Microwaves are an excellent tool for enhancing your cooking experience, warming and cooking many different types of food that might not always be feasible to cook the traditional way.
However, purchasing a microwave can be confusing with many options, and it’s hard to know which size to buy. In this article will provide information on what size of microwave you need to cook different meals efficiently.
Also, help you understand the differences between other sizes so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your model.
The following is a guide to help you make an informed decision about what size microwave you need. We will discuss the different size of microwaves which is given below:
What are the different sizes of microwaves?
Microwaves come in different sizes, so it’s important to know what you need. When shopping for a microwave, it is essential to consider your needs.
If you want to know the difference between 1.6 and 1.7 cubic feet of microwaves then the size of microwaves can vary from small to large. Do you know what size microwave is right for you?
In this article, by reading about different sizes of microwaves, it will be apparent which will be perfect for you according to your need. Here we briefly talk about the dimensions of microwaves:
| MICROWAVE TYPE | HEIGHT (IN.) | WIDTH (IN.) | DEPTH (IN.)1 | CAPACITY (CU. FT.) |
| Small Countertop Microwave | 10″ – 11″ | 15″ – 18″ | 12″ – 16″ | 0.5 cu. ft. – 0.9 cu. ft. |
| Standard and Large Microwaves | 12″ – 15″ | 21″ – 25″ | 16″ – 20″ | 1.0 cu. ft. – 2.2 cu. ft. |
| Over-the-Range Microwave | 17″ 10″ (low profile) | 30″ 24″ (compact) | 15″ – 18″ | 0.8 cu. ft. – 2.1 cu. ft. |
| Built-In Microwave | 17″ – 22″ | 24″, 27″ or 30″ | 20″ – 25″ | 1.0 cu. ft. – 2.2 cu. ft. |
Small microwaves are best for people who only need to use them occasionally. They are easy to store and can be placed on a counter or shelf.
Medium-sized microwaves are suitable for people who regularly use their microwaves. They are roomy enough to cook food or reheat leftovers.
Large microwaves are best for people who have a lot of food to cook at once. They can fit more food in the oven than smaller microwaves and have a more comprehensive cooking range.
Small size microwaves
A small microwave is an excellent option for those with limited cooking space. Most people who purchase the small microwave live in small apartments and do not have the luxury of a large kitchen.
Most small microwaves have a height of about 10-11 inches and a width and depth of about 16 inches. If you are looking for a small microwave that won’t take up much space in your kitchen, the small microwave is a great option.
Capacity of microwave
Mall microwaves typically have an oven capacity of less than 1.0 cubic feet. One of the smallest microwaves I’ve seen had an oven capacity of 0.5 cubic feet. It is common for small microwaves to have a cubic foot capacity of 0.5 and medium have 2.1 cubic feet.
The smaller oven can only fit food that fits on one tray at a time or food that is small enough to fit in the smaller range.
Wattage
In microwave ovens, watts represent the amount of energy that was used to cook the food inside. Watts of power are converted into heat when they come into contact with food in the microwave. If the wattage of the cooker is low, it will take longer to cook the food.
The power range for this microwave is 600 to 1100 watts, a considerable range for a microwave. Microwave ovens in households are most commonly used at 700 – 900 watts.
Price
In comparison to the other two, microwaves are likely to be the cheapest. It can be effortless to find a small microwave for under $50.00.
Medium-sized microwaves
A microwave oven can come in a variety of sizes, each designed for a different purpose. Most homes can benefit from medium-sized microwaves, which are among the most popular.
In spite of its small size, it has the power to cook food quickly and evenly.
Capacity of microwave
You should be aware that the oven capacity of medium-sized microwaves is significantly larger than that of small microwaves or dormitory microwaves.
The capacity of a medium microwave ranges from 1.0 cubic feet to 2.0 cubic feet, equating to approximately 2 cups. The average microwave in a small/dorm room has a capacity of less than 0.9 cubic feet.
Wattage
If you are looking to cook food in a microwave, you will need to know the required wattage. Microwaves use electricity for cooking food, so the wattage needed will vary depending on the size of the microwaves you are using.
For example, medium-sized microwaves require between 800 and 1000 watts of power. So if you’re looking to use a microwave, ensure you have the appropriate wattage.
Price
Medium-sized microwaves are typically around $75 to $300. This price can vary depending on the brand.
