Where to put a microwave in the kitchen: 22 tips

Not sure where to put the microwave in the kitchen? The main thing is not to create borders for yourself. When indoors little space, many housewives resign themselves to the thought "and so it will do," and place the furniture, utensils, appliances wherever they fit. Discard these old principles and limitations! After all, what determines the location of a household appliance, in particular a microwave? We focus on the size of the microwave oven and furniture kitchen headset, the design of the latter and the frequency of use of the appliance. That's all. So that the competent layout of the kitchen will allow you to use a minimum of space and get the most effective, practical space.

First, here are a few key points to consider when choosing a place for the technique in question:

• The surface on which the microwave will be installed must be smooth, flat, strong.
• The place of connection to the power supply must be in close proximity to the place of installation. The socket has a protective earth, three-pin, taking into account the power of the device, it is rated for a current of 10 or 16A (max).
• Ventilation openings should never be blocked by any objects.
• If possible, do not install the appliance near car washto prevent accidental water droplets from causing a short circuit, or near radiatorsheat from which can interfere with the operation of the equipment.

hint: A certain, albeit small, space should remain around the microwave (optimally from 15 cm at the back and from 10 cm on the sides) so that air can circulate. So the technique will work longer without problems

• It must be ensured that the appliance door opens freely.
• You can not put the microwave (microwave) too high, so you can accidentally burn yourself while taking out heated food.
• Too low an arrangement of an oven will be inconvenient as it is necessary to bend or sit down strongly.

hint: the optimum height for the location of the microwave oven is considered to be a height of 60-150 cm from the floor

Below we have provided the best advice on where to put a microwave in a small, and not quite, kitchen.

Placement of freestanding microwaves

It is logical to assume that freestanding microwaves got their name from the method of their installation. These electrical appliances belong to the category of universal ones: they can have different functionalities, it’s convenient to work with them, and yet they can be placed in various places (as needed) or suspended on brackets.

A characteristic feature of the described structures is a lower degree of protection against heat, which is released during the operation of the furnace, in contrast to the built-in analogues. Therefore, it is worthwhile to maintain the distances recommended by the manufacturers between the microwave device and other equipment or furniture standing nearby. And with the generally recognized, the so-called "lack" - "eating up" of useful space, it is quite possible to fight. Moreover, with a very successful result.

The video below describes some of the most popular options with their advantages. In general, there are many options. The main thing is to consider the pros and cons in each case.

Working surface

Standard, classic, "at hand", the most functional - as soon as the proposed location of the microwave is not called. Countertop it can rightfully be considered the most convenient support for a microwave oven. She has many advantages:

• The most acceptable height.
• Strength and stability.
• The proximity of the work area.
• Free access to any part of the equipment for cleaning or repair.
• The ability to quickly and easily change the location of the device.

If you monitor the cleanliness between the bottom of the microwave oven and the countertop, it’s safe to install the device taking into account the distance to the stove, washbasin and outlet, then the dimensions of the “assistant” will become the only, but very significant minus. A microwave oven can occupy 50-80 cm of surface, which will significantly reduce the useful space of a small kitchen and become an inadmissible luxury. But for a large kitchen, such an arrangement of the oven will become simple and convenient.

Windowsill

If the kitchenette is quite small, but takes up enough space in it windowsill, many housewives immediately find it to use - because a wide and strong surface should not be empty. It would seem that the height fits, and there is enough light, and there is a lot of space for the opening door or plates nearby. Nevertheless, specialized specialists who are well aware of all the nuances of the microwave oven, advise using this arrangement only in case of emergency. And even having made such a decision, care must be taken to:

• The device was located at a certain distance from the edge of the window sill (the best option is about 20 cm).
• There was enough room for free circulation of air masses around the equipment.
• The kitchen window overlooked a closed loggia or insulated balconyand not outside.
• The equipment was protected from drafts and direct rays of the sun (install a microwave, for example, in the corner, and cover the window with mini-curtains or hang jalousie).
• Nearby was socket, which reached the cable (wire).
• Preferably the windows were plastic (in winter, wooden frames from condensation may swell).
• There were no flowers nearby.
• The material from which the window sill is made was strong and withstood various loads, possible temperature differences.

If this is the only place where you can install a microwave, you should consider possible “surprises” and use foil isolate, asbestos cement sheets or decorative mosaics on the windowsill. And the stove itself can be lifted on legs or put on a stand.

