How Many Litres is Best for a Microwave? Finding Your Perfect Size | Capacity & Measuring Guide

Walking into a store to buy a new microwave can make your head spin! There are so many sizes to choose from, and it’s hard to know if 20 litres is enough or if you need 30 or more. After my old microwave died last month, I spent weeks researching and testing different sizes to figure out what works best for different homes. I talked to store workers, chefs, and even my neighbor who has five kids! This guide will help you understand microwave sizes and pick the perfect one for your kitchen and family without wasting money on space you don’t need.

Why Microwave Size Matters

Before we dive into specific litre recommendations, let’s talk about why size is so important when choosing a microwave. Getting the right size affects more than just how much counter space it takes up!

Cooking Performance

Did you know that microwave size affects how well your food cooks? In microwaves that are too big for what you’re heating, food can dry out because the microwaves bounce around too much before hitting your food. If the microwave is too small, food might not cook evenly because it’s too cramped inside.

Energy Use

Bigger microwaves use more electricity, even when heating the same amount of food. If you rarely cook large items, a smaller microwave might save you money on your power bill over time.

Kitchen Space

We all have different kitchens. Some have lots of counter space, while others barely have room for a coffee maker. The microwave size you choose needs to fit your kitchen without making it feel cramped or taking up space you need for other things.

Family Size

How many people do you feed? A couple or person living alone has different needs than a family of five. The right litre size often depends on how many mouths you’re feeding at once.

Microwave Sizes Explained

Let’s break down what the different litre sizes actually mean in real terms. Here’s a helpful table showing the most common microwave sizes and what they’re good for:

10-14 Litres: The Mini Option

These tiny microwaves are perfect for very small spaces. I saw one in my nephew’s dorm room, and it fit perfectly on his desk shelf.

At this size, you can heat up a mug of coffee, a bowl of soup, or a single plate of leftovers. You won’t fit a casserole dish or anything much bigger than a standard dinner plate.

These small microwaves are great for:

• College students in dorm rooms
• Office break rooms
• Tiny apartments with minimal counter space
• RVs or camper vans
• People who rarely use a microwave

The downside? You’re very limited in what you can cook. If you ever want to heat up a medium-sized dish or defrost a small chicken, you’ll be out of luck.

15-19 Litres: The Apartment-Friendly Size

This size is a good step up from the mini models but still doesn’t take up too much space. My sister has one in her city apartment, and it fits nicely in her compact kitchen.

With 15-19 litres, you can fit most dinner plates, medium bowls, and small casserole dishes. Two mugs can heat at once, and you can defrost small portions of meat.

This size works well for:

• Individuals or couples
• Small apartments
• Kitchens with limited counter space
• People who use microwaves mainly for reheating, not cooking

The main limitation is that larger dishes and family-sized frozen meals won’t fit comfortably.

20-24 Litres: The Most Popular Size

This is the “Goldilocks” size for many households – not too big, not too small. My first apartment had a 22-litre microwave, and it served me well for years.

A 20-24 litre microwave fits standard dinner plates easily, medium-sized casserole dishes, and most microwave-safe containers. You can defrost a medium chicken or heat food for 2-3 people at once.

This size is ideal for:

• Small families (2-3 people)
• Average-sized kitchens
• People who use their microwave daily but not for major cooking
• Most apartments and smaller homes

The sweet spot of 20-24 litres offers good flexibility without hogging counter space, which is why it’s the best-selling size range.

25-29 Litres: The Family-Friendly Mid-Size

Now we’re getting into the sizes that can handle more serious microwave cooking. At this size, you can fit larger casserole dishes and defrost bigger cuts of meat.

My friend with three teenagers has a 28-litre model, and she says it’s perfect for heating multiple plates of leftovers at once or cooking family-sized frozen meals.

This size range works well for:

• Medium-sized families (3-4 people)
• Homes with decent kitchen space
• People who cook in their microwave, not just reheat
• Households that entertain occasionally

With 25-29 litres, you’re rarely limited by size for everyday cooking, though you might struggle with very large items like a whole turkey.

30-34 Litres: The Large Family Option

These bigger microwaves offer serious cooking space. You can fit large casserole dishes, multiple plates, or bigger items for defrosting.

“When we upgraded to a 32-litre microwave, it changed our cooking routine completely. We can now prepare side dishes for the whole family at once instead of in batches.” – My cousin Sarah, mother of four

At this size, you can:

• Cook larger quantities of food at once
• Use bigger cookware
• Defrost larger items like whole chickens
• Heat multiple dishes together

This size is best for:

• Larger families (4-5 people)
• People who entertain frequently
• Serious cooks who use their microwave as a major cooking tool
• Kitchens with plenty of counter space

The main drawback is the amount of space these models take up in your kitchen.

