Microwave oven: dimensions, functionality, popular models

Microwave oven: dimensions, functionality, popular models

The desire to make life easier and more comfortable encourages the purchase of the most functional kitchen appliances. Microwave ovens play an important role in catering. Their improvement has reached such a level that today they can fully replace ovens. It is not easy to make a choice among the abundance of offers. The main indicators by which the microwave is evaluated are: dimensions, functions, power and design.

Before buying an oven, you need to choose its location and determine the appropriate dimensions

Standard kitchen sizes and household appliances

The list of kitchen appliances, without which it is impossible to imagine modern life, is constantly increasing: refrigerators, food processors, ovens, microwaves, electric kettles, coffee makers, all kinds of devices for slicing, chopping, squeezing, etc.

The microwave oven is compact and fits well into the interior of even a very small kitchen

There are certain standard sizes of kitchen sets. The basis is convenience, comfortable use. The most acceptable is the L-shaped arrangement of the working surface. The optimal length of the countertop should not exceed 300-350 cm on one side and 200-250 cm on the other. Increasing the length of the working wall complicates the use of furniture.

How to place the equipment correctly so as not to reduce the free surface and ensure convenient operation of household appliances? You need to choose one acceptable option from two possible ones:

• a small part should be installed on the work surface, the main part – on additional shelves and bedside tables;
• embed all units, except for small-sized ones.

As for standard-sized microwaves, the model that is not built into the headset can be installed on any open surface or on brackets. The integrated device should be placed in a niche, cabinet or pencil case. With non-standard dimensions of microwave ovens, the installation location is selected in each case.

Among the characteristics of the microwave affecting its choice, the size and compactness of the device are among the main

Microwave oven: dimensions as an indicator of functionality

The choice of any household appliance begins with an assessment of its functionality. The microwave oven is no exception. First of all, it is necessary to decide what a microwave oven is needed for: only for heating dishes and defrosting products, or it is planned to cook food in it.

The dimensions of microwave ovens are directly dependent on the set of functions. The larger the size, the more product processing capabilities the device has.

Important! Choosing a microwave oven only by external parameters is extremely erroneous. The absence of the desired operational capabilities will reduce the intensity of use and gradually lead to the lack of demand for the unit.

A microwave oven with a grill, convection, with a steam treatment function will have significant dimensions. Such an acquisition will require a lot of space for installation, placement on a standard-sized countertop is unacceptable. If it is not possible to supplement the kitchen with a pedestal for the oven, it is better to build in the equipment – for this you should purchase the appropriate type of microwave.

When buying a microwave oven, it is best to look at the dimensions that are indicated on the package, and not to evaluate the dimensions of the device visually

If you are quite satisfied with the minimum set of options, it will be the right decision to buy a small microwave oven and install it on the work surface. The cooking process will be simplified as much as possible: the oven is placed at a comfortable level and is located in the center of the working area.

Freestanding microwaves: standard sizes and placement options

Each manufacturer of microwave ovens defines its standard sizes, that is, identifies large-sized devices, medium-sized and small. Nevertheless, it is possible to deduce the average statistical indicators by summarizing the data of various devices.

The standard sizes of freestanding microwaves are the following:

• small: height -30 cm, width – 40 cm, depth – 30 cm;
• average: height – 30 cm, width – 50 cm, depth – 40 cm;
• oversized: height – 40 cm, width – 55 cm, depth – 43 cm.

The parameters of the furnaces are determined by the extreme points of the housing. The internal dimensions are characterized by volume. Indicators of the amount of internal space of small appliances can vary from 8 to 13 liters, medium–sized furnaces have a volume of 15-23 liters, large-sized ones – 25-40 liters.

A free-standing microwave can be placed in a convenient place on the table

Independent placement of microwaves is preferred by many. For some, a minimum of stationary is a principled position: appliances should change more often than furniture. Others highlight the following positive features of stand – alone microwaves of standard sizes:

• the ability to easily change the location of the equipment if necessary;
• accessibility and ease of care;
• lower cost.

