Average Size Of Microwave

Let’s be honest—when you bought your microwave, you probably didn’t measure it. You just grabbed one that looked like it would fit on the counter without elbowing the coffee maker. That’s how most of us roll, right?

But here’s the thing: microwaves come in different sizes, and the average size is actually pretty specific. Most countertop models fall between 0.7 and 2.2 cubic feet. That doesn’t sound sexy, but trust me, it matters more than you think.

Why should you care about cubic feet?

Imagine this: It’s a Tuesday night. You’re starving. You just want to nuke a frozen burrito and a bowl of soup at the same time. If your microwave is under 0.9 cubic feet, you’re playing a game of burrito Tetris.

A standard microwave is usually 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet. That’s the sweet spot. It fits a dinner plate without scraping the ceiling and lets you stack two bowls if you get creative.

Too small—like those cute 0.6-cubic-foot dorm microwaves—and you’re stuck making popcorn one tiny bag at a time. Too big, and you’re basically installing a small television on your counter.

The “pizza test” every home cook understands

Ever tried to reheat a slice of leftover pizza in a tiny microwave? The tip gets lava-hot, but the crust stays cold. It’s a tragedy. You end up eating sad, half-raw dough while your roommate watches.

That happens because small microwaves have uneven heat distribution. The average size—around 1.2 to 1.5 cubic feet—has a bigger turntable and better power. Your pizza comes out like it’s fresh from the oven, not a science experiment.

So if you love pizza (and who doesn’t?), you need to care about the size of your microwave. It’s not just about space—it’s about justice for leftovers.

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What about the outside dimensions?

Here’s where daily life gets real. The average countertop microwave is about 20 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 16 inches deep. That’s roughly the size of a big shoebox or a large cat loaf.

If you’ve got a tiny galley kitchen, that 20-inch width is your new best friend. It slides onto most counters without blocking the toaster. But if you have a pantry or an upper cabinet, make sure you measure height, not just width. I once bought a microwave that was an inch too tall for the shelf. Had to eat cold soup for a week.

Don’t be that person. Measure your space, folks. It takes two minutes and saves you from returning a 30-pound appliance while balancing a bag of groceries.

Bigger isn’t always better—it’s just louder

You might think, “I’ll get the biggest one so I can cook a whole chicken!” But here’s the reality: a 2.2-cubic-foot microwave is a beast. It takes up counter real estate, it’s heavy, and it might make your electric bill wince.

Most households don’t need that. The average family of four does fine with a 1.3- to 1.6-cubic-foot model. That size handles a 12-inch dinner plate, a casserole dish, and even a small roasting pan. And it still leaves room for your air fryer and your coffee maker to coexist peacefully.

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Think of it like a suitcase. Do you really need the giant hulk bag for a weekend trip? No. You need the right size for your life.

The hidden secret: wattage rides shotgun with size

Here’s a warm little truth you’ll love: the average microwave size also comes with average wattage—usually 900 to 1,200 watts. That means your food heats fast and evenly. Smaller microwaves (under 1.0 cubic feet) often have lower wattage, like 700 watts. That’s why your frozen dinner takes forever and comes out rubbery.

So when you pick a 1.2-cubic-foot model, you’re not just getting more space. You’re getting more power. It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a scooter—still compact, but way zippier.

Next time you’re at a store, check the tag. Bigger counter volume usually means better cooking. It’s a simple rule.

A quick story from my own kitchen

Last winter, I made a big pot of chili. I had about three bowls left in a Tupperware container. My old microwave (a 0.9-cubic-foot model) couldn’t spin the container without scraping the sides. So I had to reheat it in two separate batches. By the time the second bowl was hot, the first one was lukewarm again.

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I bought a 1.4-cubic-foot microwave the next week. That container spins like a dream. The chili comes out piping hot, all at once. I now eat warm meals and feel like a genius.

It’s silly, but that’s the joy of a good microwave. Size matters.

So what’s the takeaway?

Don’t overthink it, but don’t ignore it either. The average size microwave—around 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet—is a perfect, everyday workhorse. It fits your plates, your pizza, your chili, and your sanity.

Measure your counter. Check the wattage. Pick a size that makes you smile when you heat up last night’s pasta. Because you deserve a microwave that doesn’t make you feel like a Tetris piece.

Now go ahead—measure that spot on your counter. Your future self, with a perfectly reheated burrito, will thank you.