Microwave Oven Size Guide
Microwave size is the space inside, in litres. Shops call 20 litre small, 23 to 28 litre medium and 30 litre and up large. Here is how to choose.
Updated 11 November 2026
Microwave sizes and family size
- Small, 20 litre: 1 to 3 people, reheating. 20 Litre Microwave Oven Price in Pakistan
- Medium, 23 to 28 litre: 4 to 6 people, grilling and family dishes. Medium size ovens
- Large, 30 to 45 litre: 7 or more people, big dishes and baking trays. Large ovens
Typical outside dimensions
- 20 litre: about 44 to 49 cm wide, 33 to 38 cm deep, 26 to 29 cm high (Dawlance DW-MD15 20 Litre Solo Microwave Oven: 44 x 34.8 x 28.5 cm)
- 23 litre: about 47 to 49 cm wide (Dawlance DW-393 G 23 Litre Grill Microwave Oven: 48.5 x 40.1 x 28.8 cm)
- 28 to 30 litre: about 51 to 54 cm wide (Dawlance DW-128 G 28 Litre Grill Microwave Oven: 51.3 x 42.9 x 30.7 cm)
Add 10 to 15 cm on the sides and top for air.
How do I find out what size my microwave is?
Look at the label on the back or inside the door, or in the manual; it shows the litres and watts. You can also search the model number on our site.
Bigger is not always better
A large oven takes more counter space and costs more. If you only reheat for two people, a 20 litre oven heats just as fast. Compare on 20 Litre vs 25 Litre Microwave.
Microwave oven size chart: litres to dimensions
Outside sizes from our catalogue (width x depth x height in cm, rounded):
- 20 litre: about 44 x 34 x 26 to 49 x 38 x 29, for example the Dawlance DW-297 GSS 20 Litre Grill Microwave Oven
- 23 litre: about 47 x 38 x 28 to 49 x 40 x 29, for example the Dawlance DW-393 G 23 Litre Grill Microwave Oven
- 26 to 28 litre: about 48 x 37 x 29 to 51 x 43 x 31, for example the Dawlance DW-128 G 28 Litre Grill Microwave Oven
- 30 litre: about 52 x 42 x 33 to 54 x 43 x 30, for example the Kenwood MWP29.000BK 30 Litre Convection Microwave Oven
- 40 to 45 litre: the largest countertop ovens, such as the Samsung MG40DG5524AT 40 Litre Grill Microwave Oven
In inches, a 20 litre oven is roughly 17 to 19 inches wide, and a 30 litre oven about 20 to 21 inches wide. Always check the exact model's dimensions on its page.
How to choose microwave size for your family
- 1 to 2 people, reheating only: 20 litres
- Family of 3 to 4: 23 to 25 litres
- Family of 5 to 6, or if you grill and bake: 28 to 30 litres
- Joint families and frequent guests: 32 to 45 litres
Also check that your largest dinner plate or baking dish fits the turntable. Leave about 10 cm of space above the oven and a few centimetres at the sides for air.