The price of a built-in furnace differs from the cost of a freestanding one with the same set of functions, it is 12-15% higher.

An independent microwave oven can be placed in a convenient place on the countertop, placed on a separate element of kitchen furniture (on a cabinet, rack), mounted on brackets.

Placement methods and dimensions of built-in microwaves

Built-in microwave ovens make it possible to rationally dispose of kitchen space. There is no reason to believe that such a furnace takes up less space, because its dimensions are almost identical to freestanding models. Built-in microwaves are also divided into small, medium and large, characterized by almost the same digital indicators as those placed separately.

The choice of a built-in microwave depends on the parameters of the cabinet or niche where the built-in appliances will be installed

The peculiarity of this type of built-in household appliances is that its facade part is not covered with panels (as, for example, in a refrigerator, washing machine or dishwasher). Niches are used for embedding microwaves.

Depending on the size of the microwave oven, it can be installed in the lower tier of kitchen furniture, in a hinged cabinet or pencil case.

Useful advice! It is worth ordering or purchasing kitchen furniture after buying a microwave. It is not always possible to find a device of the right size in a ready-made niche without violating the technical conditions of its placement.

The advantages of the built-in position of the microwave oven include the following:

• does not take up space on the horizontal surfaces in demand in the kitchen;
• fewer cleaning planes (compared to freestanding);
• gives conciseness to the interior.

For a suspended microwave oven, in addition to the specified parameters of the device, it is necessary to take into account its weight

Built-in microwave ovens are distinguished by (albeit insignificant) compactness of size. The choice of the design of such a furnace is just as important as when buying a freestanding one: the open facade part should be in harmony with other interior elements.

How much does a microwave oven weigh and how important is it to know

Many people estimate the weight of a microwave oven only when they physically feel it during transportation or installation. This characteristic cannot be considered dominant, but if it is completely neglected, problems may arise during operation.

When making a niche, it is necessary to know to what extent the lower surface of the structure will experience mechanical impact. The discrepancy between the indicators is fraught with the danger of loosening the fasteners and loss of rigidity of the joints. It is important to know the weight of the microwave and when installed on brackets. Depending on the indicator, the length and cross-section of metal elements are selected.

Identical standard sizes of microwaves in centimeters are not an indicator of the same weight. A 20-liter oven with almost identical dimensions can have a mass of both 13 kg and 20 kg. If we talk about average indicators, then the weight most of all depends on the dimensions. Also, the weight of the product is affected by the features of the material from which the housing is made, the quality of the internal coating, various additional devices that provide certain functions. For example, ovens with a grill of standard medium sizes weigh from 18 to 25 kg, similar devices without the above function – 15-21 kg.

The weight of the microwave oven is affected by the features of the material from which the housing is made

Miniature furnaces (portable devices) should be highlighted. They are intended only for warming up, do not cause difficulties when carrying, as they have small dimensions and a weight of 5-7 kg. Such microwaves can even work from a car battery.

Built-in microwaves: sizes and prices, their interdependence

Does the price of a microwave oven depend on its size? Of course, but, as mentioned above, the dependence is not direct. The overall size indicates the presence of a variety of functionality, and it affects the cost.

If it is necessary only to warm up the dishes and defrost, you can purchase a small liter of the device, saving money both when buying and during use: the oven will consume little electricity. It is worth noting that most often small standard–sized microwaves are not built-in. Therefore, you will have to look for the desired option or change the installation method.

Among the microwaves for embedding there are devices such as solo, inverter, microwave and grill

Of the operational characteristics, the following affect the price:

Useful advice! If there is an oven in the kitchen, then when choosing a microwave oven, you should pay attention to duplicate functions. The presence of such is not justified both from a financial point of view and from the standpoint of rationality.

The built-in microwave differs from the usual one only in the way of installation, it has the same set of functions as stationary ones

How to choose microwave dishes: acceptable shape and material

The main requirement for a microwave oven dish is the following: the material from which it is made must pass electromagnetic waves. These include:

Related article:

Built-in microwave oven: what you should pay attention to when choosing a device

Types of models and their main functions. What to pay attention to when choosing which manufacturer to give preference to. 

