Microwaves That Fit Under a Cabinet

The mistake most "short microwave" lists make is quoting the cabinet height and forgetting the manufacturer requires open space above the unit for ventilation. A 12-inch microwave that needs 3 inches of top clearance actually needs a 15-inch gap. Every model below is a countertop unit whose height plus its required top clearance fits comfortably under standard upper cabinets — measured the way it actually installs.

• ✓ Measure from the countertop to the underside of the upper cabinet — that gap, not the microwave height, is your real constraint.
• ✓ Add the manufacturer top clearance (usually 2–3 inches) to the unit height; blocking the top vent risks overheating.
• ✓ Leave the front lip clear so the door opens fully and steam vents away from the cabinet above.
• ✓ Depth matters too on shallow counters — check the door-open depth, which extends well past the body.

119 models in this guide