Microwaves once meant a bulky box with a dial and one job. Now, size, power, and placement shape how well an appliance fits your kitchen and routine.
This guide compares the best size Microwaves across compact countertop models, larger countertop ovens, and an over-the-range option. Keep reading to match cabinet space, cooking habits, and household needs with the right format.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your available space, including ventilation clearance, before choosing a microwave by capacity alone.
- Prioritize wattage if you regularly heat dense foods, frozen meals, or larger portions.
- Choose 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet for small kitchens, dorms, offices, and light reheating.
- Select 1.1 to 2.2 cubic feet if you need room for large plates, bowls, or family-size dishes.
- Check the installation type, since countertop and over-the-range models require different space, setup, and ventilation considerations.
| Maximum Capacity |  |
Sharp Large 2.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave | Largest listed capacity | High 1,200-watt output | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Family Size | GE 1.6-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave | Practical family capacity | Strong cooking power | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Midrange Black Finish |  |
Toshiba Black 1.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave | Useful midrange capacity | Reliable 1,000-watt output | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small Space Pick |  |
BLACK+DECKER Compact 700-Watt Microwave | Compact counter footprint | Stainless steel finish | Simple 700-watt design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Midrange Choice |  |
Toshiba Stainless 1.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave | Versatile midrange size | Stainless steel finish | 1,000-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Quiet Dorm Essential |  |
Chefman Compact 700-Watt Microwave | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | Child safety lock | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Energy-Conscious Compact |  |
COMFEE' Compact 700-Watt Microwave | Space-saving design | ECO mode included | Black finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Built-In Range Partner |  |
GE 30-Inch Over-the-Range Microwave | Clears counter space | 30-inch installation width | 1.6-cubic-foot capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Rich Midrange |  |
Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot Microwave | Ten power levels | Six cooking presets | Mute button included | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Power Upgrade |  |
BLACK+DECKER 900-Watt Countertop Microwave | Compact medium size | Stronger than 700 watts | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Sharp Large 2.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave
For family kitchens and larger serving dishes, the Sharp SMC2266KS offers a generous 2.2-cubic-foot capacity and 1,200 watts of cooking power. That combination gives you more interior room than compact models, while the countertop design keeps installation simple.
The main tradeoff is its larger footprint, so measure your counter before buying. The stainless steel finish suits many kitchen styles, but this microwave is better suited to spacious counters than tight apartments or dorm rooms.
- Brand:Sharp
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:2.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,200 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Large interior capacity
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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GE 1.6-Cubic-Foot Countertop Microwave
The GE countertop model makes sense for kitchens that need family-friendly capacity without moving into the largest size category. Its 1.6-cubic-foot interior and 1,150-watt output provide a practical middle ground for everyday meals and larger containers.
You will need enough counter depth for a full-size appliance, and it takes up more room than compact 0.7-cubic-foot models. Still, the stainless steel finish and strong 1,150-watt output make it a versatile choice for general household use.
- Brand:GE
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,150 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Full-size interior
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Toshiba Black 1.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave
Choose this Toshiba model if you want midrange capacity with a clean black finish. The 1.2-cubic-foot interior gives you more room than compact microwaves, while 1,000 watts is a solid fit for routine reheating and cooking.
Its medium size still requires more counter space than a dorm-style unit, and the black finish can show dust or fingerprints more readily than lighter surfaces. For a balanced combination of usable capacity and familiar 1,000-watt power, it fits many everyday kitchens.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Medium interior size
- Additional Feature:Black exterior
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BLACK+DECKER Compact 700-Watt Microwave
Small kitchens, office break rooms, and dorm rooms can benefit from the compact 0.7-cubic-foot size of this BLACK+DECKER model. Its 700-watt output handles basic reheating, drinks, and smaller dishes without demanding much counter space.
The limitation is straightforward: lower power and a smaller interior are less suitable for large plates or fast cooking. If conserving counter space matters more than capacity, this stainless steel model keeps the footprint modest.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Toshiba Stainless 1.2-Cubic-Foot Microwave
This Toshiba version gives you a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity in a stainless steel finish, making it a sensible fit for everyday kitchens that need moderate interior room. Its 1,000-watt output is well suited to regular reheating and cooking tasks.
The medium capacity is more flexible than a compact microwave, but it will not accommodate as much as a 1.6- or 2.2-cubic-foot model. Its larger counter requirement is the price of having a more useful interior, a familiar appliance compromise.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Medium interior size
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Chefman Compact 700-Watt Microwave
The Chefman compact microwave is aimed at small-space convenience, with a 0.7-cubic-foot interior, 700 watts, and six cooking presets for common tasks. One-touch express cooking keeps quick meals simple, while the mute button helps reduce beeps in bedrooms, offices, and shared spaces.
Its compact size limits the dishes you can fit inside, and 700 watts will generally need more time than higher-powered models. The child safety lock and eco mode add useful everyday control without making the appliance physically larger.
- Brand:Chefman
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
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COMFEE' Compact 700-Watt Microwave
For a small counter and a straightforward setup, the COMFEE' model offers a 0.7-cubic-foot interior with 700 watts of power. Its compact format works well for light meals, beverages, offices, and other places where every inch of counter space matters.
The smaller cavity will not suit large dinner plates or oversized cookware, and the lower wattage may take longer for some foods. Its ECO mode is a helpful addition for shoppers who want a compact microwave with a power-saving setting.
- Brand:COMFEE'
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.7 cubic feet
- Wattage:700 watts
- Finish:Black
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:ECO mode
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
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GE 30-Inch Over-the-Range Microwave
Unlike the countertop models here, this GE unit is designed for over-the-range installation and measures 30 inches wide. Its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000-watt output provide useful cooking space while keeping the counter clear.
Installation is the key limitation, since you need the right cabinet, range, and electrical setup rather than a simple countertop outlet. For a kitchen remodel or replacement over a standard range, its space-saving mounting style is the main appeal.
- Brand:GE
- Oven Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.6 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Mounting:Over-the-range
- Additional Feature:30-inch installation width
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range placement
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
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Chefman 1.1-Cubic-Foot Microwave
The larger Chefman model gives you a 1.1-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts, while retaining the brand’s useful convenience features. Six cooking presets, one-touch express cooking, and ten power levels offer more control than a bare-bones compact microwave.
It still takes more counter space than the 0.7-cubic-foot version, and the 1.1-cubic-foot cavity may not handle the largest serving dishes. The mute button, eco mode, and child safety lock make it particularly practical for shared homes and busy kitchens.
- Brand:Chefman
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Finish:Black
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Ten power levels
- Additional Feature:Six cooking presets
- Additional Feature:One-touch express cooking
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BLACK+DECKER 900-Watt Countertop Microwave
This BLACK+DECKER model sits between compact 0.7-cubic-foot units and larger midrange microwaves, offering 0.9 cubic feet and 900 watts. That makes it a useful choice if you want a small footprint without dropping to the lowest power level in this roundup.
The interior remains limited for oversized plates, and its 900-watt output is not as quick as the 1,000- or 1,200-watt models above. Its stainless steel finish gives the compact design a more traditional kitchen appearance.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Oven Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Mounting:Countertop
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Microwave Size For Most Kitchens?
A 1.1 to 1.3 cubic-foot microwave is a practical middle ground for many homes. It usually fits standard dinner plates while avoiding the large footprint of a full-size family model. Choose around 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet for a dorm room, office, or compact apartment, and consider 1.4 cubic feet or more if you regularly heat large dishes or family-size portions.
Is A 700-Watt Microwave Powerful Enough?
Yes, a 700-watt microwave can reheat leftovers, cook packaged foods, and handle everyday tasks, although it may need longer cooking times than a 1,000-watt model. Follow the food package instructions as a starting point, then adjust time in short intervals. Lower-wattage units benefit from stirring and rotating food to reduce cold spots.
How Much Clearance Does A Microwave Need?
Clearance depends on the design, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions first. For many countertop models, allowing about 3 inches on the sides and back provides basic airflow, while the top may need additional space. Never place a countertop microwave inside a closed cabinet unless the manual specifically approves that installation. Blocked vents can cause overheating and may shorten the appliance’s service life.
Can A Microwave Fit A 12-Inch Dinner Plate?
Many microwaves with a 1.1 cubic-foot capacity can accommodate a 12-inch plate, but the turntable diameter matters more than the advertised capacity. Check that the plate fits with enough room to rotate without scraping the walls. If your plate is square, rectangular, or unusually deep, measure it before buying. A flat-bottom model may offer more usable space, but the dish may need occasional manual repositioning.
Are Sensor-Cooking Microwaves Worth Paying More For?
Sensor cooking can be worthwhile if you frequently reheat leftovers, vegetables, rice, or frozen meals. The microwave detects steam and adjusts the cycle, which can reduce overcooking and dried-out edges. The feature is less valuable if you mainly warm beverages or use fixed cooking times. Look for a clear control panel, a one-touch sensor menu, and the ability to add time manually when the automatic cycle falls short.
