Where to put the microwave in the kitchen?

Working surface

In a fairly spacious kitchen, there will be no problems with the placement of the microwave: the most traditional option that does not require costs is the countertop. This is convenient, since the microwave is at a comfortable height, and nothing interferes with opening the door. Before placing the microwave on the work surface, you need to make sure there is room for a preheated plate nearby. In this case, do not put the appliance close to the stove or sink. The best option for a microwave oven with a corner kitchen set is the corner that most often remains unused.

Can I put the microwave on the windowsill? Yes, if it is combined with the table top. If you attach a microwave oven to a simple windowsill, the device will visually clutter up the space and overheat the plastic surface. In addition, the base must be wide enough to allow adequate air circulation.

Refrigerator

This option is suitable for owners of low refrigerators: it is convenient when the microwave is at chest level. This solution is often resorted to by the owners of Khrushchevs with small kitchens. If the stove is rarely used, then such a placement is permissible: hot appliances should not heat the refrigerator. If there are lower ventilation holes, the appliance should be with legs, and the distance between it and the walls should be at least 20 cm. To prevent overheating, you can put a sheet of plywood under the microwave.

If the refrigerator vibrates strongly, it is better to refuse this method of placing the microwave.

The photo shows a white microwave oven, which is located on the refrigerator and looks harmonious thanks to a single color scheme.

Bracket

If there is nowhere to put the microwave, you can hang it up. Such a budget solution is suitable only for strong concrete or brick walls, therefore, the structure cannot be hung on a plasterboard base. The disadvantage of the bracket is its not the most aesthetic appearance and a small selection of colors.

When choosing a bracket, one should take into account the weight that it can withstand (manufacturers promise 40 kg with an average microwave weight of about 10 kg). The length of the bar on which the household appliance is placed can be adjusted. The bracket usually comes with double-sided stickers that do not allow the microwave to move during use, but even this does not guarantee complete safety when opening and closing the door. Manufacturers recommend handling the structure with extreme care.

There are situations when there is simply nowhere to put a microwave in a small kitchen. One way to solve this problem is to secure the bracket over the dining table. The advantage of this arrangement is quick access to the microwave.

Shelf

This idea is suitable for those who are not going to change the kitchen set, but need additional space for the microwave.When choosing accessories, it is necessary to take into account the size of the appliance, the proximity to the outlet, the carrying capacity of the materials and the weight of the oven itself. The hanging shelf can be positioned anywhere, such as above the work surface. The interior of the kitchen will look more harmonious if you place another shelf with decor or utensils above the microwave. But it is not allowed to put any objects on the device itself.

You can also purchase a special counter or shelving unit that will save space in the kitchen.

In the photo there is an open microwave shelf equipped with a support leg.

Upper cabinet

One of the most common ways to build a microwave is to place it above the work area, simply by occupying a niche in the wall cabinet. So the appliance is high enough and fits perfectly into the kitchen space. The only condition is that you need to think over good ventilation, otherwise the device will fail.

The optimal solution for those who do not like to leave household appliances in plain sight is to hide them behind the cabinet front. The most inconvenient option is a swing door, therefore, looking closely at the headset, you should choose a door that rises up and is fixed. For a country-style kitchen, a fabric curtain in the color of the textile is suitable.

To save space, a microwave oven is sometimes placed over the stove, without thinking about the safety of the apartment. High temperatures can melt and ignite the housing. In addition, steam from the water rises during cooking and settles on the insides of the appliance, which leads to rust and a shortened microwave oven's life. Another significant disadvantage is the inability to hang a hood over the stove.

In the photo there is a small kitchenette with a wall cabinet and a microwave oven.

Lower pedestal

Before you build a microwave oven into the lower furniture tier, you should prepare a wardrobe, abandoning heavy household appliances over the microwave. To ensure trouble-free operation of the device, it is important to observe the clearances for proper ventilation: 1 cm at the bottom, 10 cm at the sides, 20 cm at the back and top.

This placement method has several drawbacks:

• You need to bend over or sit down to use the stove.
• Dangerous for small children.
• It is necessary to foresee the location of the sockets and make holes in the kitchen furniture for wires.

If the microwave oven located in the cabinet is used infrequently, it can be closed with a front.

The photo shows a microwave oven located in the lower tier of the kitchen unit.

Island

A freestanding cabinet in the middle of the kitchen is called an island. It can play the role of a bar counter, as well as a dining and work surface. Inside the cabinet, you can place not only dishes, but also equipment, including a microwave oven. Thanks to this solution, the tabletop of the headset is freed up as much as possible, and the microwave device fits perfectly into the environment, without attracting attention to itself and without disturbing the stylistic balance. Unfortunately, the island cannot be located in a small kitchen, but the option is great for owners of spacious country houses.

It is necessary to bring wiring to the island even at the rough stages of the repair.

Integrated microwave

Built-in appliances are a great solution for a stylish and modern kitchen, especially if it is not large in size. The built-in microwave oven ideally complements any interior, thanks to the fact that it integrates directly into the kitchen furniture. Such microwave ovens often have advanced functionality, they can replace the oven, hob and grill.

The photo shows an example of the placement of a microwave oven built-in above the oven.

Photo gallery

A few more original ideas on where to put your microwave oven can be found in our gallery.