Choosing the right microwave can be surprisingly tricky. With so many sizes, features, and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One question that frequently pops up is whether a 0.7 cubic foot microwave offers enough space for everyday cooking needs. Let’s delve into the world of compact microwaves and explore whether they’re a good fit for your lifestyle.
Understanding Microwave Sizes: What Does 0.7 Cubic Feet Really Mean?
Before we can determine if 0.7 cubic feet is too small, it’s important to understand what that measurement represents. Cubic feet refers to the interior volume of the microwave oven, dictating how much space you have to work with. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is considered a compact or small microwave.
Think of it this way: imagine filling the inside of the microwave with water. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave would hold about 5.2 gallons of water. That might sound like a lot, but remember, we’re talking about the internal dimensions. In practice, this translates to limitations on the size of dishes and food items you can comfortably fit inside.
Typical Interior Dimensions of a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave
While the cubic footage gives you a general idea, the actual interior dimensions vary slightly between models. Generally, you can expect a 0.7 cubic foot microwave to have interior dimensions roughly around:
- Width: 10-12 inches
- Depth: 12-14 inches
- Height: 7-9 inches
These dimensions significantly impact what you can heat or cook inside. Larger dinner plates or bulky containers might not fit, requiring you to transfer food to smaller, microwave-safe dishes.
How 0.7 Cubic Feet Compares to Other Microwave Sizes
Microwaves come in a range of sizes, generally categorized as:
- Compact (0.5 – 0.7 cubic feet): The smallest option, ideal for single users or very limited spaces.
- Mid-Size (0.8 – 1.1 cubic feet): A good balance of size and functionality, suitable for small families and apartment dwellers.
- Full-Size (1.2 – 1.6 cubic feet): Offers ample space for larger dishes and family meals.
- Large (1.6+ cubic feet): Designed for families who frequently cook large meals or need to heat multiple items simultaneously.
A 0.7 cubic foot microwave clearly sits at the lower end of this scale. Its smaller size makes it more limited in terms of capacity compared to mid-size and full-size options.
Who Benefits from a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave?
Despite its limitations, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave can be the perfect choice for certain individuals and situations. Its compact size and affordability make it an attractive option for those with specific needs.
Ideal for Single Individuals and Students
A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is an excellent choice for individuals living alone, such as students in dorm rooms or those in small apartments. It’s perfectly adequate for heating up single servings of food, reheating leftovers, or making simple microwave meals. The small footprint minimizes clutter in limited spaces.
Perfect for Office Breakrooms
Many offices choose 0.7 cubic foot microwaves for their breakrooms. They’re sufficient for employees to heat up their lunches or snacks without taking up excessive counter space. Their affordability also makes them a cost-effective solution for providing employees with a convenient cooking appliance.
Great for Tight Spaces and RVs
If you have limited counter space in your kitchen or are looking for a microwave for your RV, a 0.7 cubic foot model can be a lifesaver. Its small size allows it to fit comfortably in tight corners or on shelves, maximizing space efficiency.
Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient Option
Compact microwaves are generally more affordable than larger models. If you’re on a tight budget, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave can be a great way to save money. They also tend to consume less energy due to their smaller size, which can translate into lower electricity bills.
The Limitations of a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave
While a 0.7 cubic foot microwave offers several advantages, it’s important to be aware of its limitations. These limitations can significantly impact your cooking experience if your needs extend beyond simple heating tasks.
Inability to Accommodate Larger Dishes
This is perhaps the biggest drawback. A 0.7 cubic foot microwave struggles with larger dinner plates, casserole dishes, or even some microwave-safe containers. This means you’ll often need to transfer food to smaller dishes before heating, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Difficulty Cooking Larger Meals
If you frequently cook meals for multiple people or like to prepare large batches of food, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave will likely be insufficient. It’s simply not designed to handle the volume required for larger meals.
Limited Functionality Compared to Larger Models
While basic models offer essential features like cooking time and power level adjustments, you’ll likely miss out on advanced features found in larger microwaves. These features might include sensor cooking, pre-programmed settings for specific foods, convection cooking, or grilling capabilities.
