If you have been shopping around for a new kitchen appliance, you may wonder what size microwave fits a dinner plate. Even the best microwaves, after all, come in a wide range of sizes and many may not fit the dishware you use in your home. Keep reading to learn about microwave sizes and the plates they can accommodate.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Microwaves generally break down into three sizes-small, medium, and large.
- Small microwaves can fit dinner plates up to ten inches wide, while medium microwaves can fit plates up to 14-inches in diameter.
- Large microwave ovens can fit multiple plates and related containers at the same time, though they boast sizes off many cubic feet and could take up a lot of counter space.
Microwave Sizes and Dinner Plates
Nobody likes transferring food from one container to another, particularly when microwaving (they can get hot.) So can you be reasonably assured that a standard microwave can fit your dinner plates? Here is the lowdown. Even a small microwave, compact model, can fit dinner plates up to 10-inches in diameter. Medium-sized microwaves can fit plates up to 14-inches in diameter. Large microwaves, however, can fit the biggest dinner plates and typically fit multiple dishes at once. Of course, putting more than one plate in at once could create a mess, so you had better learn how to clean a microwave with baking soda.
Insider Tip
Check the dimensions of your plate before using it in a microwave, including the diameter and depth.
Common Microwave Sizes
The most common microwave size available with newly released models holds around 20 liters and squarely fits into the medium-sized category of microwaves. Medium microwaves are the most popular option available, as they are large enough to hold just about any dinner plate but small enough to fit on nearly any countertop or built-in enclosure. If your microwave is too large for your kitchen, you may find the cleaning process to be cumbersome, particularly if you are learning how to clean grease off a microwave over the stove as is the case with range models.
Can All Plates be Used in a Microwave?
Most dinner plates can be placed inside of a microwave, as they are made with microwave-safe materials and lack metal and certain kinds of plastics. You should still double-check, however, checking the manufacturer of your dinner plates to ensure that they are microwave-safe.
Can Cookery Be Placed in a Microwave?
In most cases, no, depending on the materials used during the manufacturing process. Metal of all types should not be placed in a microwave oven, as it can spark and cause a dangerous fire inside the cavity. Certain plastics, such as those manufactured with BPA, should also not be put in a microwave.
F.A.Q.S
Can you fit a dinner plate in a 0.9 microwave?
Yes, a small countertop microwave or range microwave should be able to fit a small-to-medium dinner plate. Smaller microwaves also boast a shorter cooking time in some cases.
Sharp drawer microwave – do they fit a 10″ dinner plate?
Drawer microwaves feature different dimensions from countertop models, so check the documentation.
Is there a big difference between a 900-watt and a 1000-watt microwave?
A 1,000-watt microwave and a 900-watt microwave will not feature much of a difference when it comes to power levels.
STAT: The countertop microwave oven was introduced in 1967 by the Amana Corporation. (source)