Refrigerator

Placing a microwave on a refrigerator can hardly be the best example, but in very cramped circumstances and a definitive lack of space, this installation option is possible. True, there are some points that you should know about and take them into account.

Important! If the microwave oven is on the refrigerator:

• In the event of equipment breakdown, this may cause a failure of its warranty repair.
• The microwave must be used in the “warm up” and “defrost” modes.
• Electric refrigerator consumption will increase.

With the microwave appliance in the refrigerator, you must:

• Lay a heat-insulating gasket (rubber, plywood) between the equipment, which will withstand the heat load.
• Eliminate the presence of film, oilcloth or other materials that can easily ignite.
• Use legs, especially when installing an oven with lower vents.
• To save gaps of the necessary sizes (15 cm and more) from these devices to other equipment, walls or furniture.
• Determine the level of vibration of the refrigerator during operation (if necessary, put anti-vibration special pads or level the equipment).
• Take into account the height of the freezer or refrigerator (it is good if the microwave door is at chest level), as well as the distance between the microwave device and the ceiling (from 20 cm).

The neighborhood of such two powerful electrical appliances is possible. The main thing is that they do not interfere with each other, do not create dangerous situations and do not interfere with the operation of other household units.

Dishwasher

With the small size of the kitchen premises, many are looking for the most acceptable ways to install this or that household appliance. So, among a large selection of places to place a microwave, Dishwasher is a very good option, because the described equipment is different:

• Good depth.
• As low as possible vibration.
• Lack of heating.
• Sustainability.

You can safely install a microwave oven on this unit, and for its safe operation try:

• Equip a separate outlet.
• Provide a layer of thermal insulation.
• Do not use two devices at the same time.

But, there are more interesting extreme options.

Washing machine

If a place for a washing machine was provided in advance, it has already been installed, but very rarely performs its functions, why not use it not only as a table, but also for placing a microwave. True in this case, you will have to fulfill a number of conditions:

• The depth of the microwave device must be equal to the size of the washing machine, otherwise ventilation may be impaired.
• The oven should weigh no more than 15 kg.
• Be sure to need a rubber mat that will not allow the microwave to fall or shift.
• A separate outlet is required for direct connection (without extension cord).

Of course, such an installation cannot be called a winning one: the tandem of electrical appliances may be unsafe; and the waves that the microwave oven emits can affect the electronic unit of the machine. However, this installation method has a right to exist and allows the efficient use of existing surfaces.

Hanging shelf

Placing a microwave on a wall using a shelf as a holder is a great idea. By the way, the shelf can be purchased or ordered in a specialized store, as well as constructed independently. Products can be made of wood, MDF, metal or particleboard (for example, laminated), have different shapes and sizes, one and two tiers. To make a design with the sides along the perimeter with your own hands, even good plywood will do.

The main thing to pay attention to:

• The right choice of height.
• Reliability and quality of fastening.
• Wall material (special attention to drywall walls and appropriate fixing methods).

As in previous cases, it is important to properly organize the ventilation.

Shelf under the wall cabinets

This option for installing a microwave oven cannot be ignored, given the convenience of such a solution.

• Firstly, this arrangement of the device looks quite neat and presentable.
• Secondly, the location at the bottom of the work surface is very convenient, on which you can very quickly put hot dishes.

There are no special nuances when installing the device. Of course, the ideal option would be when the depth of the oven and the headset on top coincide, and under the device illumination will be made to better illuminate the working area.

Niche in the kitchen cabinet

Why do you want to pay attention to this particular decision? Further, the article will describe how to install built-in appliances in the kitchen, in this case we are talking about a more budgetary, but very popular option for installing a freestanding oven. The main points to which you should pay attention:

• You must find a niche in the headset (preferably without a door) of the appropriate size.
• Well thought out ventilation system.

And all, then just put the microwave in a niche and connect it. In the future, you can think about whether you need to make a door, or maybe it's better to leave it open or hang it with textiles.The main thing is that the hostess likes it and it is convenient to work.

Bracket

The installation option is very similar to the previous one, but it is, so to speak, more elegant and modern. The method is great for placing a microwave in the work area and there is nothing superfluous, everything is accurate and concise: no additional elements, no details. To be sure of the reliability of the installation, it is important to choose the fastening method and take into account the load capacity of the elements. For strong fixation of the appliance, the brackets are equipped with grooves or recesses for the legs of the furnace.

Dinner table

This item The kitchen interior, of course, is suitable for placing a microwave on it. But, as practice shows, this is either a temporary solution, while another place is being equipped, or the size and fullness of the kitchen do not allow placing the device in another zone. Despite the fact that such placement of equipment does not always look attractive and harmonious, and the device takes up a lot of space, you can always immediately put a hot plate on the table.

Bar counter

But bar counter - This is an interesting solution with many features. For those who like to quickly have a bite or stylishly “beat” the interior. She is always there, just "lend a hand", and it is convenient for her to use. Plus, there is always the opportunity to decorate the appliance to the color of the walls or the kitchen set, to make it an original addition, in harmony with the counter.

In both cases, do not forget about the circular circulation of air, and arrange the stove so that the back wall with the ventilation grill and wires is hidden.

Rack or separate shelf

When there is enough space in the kitchen, the microwave can be placed on the nightstand or shelf (the main thing is that the depth allows - 60 cm or more). Then the device will have its own personal place and there is no need to "puzzle" over the question of where to install the equipment.

If finances allow, then the floor stand can be purchased with a set of kitchen furniture. If not, then an ordinary bedside table with a height of at least 80 cm or a shelf in several levels is used. Stylish, neat shelves are gaining popularity today, on which you can place a variety of household equipment: a mixer, an electric kettle, a coffee grinder, a blender, a microwave, etc. This is already very convenient and interesting. In addition, if necessary, a bedside table or a rack can be safely moved and set up a “technical corner” in another place you like.

Placement of built-in microwaves

Built-in microwave ovens have increased thermal insulation of the case, which affects their cost. Having a good chamber volume and sufficient capacity, the structures are compact enough, which allows you to place them in different positions of the kitchen space. Distinctive features of devices of this series:

• General direction of design with other representatives of embedded equipment.
• Dimensions taking into account the dimensions of kitchen cabinets (standard - width 60 cm).
• Corresponding execution (in front - a decorative panel, the back - technical).

In any case, the main task is the correct distribution of all appliances in the kitchen for their most efficient operation.

Under the countertop

Placing a microwave under the countertop completely frees the work surface, saves space, and you can install the appliance anywhere in the lower level, even under the hob. To do this, it is worth taking care of a special cabinet and shelf in advance, the size of which provides for the presence of additional space for free passage of air (at least 15 cm in the back and more than 10 cm on the sides).

Of course, this arrangement of the microwave oven is convenient, but you should not lose sight of the fact that:

• To work with the microwave you have to constantly bend over.
• The accessibility of the appliance in terms of its height can be dangerous for young curious children.
• Enough effort will be required to maintain the equipment.
• It is better to purchase a model with buttons for opening the door, otherwise you can regularly injure your legs.

Sometimes in the kitchen project is planned "Isle”Or a bar, then you can mount a microwave in one or another object. By the way, in this way the issue of severe pollution and sagging, which is almost always there when using the countertop, is very easily solved.

Corner cupboard

Large spacious kitchens have a comfortable, well-designed layout. But deep corner cabinets are not used very often, and this is a great place to install a microwave oven. The appliance will fit into the corner without any problems and fill an empty space. It is very convenient to work with equipment installed in this way.

Headset

Mounting a microwave in the closet of a kitchen unit is perhaps the most aesthetic, neat and comfortable way to place it. In addition to external attractiveness, it can be noted:

• Unified style of the resulting composition.
• Practicality.
• The ability to install an electric furnace at the most acceptable height.
• Choosing the model of the device before ordering the headset (determine the size, since some microwave models need a free height of up to 20 cm from above, design)

Do not be upset if this issue is not thought out in advance. In many kitchen sets, places for built-in appliances are provided in advance. Therefore, sometimes it’s enough to determine the size of the device, the desired installation height, make sure that access to the microwave oven is free, and find a box, cabinet or shelf where you can build the equipment.

Over the hob

The issue of installing a microwave oven over the hob, as a rule, causes different emotions. On the one hand - saving space, everything looks compact and very nice. On the other hand, the safety and practicality of this “duet”:

• The microwave oven heats up and the possibility of fire is quite large.
• If the microwave is mounted high, reaching it can be very problematic.
• Oil vapors and smoke will sooner or later affect the outer shell of the device, reduce the operational capabilities of the electric furnace, and subsequently can lead to damage.
• Hot steam, which means increased humidity, will stimulate the appearance of rust in the internal system of the device.
• Having problems with accommodation hoodstherefore, air circulation and its quality are disturbed.

Of course, if you want to install the equipment just above the stove, then it is better to pay attention to modern models, which combine the functions of a microwave with an extractor hood or oven. Such equipment has maximum thermal protection.

Niche in the wall

Niche in the wall refers to a number of original and stylish solutions, the organization of which, as a rule, is planned even when creating the design project of the room. So what are the advantages of such an idea?

• The aperture can be very correctly fit into the interior of the kitchen.
• Depending on the degree of operation of the device, a niche can be organized both in the most active zone and in the distance from it.
• The installed microwave oven is well accessible for cleaning or washing.
• If the outlet is designed inside the opening, the wires can also be hidden there.

Such an installation is unusual, but very interesting.

Over the oven

In terms of operating comfort, one of the leading positions is occupied by the “union” of the microwave and oven. However, there is one small “but” - this is the height at which the equipment will be located. Here it is better to calculate all the options in advance and, possibly, be prepared for the fact that the oven will be slightly lower than we would like, and the microwave oven is slightly higher. Fortunately, this will not affect the effective operation of the devices, even if it is a large microwave, which is actively used.And if you pick up both stoves in the same style, in the same color or even the same brand, they will become an adornment of any kitchen and the pride of the hostess.

Today, manufacturers offer customers 2-in-1 multifunctional designs that combine the capabilities of both ovens and microwave devices. It may be a little expensive, but compact and practical.

Kitchen island

The arrangement of the kitchen island is a popular tendency to organize useful space, both in large suburban and small apartment kitchens. Since all kinds of household appliances and a considerable amount of a variety of dishes are located on the islet of furniture in the center of the room, it is difficult to assume that there is no place for your favorite microwave. Of course, its size makes you think about the installation site. And here it does not matter - there was not enough space to place it on top, then you need to build it directly into the island. Once again, it will not “catch the eye”, but, in general, everything will look very aesthetically pleasing and modern.

Pencil case

Installing a microwave oven in a “pencil case” or so-called high module is one of the innovative ideas today. And the point is not in the form of construction, but in the fact that several types of household appliances can be built into them. For example, a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave; washing machine, oven and microwave; oven and coffee machine, etc.

You can buy a “pencil case” either with a kitchen set, or order separately. Often, this is a very correct and advantageous solution when arranging devices:

• There is a certain place with the most even surface.
• Equipped with the required number of outlets.
• The required distance to walls or other surfaces for good air passage is calculated.

Since this is a kitchen, it’s not bad if the countertop is immediately next to the structure, opposite or at least no more than 2-3 m.

Drawer

Another original idea, the modern know-how is a microwave in a drawer. There is no doubt that this solution is very convenient:

• The organized order in the kitchen is not disturbed by anything, the volumetric device is invisible.
• The box in which the appliance is located can be equipped at the bottom of the headset.
• The design with the microwave oven performs all the necessary functions and easily extends and goes back.
• Management is carried out by buttons located a little higher.

It is very practical and stylish. The only thing that can make you think is the rather big price of the device.

Single room or "garage"

If the house has a separate room, pantry or a similar room, you can place all the household appliances there: microwave, food processor, dishwasher, washing machine and coffee machine, blender, etc. This separate room will become a kind of garage for appliances, which has its pros and cons. The biggest advantage is the unloading of the kitchen from a large number of large-sized appliances, giving the interior lightness.

In small kitchens, you can also organize your own “garage” from a shelf of a cabinet or a section of a work surface, and place equipment that is temporarily not used there. The microwave must be installed so that, if necessary, use it without problems.

Conclusion

Different preferences, different possibilities ... It is unlikely that you can give exact advice, where is the most suitable place for a microwave in a particular kitchen. Solving this problem is not easy at all, because no one will refuse such assistants as a microwave and meat grinder, slow cooker and coffee machine, food processor, blender, dishwasher, and everything needs to find its place.

Choose how it is more convenient to place the microwave oven in the kitchen: on a bracket or shelf, under a countertop, above a stove or on a windowsill. Not enough space - buy a compact model. The main thing, wherever the device is installed, there must be free space around it.

Look, try, and the appliances and the kitchen will always reciprocate: in a small kitchen there will always be aromas of “tasty things” and there will be enough space for the whole family.