May Require Multiple Cooking Cycles
Heating larger portions of food can take longer in a 0.7 cubic foot microwave. You may need to pause the cooking process, stir the food, and continue heating to ensure even cooking. This can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry.
Assessing Your Needs: Is 0.7 Cubic Feet Enough for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is too small depends entirely on your individual needs and cooking habits. Consider the following factors to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
How Often Do You Use a Microwave?
If you only use a microwave occasionally for simple tasks like reheating coffee or melting butter, a 0.7 cubic foot model might suffice. However, if you rely on a microwave for daily meal preparation, a larger size might be more practical.
What Types of Food Do You Typically Cook?
Consider the types of food you typically heat or cook in a microwave. If you primarily heat single servings of leftovers or frozen meals, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave might be adequate. However, if you frequently cook larger dishes or prepare meals from scratch, a larger microwave will provide more flexibility.
How Many People Do You Typically Cook For?
If you’re cooking for one person, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave can be a good fit. However, if you regularly cook for two or more people, you’ll likely need a larger microwave to accommodate larger portions.
What is Your Budget?
Compact microwaves are generally more affordable than larger models. If you’re on a tight budget, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave can be a cost-effective option. However, keep in mind that you might need to compromise on features or cooking capacity.
How Much Counter Space Do You Have?
If you have limited counter space, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave can be a great space-saving solution. Its small footprint allows it to fit comfortably in tight corners or on shelves.
Alternatives to a 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave
If you’re unsure whether a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is the right choice for you, consider exploring alternative options. These options offer a balance of size, functionality, and features to accommodate a wider range of cooking needs.
Mid-Size Microwaves (0.8 – 1.1 Cubic Feet)
Mid-size microwaves offer a good compromise between size and functionality. They can accommodate larger dinner plates and casserole dishes while still being relatively compact. They also typically offer a wider range of features than smaller models.
Full-Size Microwaves (1.2 – 1.6 Cubic Feet)
Full-size microwaves are ideal for families or individuals who frequently cook large meals. They offer ample space for larger dishes and multiple items. They also typically offer a wide range of advanced features, such as sensor cooking and convection cooking.
Countertop Convection Microwaves
These microwaves combine the functionality of a microwave with the convection cooking capabilities of a traditional oven. This allows you to bake, roast, and grill food in addition to microwaving. They offer versatility and convenience, but they can be more expensive than standard microwaves.
Microwave Drawers
Microwave drawers are installed under the countertop, saving valuable counter space. They offer a sleek and modern look and are available in various sizes. However, they can be more expensive than countertop microwaves.
Making the Final Decision: Prioritizing Your Needs
Choosing the right microwave is a personal decision based on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering your cooking habits, budget, and space constraints, you can determine whether a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is the right fit for you. Remember to prioritize your needs and weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. Don’t hesitate to read reviews, compare models, and visit stores to see microwaves in person before making your final decision.
Is a 0.7 cubic foot microwave suitable for everyday use?
A 0.7 cubic foot microwave is generally considered a compact or small microwave, best suited for very limited tasks and single-person use. It’s ideal for reheating single servings of food, brewing a quick cup of coffee or tea, and perhaps cooking a small bag of popcorn. However, its diminutive size restricts its ability to accommodate larger dishes, standard-sized dinner plates, or multiple food items at once, making it less practical for families or anyone who regularly cooks or reheats larger portions.
The limitations of a small microwave can lead to frustration if you frequently prepare meals or rely on microwaving for quick meals. While it serves a purpose in dorm rooms, small apartments, or offices where space is at a premium, it often requires multiple heating cycles for larger portions. This inefficiency can be time-consuming and potentially lead to unevenly cooked food. For most individuals and families, a larger capacity microwave offers a more versatile and convenient cooking experience.
What are the benefits of choosing a 0.7 cubic foot microwave?
