Knowledge Builders

is it ok to put a microwave in a cupboard

by Ms. Kendra Powlowski PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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This is a question we hear time and time again at Sharp. And while many bloggers will advise you to install a microwave in your kitchen cabinets, we strongly advise against it. A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave.Oct 18, 2022

Why is it important to have a microwave in the kitchen?

Why are convection microwaves so difficult to operate?

What is countertop microwave?

What is the purpose of vents in a microwave?

How long does it take for a microwave door to get stuck?

Where is the microwave installed?

What happens when you put food in a cabinet?

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What kind of microwave can go in a cabinet?

Built-in microwaves can be installed into a wall or cabinet for convenient operation. With a similar capacity to other microwave styles, the built-in design has the advantages of saving counter space and being able to be installed away from the range, allowing multiple people more space to cook together.

Does a microwave need ventilation?

The manual says: Ventilation: Do not block air vents. If they are blocked during operation, the oven may overheat and eventually cause oven failure. For proper ventilation, keep three inches of space between the oven's top, sides, rear and the area where the unit is to be installed.

How much space do you need around a microwave for ventilation?

3 inchesMost of the microwaves require around at least 3 inches all around, leave three inches of space between the walls and the top, sides, and rear of the microwave oven.

Where should you not put a microwave in the kitchen?

Keep a Microwave Out of a Corner Cabinet Microwaves often create busy areas with traffic. Often, you'll move between the microwave and the fridge to reheat, defrost or soften ingredients or left-overs. Placing them in a corner is generally a disastrous option, unless your kitchen is designed for an angled space.

Can you put a microwave on a shelf?

Make Sure the Microwave has Access to Electricity If you are placing your new microwave on a shelf or a cabinet, it might be necessary to drill a hole into the shelf or the cabinet to make sure it has good access to the next plug. Remove the microwave while doing that, so it doesn't get into your way.

Do you have to vent your microwave outside?

It is not a requirement that an OTR microwave should be vented outside. Some homeowners prefer it, but no harm can come from recirculating the air into your kitchen or elsewhere (provided you're not dealing with smoke or harmful fumes).

Can I put an over-the-range microwave in a cabinet?

Do not install within a closed cabinet or a cut-out space where the bottom is covered. These can be installed under a cabinet, even if there is not a cooking surface underneath the appliance.

Where do you put a microwave?

Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.

Can you put a microwave on a wooden surface?

It doesn't matter what kind of surface a microwave is on, as long as it's flat, level, and smooth and does not block the air flow underneath. The microwave is internally protected from emitting microwaves outside of the box.

Is it safe to put microwave next to sink?

“Since washing up dishes is a messy business, you run the risk of accidentally splashing the microwave during operation,” says Albert. The solution is to make sure that the microwave is always somewhere between four to nine feet away from the sink. It's much safer, and simply good design.

Can you use a microwave on a metal shelf?

So, is it OK to use the metal cooking rack? YES, but only if you use it properly! Microwaves that come with racks are specifically designed for the oven they come in. The rack is ideal for giving you more space to heat up two or more containers at the same time.

Can a microwave go on top of a fridge?

It is generally ok to put a microwave on top of a Refrigerator. However, when doing so you must make sure that you do it safely. In order to do this, you need to consider a few things like the height, weight, wattage, and ventilation of your specific microwave.

Do you have to vent a convection microwave?

No, convection ovens do not require ventilation because they use a fan to circulate the air inside the oven to help food cook faster and more evenly. As long as your new oven is installed with the correct clearance recommended by the manufacturer, no extra venting is needed.

Are microwaves vented?

Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally). The duct must be the sizes listed above for proper draw of air. Both smaller and larger vents than recommended decrease venting performance. Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work.

Are all over the range microwaves vented?

Some over-the-range microwaves have exhaust fans that vent kitchen air out of the house through ductwork in the wall. Some don't and instead filter, then push it back out into the kitchen. Many will come with the ability to do either, so you must choose which one and set it up before installing.

Do microwave drawers need to be vented?

