Microwave Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide to Microwave Sizes

Revamping the overall design of your kitchen or simply undertaking some basic remodeling projects? If that’s the case then chances are that your home improvement project may involve having to uninstall and install some/all your kitchen appliances including the microwave oven.  

In other instances, you may simply be planning to upgrade your microwave oven with one that’s integrated with the latest tech features such as scan-to-cook technology and voice-enabled controls.

That being said, installing a microwave involves knowing its external measurements as well as the installation requirements.

Furthermore, the installation requirements vary from one type of microwave oven to the other.

In this detailed guide, we will not only look at the sizes of different types of microwaves but we will also go in-depth in providing you, the reader, with some of the things to keep in mind when installing a microwave oven. 

In addition, we’ve also provided you with a resource that contains all the sizes of all the biggest models and brands in the market.

Compact Countertop Microwave Size

Compact countertop microwaves are the smallest type of microwave ovens, which means that they do come with smaller internal capacities and wattage ratings. This in turn makes these microwaves suitable for dorms, small apartments, and offices.

Because of their small wattage rating, compact countertop microwaves tend to take way longer when cooking or warming meals in comparison to standard countertop microwaves. That being said, here are the expected compact countertop microwave size ranges.

• The width of compact countertop microwaves ranges from 13.31” to 19.2”.
• The depth of these microwaves can range anywhere from 10.08” to 16.1”.
• The height of compact countertop microwaves ranges from 10.1” to 11.54”.
• Compact countertop microwaves are available in capacities of 0. 7cu. ft to 0.9 cu. ft.

Standard Countertop Microwave Size

Unlike compact countertop microwaves, standard countertop microwaves tend to be larger and often come with higher wattage ratings.

This notable difference in size and wattage rating means that standard countertop microwaves can serve large families and will take less time to cook or warm meals. Here is the expected size range for standard countertop microwaves.

• The width of standard countertop microwaves ranges from 19” to 29.88”.
• The depth of the standard countertop microwave ranges from 12.4” to 22”.
• The height of standard countertop microwaves can range anywhere from 10.2” to 11.54”.
• Standard countertop microwaves come with internal capacities of 0. 9 cu. ft to 1.6 cu. ft.

Over the Range Microwave Size (OTR)

Over-the-range microwave ovens allow homeowners and restaurants to save space while still offering practicality and functionality. With Over-the-Range microwave ovens, you will be able to not only fit in wide plates but also big bowls and wide frozen dinner trays as well.

That being said, Over-the-Range microwave ovens tend to be way larger in comparison to both standard countertop and compact countertop microwave ovens. These are the expected size ranges for Over the Range microwave ovens.

• The width of Over-the-Range microwave ovens tends to range from 23.88″ to 29.93″
• The height of Over-the-Range microwave ovens can range from 14.06″ to 19.6″
• The depth of Over-the-Range microwave ovens ranges from 13.6″ to 15.75″
• Over-the-range, microwaves are available in capacities of 2.0 cu. ft to 2.6 cu ft.

Built-In Microwaves/Drawer Microwave Sizes

Also known as drawer microwaves, built-in microwave ovens offer users more space, power, and functionality. Like OTR microwaves, built-in microwaves help owners save space as they are installed directly into kitchen drawers, in turn clearing the countertop for other appliances or meal preparations. Here are the expected size ranges for built-in/drawer microwave ovens.

• The width of built-in microwaves/drawer microwave ovens ranges from 15″ to 23.88″
• The height of built-in/drawer microwaves ranges from 9″ to 26.19″
• The depth of built-in microwaves ranges from 8″ to 22.25″
• Built-in microwaves/drawer microwaves are available in capacities of 1.2 cu. ft to 1.5 cu. ft.

Microwave Sizes Chart (W,D,H)

Microwave Sizes Graph (Capacity)

How to Measure a Microwave Dimension

Standard Countertop/Compact Countertop Microwave

1. Establish the Measurements of the Microwave Oven (L, W, H)

For standard or compact countertop microwave ovens, you should first find out the external dimensions (length, width and height) of the microwave that you plan on purchasing. If you are not sure of the dimensions, you can always refer to our microwave sizes chart below as we have covered a bigger fraction of the most common microwave brands and models.

If you are not able to find the specific brand or model that you intend to purchase on our list, then you can always head over to the manufacturer’s website.

You can also refer to other documentation or resources online such as the user’s manual. The external dimensions that you should take note of include the width, height, and depth of the microwave.

2. Measure the Width, Height, and Depth of the Installation Space

Once you have found the precise dimensions of the countertop model, the next step would be to measure the space where you intend to install the microwave oven. For this step, you should use a measuring tape for accuracy.

That being said, it is important to note that most microwaves do provide their measurements in inches, thus you should always keep this in mind when taking measurements.

When taking the measurements, first begin with the width. When measuring the width of the space, it’s important to ensure that you add about 10 cm (4”) to the width of the microwave on both sides for easy operation.

