Guides / Appliances · Updated
Microwave dimensions
Sizes from the makers' spec sheets. Check the sheet for your model before you build around it.
Short answer
An over-the-range microwave is 29⅞ in wide and about 16½ in tall, built for a 30 in gap between cabinets. Countertop microwaves run 17⅜ in to 24 in wide. Sharp's drawer microwaves come 24 and 30 in wide.
Over-the-range microwave dimensions
| Microwave | Width | Height | Depth | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung ME16A4021AS | 29⅞ in | 16½ in | 15⅛ in | 1.6 cu ft |
| Samsung ME11A7710DS | 29⅞ in | 10¾ in | 19⅛ in | 1.1 cu ft |
Samsung and LG both want a 30 in wide space between the cabinets. LG's sheet puts the cabinet above at 13 in deep. Hang the bottom of that cabinet at least 66 in off the floor.
Short on height? The slim Samsung is only 10¾ in tall, but it's 19⅛ in deep. The microwave over the range calculator checks your gap.
Countertop microwave dimensions
| Microwave | Width | Height | Depth | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE JES1072SHSS | 17⅜ in | 10¼ in | 12¾ in | 0.7 cu ft |
| Panasonic NN-SN686S | 20¾ in | 12¼ in | 15⅞ in | not listed |
| GE JES1460DSBB | 21⅞ in | 12½ in | 16⅜ in | 1.4 cu ft |
| GE JES2251SJ | 24 in | 13¾ in | 19½ in | 2.2 cu ft |
The ones we checked run 10¼ in to 13¾ in tall and 12¾ in to 19½ in deep. Bigger capacity means a bigger box.
Building one into a cabinet takes a trim kit. Panasonic's kit for the NN-SN686S needs an opening 25½ in wide, 15⅜ in tall and 21 in deep.
Microwave drawer dimensions
| Drawer | Outside | Cutout |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp SMD2470AS | 23⅞ in W x 15⅞ in H x 23 in D | 22⅛ in W x 15⅝ in H x 23½ in D |
| Sharp SMD3070AS | 30 in W x 15⅞ in H x 23 in D | 28½ in W x 15⅝ in H x 23½ in D |
A drawer goes in a base cabinet under the counter. Sharp's 24 and 30 in drawers hold the same 1.2 cu ft. The 30 in one needs a wider hole.