
5 Places to Put Your Microwave (Not Over the Stove)
- In the Wall One option you have is to install a built-in microwave in the wall. A built-in microwave can go inside...
- In a Cabinet You can also install a built-in microwave inside a cabinet. These microwaves are just like OTR...
- Behind a Cabinet Door If you’d like, you can hide your microwave in a cabinet. Some...
- In the pantry
Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen?
A smart option for a butler’s pantry, basement bar station or other secondary food-prep space. Pro: Moving the microwave to a side station puts it near the coffee machine for quick breakfasts or snacks, and away from the primary chef in a busy household.
Should you move your microwave to a side station?
Pro: Moving the microwave to a side station puts it near the coffee machine for quick breakfasts or snacks, and away from the primary chef in a busy household. Con: It’s not ideal to have the only microwave far from the fridge or main prep space if it’s used often for cooking.
Can you put a microwave oven in front of a window?
Any experienced kitchen designer can tell you that placing a microwave oven at a window’s frame is a bad idea. Windows need to stay clear and away from appliances that produce heat such as cooktops or microwave ovens. In case of a fire, this appliance may be the difference between danger and safety at an exit.
Can you put a microwave on a shelf?
If you do place the microwave on a shelf in your lower cabinets, there will be some wasted space behind the appliance (microwaves are not 24″ deep). Some people who go this route place it on a shelf at the end of an island so that they aren’t losing any storage space:

Where is the safest place to put a microwave?
Here are seven places you can put it that won't take up precious prep space:1) Over the range. This is a classic choice, especially in smaller kitchens. ... 2) On an upper shelf. ... 3) On a lower shelf. ... 4) Built in with a trim kit. ... 5) In combination with a wall oven. ... 6) In a drawer. ... 7) HIDDEN In a cabinet.
Where should microwave go in kitchen 2021?
7 Top Microwave Options in Kitchen Design 2021:Above the Cabinet Next to Your Dishwasher: ... Above the Stove: ... On a shelf above your oven: ... In a Corner of Your Kitchen Island: ... Near the Refrigerator for Convenience: ... Under the Cabinet: ... In The Pantry to Keep it Out of Sight:
Where do you put a microwave in a tiny kitchen?
The place you'll place your microwave must be of easy access and functionality. You should avoid placing it near cabinets with food or close to the fridge. If you have a small kitchen, then a cabinet or drawer could be the best solution.
Can you put a microwave in front of a window?
Never Place a Microwave Too Close to the Window Windows need to stay clear and away from appliances that produce heat such as cooktops or microwave ovens. In case of a fire, this appliance may be the difference between danger and safety at an exit.
Can a microwave go in a cabinet?
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.
Should I put my microwave in the pantry?
In your pantry. Your microwave can sit nicely in your pantry if you are looking for a place to store it out of sight – yet still, be able to use it when needed. Of course, it is important to make sure your pantry has electrical outlets and a safe, sturdy shelf that will hold the microwave without it falling.
Can I place microwave on top of 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.
Are microwaves going out of style?
While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.
Does a microwave need ventilation?
All microwaves need to be ventilated. System can be any – recirculating vent or exhaust fan system! Both systems have their pros & cons. A recirculating duct might need to be replaced every 6 months, yet, it's cheap and easy-to-install!
Can I put a freestanding microwave in a cupboard?
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.
Is it harmful to stand in front of a microwave?
Yes, you can stand a safe distance in front of the microwave. Microwave ovens are designed to keep in radiation. Against the glass, there is a protective mesh screen dotted with tiny holes.
Can we put microwave near stove?
Generally, there must be 13-24 inches of distance between stovetop and microwave. It's the optimal distance or clearance between stove and microwave.
Are microwaves going out of style?
While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.
Can we keep microwave next to gas stove?
Well, yes! You can place a microwave next to the gas stove. Just maintain a few feets distance between both.
Should I put my microwave over-the-range?
One of the biggest benefits of an over-the-range microwave is that it also doubles as a vent, essentially functioning as two appliances in one. This is the perfect solution for the average home cook, but for people who do professional cooking in their home kitchens, an over-the-range microwave might not cut it.
Is it safe to put microwave on top of fridge?
You can generally put a microwave on top of a mini-fridge, but make sure that you do it safely. Similar to a standard size refrigerator, you need to consider a few things like the height, weight, wattage, and ventilation of your specific microwave.
When did microwaves become a rarity?
Planning a new kitchen? Then you will have to decide where to put the microwave. In 1955, a home microwave oven was a rarity, the size of a refrigerator. By 1986, 25% of American homes had microwaves, awkwardly parked on countertops, rolling carts or over ranges.
Is it safe to use an over the range microwave?
