Where to Put Your Microwave in the Kitchen?

While countertop microwaves are often the most affordable pieces of equipment you can add to a new kitchen, they can take up the limited space on your countertops. Luckily, there are different types of microwaves, like built-in microwaves, microwave drawers, and countertop models that can fit into your kitchen layout. Whether you have a drawer-style microwave or one that stays on your countertop, here we share the best places in your kitchen to put your microwave. 

Where Should I Put My Microwave in the Kitchen? 

We all know that the microwave is a key part of lots of busy kitchens, so placing it in the right place is essential. This is especially important if your kitchen doesn’t have much space on the countertop but needs to fit in your microwave for easy access. 

Under Your Kitchen Counter

In terms of visual perspectives, putting your microwave oven under your kitchen counter is one of the most space-saving solutions you can do. Housing it around your lower cabinets can keep it out of sight while still making it easily accessible, but make sure that there’s space for proper ventilation, along with room to store kitchen essentials. This can also be a good option if you want to keep your appliances out of sight and out of mind.  

Above Your Wall Oven

If you’re building a kitchen from scratch, this is the best option; doing this can help you pick a microwave and wall oven that will complement your kitchen while perfectly fitting each other. In terms of functionality, a built-in microwave can provide you with easy access while staying out of reach from young children. However, you’ll need to remember that microwaves with a built-in look at higher places could make it hard to operate for shorter people. 

On Top of Your Fridge

This may work for some people, but it might not be the most stylish solution for everyone; if you have a shorter fridge, a smaller microwave could fit there. Doing this won’t just keep your microwave at eye level, but will also work well since you won’t need to reach too high to get your food. While stacking two appliances on top of each other doesn’t look visually appealing, having them in this setup can certainly help to make food prep easier. 

Built-In to Shoulder Level

With this idea, you can place your microwave at shoulder height and keep your appliance within easy reach while helping you to avoid burns from spilling food. Storing your microwave inside a kitchen cabinet also keeps it away from younger kids, and it’s also high enough for them to access it while supervised. The best place to have a built-in cabinet would be anywhere close to your fridge, so you can quickly heat or thaw food from your freezer. 

Under Your Upper Cabinets

Here’s another great option if you’re designing your kitchen from scratch: place a suspended microwave cabinet right under your upper cabinets and over your cooktop. This setup can make your microwave look more like a part of your overall cooking zone. When viewed from a functional perspective, it can make your meal prep so much easier since you won’t need to run around to various areas of the kitchen. 

Over-the-Counter Microwave

Putting a microwave under a cabinet is commonly done and can be achieved by creating a built-in nook or by bolting it directly to the cabinet. However, this approach will need a suitably located electrical outlet and may need a cabinet box constructed specifically for this purpose, so it can be more expensive to install. While this won’t be such a big deal to add if you’re getting a new cabinet as part of your kitchen renovation, trying to make one for a built-in microwave may cost you more.  

Over-the-Range Microwave

Another good place to place a microwave is to have it installed above your stove, where your range hood would be. An OTR microwave or over-the-range microwaves can be given built-in hood systems, but these will add to your costs and won’t be as strong as full hoods. Moreover, these will just filter the air before rerouting it back to the kitchen, which does nothing to remove the moisture from the air around you; something that a proper exhaust systems excel in. 

Using a Floating Shelf

This can be a great addition to existing kitchens and can be an easy DIY solution for those who enjoy options that won’t cost too much. Installing some shelves around your kitchen can keep your appliances at a level that’s easy to reach, but will also allow you to make a stylish installation in your space. However, make sure to properly fix your shelves to the wall; while microwaves may be small appliances but they can still carry a bit of weight. 

Inside a Kitchen Cupboard

Inside smaller kitchens, you’ll need to make the most out of your valuable countertop space, so why not put your microwave inside a pantry or a tall cabinet? This ensures that your microwave stays out of sight when it’s not in use, while allowing it to stay in close proximity when it’s needed. While this option may take up food storage space inside your pantry, it’s certainly worth the compromise and can maximize your available space — it’s also a great addition to any kitchen remodel. 

Inside a Butler’s Pantry 

If you have a butler’s pantry in your kitchen, then consider turning it into a nook for your microwave — it can hold all your other electrical appliances and gadgets. The butler’s pantry will have plenty of cabinet space and can be installed with retractable doors. This will work well, but the main downside is that you will have to do extra work to walk with food from your kitchen to the pantry to heat it up. 

Inside Your Appliance Cupboard

A lot of people love having appliance cupboards, and they are a great fit with homes with a smaller footprint. This option can help you store unsightly kitchen appliances behind a cabinet door, and you can even place a roller-style door to make it your own appliance garage. If you want more functionality, you can also have an electrical outlet inside where everything can be plugged in, leaving your countertop with a lot of space. 

Directly on Your Countertop

Unfortunately, some of us only have this space to spare, but luckily, a countertop microwave can provide you with a convenient option. Placing your appliances right on your countertop can help them stay within arm’s reach and can be left there comfortably for daily use. There are also ways to make the space look less crowded; having a shelf above your microwave can make it look less ugly and more intentional. 

Under Your Kitchen Island

Storing your microwave inside your kitchen island might not be the most popular option, but it can work for some people — just keep in mind that the island is a high-traffic zone. Because this is where people eat, drink, and gather, it’s not the best place to have the microwave door swinging open with hot food. As such, this can present safety concerns, but from a kitchen layout perspective, the wall cabinets around your room can be a better option. 

Ditching the Microwave Altogether

If you can’t find a suitable place to place a microwave, who says that you need one to begin with? With more and more people taking an interest in creating home-cooked meals with authentic flavors, there’s more demand for specialized cooking appliances. The steam oven is the most popular choice, which helps home cooks roast, steam, and reheat meals in no time.  

Conclusion

No matter where you place your microwave, be sure to consider your needs; a base cabinet may not be the best option for older users or those with injuries. If you have young children, the right place for your microwave will be at shoulder height or your eye level to ensure they don’t reach it. Choosing the best microwave for your kitchen boils down to personal preferences, but finding the right place for it will depend on your kitchen space, so be sure to aim for a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Sources 

• betterkitchens.co.uk
• tlcinteriors.com.au
• crddesignbuild.com