The dimensions of the microwave depend on the dimensions of the dishes, the diameter can vary from 24.5 cm to 36 cm. The optimal shape is round or oval. Square and rectangular types are less suitable for microwave ovens, since a significant amount of energy is concentrated in the corners, which causes over-drying of products.

Important! Do not use metal dishes in microwaves. The material delays electromagnetic waves, the container heats up, and the food remains cold.

The optimal shape of dishes for use in the microwave is round or oval

Overview of functions and sizes of Samsung microwaves

The Samsung trademark offers a wide variety of microwave ovens. Small models are especially popular. Their volume does not exceed 13 liters. The design has only a magneton, which allows you to warm up ready meals and expose fresh products to light heat treatment. Modest dimensions and light weight give a certain freedom when choosing the installation location. More often these are stand-alone solo models.

Higher-level devices have a grill heater. Their overall dimensions can be both medium and large. The width of the microwave oven 40 cm allows you to put a whole chicken or duck in the oven. The manufacturer produces devices of larger sizes – GE83MRTQS (with grill). Overall dimensions of the model: height -27.5 cm, width – 48.5 cm, depth – 35.6 cm. The volume of such a furnace is 23 liters.

CE107MNR-B is a device with convection. This is a roomy oven, which has a volume of 28 liters. Overall dimensions of the case: height – 29.7 cm, width -51.7 cm, depth – 47 cm.

Samsung produces a wide variety of microwave ovens

The compact built-in model FG77SSTR may suit many. The width of the microwave oven is 48.5 cm with a height of 36 cm and a depth of 31.2 cm. The volume of such a furnace is 20 liters . Samsung is a popular brand, but at the same time the prices for microwave ovens from this manufacturer are quite affordable.

Popular models and standard sizes of LG microwaves

The model range of this manufacturer of microwaves is wide and diverse. The devices are distinguished by ease of operation even with extensive functionality. In the LG microwave oven, it is equally easy to defrost chicken or make yogurt, warm up a hodgepodge or cook steamed cutlets.

The models are distinguished by an interesting design, it is easy to choose an exterior design that corresponds to the chosen interior. Oven doors can have both side and top opening, which contributes to more comfortable use at different levels of installation of microwaves.

Microwave ovens up to 30 cm deep are distinguished by an affordable price and good quality. The height of such models ranges from 27 to 30 cm, and the width is 47-49 cm. Among them there are both embedded models and freestanding ones. Such devices can only have a magneton or a grill.

LG microwave ovens are distinguished by their original design and fit well into any interior

Especially popular are large-sized ovens of this manufacturer, having a volume of 25-28 liters. The set of functions in them is large, they easily replace ovens. In them, thanks to convection, you can bake delicious products and grill chicken with a golden crust.

Overall dimensions of such furnaces usually increase most often due to height and width. For example, the LG MJ3965AIS model with a grill and convection has the following parameters: height – 32.5 cm, width – 54 cm, depth – 52.3 cm.

Useful advice! Choosing a microwave oven with the maximum set of possible functions, it should be borne in mind that it will be a device with high power, and therefore with a high level of energy consumption.

Mini-microwaves: which devices should be preferred

One of the reasons why the smallest microwave oven is chosen is the small size of the kitchen spaces. But not only that. Such stoves are purchased for heating baby food, in offices.

Mini microwave ovens have a small volume of the internal compartment from 8.5 to 20 liters

The principle of operation of small microwave ovens is no different from the functioning of large devices – these are electromagnetic waves and a fan pumping them. The only difference is in size, power and power supply. Small microwaves can be divided into two types:

If the use of the first type is fully justified by rationality, then it is difficult to imagine how narrow 8–liter microwaves with full functionality are used. However, there is quite a logical explanation: if they are produced, then there are buyers, there is demand. Perhaps an inveterate bachelor will be happy to cook himself an appetizing chicken drumstick or one glass of a healthy fermented milk drink.

