Microwaves are a convenient kitchen appliance for quickly heating and cooking food. When choosing a microwave, it's important to consider its capacity, especially if you plan to use larger dishes such as a 9x13 pan. While a compact microwave with 0.5 cubic feet of space can accommodate an 11-inch dinner plate, you'll need a larger capacity microwave to fit a 9x13 baking dish. A microwave with 1 cubic foot of interior space or more should be able to accommodate a 9x13 pan, especially if it's a flatbed model without a turntable.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Minimum interior space required to fit a 9x13 pan | 1 cubic foot |
Turntable microwaves interior space | 1 cubic foot or above |
Flatbed microwaves interior space | Below 1 cubic foot |
Cubic foot of home or consumer-grade microwaves | 1 cubic foot or above |
Cubic foot of commercial-grade microwaves | 2.2 cubic feet |
What You'll Learn
Flatbed vs. Turntable Microwaves
A microwave with a capacity of 1 cubic foot or larger will fit a 9x13 pan. Many turntable microwaves can accommodate this size of the pan, but a flatbed microwave will provide more space due to the lack of a turntable.
Flatbed microwaves and turntable microwaves have different heating methods. Traditional microwaves with turntables expel heat from the side, whereas flatbed microwaves use a rotating antenna at the bottom to send heat out at multiple angles, resulting in more even cooking. The absence of a turntable in flatbed microwaves also frees up space, making them ideal for larger dishes and trays. Flatbed microwaves are also easier to clean due to having fewer parts. However, they generally carry a higher price tag than traditional microwaves.
Flatbed microwaves are available from various brands, including Panasonic, Breville, Sharp, and Whirlpool. These brands offer features such as LED lighting, turbo defrost mode, inverter motors, and sensors for optimal heating times. Some models also include auto-cook menus, multiple power levels, soft-close doors, and stain-resistant exteriors.
When choosing between a flatbed and a turntable microwave, consider your specific needs. If you require a microwave for simple tasks like reheating leftovers or ready-made meals, a traditional turntable microwave may be sufficient. On the other hand, if you need a larger capacity or more even cooking, a flatbed microwave might be a better option.
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Countertop Microwaves
When choosing a countertop microwave, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. If you're just heating up ready meals or boiling water, you won't need a lot of features or space. However, if you're planning on cooking full meals in your microwave, you'll want to look for a model with a larger capacity and programmable options.
Microwaves with a capacity of 1 cubic foot or more should be able to accommodate a 9x13 pan. Some compact microwaves with a capacity as low as 0.7 cubic feet may also fit a 9x13 pan, but this will depend on whether the microwave has a turntable or not. Flatbed microwaves without turntables can offer more space for larger dishes.
For example, the Panasonic NN-SN661S Stainless 1200W 1.2 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven can fit a 9x13 pan, but the turntable feature means the pan cannot rotate. The Toshiba 1.5 Cu. Ft. Convection Countertop Microwave can also fit a 9x13 pan, but only if the turntable is removed.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that microwave ovens operate on 750 to 1200 watts for effective cooking, with higher wattages cooking food more quickly and evenly. Most microwave recipes call for at least 800 watts.
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Over-the-Range Microwaves
If you're looking to save some counter space, an over-the-range microwave is a great option. Also known as a "microhood", this type of microwave serves two functions in one: it acts as a microwave and a vent hood. Over-the-range microwaves are installed above your stove and provide the necessary ventilation for a standard 30" range.
When choosing an over-the-range microwave, consider your cooking needs, size requirements, and budget. If you plan on using your microwave for roasting or baking, you should opt for a convection model. For remote control capabilities, choose a smart microwave that can be operated via an app. Or, stick with a simpler model that has basic features like a defrost setting and presets.
- Samsung 1.6 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave with Auto Cook - Stainless Steel: Rated 4.5/5 stars, this Samsung model offers auto cook functionality and is currently priced at $199.99, reduced from $260.99.
- Whirlpool 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave - Stainless Steel: With a rating of 4.6/5 stars, this Whirlpool model offers 1.7 cubic feet of capacity and is currently priced at $199.99, reduced from $359.99.
- GE 1.6 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave - Stainless Steel: This GE model offers 1.6 cubic feet of capacity and is rated 4.5/5 stars. It is currently priced at $199.99, reduced from $314.99.
