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Your Guide to Sizing Up the Perfect Microwave for Your Kitchen

Hey there, fellow fixer-upper! Today I'll be your friendly neighborhood repairman, showing you the ropes on how to choose the right size microwave for your kitchen. Now, I don't claim to be Gordon Ramsay, but when it comes to DIY appliance selection, you might as well call me the Master Chef!

The Ingredients: Your Kitchen’s Needs and Space

Choosing the right size microwave is similar to making a hearty stew; you want to mix in just the right ingredients. In this case, these ingredients represent the available space and the specific needs of your kitchen.

Space - Not as Vast as the Universe, but Critical

Space, my friend, is a vital aspect when finding the perfect microwave. Unlike the universe, your kitchen space isn't infinite; trust me, I've fixed up enough homes to confirm this theory. Therefore, you must consider the counter and cabinet space that you have available.

Take a measuring tape and note down the dimensions of your available space. You don’t want your microwave to look like an oversized spaceship landing on your countertop!

Current Need and Cooking Habits

Just like choosing whether to use fresh herbs or dried ones in a recipe, you need to consider your cooking habits and needs. Do you reheat a lot of leftovers or are you a defrosting queen? Maybe you're an adventurous DIY cook who wants to microwave an entire chicken. Your usage will determine the capacity you need in a microwave oven.

The Main Course: Microwave Types & Sizes

Countertop Microwaves

Countertop microwaves are your everyday, no-frills, easy-to-install microwaves. They come in a variety of sizes.

  • Petite Microwaves: These are your 0.5 to 0.8 cubic feet models that are perfect for reheating a leftover slice of pizza or a coffee mug. Ideal for the small apartment dwellers or someone with limited counter space.
  • Family-Sized Microwaves: If you're finding yourself constantly defrosting the turkey, you might need something more substantial, say around 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Over-the-range models are for the folks who want to save counter space. They're a bit difficult to install, so you might want to bring in a professional for this (or if you're an ambitious DIY-er, I say go for it!). Typical sizes for these models are approximately 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.

Built-In Microwaves

Built-in models can be placed into cabinet openings and give a sleek, organized look to the kitchen. Sizes usually fall between 1.0 to 2.2 cubic feet with varying widths to match different cabinetry sizes.

The Finishing Touch: The Microwave Size Drill

Now comes the fun part - the actual choosing of your microwave! Use the dimensions and needs you listed out earlier and match them up with microwaves on the market. There are tons of resourceful websites that can filter microwaves based on sizes. So don your apron, grab your whisk, and start that balancing act of size vs. space vs. needs!

The Grand Feast: Enjoying Your Perfectly Sized Microwave

Viola! You've successfully chosen the perfect microwave for your kitchen. With the right size in your arsenal, you can confidently cook, reheat, defrost, and more, all while maximizing your kitchen space.

Remember, fellow DIY'er, the journey of thousands of homemade meals begins with a single microwave selection. So, here's to many happy, well-sized, microwave cooking adventures!