Mini microwave models are equipped only with the function of heating and defrosting, and have a small power (about 600 watts)

Installation of built-in microwaves, dimensions for embedding

When determining the location for the microwave, it is worth considering some points:

• it is not allowed to install a microwave oven above the hob, near heating appliances, an oven, that is, near heat sources, since hot air can have a destructive effect on insulation;
• it is not necessary to hang a microwave oven over the sink and in other places with high humidity levels.

The dimensions of the cabinet for the oven and microwave are always indicated in the instructions for a specific model, as they depend on the location of the ventilation of the working chamber, and it can be both upper and side.

Installation of microwave ovens is carried out in several stages:

To properly install the built-in microwave oven, it is necessary to leave small gaps for air circulation

A freestanding microwave oven can be installed in a cabinet. In contrast to the built-in microwave, the dimensions of the indentations from the walls of furniture should be more significant: the depth of the cabinet is at least 10 cm greater than the depth of the oven, a 15–centimeter space must be left above the upper surface, side gaps – at least 5 cm.

Useful advice! To install a freestanding microwave oven in a niche, you can not create a special furniture structure, but use the existing wide shelf of sufficient size, since the back wall is preserved when placing this type of ovens.

Rating of freestanding and built-in microwave ovens solo

The rating of microwave ovens proposed below is based on user reviews. Products are not classified into built-in and freestanding, since the choice here depends on taste preferences or specific conditions. The assessment was carried out according to the following indicators:

• size;
• functionality;
• ergonomics;
• price (for some models).

Gorenje MO17MW is equipped with a grill function, and customizable convection and cooking modes

Consider the best solo models.

Gorenje MO17MW. Inexpensive, easy to operate and reliable device. It has a good power – 700 watts. Volume – 17 liters. Price – 3000 rubles. It has a small diameter of a rotating plate.

LG MS-2336GIH. Power – 1000 watts, 8 recipes with auto mode, 4 types of defrosting, touch control panel. The volume is 23 liters. Ceramic inner coating. It does not have a handle on the door.

Panasonic NN-ST342M. A simple and effective model. A standard set of functions. Good illumination of the working camera. When the door is opened, the microwave body also shifts. The price is 10% higher than the cost of analogues from other manufacturers.

Samsung ME81KRW-1. Parity of price and quality. Good power (800 W), mechanical control. Easy operation, interesting design. Volume – 23 liters . Internal ceramic coating. Weak illumination.

Midea MM720CMF. Affordable price (3500-4500 rubles), chic design. Five power levels, the maximum is 700 watts. A standard set of functions. Traces of contamination are visible on the glossy surface of the door.

The Panasonic NN-ST342M microwave oven is equipped with basic programs for heating and cooking

The best models of freestanding and built-in microwave ovens: solo, appliances with grill and convection

The best models with the maximum set of functions for this type of household appliances include the following microwave ovens:

Samsung MC28H5013AW. The home menu is represented by 60 recipes, useful – 15. The volume is 28 liters, power – 800 watts, grill – 1400 watts, convection – 1250 watts. Featuring assembly, bioceramic interior coating. The handle is not quite conveniently located.

Panasonic NN-CS894B. Volume – 27 liters . Steam cleaning, steam wetting, heating without a rotating mechanism. Upper door opening. The case is heated. High price.

Sharp R-8496ST. Compact dimensions with a volume of 26 liters. Convenient control panel. Quick warm-up. Interesting design. Heats up when the grill is working.

Gorenje BM251S7XG. Built-in oven. It has 15 programs, 8 auto-preparation modes, 4 defrosting methods. The internal coating is made of stainless steel. You cannot add your own recipes to the memory.

Sharp R-8496ST is equipped with basic programs for heating and cooking

Korting KMI 925 CX. An embedded model with a full set of modern functions. Discreet, but original design. Excellent build quality. High price, reaching 30,000 rubles.

A microwave oven is an excellent assistant in the organization of home catering. It is not particularly difficult to prepare a warm breakfast with its use or serve really hot dishes for a family dinner. A wide selection allows you to purchase a device with the desired functionality and at an affordable price.