Who doesn’t need microwaves nowadays, right? They have made reheating any type of food and leftovers much simpler for us.
That being said, you might be wondering how much a microwave weighs. You might also want to know on which appliances and surfaces you can put it on. Let’s solve all your queries regarding the weight of the microwave.
How much does a microwave weigh?
On average, a microwave weighs 55 pounds. However, the weight varies from unit to unit. It mainly depends on the type and size of the microwave. The standard weight of a countertop microwave is 20 pounds, whereas the weight of the built-in unit can be as high as 100 pounds.
How much a microwave weighs depends on a few factors like size, type, and material. Among these, size is the most vital factor for the variation of microwaves’ weight.
The weight is different for differently sized units. The weight of a 20l microwave is 22 pounds or 1000 grams on average. The larger the size of the unit, the more the weight will be. In fact, the weight of a microwave can be up to 100lbs.
Countertop microwave:
The countertop microwave is lighter than the over-the-range microwave and built-in microwave. As the name depicts, the microwave is made in such a way that it can be placed on any countertop without any issues.
The average of a countertop microwave is approximately 32 pounds. However, the weight of this type of microwave can be anything between 20 to 60 pounds. As a result of the lightweight body, the countertop microwave can be transported from one place to another effortlessly.
The ratio of weight vs internal size of the countertop microwaves is also very uniform. In addition to that, the weight vs size ratio of this microwave is consistent, unlike other types of microwaves.
Basically, there are three sizes of microwaves. The sizes are standard size, small size, and large size. The weight is different for different sized countertop microwaves.
Let’s take a look at the weights for different sizes of countertop microwaves.
Standard size microwave weight:
This is the most commonly used size for countertop microwaves. The standard size microwave usually has a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet and it weighs around 34 or 35 pounds.
Small size microwave weight:
The size of the small-sized microwaves is 0.7 cubic-foot on average. The weight of this small countertop microwave can be anything between 20 to 30 pounds.
Large size microwave weight:
As the name depicts, the large-sized countertop microwaves are a little heavier than the other sized units. The weight of these microwaves ranges from 40 to 60 pounds.
| Countertop Microwave Oven | Size (cu ft) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Electronics MG11H2020CT | 1.1 | 35.3 |
| Samsung MG14H3020CM | 1.4 | 41.9 |
| Samsung MS19M8000AS/A | 1.9 | 43 |
| Panasonic NN-SN686S | 1.2 | 25.5 |
| Panasonic NN-SN766S | 1.6 | 32 |
| Panasonic NN-SN966S | 2.2 | 37 |
| GE JEM3072DHBB | 0.7 | 21 |
| GE JES1095SMSS | 0.9 | 33.8 |
| GE JESP113SPSS | 1.1 | 30 |
| Toshiba EM131A5C-BS | 1.2 | 34.6 |
| Toshiba ML-EM45P(BS) | 1.6 | 36.6 |
| LG LMC0975ASZ | 0.9 | 24.7 |
| Black+Decker EM720CB7 | 0.7 | 22.5 |
| BLACK+DECKER EM036AB14 | 1.4 | 38.9 |
Built-in microwave:
The built-in microwaves are mostly used for commercial purposes in hotels and restaurants. However, many people install it in their homes as well. This type of microwave needs to be installed into a compartment or shelf, so you won’t be able to move it easily.
The weight of this type of microwave can be anything between 33 and 100 pounds. On average, the weight of the built-in microwaves is 76 pounds.
| Built-in Microwave Oven | Size (cu ft) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| GE PWB7030SLSS | 1.7 | 75 |
| GE PSB9240SFSS | 1.7 | 77 |
| Frigidaire UMV1422US | 1.4 | 59 |
| Frigidaire FPMO3077TF | 1.6 | 92 |
| Frigidaire FGMO3067UD | 1.6 | 87 |
| Sharp SMD2489ES | 1.2 | 86 |
| Sharp KB-6524PS | 1.2 | 69 |
| Bosch HMB57152UC | 1.6 | 72 |
| Bosch HMC54151UC | 1.6 | 83 |
| KitchenAid KMBP100ESS | 1.4 | 100 |
| KitchenAid KMBS104ESS | 1.4 | 68 |
| Café CSB913P2NS1 | 1.7 | 82 |
| Café CWB713P2NS1 | 1.7 | 75 |
Over the range microwave:
The size of the over-the-range microwaves is more than the countertop units. As a result, they weigh higher than the countertop microwaves. The standard weight of over-the-range microwaves is 60 pounds. However, the weight of this type of microwave ranges from 54 to 71 pounds.
