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The dimensions of the microwave oven have long gone beyond the standards – today you can find both compact and full-sized designs. Why do you need to know the size information? It’s simple: to properly and organically organize the workspace in the kitchen by installing or embedding a microwave oven of a certain size in the kitchen set.
Basic parameters: width, depth and height (length). We have already talked about other microwave parameters that you should rely on when choosing it: the presence of a grill, convection, power levels or the number of modes. But dimensions are fundamental qualities that allow you to correctly place an electrical appliance in the kitchen without spoiling the interior.
What is useful information about the dimensions
Every conscious buyer pays attention to two main parameters: size and functionality. Usually, the selection of equipment takes place after the 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 freestanding microwave is purchased for a small-sized kitchen, where its use is convenient in a limited space. 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 a large built-in model with a lot of functions. It is desirable 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 suitable for the finished niche or change the layout, attracting furniture makers again. Read more on the topic on the page “How to choose a built-in microwave oven.”
Types of microwave ovens
Microwave cabinets are available in several forms:
- Solo. Classic units with meager, but the most necessary functionality. They are used for the purpose of heating with microwave radiation. The main advantage of the design is compactness: the equipment will take up a minimum of space in the kitchen or office.
- Convection units with a wide range of functions with grill and microwave. These are powerful full-sized cabinets with a huge range of options, the only drawback of which is volume.
- microwave + grill. Medium-sized constructions that can work both in solo mode and in combination with a heater to obtain 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 limitless. Ovens can reheat, defrost, cook using radiation, grill, convection. Additionally, there are functions of a double boiler, a toaster. Dimensions are as impressive as the cost.
The choice of microwave depends on the functions that you want to see in it.
Gradation by body type
Conventionally, all microwaves can be divided into 2 types:
- Stationary stand-alone units available in a variety of sizes from compact to full size. The main thing is to find the installation site in advance. Read more in the review “Where to put the microwave in the kitchen.”
- Embedded structures. Made in a fairly large size, equipped with an enviable functionality. The volumes are compensated by the possibility of installing the stove in the niche of the kitchen set. This move will visually and practically save a lot of usable space, give the interior conciseness and perfection, while maintaining the overall style of the design solution. Read more about built-in modifications on the How to choose a built-in microwave oven page.
When choosing, be guided by your preferences and take into account the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe 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 chamber volume is closely related to the parameters – the more capacious the hopper, the more space the oven will take up.
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 within 23-26cm.
The choice depends on the number of family members and the total load on the appliance:
- for 1-2 people, a portable stove of 8-15 liters is enough;
- 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 interfere with 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 much more space.
Built-in microwave dimensions
Microwave ovens with the possibility of embedding in a cabinet significantly differ in the design of the case from stationary counterparts. The standards for these stoves are as follows:
- 30-45 cm height;
- 45-60 cm wide;
- 30-60 cm deep.
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 options on the market, the parameters of which significantly exceed the above values.
Minimum and maximum
There are no microwave ovens less than 30 cm in height and depth, and the minimum height of the device can be 45 cm. As for the “highest points” – in this case, manufacturers do not skimp, releasing units up to 45 and 59 cm high and 60 cm wide, – XNUMX cm. The difference is obvious.
The average stove is designed for 25 liters, it can cook a dish for four. Such microwaves are the most popular, they are most often bought by families with 1 or 2 children.
Criterias of choice
Before you take a responsible step and buy a microwave oven, you need to find out not only how much the device weighs and what its dimensions are, but also a number of parameters.
- Roominess (displacement) cameras. Depends on the size of the family.
- Power. The higher it is (from 450 to 1700 W), the faster all processes take place: defrosting, heating or cooking.
The 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 power of 1000 kW.
- Options. The more extensive the functionality, the higher the cost and the greater the volume. If you only need reheat or defrost, buy “solo”. Few modes? Choose a larger cabinet: with a grill, steam cooking, automatic programs.
- Management. 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 technique. But with electronics, the capabilities of an electrical appliance expand significantly: touch displays make it easy to control equipment. Some stoves even connect to a smartphone. Such devices may be inconvenient to use for people of the “old school”, and the probability of breakage is higher than that of mechanical counterparts.
- Покрытие. 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 realistic.
Brief 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: 48,9×27,5×36 cm (WxDxH). We attribute it to standard microwave ovens – the parameters practically coincide with the norms. Turntable 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-maintenance of the set temperature;
- there is no function to save your own recipes;
- there is no convection.
The radiation power is 800 watts. Management is mechanics. Rotary switches. With this device, you can defrost food. Equipped with a system of uniform distribution of waves. The camera is illuminated from the inside. At the end of the cycle, a signal sounds. The hinged door opens with a button.
The cost is 4 rubles.
LG MS-1744W
The dimensions of this technique are slightly smaller than standard. LG MS-1744W is designed for 17 liters, body dimensions: 45,5×25,2×32 cm. It weighs 10 kg. It is not equipped with a grill, convection, other options, like any budget model of this class. Radiation power – 700 watts.
Management of electronic type, with the display and touch buttons. Unfortunately, there is no delayed start option.
Extra charges:
- defrosting;
- auto-cooking (3 recipes);
- auto-defrosting (4 modes);
- defrost express.
There is a system of uniform distribution of radiation, the camera is illuminated. There is a panel lock to prevent children from interfering. The door opens with a handle.
If at the time of reading this article this 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 belongs to the standard ones: 47,6×27,2×38,8 cm (WxDxH).
Additional options and functions:
- Smart Inverter;
- antibacterial coating with easy cleaning function;
- can work in the mode of a yogurt maker and deep fryer;
- stable turntable to prevent spillage of liquid dishes;
- Camera LED lighting;
- “smoky” glass design on the door;
- touch control.
The cost is 14 rubles. Volume – 690 liters.
Now that you have a clear idea of the size of standard microwaves, it remains only to make a choice according to the remaining criteria. The main thing is not to make a mistake with the brand, then the equipment will last a long time without failures and breakdowns. Good luck choosing!