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Looking for micowave to fit in a cabinet - maximum 12 inches depth

12 years ago
Had a cabinet made for new kitchen to fit a microwave but does not work asthetically and for other reasons. My contractor can put microwave in a 24 inch wide cabinet but must be no deeper than 12 inches. Having a hard time finding such a narrow one.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Comments (94)

  • PRO
    8 years ago

  • 8 years ago

    FOUND ONE! Just bought this one "GARRISON" ---SKU: GRRI1105 on the Wayfair website. it only comes in black but that is not an issue ..

    because its going to be in a cabinet.

    11.5'' H x 19.13'' W x 11.5'' D


    PERFECT!!!


  • 8 years ago

    Same problem here. Depth of microwave is 19 5/8". Does anyone know how deep the actual shelf needs to be? How much of this 19 5/8" is the door of the microwave?

  • 8 years ago

    Some sights like AJ Madison will let you spec a desired height to narrow down your choices. I ran into a builder "microwave shelf" cabinet that had the same dimensions; nixed it when I realized how few micros are that short and it still didn't allow for some ventilation... Good luck.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    We have the same problem and came up with the GE Profile PEM31SFSS. Did anyone get the trim kit and can you post a pic of how it all looks. I want my carpenter to just trim it out to save the $150 but my husband says it won't look right.

  • 8 years ago

    You can see trimmed out photos on the GE website. If not for that model, then for the Profile or Monogram versions. All the same oven. Make sure you check trim kit dimensions. My 5 yr old oven with trim kit failed. Cabinet cannot fit trim kit for the new generation model.

  • 8 years ago

    Thank you for updating this thread. We are remodeling our kitchen and we have the exact same issues stated above. I am concerned about some of the bad review I read about the GE Profile PEM31. I don't want to spend $300 just so it fits in my cabinet and then have a poorly performing microwave. We are having custom cabinets built so we have some wiggle room. Suggestions?

  • 8 years ago

    My only suggestion is to put a microwave in a cabinet that is deeper than 12”. That way, if it fails at some point, you’ll be able to fit another microwave in. Perhaps go on one of the online appliance retailer sites and see what are common microwave dimensions. There are several independent trim kit providers. I’m upset that GE changed its 20-year old specs 3 years after I redid my kitchen, and then the microwave had issues.

  • 8 years ago

    Thank you chestnutkitchen for your comment and suggestions. Yes, we found a Frigidaire that should work and we are having that cabinet built out to 15" to be on the safe side. It is the only cabinet on that wall next to the refrigerator so it should look okay. We looked at the GE also, but the microwave had some terrible ratings. I'll let you know how this works out. Thanks again.

  • 8 years ago

    One last suggestion - our problem arose because the cabinet maker, who recommended the GE microwave, made the cabinet a custom size: 26-1/2” vs 27”. What I wouldn’t give for that extra 1/2”. The new GE trim kit for the “updated” oven is 1/8” too wide to fit so we are stuck with a microwave whose interior paint is peeling. Make the cabinet to a size that will hold several models and their trim kits. That way you’ll ensure this one will last forever.

  • 8 years ago

    As of this moment, I have not been able to find any of these suggested or linked models, available, with a 12" or under depth. They are either unavailable or over 12" depth. So, we still need current suggestions on this thread!

  • 8 years ago

    Kayla --- I just went on the Wayfair site and found the one that I used -- its also out of stock BUT its back in stock in 3 weeks.. its the Garrison GRRI1105. IF you sign into the wayfair site and search for it you can add your email to be notified when its back in stock. I used it and its perfect fit. I had the same issue you did trying to find one .. it was so hard!


    Good luck!

  • 7 years ago

    Did this one fit in a cabinet depth of 12 inches?


  • 7 years ago

    Same issue here, still looking for one to fit in cabinet depth of 12 inches

  • 7 years ago

    Approximatly 11.4" depth microwave is the smallest I can find:


    https://www.canadianappliance.ca/product/Danby_DMW07A2SSDD_Microwaves_Danby_DMW07A2SSDD.html




  • 7 years ago

    @marthurs32 I see the microwave on wayfair but they note the depth as 12.88... is it actually less? Thank you SOOO much! Analise

  • 7 years ago

    In my previous home, the layout included a beautiful custom range hood, so no over- range micro was possible. My cabinet company put in a shelf for the microwave to sit on. I wanted a larger but shallow microwave and found that the fan for most over- range microwaves is removable. We simply bought an over- the- range model, removed the fan hardware from the bottom and placed it on the shelf. look great as it fit the cabinet width close enough look built-in.


  • 7 years ago

    Hey there,


    I am also scouring the internet for a 12" deep microwave to sit flush along wall cabinets. Some of the suggested units on this thread are no longer avail. The links below seem to be the best options recommend here so far but two are still slightly deeper than 12". Plus we need to consider the cord/plug. Maybe hollowing out wall space in the back behind MW would get us the space we need....but what if there is a 2x4 there?


    If anyone has come up with others MW's beside the ones below or ideas please share...


