Trudi most often suggests putting the microwave under the counter, often on the end of the island to free up space in upper kitchen cabinets. Building your microwave into the cabinetry below your countertop means it's at a great height for kids warming up snacks and keeps it out of the main kitchen flow.
Perhaps one of the most practical design solutions is placing a microwave above a wall oven in a tall cabinet. It works visually because cooking appliances are kept together. Aesthetically, that maintains consistent look. Positioning the microwave above a wall oven will also have your microwave at the perfect height.
This is a question we hear time and time again at Sharp. And while many bloggers will advise you to install a microwave in your kitchen cabinets, we strongly advise against it. A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave.
Your microwave can sit nicely in your pantry if you are looking for a place to store it out of sight – yet still, be able to use it when needed. Of course, it is important to make sure your pantry has electrical outlets and a safe, sturdy shelf that will hold the microwave without it falling. In a lower cabinet.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must. “The manufacturer's instructions will tell you how much cabinet depth you need to have for a built-in,” says Sam Cipiti, vice- president of R.M. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Most microwaves are around 50cm wide, 30cm high and 40cm deep. They'll need about 10cm space around the sides for ventilation, and 20cm at the top where the vents are usually located.
Optional: Add a Shelf Above the Microwave
Consider adding a shelf, also called a “false cabinet,” to the top of where your microwave will go. You'll need to measure out the space and microwave for accurate placement and make sure the shelf is secure enough to withstand the weight of your microwave.
The microwaves will vibrate all particles, cool air prevents this from affecting the components and ensures it is just the food that is agitated and cooked. A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear.
Open Countertop Space
Over the range microwaves help to open up this counter space and free you from having to have the big, bulky appliance just sitting there. Instead, installing it over your range gives it a more permanent look in your kitchen.
Instead of placing food in the center, spread it in a circle around the outer edge of the container or plate. The more you spread it out, the better. This makes it easier for the microwaves to reach in and create enough friction to heat the food evenly. Place a cover over the food to keep water from evaporating.
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.
Installing an over-the-range microwave generally requires clearance of 12 to 13 inches above the range, as well as 66 inches of space from the floor to the top of the appliance. If you are installing near a wall on the left side, make sure there is at least 6 inches of clearance to allow the door to fully open.
All microwaves, including countertop microwaves, have a built-in recirculating venting system. Generally, microwave ovens do not need to vent outdoors. However, when installing it under a cabinet, you need to consider possible vents for carrying the odors, moisture, and grease from the usual cooking.
Over-the-range microwaves are conveniently placed and do double duty as range vents. For this space-saving microwave integration idea, you'll need a microwave designed especially for the job and a vent to carry away exhaust fumes from the stove.
Since microwaves generate high amounts of heat, it's important to use them safely to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. If a microwave isn't properly vented, it can overheat or even fuse together parts of it, causing a potential fire and/or injury.
Not providing enough space around the unit will hinder ventilation and heat dispersion. Placing the unit in an area with inadequate spacing could pose a safety issue and is strongly advised against. Using this microwave requires 12 inches of space above the unit and at least 3 inches on all sides.
Higher BTU burners also usually require a bit more clearance between the cooking surface and the vent hood. Most standard gas ranges can be paired with a microwave hood, but if you have a commercial-style range with high BTU burners, you'll likely want a standard range hood.
A minimum depth of 21 ⅞ inches is required, along with 2 and 3/16 inches of clearance above the opening and a 1 inch clearance below.
Above microwave ovens, a 15- to 18-inch deep cabinet is common.
“Since washing up dishes is a messy business, you run the risk of accidentally splashing the microwave during operation,” says Albert. The solution is to make sure that the microwave is always somewhere between four to nine feet away from the sink.
Do not remove the feet of the microwave, as it can affect air circulation and make the microwave less stable. Do not place cookbooks, small appliances, or other items on top of the microwave.
When it came to built-in microwaves, the Kitchenaid microwave oven model KBMS104ESS was a one size fits all solution. It is a 24″ wide microwave perfect for installation in a 24″ wide cabinet. It also comes with trim kits that allow it to be installed in a 27″ wide cabinet or a 30″ wide cabinet.
Over-the-range microwaves do not require air clearance on the sides. These models are installed between cabinets, and can be installed against a wall. If installed next to a deep cabinet or wall on the hinge side (left side), however, current models require 1/2" clearance on the hinge side for the door to open.