| Microwave | Size (cu ft) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung ME21R7051SS | 2.1 | 50 |
| Samsung ME18H704SFS | 1.8 | 56 |
| Samsung ME19R7041FG | 1.9 | 62.4 |
| GE JNM3163DJBB | 1.6 | 56 |
| GE JVM3162RJSS | 1.6 | 63 |
| GE PVM9179EFES | 1.7 | 75 |
| GE PVM9005SJSS | 2.1 | 65 |
| FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1645TS | 1.6 | 52.6 |
| FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS | 1.8 | 59.9 |
| Sharp SMO1652DS | 1.6 | 50 |
| Sharp SMO1854DS | 1.8 | 51.1 |
| FRIGIDAIRE FGMV17WNVF | 1.7 | 60 |
| Galanz GLOMJB17S2AS | 1.7 | 78 |
| Cosmo COS-2413ORM1SS | 1.34 | 57.9 |
How much do 700 watts, 900 watts and 1100 watts microwaves weigh?
The weight of the 700 watts microwave is somewhat lower than that of 900 watts and 1100 watts. The 700 watts microwave usually weighs in the range of 11 to 25 pounds. Whereas, the 900 watts microwave weighs anything between 20 to 35 pounds. Then again, an 1100 watts microwave comes with a weight of 30 to 75 pounds.
Can you place a countertop microwave?
Due to the lightweight build, you can place your countertop microwave in different parts and surfaces of your house. Let’s take a detailed look at where you can place a countertop microwave without damaging it.
Over the range:
You can definitely place a countertop microwave over the range. In fact, it is a great spot for putting microwaves in small kitchens. However, the countertop microwave won’t vent properly above the stove as it would do in an open space.
In an Island:
A countertop microwave is light enough to be placed on an island. You will have better reach and a better cleaning experience by putting your microwave on a kitchen island.
Inside a cabinet, cupboard, or shelf:
If you don’t want to display your countertop microwave, you can put it inside a cabinet, cupboard, or shelf. You can do it without any worries because the countertop microwaves are very lightweight.
Can I put a microwave:
On top of a convection oven or toaster oven:
The convection oven or toaster oven can withstand the weight of a countertop microwave. However, the toaster or convection oven gets very hot which can melt the legs of the microwave oven. So, you can put a microwave on top of a toaster oven or convection oven if they have proper ventilation.
On top of a refrigerator:
The surface of the refrigerator won’t get dented or bend if you put a microwave on top of it. So, you can put your microwave on top of a refrigerator without any issue.
On top of a mini-fridge:
The top part of the mini-fridge is strong enough to hold a microwave without any damage. A mini fridges’ body is also heat resistant, so its surface won’t melt from the heat of a microwave.
On top of a freezer:
Yes, you can put a microwave on top of a freezer without damaging it. By placing your microwave on top of a freezer, you can save a lot of counter space in your kitchen.
On top of a dishwasher or tumble dryer:
Microwaves won’t interfere with the operation of a dishwasher or tumble dryer, neither will dent them. So, you can keep your microwave on top of a dishwasher or tumble dryer.
How much did the first microwave weigh?
The first microwave was built in 1947. Raytheon engineered it and it was known as Radarange. The weight of the first microwave was 750 pounds. Its height was approximately 6 feet.
Unlike modern microwaves, the first microwave was heavier and taller than refrigerators. It needed proper plumbing because the tubes of the magnetron need to be cooled through the water.
Do microwaves have a weight limit? How much weight can I put on top of my microwave?
Yes, microwaves do have a weight limit. The top surface is flat and doesn’t have enough support to withstand the weight of very heavy items.
So, you shouldn’t place anything heavier than 16 pounds on top of a microwave. You should also make sure that the weight is uniformly distributed throughout the top of the microwave.
That being said, the top surface of a microwave is a perfect place to store various household items. However, when the microwave is in use, the item stored on top of it should be removed.
Final Thoughts
The weight of a microwave can be anything in the range of 20 to 100 pounds. It varies depending on factors like size, type, and watts. A countertop microwave weighs less than that of built-in and over-the-range units. Moreover, the larger the size, the more the weight will be.