    This first link to a GE would probably fit in an 18" wide cabinet and is 700 watt and the next link is a much more expensive GE at 24" wide at 800 watts. I'm not sure how much a difference 100 watts would make, but I suppose it could. The turntables are about the same size slightly over 10.5" and large enough to fit my dinner plates but not all. Both are a little larger than 12" in depth.


    https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/JES1072SHSS.html


    https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/PEM31DFWW.html


    The link below to the Danby seems like it could fit in a 12" base cabinet based on what reviewers said the overall depth is, but only a 10 1/4" dinner plate might work. Can't have it all at less than 12" depth. There aren't to many reviews on this item so I can't get a decent feel on quality.


    https://www.amazon.com/Danby-Designer-0-7-cu-Microwave/dp/B00O7W98BY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=DMW07A2SSDD&qid=1550692525&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews


    Again....suggestions welcome.



  • 7 years ago

    Count me in with the group. The one on wayfair is now discontinued. And it looks like almost everything else requires downsizing to a 700W which I don't want to do. 900+W in a 12.5" depth or less under $300 is really hard to find. Why did the specs change?

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Would the GE Profile PEM31SFSS fit a 11 1/2" depth cabinet? I see the depth is 12 7/8".

  • 7 years ago

    Yes. With trim kit it sits a little in front of cabinet. Can remove drywall behind the cabinet to get an extra 1/2". Check GE photos online - they are for standard cabinets. (You may also be able to call them. They suggested ordering a trim kit for the updated model to see if it would fit my cabinets, and if not, to return it. It didn't :;-(. That's why I'm on this forum. But they did take the return as they said they would)

  • 7 years ago

    Please anyone .... What are the precise exterior measurements of the GE PEM31SFSS? - my opening is 24" wide , 11.25 tall , and 12" deep. It make extend out of the front opening a bit- would that look OK? or would it interfere with the door opening I wonder. I feel so frustrated as I know everyone on this thread does. Why in the world would GE change the specs on such a SPECIALTY item??

  • 7 years ago

    tchieffo did you get the danby- did it work? I see lots of questions and not so many solutions....solutions anyone?



  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Watch out about trying to use a trim kit - that usually is not allowed with a shallow depth microwave installation. Th best thing to do is take a tape measure and go to the store. There are many brands available that are smaller than 24 " wide and will fit in shallower cabinets. Go to Target, Best Buy, Walmart - you will see panasonic, Oster, Black and Decker. Whether these give you the turntable size you need or strength you need, that is another question. This should have been dealt with when the kitchen was being designed.

    If your cabinet is 12 " deep then the interior is around 11 1/2 +- . Your best bet is to find a unit where the feet will sit on the shelf and then the door will probably stick out to the cabinet door fronts or slightly further.

    You can cut out the wall behind the microwave to gain depth but that is almost impossible if everything had already been installed.

    Best of luck!

  • 6 years ago

    I need a 12" depth over the range microwave that vents. Any suggestions? I've been looking everywhere and cannot find one that vents...

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Most over the range microwave units are deeper than 12 " ( usually 15 otherwise you would never be able to fit a plate in there ) and they all have the option to vent outside, as far as I know

  • 6 years ago

    BE CAREFULL microwaves with handles like this one often don't add handle depth to microwave full depth. https://www.amazon.com/Danby-DMW077BLSDD-Countertop-Microwave-Stainless/dp/B0055UBB4O


  • 6 years ago

    I read the entire post and still cannot find microwave with depth less than 12 :(


  • 6 years ago

    I know this is an old post, but since people are still asking, let me just point out something about depth. just because the microwave itself is 12" (or less) deep, doesn't mean it's good to go. read the rough-in specs about installation. most of those in-cabinet micro's require a good few inches extra to allow for venting. the micro also has to say it's ok for built-in. you can't just take a micro meant for a countertop and stick it in a cabinet.

  • 6 years ago

    Dealing with this issue in the design of my kitchen. I may end up framing out that opening and just backing it with plywood. Should gain 2.5-3" - recessed microwave. Obviously it depends on what anyone has going on in that wall space.

  • 6 years ago

    Yeah, create a fire hazard by not allowing for ventilation why don’t you.

  • 6 years ago

    live oak, you do understand that a built in microwave is surrounded by plywood right?

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Only been dealing with this for 25 years of reading and understanding appliance specs. You do understand that a trim kit provides the manufacturer’s required ventilation to be able to build in a MW? And that a trim kit is a requirement for a built in unit? It’s not optional. That requires open space around them in a cabinet. A 27” or 30” cabinet, minimum of 18” deep for some models. Others require 21” depth minimum. They can’t be shoved directly into a too small cabinet, or up against a rear wall. Or have the drywall removed and shoved against a wood stud. That’s not how this works. Unless you want a denied insurance claim for the fire.

