A 0.5 cubic foot microwave is a compact countertop model, usually about 15–19 inches wide, 10–11 inches high, and 12–16 inches deep, sized for reheating and small meals rather than full-size cookware.
For the full breakdown, see our best 0.5 Cubic Foot Microwave Oven guide.
That narrow footprint is exactly why people buy one — and exactly why it trips people up. The number that sinks most small-kitchen purchases isn’t width or height; it’s how far the door swings into the room. A 0.5 cu. ft. unit often needs well over two feet of open-door clearance, so a counter that looks roomy in the store can leave you unable to open the door at home.
Here’s the real size range, the one you’ll measure against your counter, plus what actually fits on that small turntable.
What Are the Typical Dimensions of a 0.5 Cubic Foot Microwave?
A 0.5 cubic foot microwave generally measures about 15 to 19 inches wide, 10 to 11 inches high, and 12 to 16 inches deep. Depth is measured with the door closed; the open-door figure is larger and is the one that decides whether the appliance works in your space.
One widely sold 0.5 cu. ft. model lists official exterior dimensions of 15-3/8 inches wide by 14-1/8 inches high by 13-3/4 inches deep, running on 750 watts at 120 volts. The retailer listing for that same model puts the depth at 25.5 inches with the door open — roughly a foot more than the closed measurement.
That gap is the whole story. Maytag’s microwave sizing guidance recommends leaving 1 inch of space between the microwave and the wall behind it for airflow, and that’s on top of the door swing. Add the two together and a spot that fits the closed box may still fail the real test.
Will It Fit Your Counter or Cabinet Opening?
Measure width, height, and depth of the available space before buying — then measure the open-door clearance separately, because that’s the number that most often rules a spot out.
Work in this order:
- Width and height of the counter run or cabinet shelf. Compare against the published exterior dimensions.
- Closed depth against the counter depth, leaving that 1 inch of rear ventilation clearance.
- Open-door depth against the distance to the nearest obstacle — a fridge, a wall, a doorway. If the swing hits something, the microwave doesn’t fit no matter what the box says.
Two limits worth knowing before you commit. First, a 0.5 cu. ft. microwave is a countertop appliance; it isn’t built to drop into an over-the-range or built-in opening, which have their own ventilation requirements. If you’re replacing a mounted unit, check the installation type rather than assuming the new one slots in. Second, published exterior dimensions describe the outside of the box, not the usable cavity inside — so capacity alone never guarantees a specific dish will fit.
If the measurements check out and you’re ready to compare specific models, this roundup of the best 0.5 cubic foot microwave ovens breaks down tested picks by size and wattage. The table below shows how the numbers line up in practice.
| Measurement | Typical 0.5 Cu. Ft. Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 15–19 inches | Sets the narrowest counter run that works |
| Height | 10–11 inches | Decides shelf and cabinet clearance |
| Closed depth | 12–16 inches | Must fit counter depth plus rear airflow gap |
| Open-door depth | 23–30 inches | The real limiting number in tight kitchens |
| Turntable diameter | About 11 inches | Caps the widest plate or dish that spins freely |
| Wattage | About 700–750 W | Lower power means longer reheat times |
| Installation type | Countertop only | Not built for over-the-range or built-in openings |
What Fits Inside a 0.5 Cubic Foot Microwave?
A 0.5 cubic foot microwave handles a full 11-inch dinner plate, a mug of coffee, a bowl of leftovers, or a single serving of a frozen meal. It is not built for a large casserole dish or a whole chicken.
The turntable sets the practical limit. On the model noted above, the 11-inch turntable is why a standard dinner plate can spin without catching the walls. Anything wider — a rectangular baking dish, a big pasta bowl, a family-size casserole — will either not rotate or not fit at all.
Compact microwaves in this class are meant for reheating drinks, warming leftovers, and cooking small meals. If your routine leans on big batch cooking, a 0.5 cu. ft. unit will frustrate you fast; a 0.9 cu. ft. model gives noticeably more room for a modest jump in footprint. KitchenAid’s microwave dimension guide walks through how the larger size classes compare if you’re weighing that trade-off.
FAQs
Is a 0.5 cubic foot microwave big enough for a dinner plate?
Yes, typically. The 11-inch turntable common to this size class fits a standard 11-inch dinner plate with room to rotate. Wider or rectangular dishes usually won’t spin freely, so check your largest plate diameter before buying if dinner plates are a priority for you.
Can a 0.5 cubic foot microwave be mounted over a range?
No. This size class is built as a countertop appliance and isn’t designed for over-the-range or built-in installation, which carry their own ventilation and clearance requirements. If you’re replacing a mounted unit, confirm the installation type before buying rather than assuming a compact model will slot in.
How much space does the door need to open?
Plan on 23 to 30 inches of open-door depth, depending on the model — one common 0.5 cu. ft. unit reaches 25.5 inches with the door open. Add Maytag’s recommended 1 inch of rear airflow space, and door swing is often the measurement that rules a spot out.