So, for instance, if your microwave had a width of 15 inches, then the width of the space should not be less than 23 inches (15 inches + 4 inches + 4 inches)

Once you have established the width of the space, the next step would be to determine the height. When measuring the height of the space, always ensure that it’s longer than the height of the microwave by more than 20 cm (7.8 inches).

That being said, the steps discussed here only apply to owners who intend to install these appliances in confined spaces such as kitchen drawers or custom cabinetry.

The last step entails determining the depth. When measuring the depth of the space, it’s important to account for more than enough space for ventilation, typically about 10 cm (4 ft) or more.

In addition, you should also be able to account for another additional 6 cm (2.4 ft) between the microwave door and the edge of the countertop or cabinetry to ensure that the microwave does not slide or tip over when cooking.

That being said, it is important to note that some microwaves tend to come with legs that tend to slide. One such microwave is the Black + Decker EM720CB7 microwave oven.

Thus, you should ensure that you first get to learn more about the specific microwave brand or model that you intend to purchase. 

NB: To avoid poor signal or any interference with your television, the microwave should be at least 4 or more meters from your TV.

Over the Range Microwave (OTR)

If you are either replacing or installing a new over-the-range microwave oven, then you’ll want to determine the dimensions of the space where you intend to install the OTR microwave oven.

Width

The first step involves determining the width of the space where you intend to install the OTR microwave. This will be the distance between the cabinets or any other surfaces on each side of the installation space.

When determining the width, it’s important to ensure that there is more than enough space on each side of the microwave.

Doing this will not only ensure that the microwave is easy to install but also uninstall as well when moving out or replacing a microwave that has just broken down.

Height

The next step would be to measure the height of the space from the topmost section to the bottom. It is important to ascertain that there is enough clearance which will go a long way in ensuring that the microwave fits perfectly.

In addition, you should also ensure that when measuring for height, you can maintain a safe distance between the bottom of the microwave and the cooking surface or countertop.

Doing this will go a long way in preventing accidental burns or contact with hot pans and pots.

That being said, it is important to always install the OTR microwave between 13 and 16 inches from the cooking area. You can always consult the microwave’s installation manual for specific height guidelines for your microwave model.

Depth

For the depth dimensions, you will measure the space between the front and the back.

Determining the depth will go a long way in ensuring that the microwave does not stick out of the area too much, such that it ends up interfering with the cabinets or other kitchen appliances.

Ventilation Clearance and Electrical Outlet

Apart from measuring for width, depth, and height, you will also want to refer to the installation manual to determine the clearance needed for ventilation.

For this step, you will measure the space from the back or bottom of the installation space to the surface that the microwave is going to be installed above.

Furthermore, you will also want to ensure that there is an electrical outlet that you can easily access nearby. You will then measure the distance from the electrical outlet to the microwave.

Finally, if your new OTR microwave is going to serve as a replacement for an existing microwave, then it’s important to also check the venting set-up.

Make an effort to ensure that the venting system of the new microwave aligns with the existing ventilation ductwork. If not, you should be prepared to make some adjustments to the ventilation ductwork.

Built-In Microwave/Drawer Microwave

Width

Begin by measuring the width of the drawer or space where you intend to install the microwave. You will start the process from the furthest edge on the left to the right edge of the space.

While measuring the width, you should take note of any obstructions which may interfere with the installation. This can include walls and cabinets.

When taking these measurements, it’s important to inspect the installation area for any obstructions such as wiring, pipes, and structural elements which may interfere with the installation. If there will be any form of obstructions, then you should make all the necessary modifications to accommodate all these factors.

If the obstruction is within the cabinetry, then you may want to consider modifying the overall structure of the cabinet. This can involve cutting the openings in the back of the cabinet to accommodate pipes or wires or adjusting the height of the shelf.

Height

Once you have measured the width of the space, the next step would be to measure the height of the installation space from top to bottom.

Again, when doing this, you should take note of any structures such as cabinets above the space which may prevent the microwave from fitting properly.

Depth

Finally, you should measure the depth of the installation space from the back to the front. Measuring the depth will go a long way in ensuring that the built-in microwave does not interfere with other appliances or stick out too much.

Ventilation Clearance

If the drawer/built-in microwave comes with a ventilation system, then you should make an effort to check the installation manual or guide for the recommended ventilation clearance requirements.

You should include the recommended distance to the depth (usually the back) or height (bottom).

In other instances, you may want to reposition any pipes or wiring that may be standing in the way.

If you are not sure how to properly and safely reposition the wires or piping, then it’s important to reach out to a professional for further assistance.

Trim Kit

If you are using a custom trim kit for a seamless built-in look, then you may want to measure the dimensions of the trim kit. This includes the height, width, and depth.

Always ensure that the trim kit and the built-in microwave fits seamlessly into the installation space.

Microwave Sizes Chart By Model

References

1. Over the Range Microwave Installation Guidelines
2. Countertop Microwave Installation Guide
3. Installing a Built-In Microwave

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