Written by Caitlin
Edited on
27 January 2025
·
13:10
What are the dimensions of a microwave?
To find out if your microwave fits in the desired location, look at the dimensions. This is especially important when want to build in your microwave. Built-in microwaves have standard dimensions, which is very easy. We distinguish freestanding microwaves in ranges. Based on the dimensions, you can find out what fits in your microwave.
Freestanding microwaves
Height
The height of a freestanding microwave varies between 25 and 41 centimeters.
- Low: less than 30 centimeters high.
- Average: between 30 and 35 centimeters high.
- High: higher than 35 centimeters.
In addition to the placement, make sure that the microwave is high enough for the products you want to heat, such as baby bottles.
Width
A freestanding microwave is between 43 and 60 centimeters wide.
- Narrow: up to 45 centimeters wide.
- Average: between 45 and 55 centimeters wide.
- Wide: at least 55 centimeters wide.
Keep the internal width of your microwave in mind. That way, you can make sure wide products fit. For example, a sterilizer for pacifiers or an oven dish.
Depth
The depth of a freestanding microwave varies between 30 and 58 centimeters.
- Shallow: up to 35 centimeters deep.
- Average: between 35 and 50 centimeters deep.
- Deep: deeper than 50 centimeters.
Check the depth of your microwave. That's important to make sure your dishes and plates fit.
Built-in microwaves
Height
A built-in microwave has a standard niche height of 38 or 45cm. Here, a solo microwave is usually about 38cm high and a combi microwave is about 45cm high. The difference between a solo and a combi microwave is that a combi microwave also has an oven function. You can choose for a combi microwave if you want to be able to prepare an oven dish in addition to heating and defrosting.
Width
Built-in microwaves have a standard niche width of ± 56 centimeters. This means that the niche where you place the microwave should be 56 centimeters wide. The exact niche width can deviate a few millimeters per model. Always check the installation drawing before buying a microwave.
Depth
There's no standard depth for built-in microwaves. Most microwaves have a depth of 55 centimeters, but there are also models that fit in a shallower space. You can find the required depth of a built-in microwave on the installation drawing of the product.
Place the microwave in a cupboard
You always place built-in microwaves in a niche between your kitchen cupboards. It's important to make sure the dimensions of your cupboard and microwave match. Do you want to place a freestanding microwave in a cupboard? Make sure there is enough ventilation space between the microwave and the cupboard. You can find the minimum ventilation space in the manual of your microwave. It's best not to place your microwave in the same cupboard as your fridge or freezer.
Which capacity suits me?
The dimensions of a microwave aren't just important for the placement, but also for the capacity. That way, you can be sure your favorite dishes fit. The bigger the dimensions, the more capacity you'll have in liters. Always make sure that everything you want to put in the microwave actually fits. A wide microwave may have enough content for large dishes, but can be too shallow for a casserole.
What capacity do you need?
| Small microwave | Average microwave | Large microwave oven | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content | Up to 25L | 25 to 40L | 40L or more |
| For how many people | 1 - 2 | 3 - 4 | 5 or more |
| Suitable for a dish | Plate with leftovers or a bowl of soup | Oven dish or lasagna | Whole chicken or large pizza |
Article by Caitlin
Microwave Expert.
