MicrowavePicker

Which microwave is right for your kitchen?

Answer a few questions about your household, what you cook and where the microwave will go. We'll calculate the capacity, wattage and type you need — and check that it actually fits.

What you'll get Capacity in cu ft & liters · Wattage · Solo, grill or convection · Turntable size · Space fit check · Yearly energy cost
Microwave calculator
What will you use it for?
Available space (inches, optional)

Microwave cooking time converter

Recipe written for a different wattage? Enter the recipe's time and wattage and your microwave's wattage.

How the calculation works

Capacity is the larger of two numbers: what your household size requires and what your largest dish requires. A 12-inch pizza, for instance, needs a turntable of at least 12.5 inches, which only appears in models of about 1.3 cu ft or more. A 9×13" casserole dish rotating on a turntable needs a cavity roughly 15 inches wide, which typically means 1.6 cu ft or larger. Over-the-range models are standardized at 30 inches wide, so they start at about 1.6 cu ft.

Wattage is the cooking (output) power. We recommend at least 900 W when you cook full meals and 1,000–1,200 W for families, because higher power heats food faster and more evenly. Type depends on your cooking habits: a solo microwave only heats, a grill model adds a top heating element for browning, and a convection model adds a fan-assisted heater so it can bake and roast like a small oven.

Energy cost uses input power, which is typically about 1.5 times the cooking wattage, multiplied by your daily usage and electricity price. The fit check compares your available space with typical outer dimensions for that capacity, plus ventilation clearance recommended by most manufacturers for countertop units.

Microwave buying guide

Typical sizes at a glance

CapacityLitersTypical outer size (W×H×D)TurntableGood for
0.7 cu ft20 L17.5 × 10.5 × 13"10"Dorms, offices, singles
1.1 cu ft31 L20 × 11.5 × 15.5"12"Couples, small kitchens
1.6 cu ft45 L22 × 13 × 17.5"13.5"Families, casseroles
2.2 cu ft62 L24 × 14 × 19.5"16"Large families, batch cooking

Inverter vs. standard power

A conventional microwave simulates lower power levels by switching the magnetron fully on and off. An inverter microwave actually delivers lower power continuously, which defrosts more evenly and avoids cooked edges on frozen food. If you defrost often, inverter technology is worth paying for.

Sensor cooking

Humidity sensors detect steam released by food and adjust the cooking time automatically. They are genuinely useful for reheating and vegetables and reduce the risk of overcooking.

Ventilation for over-the-range units

Over-the-range microwaves double as a range hood. Look at the fan's airflow (CFM): 300 CFM or more is recommended over gas cooktops, and an external vent is more effective than recirculation through a charcoal filter.

Clearance matters

Countertop microwaves usually need around 3 inches of space on the sides and top and 1 inch at the back for ventilation. Built-in installations should use the manufacturer's trim kit so the unit can breathe properly.

FAQ

What size microwave do I need?

Singles and couples usually do well with 0.7–1.1 cu ft. Families of three to four should look at 1.2–1.6 cu ft, and larger families or anyone cooking big dishes should consider 1.7–2.2 cu ft.

Is a 700-watt microwave enough?

For reheating and popcorn, yes. For cooking real meals, 1,000–1,200 W heats faster and more evenly.

How do I convert microwave cooking times?

Multiply the recipe time by the recipe wattage and divide by your wattage. Use the converter above for a quick answer.

Can a convection microwave replace an oven?

For small households it often can: it bakes, roasts and crisps. Capacity is the limit — large trays and multiple dishes still need a full oven.

How long do microwaves last?

Most last 7–10 years with normal use. Keeping the cavity clean and never running it empty helps the magnetron last longer.