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.
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.
While it is fine for most appliances, it may be unsafe for devices like ovens that need ventilation space. That is why before you stash your microwave in a concealed cabinet, you should check if it is safe. So, do microwave ovens need ventilation? Yes, microwave ovens need ventilation.
3" of clearance on both sides and the top. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid using thin plastic or wood surfaces as they will melt or catch fire due to the heat generated by using the stove for a long time. For perfect airflow, make sure you leave a microwave in an open space. The last step is to check the Microwave after installing it.
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.
Main Differences Between Countertop Microwave and Built-in Microwave. A countertop microwave is placed on a kitchen counter while a built-in microwave is installed into a kitchen wall or kitchen cabinet. So, a countertop microwave takes up space on the kitchen countertop closer to a power supply outlet.
Built-in microwaves are usually paired with a conventional oven in a 24-inch "oven column" or installed in a 24-inch base cabinet. These deeper cabinets allow the use of larger, deeper ovens.
Make sure not to place the microwave too close to a wall or the side of a shelf so the air can flow freely. For some built-in models, it can be important to have an advanced ventilation installation, such as over the range microwaves.