A 1.7 cu ft over-the-range microwave is about 30 inches wide, but fitting above a standard 30-inch range depends on cabinet opening width, depth, height, and vent clearance.
Most 1.7 cu ft over-the-range microwaves measure roughly 29.875 to 30 inches wide, matching a standard 30-inch range cabinet — but width alone doesn’t guarantee a fit.
Below are verified dimensions for current models, the clearance rules that decide fit, and the mistakes that cause returns.
What Are The Real Dimensions Of A 1.7 Cu Ft Over The Range Microwave?
Width is nearly universal at about 29.875 to 30 inches, but height and depth swing widely. Spec sheets show height from 16.3125 inches on the GE JVM6175YKFS to 17 1/16 inches on the Samsung ME17R7011ES.
Three measurements get confused:
- Product dimensions — the exterior box size that must fit your cabinet opening.
- Cutout dimensions — the cabinet opening required, sometimes listed as minimum width.
- Interior cavity dimensions — usable space inside, which never matches the exterior.
The GE JVM6175YKFS lists a 20.6875 in W x 10.3125 in H x 14.1875 in D interior, while its exterior is 29.875 in W x 16.3125 in H x 15.5625 in D. Those numbers are not interchangeable.
Model-By-Model Dimensions And Clearances
Width stays consistent at 30 inches, so the deciding factors are depth, door swing, and cabinet and vent requirements.
| Model | Exterior Dimensions (W x H x D) | Key Clearance Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool UMV1170LB | 30 in x 17-1/8 in x 15-1/2 in | Standard 30 in cabinet width |
| GE JVM6175YKFS | 29.875 in x 16.3125 in x 15.5625 in | 2 in minimum from microwave bottom to range backguard |
| GE Profile PVM9179DRWW | 29.875 in x 16.3125 in x 17.25 in | Deeper body; verify cabinet depth |
| Samsung ME17R7011ES | 29 7/8 in x 17 1/16 in x 16 1/2 in | 30 in wide cabinet opening, ranges up to 36 in wide |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS | 29.88 in x 16.44 in x 15.44 in | 38.81 in depth with door open |
| LG UPMC3084ST | 29 15/16 in x 16 7/16 in x 15 3/8 in | 30 in cutout width, 13 in max depth, 3 in clearance at 90° door open |
| Insignia 1.7 cu ft OTR | 29 5/8 in x 16 7/16 in x 15 9/16 in | Standard 30 in cabinet width |
If you’re comparing specific models, this breakdown of top-rated 1.7 cu ft over-the-range microwaves pairs each unit with its listed dimensions and clearance specs.
Two clearance numbers get skipped most often. Door-open depth can exceed 38 inches — the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS lists 38.81 inches — which matters if a counter, island, or doorway sits in the swing path. LG’s UPMC3084ST requires 3 inches of clearance at 90° door open, with a maximum cabinet depth of 13 inches.
The exhaust outlet connects to a 3-1/4 in x 10 in duct.
Will It Actually Fit Above Your Stove?
It fits only if four things line up: cabinet opening width of at least 30 inches, sufficient cabinet depth, correct mounting height, and a compatible vent duct.
Check these before buying:
- Measure the cabinet opening width — 30 inches minimum is common; the Samsung ME17R7011ES calls for a 30-inch wide opening.
- Measure available depth against the model’s spec, including the LG’s 13-inch maximum cabinet depth.
- Confirm the wall cabinet can bear the weight and the opening is unobstructed.
- Verify your duct route matches the exhaust outlet — the GE sheet uses a 3-1/4 in x 10 in duct.
- Check door swing against the model’s door-open depth.
The most common mistake is treating “1.7 cu ft” as a universal fit guarantee. Capacity describes interior volume, not exterior size, and two 1.7 cu ft microwaves can differ by nearly 2 inches in depth. Pull the exact model’s installation sheet and match minimum cabinet opening width, maximum cabinet depth, and required mounting height against your space.
FAQs
Does every 1.7 cu ft over-the-range microwave fit a 30-inch cabinet?
No. Width is consistent at roughly 29.875 to 30 inches, but height and depth vary. A deeper body, like the GE Profile PVM9179DRWW at 17.25 inches deep, may not clear a shallow cabinet even though its width matches a standard 30-inch opening.
How much space do I need between the microwave and the stove?
The GE installation sheet calls for at least 2 inches between the microwave bottom and the range backguard, allowing the light cover to be removed.
Do I need to worry about the door swing?
Yes. Door-open depth can exceed 38 inches on some models, such as the Frigidaire FMOS1746BS at 38.81 inches. LG’s UPMC3084ST requires 3 inches of clearance at 90 degrees. Check for counters or doorways in that path.
References & Sources
- Whirlpool. “1,000-Watt Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.7 cu. ft. — UMV1170LB” Confirms exterior height of 17-1/8 inches and 30-inch width for this model.
- GE Appliances. “GE 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven — JVM6175YKFS” Supports the 29.875 in x 16.3125 in x 15.5625 in exterior and interior cavity dimensions.
- GE Appliances. “GE Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven — PVM9179” Documents the 17.25-inch depth that makes this model the deepest in the comparison.