Large size microwaves
The largest size microwave is called a convection oven. It can cook food much faster than a regular microwave, and it’s great for large meals or dishes that need to be cooked in a hurry. They are usually about the size of a refrigerator.
Capacity of microwave
At least 2.0 cubic feet of space is available for these microwave ovens. These microwaves generally have 2.2 cubic feet of oven space. This is approximately 16 gallons of liquid.
Wattage
To power a large-size microwave, you will need to use a higher wattage than a standard microwave. Most microwaves in the market today have a wattage of 1000 watts or more.
If you have a large-size microwave that requires more wattage, you can find an inverter that will convert the power from your regular outlet into the required wattage for your microwave.
Price
Large-sized microwaves are the most expensive of all three, so it is difficult to tell the price range of these microwaves, but according to rough estimates, they are mostly up to $300.
What is the cubic foot capacity of a microwave?
There are a variety of microwave ovens to choose from based on the capacity. They are most commonly available with a cubic foot capacity. The size of a range varies considerably. In order to cook food properly in a microwave, you need to choose a suitable capacity.
For example, if you want to cook a larger dish, you’ll need to choose an oven with a bigger cubic foot capacity. Microwaves are capable of cooking this much food at one time.
How to decide which size of microwave do I need
When you are out to buy a microwave, it can be much more challenging to decide which size to buy. The sizes have different capacities and wattages, which we discussed above. After analyzing each size of microwave then, you will be able to find the correct one according to your need, which must be:
- Smal microwaves are best for general purpose heating or warming of coffee or cooking small dishes.
- Medium-sized microwaves are great for preparing meals and dinner etc.
- But if you have to cook for shop or make dishes on large bases then the large size microwave is the best choice.
What is the difference between 1.6 and 1.7 cubic feet of a microwave?
There are a few key differences between the 1.6 and 1.7 cubic foot microwaves and how big they are and there power requirements which are as follows:
- The main difference is the power output. The 1.6 cubic foot microwave has a lower wattage than the 1.7 cubic foot microwave, which means that it will use less energy and be more efficient when cooking food.
- The other difference is that the 1.7 cubic foot microwave has a larger interior space, perfect for those who want to cook large meals or dishes in one go.
What is meant by watts of a microwave?
We had discussed different types of microwaves, which vary by size, price, and features in this article. But now we will talk about microwaves according to watt and what watt is related to microwaves.
A watt microwave is the most common type of microwave. It has a wattage of 1000 watts or less. This type of microwave is perfect for cooking small items, such as popcorn or frozen foods.
A 2000-watt microwavable is perfect for more oversized items, such as chicken or fish. It also has more power than a watt microwave, which can cook food faster.
If you want to cook large meals, you’ll need a 4000-watt microwave. These microwaves have the power to cook even large meals, such as roast beef or steak.
Is it worth to buy medium size microwave or a large-size microwave?
Size might not be your only consideration if you’re in the market for a new microwave. Depending on your needs, you may be better off buying a medium or large one. Here’s a look at what each size offers:
Medium microwave: This is the most common size and is perfect for most kitchens. It has enough power to heat food quickly but isn’t so large that it takes up too much space.
Large microwave: If you have a large kitchen or need more power to heat larger quantities of food, this is the size for you. It can also fit in more spaces than a medium microwave, making it easier to find.
If you’re not sure which size to buy, it’s worth considering your needs. A medium-sized microwave will work fine for most people, but a large microwave is the best option if you have a larger kitchen or need more power to heat your food quickly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it depends on what you plan to use your microwave for and how big of a cooking area you want. We recommend getting a mid-sized or large microwave if all you’re going to use it for is small quantities (like making popcorn) or heating leftovers.
If you’re looking to cook more significant amounts of food, we suggest getting a microwave with an oven capacity that’s at least double the size you need (like a 2-liter).
With that said, we hope this guide was helpful. A small microwave is probably fine if you’re just cooking a small snack or two. But if you plan to cook larger meals or use them more frequently, a bigger one may be better.
How do i know which size microwave I have?
Microwaves are measured in cubic feet. To determine cubic feet, you multiply the microwave’s interior length by its width by its height, and then divide this number by 1,72. For example, a microwave that is 18 by 14 by 12 inches is 1.75 cubic feet.
What is the standard size for over the range microwave?
Over the range, microwaves are ranging in size from 0.6 cubic feet up to over 2 cubic feet, with an average size of 1.4 to 1.8 cubic feet.