The size of the microwave has long gone beyond the standards - today you can find both compact and full-sized designs. Why do I need to know the size information? Everything is simple: to organize the workspace in the kitchen correctly and organically, by installing or integrating a microwave oven of a certain size into the kitchen set.
Main parameters: width, depth and height (length). We have already talked about other parameters of microwave ovens that you should rely on when choosing it: the presence of a grill, convection, power levels or the number of modes. But the dimensions are fundamental qualities that allow you to correctly place the appliance in the kitchen without damaging the interior.
What size information is useful for
Each conscious buyer pays attention to two main parameters: size and functionality. Typically, the selection of equipment is already after repair in the kitchen, so it is important that the choice does not spoil your design work.
In addition, there is a certain pattern between the dimensions and capabilities of the furnace, as well as the materials from which the body and the main components of the unit are made.
It is logical if a small free-standing microwave is purchased for a small-sized kitchen, where in conditions of limited space its use is convenient. But the options in it will be much less than in the full-size "assistant". You need to choose: functionality or the presence of such household appliances as a microwave oven.
For a full-fledged kitchen, you can safely pick up the built-in large model with a lot of functions. It is advisable to make a choice even at the stage of designing a furniture set. If the furniture has been ready for a long time, you will have to choose an option that fits the finished niche or change the layout, re-attracting furniture makers. Read more on the topic on the How to Choose an Embedded Microwave page.
Types of Microwave Ovens
Microwave cabinets are available in several forms:
- Solo. Classic units with meager, but the most necessary functionality. Used for heating with microwave radiation. The main advantage of the design is compactness: the equipment will take a minimum of space in the kitchen or in the office.
- Convection units with a wide selection of functions with grill and microwave. These are powerful full-size cabinets with a huge set of options, the only drawback of which is the volumes.
- Microwave + grill. Medium-sized designs that can work both in solo mode and in combination with a heater to produce a crisp.
- Inverter designs are equipped with a special mechanism that can increase and decrease power. The advantage of such units is that cooking and heating food is faster than in analogues. Since the cooking conditions are close to natural, the products retain their nutritional value and benefits.
- Multifunctional devices are not cheap, but their possibilities are almost endless. Ovens can be heated, thawed, cooked using radiation, grill, convection. Additionally, there are functions of a double boiler, toaster. Dimensions are as impressive as the cost.
The choice of a microwave depends on the features that you want to see in it.
Grading by body type
Conventionally, all microwaves can be divided into 2 types:
- Stationary stand-alone devices made in various sizes - from compact to full-size. The main thing is to find the installation location in advance. Read more in the review "Where to put a microwave in the kitchen."
- Built-in constructions. Made in a fairly large size, equipped with enviable functionality. The volumes are compensated by the possibility of installing the stove in the niche of the kitchen. This move will visually and practically save a lot of useful space, give the interior conciseness and perfection, while maintaining the overall style of the design decision. Read more about the built-in modifications on the page "How to choose a built-in microwave."
When choosing, focus on your preferences and consider the area of the kitchen, the parameters of the kitchen set.
Standard dimensions of microwave ovens
Before buying, the user needs to decide what dimensions of the device will suit him. It also depends on what will be cooked in the oven: sandwiches, or maybe a whole chicken. Recall that camera volume is closely related to parameters - the larger the loading hopper, the more space the oven will occupy.
The standard dimensions of small stoves for 15-17 liters are as follows:
- depth - 40 cm;
- height - 30 cm;
- length - 30 cm;
- width - up to 50 cm;
- the diameter of the turntable can be in the range of 23-26 cm.
The choice depends on the number of family members and the total load on the appliance:
- a portable oven for 8-15 liters is enough for 1-2 people;
- for a medium-sized family - for example, for a couple with 2-3 children - you need a microwave for 15-30 liters;
- large families up to 7 people will not hurt the purchase of a stove of about 40 liters.
Please note that there are large, but narrow devices that can be placed in a convenient place. At the same time, there are many designs of great depth on the market that need a lot more space.
Embedded Microwave Dimensions
Microwave ovens with the ability to be built into the cabinet differ significantly in the execution of the case from stationary analogues. The standards for these stoves are as follows:
- 30-45 cm of height;
- 45-60 cm wide;
- 30-60 cm of depth.