  • 6 years ago

    I see many of us are still looking for answers with this microwave dilemma. I just spoke to GE re the Profile PEM31SF that seems to be mentioned on this thread frequently. I was told I could put the microwave on a shelf (a cubby of sorts attached to the wall cabinet) with 1“ of space behind, and 3” on top and sides. I’m concerned with venting if I’m not using the trim kit.


  • 5 years ago

    a little update... I no longer use a microwave. I switched to a toaster oven for all cooking and rewarming. then this year I got a Balmuda, the tiny “bread” toaster oven. It’s very small, but for a single person it serves all my needs. toasting, reheating food, even baking a small dish of something. it’s very small and fits everywhere quite well.

  • 5 years ago

    Same boat here in this old thread. I have a under cabinet built in shelf with the following dimensions

    23-7/8” Wide

    15-3/4” High

    18” deep

    It is really 12" deep on the sides but has a tray that sticks out 18 inches to accomodate a microwave that is deeper. I don't really want it to stick out that much though since i think it won't look nice. So bummed I can't get the GE profile since it is 24 in inches wide.. Any recommendations are welcome.

  • 5 years ago

    Oh it's so tiny @heather lagattuta -- Thanks for the info. I'm trying to find something a little more powerful.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    @Mariana Lin

    my breville bread toaster seems to be dying and when researching i came across the balmuda. seems to have glowing press reviews, but also a few sketchy ones on amazon. how do you like yours? does it deliver for its price? would you recommend it? thanks.

  • 5 years ago

    I'd like to share my solution to the 24" wide x 12"deep upper cabinet problem. This may not apply to many (or even most) people, but I hope that it helps some. The GE PEM31 (and a JEM 31 previously) is installed inside a 24" opening in the upper cabinet using the optional under counter mounting kit (screws into the cabinet above the microwave). The microwave projects 1" from the front of the cabinet boxes -- which is the thickness of the door and looks entirely natural since the doors of the cabinets along the wall are 3/4" thick. The microwave is installed over the countertop. There is additional storage (and power outlet) in cabinets above the microwave. There is no bottom to the cabinet. However the front of the cabinet is framed below the microwave with a 1 1/2" trim piece so that it looks like a built-in installation. The open microwave is not visible from below unless you look under the upper cabinets. Because the microwave is installed with the door forward, there is 1" space behind the microwave. And the entire bottom of the microwave is open. With this arrangement (1" behind) and open below, we have not had any problems--although perhaps others can comment on any safety issues with ventilation of the unit. We had an original JEM 31 that broke after perhaps 10 years. Because of the trim piece at the front of the cabinet, we were able to fit in the slightly taller PEM31 with single cut of the trim piece. The power and size of the unit has been fine for us.

  • 5 years ago

    BTW while the specs measure 12” deep the cable coming out the back pushes it away from the wall by another 1.5”. This is likely intentional for airflow reasons. However while this is a perfect fit I’m now buying my 3rd PEM31. First one lasted 9 years, 2nd one only 6 years. While it’s been a great microwave, the high price tag plus frequent replacement it makes cost of ownership ridiculously expensive. Not much choice though. My cavity size limits my options.

  • 5 years ago

    My problem is the new trim kit doesn't fit the existing cabinets. It's 1/4" too wide now. The old microwave still functions; but the internal paint has been peeling badly. I'm told I should replace it, but until GE / Haier reverts to the old dimensions (apparently, the microwave was built by Samsung for GE), I'm hosed and will keep using the peeling appliance as long as it seems to work. I'll just be super vigilant about what goes inside.

  • 4 years ago

    I have the same issue, peeling paint, working microwave, can’t find replacement to fit. Does the new model & trim kit fit? I am reading many negative reviews.

  • 4 years ago

    What is the model # trim kit that you tried?

  • 4 years ago

    I tried the trim kit that came with the replacement microwave. Don’t remember the model. Still using peeling one

  • 2 years ago

    We've really been struggling. Remodeled several years back and there is a small cubby in the cabinet for a small microwave. There was a GE and it died. We have 12 inch max depth, 12 inch max height and up to 23 inches wide. The newer replacement GE is 12 7/8 deep. Doesn't work...hangs out. Been searching the internet high and low. Everything seems to be a bit too deep. This is not a built in cabinet...basically set a countertop microwave in the space.

  • PRO
    2 years ago

    Look into one of these. Keep in mind - the overall depth can be slightly larger - it is the feet that need to be on the shelf; the door can stick out some.

    https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ge-profile-series-1-1-cu-ft-mid-size-microwave-with-sensor-cooking-stainless-steel/2557267.p?skuId=2557267

    https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-0-7-cu-ft-compact-microwave-black/6315750.p?skuId=6315750

    Your only other option would be to get a shelf or trim piece you can attach to the front of the cabinet to give you the added dimensions needed.

    I would suggest off brands - go to Target, Walmart, Best Buy with a tape measure and see what you find.

    Good luck

  • 2 years ago

    For anyone else who may be looking in the future, this Danby microwave is the shallowest I've found at 12.3" deep. It's just a little smaller in every dimension than the Insignia posted above. It can also be mounted under a cabinet and comes with the hardware to do so.