- Samsung 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave - Black Stainless Steel: Featuring a sleek black stainless steel finish, this Samsung model offers 1.7 cubic feet of capacity and is rated 4.4/5 stars. It is currently priced at $229.99, reduced from $332.99.
- Frigidaire 1.8 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave - Stainless Steel: With a high rating of 4.8/5 stars, this Frigidaire model offers 1.8 cubic feet of capacity and is priced at $249.99, reduced from $344.99.
- LG 2.1 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Smart Microwave with Sensor Cooking and ExtendaVent 2.0 - Stainless Steel: This smart LG model offers a spacious 2.1 cubic feet of capacity, sensor cooking, and ExtendaVent technology. It is rated 4.8/5 stars and is priced at $449.99, reduced from $599.99.
These are just a few examples of the many over-the-range microwaves available on the market. When choosing a model, be sure to consider your specific needs and preferences in terms of features, capacity, and design. Additionally, keep in mind that a 1-cubic-foot microwave is typically the minimum size required to fit a 9x13 pan.
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Microwave Oven Drawers
To answer your first question, a microwave with a capacity of 1 cubic foot or above will fit a 9x13 pan. Many turntable microwaves should easily accommodate this size. Flatbed microwaves without a turntable will also fit a 9x13 pan, even if they have a smaller capacity.
Now, here is some information on microwave oven drawers:
Microwave drawers are ideal for those who want to focus on their kitchen's design and workflow. They free up counter space and are a good option for those with limited counter space. They can also be installed in RVs, trailer homes, semi-trucks, and campers.
When considering a microwave oven drawer, it is important to keep in mind the size of the drawer and the size of your space. Standard kitchen ranges measure 30" wide, 26"-28" deep, and 47"-48" in height, including the backsplash. Microwave sizes range from compact (0.5 cu. ft.) to extra-large (2.2 cu. ft.). An extra-large 2.2 cubic foot microwave is more commercial-grade and is used to reheat multiple dishes or a whole pizza.
It is also important to consider the wattage of the microwave oven drawer. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that microwave ovens operate on 750 to 1200 watts for effective cooking. Higher wattages cook food more quickly and evenly, and most recipes call for at least 800 watts.
When it comes to using a microwave oven drawer, it may be easier to spill things inside due to the drawer design. However, this type of microwave can be a great option for those who want to integrate their microwave into their kitchen design and create a seamless look.
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Cubic Feet and Wattage
Cubic feet are used to describe the volume or capacity of an object or space. It is a way to mathematically explain how much space an object occupies or how much an object can hold. This is especially useful when trying to determine whether an object fits in a particular space.
The formula for calculating cubic feet is:
> Cubic feet = length x width x height
All measurements should be in feet, but if they are not, they can be converted. For example, 1 meter = 3.28 feet.
When measuring the capacity of a refrigerator, it is important to measure the interior space, not the exterior.
Microwaves are available in a range of sizes, from compact (0.5 cubic feet) to extra-large (2.2 cubic feet). The size you need will depend on what you plan to use it for. If you only need to heat ready meals or boil water, a compact model will suffice. However, if you want to cook entire meals, you will need a larger capacity microwave with a higher wattage.
The wattage of a microwave determines its power, with higher wattages cooking food more quickly and evenly. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that microwave ovens operate on 750 to 1200 watts for effective cooking. Most microwave recipes call for at least 800 watts.
Therefore, when considering what size microwave fits a 9x13 pan, you should opt for a model with a capacity of at least 1 cubic foot. This will ensure that the pan fits comfortably inside, allowing for any necessary turntable rotation. Additionally, a wattage of around 1000 watts is recommended to ensure efficient cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
A microwave with a capacity of 1 cubic foot or above will fit a 9x13 pan.
No, a compact microwave typically has a capacity of 0.5 cubic feet to 0.7 cubic feet, which is too small for a 9x13 pan.
No, while many turntable microwaves can accommodate a 9x13 pan, those with a capacity of less than 1 cubic foot might be too small.
The best wattage for a microwave is around 1,000 watts, as this will ensure your food cooks evenly and efficiently. Most microwave recipes call for at least 800 watts.
The best capacity for a microwave depends on your needs. If you have limited space, a compact microwave with a capacity of 0.5 cubic feet to 0.7 cubic feet might be suitable. However, if you plan to cook large dishes, a capacity of 1 cubic foot or above is recommended.