Microwave ovens come in a variety of sizes. The sizes are usually determined by the oven features and sometimes, the brands.
When you want to make a purchase, it should be done based on what will likely suit your present needs and preferences.
Therefore, before you buy a microwave oven, it is important to know the different sizes of microwave ovens and what they can be used to prepare so you can make a good choice.
Microwave ovens typically come in four different sizes. The small, the medium, the large and the extra large. The size is defined in terms of CU FT or Liters (depending on where you live).
When you want to buy a microwave, you will also need to consider the type of meals you want to prepare in it and the sizes of dishes you wish to fit into it.
In this article, we will discuss further about each microwave oven type, its features, internal and external dimension, capacity, turntable diameter, uses and pricing.
Also Read:
- Built-in Microwave Size Guide?
- What Size Cabinet for Over the Range Microwave?
- What Size of Microwave Oven Fits a Dinner Place?
Sizes of Microwave Ovens
Let us look at the actually sizes for small, medium, large and extra large microwave ovens.
Small Microwave Oven
Small microwave ovens as the name connotes are usually the smallest of all microwave oven types.
Their capacity, wattage and size are considered the lowest and are usually purchased for very minimal cooking or heating.
Capacity
Small microwave ovens typically measure less than 1 cubic feet. Most small microwave ovens have an internal capacity of 0.7-0.9 CU Feet depending on buyers preference, price and brand. This oven size usually costs much lesser than the other types and have limited internal capacity.
The external dimension usually determines the internal dimension of the oven, for most small microwaves, they have about 17 by 13 by 10.
Turntable Diameter
Most small sized ovens usually come with a turntable size of less than 11 inches. The size of turntables in small microwave ovens can range anywhere from 10-10.6 inches
This turntable plate can fit a 10 inches pizza pan or less.
Since most plates are bigger than 10 inches, you might likely not be able to fit in a dinner plate.
Number of People Serve
Most times they are used by less than 3 people because of its size. Large quantity of food or big sized bowls cannot fit in this oven
Price
Small microwave ovens are relatively cheap although oven wattage is the major determinant of price. You can purchase a small oven at around $60
Uses
Small microwave ovens can be used to prepare rice tea, small amounts of popcorn, Â ground beef or turkey. A small oven might not be big enough to cook a full sized turkey or chicken.
Also Read: Best Microwaves for Small Apartment
Medium Sized Microwave Oven
This is slightly bigger than the smaller oven but is not necessarily big enough for a family. They are usually regarded as a better option because they have a higher wattage than the small oven and can function as an office microwave.
Capacity
Medium sized microwave ovens have an interior capacity ranging from 1-1.5 cubic feet and an exterior capacity of about 20 by 12 by 15
Usually, the exterior capacity of a microwave oven can be slightly disappointing especially if the interior of the microwave oven is actually smaller than it looks.
Turn table Diameter
Usually, medium sized ovens usually come with an interior turntable of about 12 inches to 13.5 inches. The cubic feet of the oven will usually determine what size of turntable can fit in.
The turntable of a medium sized microwave can bake a 12 inches pizza
Number of People Serve
It can be used by up to 5 people and is suitable for dorm rooms and organizational offices.
Price
You can buy a medium sized microwave oven for as low as $70 and as high as $280
The wattage of the microwave goes a long way in determining its price.
Uses
It can be used to defrost full sized chickens, ground turkey, a batch of popcorn and a very small whole turkey.
Also Read: Best Midsize Countertop Microwave Ovens
Large Microwave Oven
This is usually considered the largest oven type for family use. This is because the extra large microwave oven is mostly used at eateries and large organizations.
Capacity
Large microwave ovens are usually about 1.6-2 cubic feet and have an exterior capacity within the range of 21 by 19 by 13
Turntable Diameter
Large ovens usually have about 14+ inches turntable. With this turntable size, you can fit in most dinner plates as well as your roast.
The turntable of a large oven can bake a 14 inches pizza or less
Number of People
It can be used by a group of more than 5 people and can be used to prepare a wide variety of foods
Pricing
Prices for this oven type can range from $150-$300
Uses
It can be used to prepare whole chicken, cook rice and roast a duck or turkey.
Also Read: Best Large Countertop Microwave Ovens
Extra Large Microwave Ovens
Extra large microwave ovens are usually used for industrial cooking or cooking in large gatherings. They have higher wattage and are usually more expensive. They also require more maintenance due to size.
Capacity
A large microwave oven has an internal capacity of 2cubic feet or more.
The external size usually measure about 20 by 24 by 14 inches
Turntable Diameter
Extra large microwave ovens have turntable diameters of 16 inches or more. The size of the turntable in bigger ovens will be larger.
The turntable of an extra large microwave oven can fit in a 16 inches pizza and a 16 inch plate
Number of People Serve
An extra large microwave oven can be used by 10 or more people.
Pricing
An extra large microwave oven usually costs about $200 – $700, which is on the high side. On the other hand, its features makes the price totally worth it.
Uses
Its features are very advanced and can be used as for convection baking. Unfortunately, most extra large ovens do not come with an oven turntable which can be very useful.
It can be used to prepare whole chicken, turkey, duck and other major cooking.
Conclusion
In this article, we learnt about the different sizes of microwave ovens. We also learn simple tips and guides that will help you on your journey to deciding on the perfect microwave oven size.
It is important to note that your choice of microwave oven size should be based on the need, what you require it to prepare, what sizes of dishes you will use in the microwave and the number of people to use the microwave.
Each of these tips have been discussed above and will help you make a choice on the best microwave to suit your needs and budget.
FAQs
1. What is a standard size microwave?
The majority of models measure between 29 and 30 inches wide, 15 to 16 inches deep, and 16 to 18 inches tall. Although small variants are available, typical capacities range between 1.5 and 2.2 cubic feet.
2. What sizes do microwave ovens come in?
Typically, the capacity ranges between 1.5 and 2.2 cubic feet.
Widths range between approximately 21 and 24 inches.
Height is typically between 13 and 14 inches.
Closed-door depths typically range between 16 and 20 inches. The depth of an open door varies between approximately 27 and 39 inches.
3. What is the size of a big microwave?
About 35 inches Large Microwave Dimensions and Size. Typically, large countertop microwaves have an external microwave measurement of approximately 35 inches in height, 18-24 inches wide, and 18 inches deep.
4. What size microwave will hold a 9x13 pan?
I found a few microwaves that will hold a 9x13 pan. The first one is the Panasonic NN-SD945S . It is a 1.3 cubic foot microwave and has a turntable size of 10.5 inches. The next one is the GE JVM7195SKSS . It is a 1.9 cubic foot microwave with a turntable size of 11.5 inches. Finally, the last one is the Samsung ME21F707ASK .
5. How do you know what size microwave to buy?
There are a few things you need to consider when purchasing a microwave: the size of the microwave, the features you want, and your budget.
The size of the microwave is important because you want to make sure it will fit in your kitchen. Measure the space where you plan to put the microwave and then compare those dimensions to the sizes offered by different manufacturers.
Features vary from microwave to microwave, so you need to decide which ones are important to you.
Please be specific on the dimensions… LxHxW or WxLxH or ??
The external dimension usually determines the internal dimension of the oven, for most small microwaves, they have about 17 by 13 by 10.
Please specify what the dimentions are (eg.) depth/height/width