The difference between a 1.7 and 1.9 cubic foot Whirlpool microwave comes down to internal capacity, available features, and price. Because they share very similar exterior dimensions, the 1.9 cu. ft. models utilize their interior space more efficiently to accommodate larger dishes.
The 1.7 model has smaller interior space at 1.7 cubic feet but the same exterior dimensions as this 1.9 cubic feet microwave.
People are ditching their microwaves to reclaim counter space, upgrade food quality, and embrace holistic lifestyles. Modern alternatives like air fryers and toaster ovens, coupled with a shift toward intentional cooking, have made microwaves feel obsolete.
A "good" microwave size is highly dependent on your available counter or cabinet space and your household size. For most 2- to 4-person households, a mid-sized to large microwave (1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet) is the sweet spot, providing ample room for standard dinner plates and casserole dishes.
A 1.7 cu. ft. microwave typically measures about 16 to 17 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 15 to 16 inches deep. Because this size is almost exclusively built as an Over-the-Range (OTR) unit, these standardized dimensions allow them to fit perfectly into standard upper cabinet and range setups.
For two people, the ideal microwave size is 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet. This compact-to-midsize capacity is large enough to comfortably fit standard dinner plates and casserole dishes, but won’t dominate your kitchen counter space.
Capacity and Size
A 15 to 20 liter microwave is sufficient for individuals or couples. A larger family of four members should look for a 25 to 30 liter model. Families with more than five members often require a capacity of 32 liters or higher.
The best microwave for you depends on your available space and cooking habits. For most kitchens, a countertop microwave is the easiest choice. If you are remodeling or want to save counter space, an over-the-range (OTR) model is ideal. Prioritize models with 1,000 watts of power and sensor cooking for the best results.
On average, microwaves range in capacity from 0.7 cu. ft., which is suitable for most dinner plates, to 2.2 cu. ft., which is a better size for bigger cookware. It's important to consider what capacity you need to fit your dishes and suit your cooking needs.
Microwaves are being replaced by appliances that offer superior food quality rather than just pure speed. The three leading replacements are countertop steam ovens, speed ovens, and multi-functional air fryers.
Here are five of the most common microwave faults:
Beyond aesthetic incompatibility, another reason for the microwave's declining popularity is that it's no longer as useful as it once was.
Microwave wattage can go up in power to 1,700 and above. The higher the wattage, the more capacity to cook bigger meals for commercial use such as in restaurants. A microwave with 1,000 watts can be a good place to start for the home cook.
Appreciable loss (∼30−40%) of vitamin B12 occurred in the foods during microwave heating due to the degradation of vitamin B12 molecule by microwave heating.
A 1.6 cu. ft. microwave is considered a family-sized, large microwave. It sits on the lower end of the full-size spectrum, providing ample space for everyday meals, 121212 to 131313-inch dinner plates, and medium-to-large cookware like casserole dishes.
Finding the right microwave depends on your counter space and cooking needs. The top five microwave ovens include:
If you're a member of a large family, you should also consider the interior height (should be over 20 cm) and the size of the turntable (around 30 cm), as both parameters allow for cooking larger portions in one go. Wattage is the power of a microwave; the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time.
Consumer Reports regularly evaluates microwaves based on heating evenness, defrosting capability, and overall reliability. They divide models into countertop and over-the-range (OTR) styles. LG dominates their top-rated lists, while Breville is highly recommended for compact spaces.
The most common microwave size is a mid-size countertop or over-the-range model measuring 30 inches wide, 16 to 18 inches high, and 15 to 17 inches deep, with a capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet.
The best microwave brand depends on your needs. Panasonic is top-rated for everyday countertop use due to superior inverter technology, Breville dominates the luxury and multi-function (air fry/convection) market, and Toshiba offers the best value and budget-friendly reliability.
Top-rated microwaves for 2026 span a variety of needs, from budget-friendly countertop models to high-end multi-cookers. Experts highly recommend the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS as the best overall for its reliable sensors and affordable price. For heavy-duty performance, the Panasonic NN-SD975S is a favorite for its inverter technology, while the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is the top pick if you want an appliance that also bakes and air-fries.
A 1.7 cu. ft. (cubic feet) microwave rating tells you the total interior volume or cooking space of the appliance. It measures how much food, liquid, or dishware can fit inside at once.
Measuring a microwave requires tracking its width, depth, and height. First, clear the area and unplug the unit. Grab a tape measure and record the following dimensions from the longest points: