Find the perfect place in your kitchen for this essential small appliance . See seven way you’re able to integrate a microwave into your kitchen layout .
The microwave oven is an substantive kitchen gizmo that helps streamline meal prep and fit preparation into busy docket . This tight , efficient unit add a ton of gismo to the kitchen , but it ’s of import to find the right placement for the microwave to maximize its advantages . Simply position the appliance on your countertop occupies a sizable footprint , demand up valuable workspace that could be otherwise used for prepping fixings or storing easy - entree kitchen tools . To reclaim some of that valuable countertop space , consider mix your microwaveinto your kitchen layoutto achieve amore organized , operative intent .
There are many alternatives to storing your microwave oven on the heel counter that are much more effective but no less approachable . Options include building the microwave oven into cabinetry , installing it inside an island , recess the building block into the wall , and more . These space - saving ideas for integrating a microwave demonstrate how to move the pocket-size convenience off the countertop without losing its gizmo . Each method has pros and cons , so deal your needs carefully when deciding which integrate microwave oven idea works best for your kitchen .
Credit: Emily Followill
1. Set a Microwave into Cabinetry
Countertop model can be tucked into a shelf or opening in the cabinetwork for a build - in look that allows you to move the microwave off the oeuvre open . For rubber , it ’s best to find a location that offer landing space below . The more tightly the microwave fits into the space , the more aerodynamic it looks .
Pro : Building cabinetwork around the microwave or lay out the whole inside a cabinet typically require no demolition , making it a relatively comfortable and cheap option .
confidence trick : Because there will probably be break between the microwave oven and the cabinetry , you might not get the flush look of a full integrated , usage building block .
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
2. Install a Microwave as a Drawer
For a distinct look , consider a drawer - style microwave oven built into an island or elsewhere below the countertop . When insert below the counter , a draftsman - style microwave extend promiscuous access , readily available landing place space for food going into or fall out of the microwave oven , and no demand on antagonistic space . This shape features a fashionable , integrated appearing and is ideal for kitchens with limited counter infinite or for island induction . alternatively of reaching up to the counter or higher , users of any height can easily get at this oven .
Pro : Because of their fix , drawer - elan microwave supply easier access than countertop microwaves and over - the - image models while saving heel counter space . This configuration is the safe for all user and lends a high-pitched - end looking to the kitchen .
Con : Drawer - style microwave oven tend to be more expensive than countertop models and have more limited installation options .
Credit: Jay Wilde
3. Mount a Microwave Over the Range
This arrangement offers a solution for kitchens that are pressed for place . Installing an over - the - compass microwavenot only integrate the microwave with upper console but also groups the gismo with the image below for a streamlined look . Although many over - the - ambit microwaves admit light and ventilation for the range below , the public discussion does not do as well as a dedicated range hood and is not enough for pro - style compass and cooktops .
Pro : Over - the - range microwavessave valuable work distance and are adequate substitutes for range of a function hoods in most residential kitchen .
Con : These units are ordinarily more expensive than countertop models and might require professional facility . Reaching over a hot stove or cooktop to get to the microwave also kindle safety equipment fear .
Credit: Edmund Barr
4. Add a Trim Kit Around the Microwave
Similar to building cabinetry around your microwave , this solution is end with a trim kit that fills the gaps to make a more integrated look . Most microwaves can be fitted with a clipping kit from the oven manufacturer or from another supplier .
Pro : The microwave is fully integrated into the cabinetwork , offering a impost look .
Con : A trim kit adds to the price and need extra facility expenses .
Credit: John Bessler
5. Hide a Microwave Behind a Cabinet Door
set the microwaveinside a locker or appliance garagehides the microwave oven behind a door that commingle with the relief of the cabinetry when the appliance is not in use . In lowly kitchens , tambour doors knead especially well because the doorway lifts up and out of the way for well-fixed access to the microwave oven .
Pro : This solution offers the benefit of prompt landing blank without make to keep the microwave oven seeable on the countertop .
Con : tally a doorway make out with special cost and installment requirement .
Credit: James Nathan Schroder
6. Integrate a Microwave with Other Appliances
It makes good sense to havecooking appliancesin the same positioning , so group the microwave with a rampart oven or other appliances . Selecting a passementerie kit that pit other appliances helps the microwave coalesce in .
Pro : Since you ’re already using the wall for contraption , no extra countertop infinite is wasted .
hustle : This solution ask widget that match and can be group attractively and practically with your microwave oven .
Credit: Erik Johnson
7. Recess a Microwave into a Wall
Depending on the kitchen trading floor plan , you might be able-bodied to recess the microwave into distance stolen from a W.C. , garage , or empty area . Before cut into a rampart , expect a builder or remodeler to check the structure of the wall and add reinforcement if necessary .
Pro : The microwave oven is flush with the wall for a custom look that does n’t require any counter or cabinet space .
hustle : Some demolition and construction will be need .
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want a microwave store in a cabinet , it must be designed to officiate aright in an wrap place . Countertop microwaves are n’t meant for that purpose . Anover - the - range microwaveis a good way to salve outer space and have fair to middling respiration .
The best way to store a microwave oven in a console is to have a cabinet build specifically for microwave oven storage , with cutout for gentle wind circulation , and get a microwave oven project for in - console repositing .
Most of the clock time , yes . Microwavesneed ventilation to work right . microwave oven work up for drawer and cabinet will have venting arrangement that mould with enclosed distance . They ’ll define what ’s postulate for them to be right installed .
It ’s not a secure thought to store a microwave in front of a windowpane . While the window may provide the ventilation need , the rut from the microwave can damage or shatter the window . Also , in vitrine of fire , a microwave stuff a window can be a problem if the window is need as a way to expire the kitchen .
