Consumer microwaves typically come in two types in three sizes.

* Compact Microwave- A compact microwave, also called small or portable, is the smallest type of typically available consumer microwave. Compacts are the most popular size of microwave oven. A typical model is no more than 18 inches wide (46 cm) and 14 inches (35.5 cm) or less deep and 12 inches (30.5 cm) or less tall. These ovens are rated between 500 and 1000 watts of power and measure less than 1 cubic foot in capacity. These ovens are primarily used for reheating food and making microwave meals and popcorn. The largest models will accommodate a 2 quart round casserole dish and are suitable for light cooking. These ovens are not made to cook large amounts of food. Their compact size and low wattage make these ovens ubiquitous in college dormitories and office breakrooms everywhere. Typically these models cost less than $100 US.

* Medium Capacity Microwave-These microwaves are larger than compact microwaves. Their heights and depths are only marginally larger than compacts, but they are typically 20 inches (51 cm) wide or more. Their interiors are typically between 1 and 1.5 cubic feet and power runs from 1000-1500 watts. These are the standard "family" sized microwave. They cook marginally faster and can accommodate small square casseroles, large round casseroles, and large bowls. They are suitable for cooking vegetables and small pieces of meat and large frozen entrees. They have a few more "auto-cook" features.

* Large Capacity- These are big microwaves designed for cooking meals. Large capacity ovens can handle 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) casserole dishes, cook tall items like roasts or turkey breast, and have a large number of "auto-cook" and precise temperature control measures. Large capacity oven normally use over 2000 watts and have over two cubic feet of capacity. These ovens are normally well-over 20 inches (51 cm) wide, as much as 20 inches deep, and 12 inches (30.5 cm) or more high.

* Counter Top microwaves dominate the market. These ovens are designed to sit on a counter or table.

* Built In microwaves are ovens that are built into the cabinetry similar to traditional ovens. These ovens are typically more expensive than countertops. Some built in microwaves are combined with an exhaust fan for installation above a cooktop.

Increasingly, microwaves are sold with additional features including combining them with convection cooking, "top browning" elements that will brown food (similar to the broiling function on an oven) and even rotisseries in the oven. Most microwaves have white enamel interiors but high end models are often stainless steel, like the original radar range.