models are equipped only with heating and defrosting functions, and have low power (about 600 W).

Large types of stationary microwaves

They have established dimensions, which may differ with a larger set of device functions.

The length of the inner chamber for full-size ovens ranges from 30 to 59 cm, volume from 20 liters and above.

In this case, the height of the device body can be from 20 to 45 cm, and the width from 45 to 60 cm.

As a rule, these are powerful appliances equipped with a number of additional capabilities in addition to heating or defrosting food.

Popular models are presented by manufacturers Gorenje, Hotpoint Ariston, Samsung, Bork, LG, etc.

Dimensions of built-in microwave ovens

Built-in kitchen appliances differ from conventional ones only in the installation method; they have the same set of functions as stationary ones.

Among built-in microwave ovens, there are solo, inverter, microwave and grill type devices, convection or multifunctional ovens that combine the functions of an oven, hob and microwave.

It is especially important to take into account the dimensions of the built-in device when choosing. After all, unlike stationary microwave ovens, the built-in oven must match the dimensional characteristics of the niche where it will be installed. The width of the device must also correspond to the width of the rest of the equipment installed in the cabinet or niche.

Attention! It is important to remember that for proper installation of a built-in microwave, it is necessary to leave small gaps (about 10 cm on each side) for air circulation.

As for the size, like stationary models, built-in microwaves can be small or large. But the dimensional characteristics of even small-sized devices of this type exceed those of conventional microwave ovens.

Device settings

Thus, the width of the devices ranges from 45–60 cm, the depth of the chamber is 30–60 cm, and the height can be from 35 to 45 cm.

The most common values ​​for a standard built-in microwave model are 60X45X50 cm, and for compact models 46X32X30 cm.

Built-in microwave ovens are also represented on the market by well-known brands, such as: Samsung, Gorenje, Bork, Bosch, Indesit, LG, etc.

Portable Microwave Sizes

Portable microwaves are portable equipment that can be installed in a car, in an office, in a country house, and some can be taken with you on a hike.

Such devices differ from conventional microwaves not only in size, but also in power.

Portable devices are low-power and do not consume a large amount of energy, so they can be connected via USB to other devices. As a rule, 12–24V is sufficient for mini microwave operation. Some can be battery operated.

Most often, portable microwaves have a volume from 8.5 to 17 liters. Small devices with the functionality of heating and defrosting food. But there are also mini-microwaves with a grill function.

The parameters of such devices are also varied and depend on the design and material of the case.

Representatives of portable microwaves do not exceed 15–17 liters in internal chamber volume; in terms of external parameters they can be:

• length from 18 to 52 cm;
• width from 15 to 46 cm;
• height from 15 to 32 cm.

The most compact portable model is the Beanzawave, with a chamber volume of 8.5 liters. The dimensions of the microwave are only 18.5x15.7x15 cm. Only a small glass or sandwich can be placed in the chamber.

Larger types of portable microwaves can have a volume of 17–20 liters and have different parameter values.

Popular representatives of portable and mini microwaves

1. Iwavecube Personal Microwaven. A small, convenient microwave oven, the dimensions of which are 25X26X30. Suitable for car use.
2. Bosch 75M451. A low-power model measuring 46X28X32 cm, equipped with a minimum set of functions.
3. Sputnik ART M1.The model is equipped with a carrying handle and has three modes for cooking and heating food. Can be connected to 12V and 220V power sources. Dimensions: 38X27X25.5.
4. Convection model Samsung MC285TATCSQ. The chamber volume is 15 liters, dimensions: 51.7x31x46.7 cm. Equipped with a grill function and customizable convection and cooking modes.
5. Waeco RM 17–24. Portable model with a chamber volume of 17 liters. The main parameters are 24.7X46X34.7 cm. 24 V is enough to connect the device. It has several programs for cooking.
6. Waeco MM 20–12, larger model, chamber volume of 20 liters. Dimensions: 29X49X37 cm. Equipped with basic programs for heating and cooking, connected to a 12V power source.

Thus, thanks to the variety of microwave ovens, their functions and sizes, each buyer will be able to choose a device that will meet his individual needs.