Microwave drawers are self-contained united, meaning that they have ventilation systems built in and no additional ventilation systems are necessary.

What type of microwave can be installed in a cabinet?

Built-in microwaves can be easily put in a wall or cabinet. While the built-in microwave has a similar capacity to other microwave models, it takes...

Is it necessary to have ventilation in a countertop microwave?

In fact, it is necessary. Microwaves require enough air space on both sides, the back, and the top, to function properly. As a result, the air is a...

How can you make a countertop microwave into a built-in microwave?

Place the countertop microwave in the predrilled hole. Make sure there's at least one inch of space between each vent and the wall. If the side pan...

What's the difference between a countertop and a built-in microwave?

A countertop microwave is put on top of the kitchen counter, whereas a built-in microwave is installed into the cabinet's wall or corner.

Why is it important to have a microwave in the kitchen?

Microwaves are essential in the kitchen. Microwaves allow you to save time. Even if it’s a countertop microwave, making space for your microwave can be a difficult process, especially if you don’t have a lot of additional space. Though, Can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?

Why are convection microwaves so difficult to operate?

Because they require a lot of area for the heat to exit, convection microwave ovens are particularly challenging to operate in a kitchen cabinet.

What is countertop microwave?

On the other hand, countertop microwaves are for public use. Unlike built-in microwaves, they are intended to be placed on a counter, hence the name.

What is the purpose of vents in a microwave?

Look for the vents on all sides of your microwave oven. The purpose of oven vents is to let the air out.

How long does it take for a microwave door to get stuck?

If you need to open or close your microwave quickly, the door may become stuck for a few seconds.

Where is the microwave installed?

A countertop microwave is put on top of the kitchen counter, whereas a built-in microwave is installed into the cabinet’s wall or corner.

What happens when you put food in a cabinet?

Moisture and heat generated by your food may become trapped inside cabinetry, causing damage to the wood.

What is a microwave oven?

A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of microwave. If installed into a cabinet, these vents will be blocked and unable to release steam from the microwave,. Talk about a fire hazard for your kitchen. With oven-to-table quality ceramic turntable platter, ...

How to save counter space without giving up appliances?

An alternative solution to save counter space without giving up a most loved appliance would be to incorporate a Sharp Microwave Drawer into your kitchen. With its hidden controls, the drawer will be far more of a challenge for any curious child looking for a new toy. It can be placed below a kitchen island or in any type of standard cabinetry and will give you both an easier cooking and cleanup experience, who wouldn’t want that?

Is a microwave a countertop?

It is not a secret that a countertop microwave eliminates a great deal of countertop space that would normally be a canvas for rolling dough. However, whether it’s a Saturday night and your fridge is begging to be cleaned out, or you want to make your leftovers into a whole new meal, your microwave is hands down the tool you’ll need.

Is a Sharp microwave safe?

With oven-to-table quality ceramic turntable platter, the Sharp Matte Black Carousel Convection Microwave Oven is a simple, safe, microwave oven that can be built into your cabinets. In fact, there is even an optional stainless steel trim kit for a modern design.

Is it safe to leave microwave on countertop?

It is better to be safe than sorry in our book, so we recommend leaving your countertop microwave where it belongs .

Can You Install a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

If we put the microwave in a cabinet below, can’t we have the best of both worlds?

How to feed a microwave cord through a hole?

Using the drill and self-feed drill bit, make a hole at the back of your cabinet (on the side nearest to your power outlet) big enough to feed the microwave’s power cord through. If there’s a plug at the back of your cabinet, you can skip this step. Give your microwave a thorough clean before putting it back into the cavity.

What is a trim kit for a microwave?

Using a Trim Kit. Trim kits are made specifically for “building” a countertop microwave into cabinetry. They aren’t a ‘must’ when putting your microwave into a cabinet, but they will give you that “built-in” look while also protecting the microwave from dust and grime. They will also have the right amount of ventilation allowance, ...

Do microwaves have vents?

