Countertop models can be tucked into a shelf or opening in the cabinetry for a built-in look. This allows you to move the microwave off the work surface. For safety, it's best to find a location that offers landing space below. The more tightly the microwave fits into the space, the more streamlined it looks.
You can put a countertop microwave in a cabinet instead of a built-in type, as long as you follow the necessary safety precautions (ensuring adequate ventilation, the shelf is strong enough to hold it, and proper wire management) to ensure your cabinet and microwave don't get damaged.
A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of microwave. If installed into a cabinet, these vents will be blocked and unable to release steam from the microwave,. Talk about a fire hazard for your kitchen.
Over-the-Range Microwave ovens and Advantium/Five in One ovens cannot be used on a counter or shelf and are not UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved for this purpose. Keep in mind the underside is not flat on an Over-the-Range Microwave or Advantium/Five in One oven.
Proper ventilation allows the appliance to function correctly. So, yes, countertop microwave requires ventilation, but not external ventilation. The primary thing you need to do is ensure proper clearance at the sides, rear, and top of the microwave.
There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.
1" clearance in the rear. The front edge of the microwave (measured at door) should sit at least 3" or more back on the counter or shelf to avoid accidental tipping. If located on the counter near a range, we recommend locating it at least 2 ft away.
Built-in microwaves can be installed into a wall or cabinet for convenient operation. With a similar capacity to other microwave styles, the built-in design has the advantages of saving counter space and being able to be installed away from the range, allowing multiple people more space to cook together.
6) In a drawer
They now make drawer-style microwaves (usually 24-30″ wide) that install discreetly in your lower cabinets or island. Just slide it open, set in your food, and use as normal. They are spendier than the other styles of microwave, but look fantastic!
A special appliance pantry is the most appealing idea, with doors that retract into the cabinet so they can sit inside while the appliance is in use. Creating a cubby with hinged panels or doors that swing up is another option. Below the counter is yet another alternative, either exposed or hidden behind doors.
You can hide your microwave by stashing it behind other doors or on top of shelves, situating it under your counters, or modifying your kitchen to accommodate the appliance.
Can all microwaves be built-in? Not all microwaves can be built-in as they are available in either freestanding or built-in models. We recommend that you install built-in microwaves into a cabinet, but if you do wish to install a freestanding model as a built-in we have built-in trim kits that allow you to do so.
Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.
Countertop microwaves are microwaves designed to be placed on the kitchen counter. On the other hand, built-in microwaves are microwaves that are neatly tucked into a cabinet or a wall.
While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.
The vents allow expanding hot air to be released. So, you should allow enough clearance for these vents when installing a microwave oven. Proper airflow ensures efficient operation. Otherwise, the device may start malfunctioning, and efficiency will be compromised.
A ductless recirculating vent pulls air through a filter and exhausts the air back into the kitchen. Some units are equipped with a charcoal filter that traps some particulate matter and odors, but most of the heat and moisture, along with some types of particles, stay in the house.
Most microwaves don't require venting. However, if yours does, venting it from an inside wall is a simple matter of running the duct pipe to the nearest external wall. Alternatively, you can choose to run the duct pipe through the wall to the central ventilation.
As a rule of thumb, don't put your microwave too near to the sink. Make sure it's 4-9 feet away. You don't want to short it out or electrocute yourself with accidental splashes. Household plugs tend to be about 4 feet or so away from the sink too for the same reasons.
When determining where to put a microwave in a small kitchen, the ultimate goal is to create or maintain as much space as possible. Therefore, the best places for a microwave in a small kitchen would be on a microwave rack, a baker's rack, or hutch pantry, as well as inside custom cabinetry or counters.
For safety reasons, manufacturers seal the microwave oven to make sure the electron doesn't come out. This means that all electrons in a microwave oven are sealed and cannot find their way. So it should be safely stored in metal.
In a small kitchen, the best place to put a microwave would be in a built-in cabinet amongst the upper or lower cabinets. That way you have ample countertop space which is necessary for kitchens of a small size.
Installing Your Microwave
Hold a microwave bracket up against the wall so that it rests on a single stud, taking care to do the same with the second stud. You can then attach the wall brackets to the wall studs and place the microwave on the two brackets to attach.
Decorate the window, sides or top of your microwave by cutting a piece of contact paper that's large enough to cover the surface. Contact paper comes in a range of colors and patterns to fit your kitchen decorating tastes. Use the top of your microwave for a place to display accessories.