There are safety issues to consider, since you will have to reach over a cooktop to load or unload the microwave. And children, small adults and those who use a wheelchair or walker may be reaching far above their safe shoulder height to retrieve hot food.
Does a built in microwave have a gap?
The sleekest look, a built-in microwave leaves no gap between appliance and cabinet. This wall installation places the microwave at the height of an over-the-range installation, but without the hazard of reaching over a cooktop to pull out hot food.
What is an over the range microwave?
The over-the-range option is installed over the cooking surface. This type of microwave is a space saver and does offer ventilation options, the drawback being that you are reaching up to get items out of the oven and this could be a hazard for younger children or those with limited mobility.
When was the microwave invented?
The first microwave oven was introduced in 1955 by Tappan Company, with a price tag of $1200 (in 1955 dollars!). The first residential microwave oven introduced by Tappan in 1955. Those early microwave ovens were huge, large enough to cook a turkey, and they sat on the counter taking up a lot of space. Fast forward to today, microwaves are ...
Is a microwave wheelchair accessible?
Below is a microwave placed in base cabinetry in an island. This is a fully wheelchair-accessible kitchen. Having the microwave reside in a base cabinet is essential in a situation like this, and honestly can be nice for shorter people that don’t like maneuvering hot food/liquid items at or above eye level.
Why move microwave to side station?
Pros: Moving the microwave to a side station puts it near the coffee machine for quick breakfasts or snacks, and away from the primary chef in a busy household.
Why use a microwave away from the main cooking area?
Also, you can position the microwave away from the main cooking area, so someone who isn't doing the main cooking can use it without worrying about bumping into the one who is.
What are the pros and cons of a microwave fan?
Cons: If the microwave is too high, reaching and seeing in will be difficult for many users. It also replaces a sculptural range hood for a somewhat less elegant look, and typically is not as effective at venting.
How long does it take to install a microwave?
After that, installation is pretty straightforward and usually takes a few hours, depending on how long it takes to remove an existing range, hood and microwave, and whether or not cutting needs to be done to counters and cabinetry to make the new units fit.
How much does it cost to add a microwave?
Adding a large microwave (or at least a sizable trim kit) can cost hundreds of dollars or more, depending on quality.
How deep should a counter be for a garage door?
Construction considerations: A short stretch of counter can be turned into an appliance garage retroactively, although the very best option would be an extra-deep counter (30 inches rather than 24 inches) to leave usable space in front. If you're adding a door after, use a contrasting finish (like metal) if you can't match your existing paint, or the style will be off. Expect to pay $150 to a few hundred dollars for a standard model -- during or after construction.
Can you put a microwave in an underused cabinet?
Pro: Like an integrated style, this setup lets you put the microwave at a convenient height (or in an underused cabinet to save space), at little cost.
Where to put microwave that won't take up prep space?
Here are seven places you can put it that won’t take up precious prep space: 1) Over the range. This is a classic choice, especially in smaller kitchens. Tucked away neatly over your stove, the microwave does double duty as a hood vent. Over-the-range microwaves (also called OTR microwaves) are great space-savers, ...
How deep is a microwave?
If you do place the microwave on a shelf in your lower cabinets, there will be some wasted space behind the appliance (microwaves are not 24″ deep).
Can you hide a microwave?
Finally, why not hide your microwave completely? Just like some folks would rather not showcase their TV, some folks would rather not see their microwave, especially if they don’t use it all that often. You can tuck it inside your pantry, or inside one of your cupboards. Just make sure you choose a model that will fit once plugged in, and be sure to let the electrician know your plans so they can put the plug where it needs to go and make any safety accommodations needed by code.
Do I need a microwave for a kitchen remodel?
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel one of the things you’ll need a home for is the microwave (unless you’re going microwave-free, which is, of course, an option – that’s what my hubby and I did!). Since counter space is usually at a premium you’ll want somewhere else to tuck that appliance. Here are seven places you can put it that won’t take up precious prep space:
Do you need a shelf for a microwave?
Depending on the model you choose you may find that you need the shelf the microwave sits on to protrude out a little further than your upper cabinets, and you’ll want to plan ahead so that your electrician puts the required outlet on the wall in the space where the microwave will live.
Can you stack a microwave over a wall oven?
If you have the room in your kitchen, stacking your microwave over a wall oven can be not only a wonderful, streamlined look, but also puts the microwave at an easy-to-use height. Note that there are units that are sold as microwave-oven combos (these are often convection-style microwaves) or you can install a wall oven with a separate microwave ...
Can you use a drawer microwave in a cabinet?
Okay, not *in* a drawer, but actually a drawer microwave! They now make drawer-style microwaves (usually 24-30″ wide) that install discreetly in your lower cabinets or island. Just slide it open, set in your food, and use as normal. They are spendier than the other styles of microwave, but look fantastic!