Countertop microwaves usually have vents either on the sides or on the top, while built-in models almost always have their vents at the back. When putting a countertop microwave into a cabinet, you’ll want to ensure that there is enough space on all sides to ensure that there is adequate airflow around your microwave.

Can you put a microwave in a cabinet?

You can put a countertop microwave in a cabinet instead of a built-in type, as long as you follow the necessary safety precautions (ensuring adequate ventilation, the shelf is strong enough to hold it, and proper wire management) to ensure your cabinet and microwave don’t get damaged. In this article, we will be taking a deep dive into the topic ...

Is a built in microwave a good example?

Built-in appliances have become quite the rage in recent years, ever since people started to gravitate toward a more minimalistic interior design style. Microwaves are a great example of this because they stay easily accessible and no longer take up vast amounts of counter space. But sometimes, having a built-in microwave can become pricey, ...

Can a microwave cabinet hold a microwave?

Making Sure Your Cabinet Can Hold Your Microwave. Not only does the cabinet you choose to put your microwave in need to have enough space for ventilation, but it also needs to be strong enough to support the weight of your microwave.

Can you clean a microwave on the counter?

When your microwave is on a counter, cleaning it (both inside and out) is a breeze, but things get a little more complicated when you put it in a cabinet. Cleaning the inside of your microwave is still relatively easy, but the outside is a lot harder to get to. Over time, dust and debris can settle on the outside of your microwave ...

Why is it important to have a microwave in the kitchen?

Microwaves are essential in the kitchen. Microwaves allow you to save time. Even if it’s a countertop microwave, making space for your microwave can be a difficult process, especially if you don’t have a lot of additional space. Though, Can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?

Why are convection microwaves so difficult to operate?

Because they require a lot of area for the heat to exit, convection microwave ovens are particularly challenging to operate in a kitchen cabinet.

What is countertop microwave?

On the other hand, countertop microwaves are for public use. Unlike built-in microwaves, they are intended to be placed on a counter, hence the name.

What is the purpose of vents in a microwave?

Look for the vents on all sides of your microwave oven. The purpose of oven vents is to let the air out.

How long does it take for a microwave door to get stuck?

If you need to open or close your microwave quickly, the door may become stuck for a few seconds.

Where is the microwave installed?

A countertop microwave is put on top of the kitchen counter, whereas a built-in microwave is installed into the cabinet’s wall or corner.

What happens when you put food in a cabinet?

Moisture and heat generated by your food may become trapped inside cabinetry, causing damage to the wood.

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1.Videos of Is It Ok to Put a Microwave in a Cupboard

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14 hours ago  · Here are the general steps to placing a freestanding microwave in a cupboard: Measure the cupboard and microwave. Ensure that the cupboard is large enough to fit the …

2.Is it OK to put a microwave in a cupboard? - Quora

Url:https://www.quora.com/Is-it-OK-to-put-a-microwave-in-a-cupboard

22 hours ago  · Step 2: Insert your microwave into the cavity. Step 3: Use a tape measure to measure the cabinet so that you can hassle-free insert your microwave. Step 4: Retake your …

3.Can You Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

Url:https://bestmicrowavechoice.com/can-you-put-a-countertop-microwave-in-a-cabinet/

18 hours ago It is not safe to put a microwave in a cabinet. The microwave will not get enough ventilation and could start a fire. Do countertop microwaves need ventilation? Most countertop microwaves …

4.Can You Put a Microwave in a Cabinet? – Sharp USA Blog

Url:https://simplybetterliving.sharpusa.com/simply-better-you/can-put-microwave-cabinet/

32 hours ago  · 5. Install microwave in the cabinet: Place the microwave oven in the cabinet and run the power cord through the appropriate hole. That’s it. Alternatively, you can use a trim kit. …

5.Can You Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

Url:https://homelyville.com/can-you-put-a-countertop-microwave-in-a-cabinet/

18 hours ago Answer (1 of 4): Is it OK to put a microwave in a cupboard? It’s perfectly fine as long as you follow these guidelines. 1. Allow adequate space to the top, back and sides of the microwave oven for …

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