Over-the-Range Microwave Dimensions: Width, Depth, Height and 12-Inch Cabinets

Depth changes by more than 2 in depending on whether the brand counts the door, and documents from the same brand can disagree. For the basics, see our over-the-range buying guide.

What are the usual sizes?

What are the sizes model by model?

These are not recommendations. The best over-the-range page compares the Amazon options. GE says the Profile below is no longer made, so ask any seller about stock, condition and warranty.

LG's current page and its older sheet differ by about 0.7 in of depth, and we don't know why. Whirlpool's guide shows the door alone can add about 2.6 in. The BLACK+DECKER's 13.9 in is a seller's figure, and another listing showed a larger one, so ask the seller what it includes.

Does a 12-inch cabinet mean a 12-inch microwave?

No. A 12 in figure usually describes the upper cabinet, not the microwave.

• A Lowe's-hosted installation sheet says its unit is designed for standard 12 in wall cabinets, with a maximum of 13 in. We couldn't tie it to a brand.
• LG's builder sheet gives a maximum cabinet depth of 13 in, and a 30 × 13 in cut-out.
• Frigidaire's FMOS1746BB instructions also say 13 in. A deeper cabinet means spacing the unit out from the wall.

So the body hangs past the cabinet front. Under a 12 in cabinet, Whirlpool's 14 3/4 in body sticks out about 2.75 in, and 5.3 in with the door. The GE Profile's 15.56 in sticks out about 3.6 in.

How much room is left above the stove?

GE says the bottom of the cabinet should be 66 in from the floor and 30 in from the cooktop. Subtract the unit's height:

Your own instructions may set a minimum. Measure your largest pot before you decide.

How do I measure?

1. Measure the opening

   Measure between the cabinets at the top, middle and bottom. LG and Frigidaire ask for 30 in. Use the narrowest figure.

2. Measure the height

   Measure from the cooktop to the bottom of the cabinet, and from the floor to the same point. GE works with 30 in and 66 in.

3. Measure the cabinet depth

   Measure from the wall to the front of the cabinet, doors included. Look for a recessed bottom or front trim too.

4. Check the door swing

   Whirlpool's door needs 45 in from the wall when open at 90 degrees. Check the hinge side as well: GE asks for 1/2 in, and Frigidaire asks for 1.25 in to an adjacent wall.

5. Compare with your model's guide

   Get the dimension guide for the exact model number. If it doesn't match your numbers, ask a dealer before you order.

What about the inside?

Outer size tells you little about the inside. Whirlpool's 1.9 cu ft model has a 21.1 × 14 in floor and a 14 3/16 in turntable. LG's 1.7 cu ft page gives 21 10/16 × 14 4/16 in. Both are far wider than a countertop combo, which our size guide compares. If you want to air-fry on a tray, that width is the real gain.

Next step: if the numbers work, read the over-the-range buying guide. If not, look at a countertop model on our start page.