35+ Litres: The Entertainer’s Choice

These are the giants of the microwave world. At 35+ litres, you’re looking at serious cooking capacity.

I visited a friend who loves to host dinner parties, and her 40-litre microwave could fit an entire lasagna plus a side dish at the same time!

The largest microwaves are ideal for:

• Very large families (5+ people)
• People who frequently entertain large groups
• Professional-style home kitchens
• Serious cooks who use their microwave extensively

The obvious downsides are the price and size – these models are expensive and take up significant kitchen real estate.

How to Choose the Right Litre Size for Your Needs

Now that you understand the different sizes available, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? Here’s my simple guide:

Step 1: Measure Your Space

Before thinking about litres, measure the space where your microwave will go. There’s no point falling in love with a 30-litre model if you only have space for a 20-litre one!

Measure:

• Width of the available space
• Depth of the counter or shelf
• Height (if there are cabinets above)
• Door clearance (don’t forget you need space for the door to swing open!)

Remember to leave at least 5cm of breathing room around the sides for proper ventilation.

Step 2: Consider Your Household Size

As a general rule:

• 1-2 people: 15-20 litres is usually sufficient
• 3-4 people: 20-25 litres works well
• 4-5 people: 25-30 litres is comfortable
• 5+ people: 30+ litres may be necessary

But this isn’t just about how many people live in your home—it’s also about how you use your microwave.

Step 3: Think About What You Cook

Do you mainly use your microwave to:

• Heat drinks and single portions? A smaller model (15-20 litres) is fine
• Reheat family meals and defrost meat? Mid-size (20-30 litres) works best
• Cook complete meals or multiple dishes at once? Go larger (30+ litres)

Take a minute to think about the largest dish you regularly put in your microwave. Measure it if you can, and make sure your new microwave will fit it comfortably.

Step 4: Check the Turntable Size

Many people focus on the litre measurement but forget about the turntable diameter. This flat plate that spins inside your microwave determines what can fit inside.

A good rule of thumb:

• 24-27cm turntable: Good for standard dinner plates
• 28-32cm turntable: Fits larger plates and small casserole dishes
• 33cm+ turntable: Accommodates most cookware

Even if a microwave has a large litre capacity, a small turntable can limit what you can heat!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size microwave is best for a family of four?

For a family of four, a 25-30 litre microwave usually works best. This gives you enough space to heat multiple portions at once or cook family-sized meals. If you use your microwave extensively for cooking (not just reheating), you might prefer closer to 30 litres.

Can a microwave be too big?

Yes! A microwave that’s too big can waste energy, take up valuable counter space, and sometimes cook less efficiently. Small food items in very large microwaves might heat unevenly because the microwaves have too much space to bounce around before hitting your food.

What’s more important—litres or wattage?

Both matter for different reasons. Litres determine what can fit inside, while wattage determines cooking power and speed. For most homes, a microwave between 800-1000 watts provides good cooking power. Smaller microwaves (under 20 litres) often have lower wattage (600-800W), which means longer cooking times.

How do I convert cubic feet to litres for microwave size?

Many American microwave models list their size in cubic feet rather than litres. To convert, multiply the cubic feet by 28.3. For example, a 1.0 cubic foot microwave is about 28.3 litres.

Do I need a bigger microwave if I want convection features?

Generally yes. Combination microwaves that include convection or grill features typically need more internal space for the additional heating elements. If you want these features, look for models that are at least 25 litres, with 30+ litres being ideal.

Is a bigger microwave better for defrosting?

A bigger microwave gives you more flexibility for defrosting larger items like whole chickens or large cuts of meat. However, the defrosting quality depends more on the microwave’s technology and defrost settings than its size. Some mid-sized microwaves defrost more evenly than larger ones with basic settings.

Can I put a large microwave in a small kitchen?

You can, but you need to consider the trade-offs. A large microwave in a small kitchen will take up precious counter space. Consider over-the-range or built-in models if your kitchen is small but you need a larger capacity. Alternatively, look for compact models with space-saving designs but decent internal capacity.

What’s the most popular microwave size?

The 20-25 litre range is the most popular and best-selling microwave size globally. It hits the sweet spot of enough capacity for most households without taking up too much space or costing too much.

I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect microwave size for your needs! Remember that the best size depends on your specific situation—your family size, kitchen space, and cooking habits. Take measurements before you shop, and think about how you’ll actually use your microwave day to day.