MWF

Microwave Buying Guides

Every guide comes with live filters — enter your cabinet dimensions to get exact Fit Scores for every model.

By Price

Best Under $100 Compact budget models for tight spaces and simple needs. Best Under $200 The sweet spot — 1000W+, sensor cooking, solid capacity. Best Over $500 Built-in, drawer, and premium countertop models.

By Size & Fit

Smallest Footprint Width 18" or less — for tight counters, RVs, and galley kitchens. Low-Profile Height 12" or less — for tight under-cabinet clearances. Large Capacity (2+ cu ft) For families, big plates, and casserole dishes.

By Plate & Food Size

Fits Dinner Plates Turntable ≥ 12" — spins a standard 10–11" dinner plate freely. Fits Large Plates Turntable ≥ 13.5" — fits 12" dinner plates and platters. Fits a 12-Inch Pizza Turntable ≥ 14" — full-size frozen pizza without folding. Fits Casserole Dishes Turntable ≥ 16" — 13×9 baking dish, large serving bowls.

Microwave Drawers

All Microwave Drawers Under-counter drawer microwaves — all sizes and brands. 24-Inch Drawers Fits standard 24" base cabinet or kitchen island cutout. 30-Inch Drawers Larger 30" opening — more interior capacity for families.

By Installation Type

Over-the-Range Mounts above your stove, replaces the range hood. Built-In Flush cabinet installation — trim kit and cutout required.

Location & Niche

Best for RVs Under 19" wide, shallow depth — sized for galley cabinets. Best for Boats Ultra-compact 17" or less — marine galley and tight spaces. Best for Apartments Countertop, under 21" wide — no permanent installation. Best for Tiny Homes Under 18" wide, 0.9 cu ft max — maximum in minimum footprint. Best for Offices 900–1100W, simple controls for shared break room use. Best for Galley Kitchens Under 18" wide — narrow wall-to-wall layouts. Best for Studio Apartments Under 20" wide, 1.2 cu ft max — solo living, small counter. Best for Mobile Homes Countertop and OTR options for manufactured home kitchens. Best for College Students Under 1100W, compact — dorm-limit friendly. Best for One Person 1.1 cu ft or less — right-sized for solo households.

By Use Case

Best for Dorm Rooms Small, affordable, fits on a desk or shelf. Best for Families 1.5+ cu ft, 1000W+, big turntable. Best for Seniors Simple controls, no smart-home complexity.

Will It Fit

Zero-Clearance Hinge Door opens down, not sideways — no side-swing space needed. Shallow Depth (Under 16") Body depth 16" or less — for narrow shelves and tight counters. 20-Amp Circuit Required 1500W+ models that need a dedicated 20A outlet. Small Kitchen Microwaves Under 20" wide — studios, apartments, galley kitchens. Trim Kit Compatible Countertop models that install flush for a built-in look.

By Feature

Sensor Cooking Auto-adjusts time based on steam — no guessing. Convection Bakes and roasts too — replaces a second oven. Air Fry Crispy results without a separate air fryer on the counter. Inverter True variable power — better defrost and gentle reheating. WiFi / Smart App control, scheduling, smart home integration.