How Big Is a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave?

When it comes to kitchen appliances, measuring size can be somewhat confusing. Kitchens can get crowded quickly with so many tools, devices, and appliances, especially when it comes to everyone’s favorite convenience item– the microwave. So, how big is a 0.7 cubic foot microwave? 

A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is generally 17.5 inches long, 12.75 inches deep, and 10.25 inches tall (44.5 cm long, 32.4 cm deep, and 26 cm tall). Although a 0.7 cubic microwave falls on the smaller side, it is usually the perfect size for two to four people.

Understanding how big an appliance is in cubic feet can be somewhat tricky. Read on to learn more about how big a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is and what it can do. I’ll also help you determine which size microwave might be best for you. 

Dimensions of a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave

When discussing microwaves, the standard unit of measurement is the cubic footage of the microwave’s interior. So, it’s the measurement of the space that you stick your food in to heat it, not the actual size of the outer shell. 

A one cubic foot microwave would mean that the interior of your microwave is 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches tall (30.5 cm long, 30.5 cm wide, and 30.5 cm tall). 

While the outside of the microwave will be slightly bigger, this helps you visualize just how big one cubic foot is. 

For a 0.7 cubic foot microwave, the interior dimensions are generally about 12 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 8.25 inches tall (30.5 cm wide, 30.5 cm long, and 21 cm tall). 

The exterior dimensions are generally about 17.5 inches long, 12.75 inches deep, and 10.25 inches tall (44.5 cm long, 32.4 cm deep, and 26 cm tall). 

When planning where your microwave should go in your kitchen, be careful to plan for the exterior parameters, not the interior ones. 

How Much Power Do 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwaves Need? 

Many kitchens have a finite amount of energy they can support, meaning that the amount of energy your microwave uses is essential to understand. 

Kitchens can use somewhere between 16,000 watts and 25,000 watts, assuming every appliance in the kitchen is on and running. 

Most 0.7 cubic foot microwaves need 700 watts of power to work, but they can use more depending on the manufacturer. Some microwaves can use up to 2,000 watts, and those in industrial kitchens use more. 

For comparison’s sake, you can operate two blenders on about 700 watts, and the average wall plugs are about 1800 watts. That means that most kitchens can support the power requirements of a 0.7 cubic foot microwave. 

Heating Power of a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave

Regardless of size and wattage, most microwaves can heat up whatever you place inside of them. 

For most, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is more than enough to place whatever you need in the interior with some extra space. 

A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is big enough that it could, if necessary, accommodate a small turkey (between 8 and 10 pounds or 3.6 to 4.5 kilograms). Although it might take a while to cook said turkey, it is possible to heat and fit a small bird inside! 

Most 0.7 cubic foot microwaves also have different power levels and thawing levels. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave can efficiently heat and thaw most products placed inside and have enough power to heat quickly without tripping an outlet’s safety feature. 

Best Microwave Size for You

When looking at the size of a microwave best for your home, you’ll need to consider how many people will be using the microwave, what you use your microwave for, and how quickly you want your microwave to work. 

For most families, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is large enough and powerful enough to supply a family with the heating power it needs to make products in a microwave. However, industrial kitchens will likely need a larger, more powerful microwave. 

Additionally, it’s critical to consider how much room you have for your microwave. If you are placing your microwave on a counter, you likely do not need to be incredibly concerned about the size of your microwave. 

However, if you want to place your microwave on a built-in shelf, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough room for your microwave while ensuring it takes up the entire space.