6 Perfect Places to Put the Microwave in Your New Kitchen

Where are you placing the microwave in your new kitchen? In 1955, a kitchen microwave oven was a rarity. By 1986, 25% of American homes had microwaves awkwardly parked on countertops, rolling carts or over their ranges.

Today, kitchen designers consider this essential appliance in almost every kitchen plan. It's important to consider safety, convenience and appearance when deciding where to put the microwave. With that in mind, here are the 6 perfect places to put your microwave.

Island microwave shelves 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.

Undercounter microwave shelves throughout the kitchen are another inexpensive, and popular option. Replacing or upgrading the appliance is simple. Just remove the existing microwave and plug in 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-style focal point. Selecting an under-counter microwave for your kitchen creates a minimalistic look and feel.

Built-in microwave cabinets are the sleekest option and seamlessly blend the appliance into the cabinet. This wall installation is the best place for a microwave in the kitchen. It places the microwave at the height of an over-the-range version 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. If you were wondering where to put the microwave in a small kitchen, this is a great option.

Across from the kitchen island, this undercounter built-in microwave is accessible to all work zones, but out of main sight lines. This location is the second-best place for a microwave in the kitchen. It provides convenient access to the microwave from the kitchen's central cooking areas and steam-in-a-bag veggies or melting butter is now easier than ever. Adding this feature will make your new kitchen design more beautiful and convenient.

If the standard microwave kitchen cabinet doesn’t fit your vision, create an appliance wall and consolidate a built-in microwave and oven combo. Consider positioning a 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.

Wondering where to put the microwave in a small kitchen? Over-the-range microwaves are by far the most economical option 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 food or take it out could potentially result in injury. Not to mention, children, small adults, and those using 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.

For more tips and design assistance, schedule your free design consultation today!