These units are suitable for families of 3-5 people - they are designed for about 25 liters. At the same time, there are more capacious varieties on the market, the parameters of which significantly exceed the above values.
Minimum and maximum
There are no less than 30 cm in height and depth of microwave ovens, and the minimum height of the device can be 45 cm. As for the "highest points" - in this case, manufacturers do not skimp, producing units with a height and depth of 45 and 59 cm, width - 60 cm. The difference is obvious.
The average stove is designed for 25 liters, in it you can cook a dish for four. Such microwave ovens are the most popular; they are most often bought by families with 1 or 2 children.
Criterias of choice
Before you take a crucial step and buy a microwave, you need to find out not only how much the device weighs and what its dimensions are, but also a number of parameters.
- Spaciousness (displacement) cameras. Depends on the size of the family.
- Power. The higher it is (from 450 to 1700 watts), the faster all processes occur: defrosting, heating or cooking.
High power of the equipment will entail additional costs for electricity, especially if the oven has a grill or convection, which can also have a capacity of 1000 kW.
- Options. The more extensive the functionality, the higher the cost and more volume. If you only need heating or defrosting, buy a solo. Few modes? Choose a bigger cabinet: with grill, steaming, automatic programs.
- Control. Inexpensive options are equipped with mechanics - a pair of rotary switches, a simple timer, buttons. But the fewer bells and whistles, the more reliable the technology. But with electronics, the capabilities of the appliance are expanding at times: touch displays make it easy to control equipment. Some stoves even connect to a smartphone. Such devices may be inconvenient for people to use the “old school”, and the probability of breakage is higher than that of mechanical counterparts.
- Coating. You will learn more about it on the page “Which microwave coating to choose”. It can be enameled, bio-ceramic, stainless or combined. Each type has its pros and cons, so choosing the best is difficult, but quite real.
Overview of Options
Consider several modifications of equipment of various sizes.
Samsung ME81KRW-2
The model from Samsung is designed for 23 liters, made in a stationary form factor. Parameters: 48.9x27.5x36 cm (WxDxH). We attribute it to standard microwaves - the parameters practically coincide with the norms. A rotary table with a diameter of 28.8 cm. Inside the chamber is covered with bio-ceramic enamel. The product weighs 12 kg.
Disadvantages:
- no grill;
- no delayed start;
- no auto-maintain the set temperature;
- no function to save your own recipes;
- no convection.
The radiation power is 800 watts. Management is mechanics. Rotary switches. You can defrost food with this appliance. Equipped with a uniform wave distribution system. The camera is illuminated from the inside. At the end of the cycle, a signal sounds. The hinged door opens with a button.
Cost - 4 980 rubles.
LG MS-1744W
The dimensions of this technique are slightly smaller than standard. LG MS-1744W is designed for 17 liters, the overall dimensions of the case: 45.5x25.2x32 cm. It weighs 10 kg. Not equipped with grill, convection, other options, like any budget model of this class. The radiation power is 700 watts.
Electronic type control, with display and touch buttons. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of a delayed start.
Additionally:
- defrosting;
- auto cooking (3 recipes);
- auto-freezing (4 modes);
- defrosting "express".
There is a system of uniform distribution of radiation, the camera is highlighted. There is a lock panel from the intervention of children. The door opens with a handle.
If at the time of reading the article such a model is no longer on sale, pay attention to the option with a quartz grill (900 W) LG MB65W95GIH, with a power of 1000 watts. It is not as compact as the MS-1744W, it also refers to the standard ones: 47.6x27.2x38.8 cm (WxDxH).
Additional options and functions:
- Smart Inverter
- antibacterial coating with easy cleaning function;
- can work in the mode of yogurt maker and deep fat fryer;
- stable turntable to prevent spillage of liquid dishes;
- LED camera lighting;
- “Smoky” design of glass on the door;
- touch control.
Cost - 14 690 rubles. Volume - 25 liters.
Now that you have a clear idea of the size of standard microwaves, all that remains is to make a choice according to the rest of the criteria. The main thing - do not make a mistake with the brand, then the equipment will last a long time without failures and breakdowns. Have a good choice!