3 Min. Read
Do you know where to put the microwave in your new kitchen? In 1955, a kitchen microwave oven was a rarity, and the size of a refrigerator. By 1986, 25% of American homes had microwaves awkwardly parked on countertops, rolling carts, or over ranges. Today, kitchen designers consider this essential appliance in every kitchen plan. You must take into account safety, convenience, and appearance when deciding where to put the microwave. Here are 6 perfect places to put your microwave.
Island Under Counter Microwave Shelf
In-island microwaves are a popular choice in many homes. In this layout, the microwave is out of sight and neatly tucked away under the countertop on an open shelf. This makes it less expensive than the built-in option while still providing a more minimal look and easy access from any direction in your new kitchen. Add drawers under the microwave and storage cabinets on either side to create a centralized workstation.
Under Counter Microwave Cabinet
Undercounter microwave shelves are another inexpensive, and popular option. Replacing or upgrading the appliance is simple. Just remove the existing microwave and plugin your new countertop model. Notice the ogee baseboard molding and valance at the toe kick, a stack of spice drawers and a bumped out profile that work together to create a furniture-look focal point. Selecting an under-counter microwave for your kitchen creates a minimalistic, neat look and feel.
Built-In Wall Cabinet Microwave
Built-in microwave cabinets are the most sleek option and seamlessly blend the appliance into the 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. The neighboring countertop provides a generous landing space for any re-heated food and beverages.
Built-In Under Counter Microwave
Under the counter and across from the kitchen island, this under counter built-in microwave is accessible to all work zones, but out of main sight lines. This location provides convenient access to the microwave from the kitchen's central cooking areas making steam-in-a-bag veggies or melting butter easier than ever. Adding this feature will make your new kitchen design more beautiful and convenient.
Microwave Wall Oven Combo
If the standard microwave kitchen cabinet doesn’t fit your vision for the space, create an appliance wall and consolidate a built-in microwave and oven combo. Consider positioning the bank of cabinets next to the refrigerator or tall pantry cabinet for a clean horizontal line. Get creative with moldings and accent colors to create more interest in your kitchen design.
Over-the-Range Venting Microwave
Over-the-range microwaves are by far the most economical solution in terms of space and budget. Purchasing microwaves with built-in vent fans is still a popular choice, however, there are safety issues to consider. Reaching over a hot cooktop to heat up a food item or take it out could potentially result in injury. Additionally, children, small adults, and those who use a wheelchair or walker may be reaching too far above a safe height to retrieve hot food. In the end it's still a popular, space-saving solution that most homeowners choose.
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FAQs:
Can you put a microwave in the cabinet?
You can absolutely install a microwave within a kitchen cabinet. Whether you wish to place it underneath your kitchen countertops, above your oven/range, or within its own cabinet, there are numerous design options that you can choose from to get this appliance off the countertops. Talk to your CliqStudios designer to decide which route is best for your own kitchen. For more information on designing your dream kitchen, check out our blog!
How to install over the range microwave without a cabinet?
Once you decide to install your kitchen microwave over top of your range, it is time to install it. To do so, you will need to also install an open shelf above the range. This will act as reinforcement once the microwave is installed and help carry the weight of the appliance. Be sure to attach the shelf to the wall to ensure that the microwave is secure once installed. For more information, speak to your CliqStudios designer. If you need professional assistance from a contractor, they can connect you with a qualified person.
How to mount a microwave under a cabinet?
If you choose to install your kitchen microwave underneath a cabinet, you will need to mount it securely. The exact process will depend on the style of cabinetry you purchase, as well as the manufacturer instructions that go along with that specific line of cabinets. A professional contractor would be able to provide more specific details on this process and assist you in the mounting of the microwave under a kitchen cabinet. If you have any other questions, you can contact your CliqStudios designer, as they may have specific information about the cabinets you have chosen for your kitchen design.
Where should I keep the microwave oven in my kitchen?
One of the best qualities of a microwave oven is that they are generally easy to move around in your kitchen. With a countertop model, it's easy to add a trim kit for a built-in look or switch to an over-the-range microwave. Overall, the best places to put a microwave oven are built into a base cabinet, or on a base cabinet shelf. This is a safer choice when dealing with hot foods and liquids than a location that's at eye level.