The most significant advantage of a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is its compact size, making it ideal for environments with limited counter space. This makes it a popular choice for dorm rooms, small apartments, offices, or even RVs where maximizing available area is crucial. Its smaller footprint translates to easier placement and integration into constrained spaces.
Another benefit is its lower price point compared to larger models. A smaller microwave typically costs less to purchase, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals on a tight budget or those who only need a microwave for very basic tasks. Furthermore, these smaller units tend to consume less energy, resulting in slightly lower electricity bills, although the difference may not be substantial.
What types of dishes or food items will NOT fit in a 0.7 cubic foot microwave?
Many standard-sized dinner plates, typically measuring around 10-12 inches in diameter, will not rotate freely, or potentially not fit at all, within a 0.7 cubic foot microwave. This limitation extends to rectangular or oblong dishes commonly used for baking or reheating lasagna, casseroles, or other family-sized meals. Trying to force these larger items inside could damage the microwave or prevent even cooking.
Items like whole chickens, large pizzas, or multiple servings of food are also entirely unsuitable for this size microwave. The interior dimensions are simply too small to accommodate these items without causing them to get stuck or interfering with the rotating turntable. Consequently, individuals needing to microwave these types of food items will find a 0.7 cubic foot model inadequate for their needs.
How does a 0.7 cubic foot microwave compare to larger microwave sizes in terms of cooking power?
While cooking power (wattage) can vary across different models, a 0.7 cubic foot microwave often has a lower wattage compared to larger models. This generally translates to longer cooking times to achieve the same level of doneness. This isn’t always the case, as some smaller models can have comparable wattage to larger, lower-end microwaves, but typically a bigger microwave necessitates a higher power output to evenly cook the bigger volume of food.
The lower wattage can be a drawback when you need to quickly reheat leftovers or cook food in a hurry. The difference in cooking time might not be significant for very small items, but it becomes noticeable when preparing larger portions or items that require thorough heating. So, while the actual cooking time may vary based on power settings, the lower wattage often leads to longer heating periods compared to larger microwaves.
What are some popular uses for a 0.7 cubic foot microwave?
One of the most common uses for a 0.7 cubic foot microwave is for heating up individual servings of leftovers, such as a single portion of pasta or a bowl of soup. Its compact size makes it convenient for quickly reheating these types of meals, especially in office environments or dorm rooms where individual use is prevalent. It’s also suitable for melting butter or chocolate in small quantities for baking.
Another typical application is for making single-serving microwave meals, such as instant noodles, oatmeal, or a small bag of popcorn. It is also perfectly suitable for heating up a quick cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Because of its small size and typically low wattage, it is often ideal for tasks that require minimal time and space and are designed for individual consumption.
Is a 0.7 cubic foot microwave energy efficient?
Due to their smaller size and lower power output, 0.7 cubic foot microwaves tend to be relatively energy efficient compared to larger models. This is because they require less energy to heat the smaller interior cavity and operate at lower wattage levels, leading to lower overall energy consumption during each use.
However, it’s important to consider that the energy efficiency can be impacted by cooking time. If you need to repeatedly heat items for longer periods in a smaller microwave to achieve the desired temperature, the overall energy savings may be minimized. While the initial wattage draw is lower, extended cooking times can negate some of the energy benefits, especially compared to a larger, more powerful microwave that can cook food more quickly.
What should I consider before purchasing a 0.7 cubic foot microwave?
Before purchasing a 0.7 cubic foot microwave, carefully assess your typical microwaving needs and the amount of available counter space. Consider how often you use the microwave, the types of food you typically heat or cook, and whether you need to prepare meals for more than one person. If you frequently use larger plates, dishes, or containers, a 0.7 cubic foot model will likely prove inadequate and lead to frustration.
Also, carefully check the interior dimensions to ensure that your most commonly used dishes will fit and rotate freely. While the compact size is appealing for space-saving, it’s crucial to ensure that the microwave can comfortably accommodate your usual cooking and reheating needs. Factor in the wattage and available features as these vary from model to model, and consider how the smaller size may increase your cooking or heating time.