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.
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.
The thing is if you don't have a lot of room in the kitchen, is it possible to put a microwave in a cupboard? The simple answer is yes. It can fit just fine, like a built-in oven. However, this must be done with caution to avoid any difficulties because of the enclosed space.
You can tuck it inside your pantry, or inside one of your cupboards. Just make sure you choose a model that will fit once plugged in, and be sure to let the electrician know your plans so they can put the plug where it needs to go and make any safety accommodations needed by code.
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.
Ventilation: Do not block air vents. If they are blocked during operation, the oven may overheat and eventually cause oven failure. For proper ventilation, keep three inches of space between the oven's top, sides, rear and the area where the unit is to be installed.
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.
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.
Do not install within a closed cabinet or a cut-out space where the bottom is covered. These can be installed under a cabinet, even if there is not a cooking surface underneath the appliance. However, the height clearances outlined in the Installation Instructions must still be met.
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.
However, they can be installed under any countertop or in any wall cabinet. They can go against a corner or next to a wall – basically anywhere a wall oven can be installed. Some homeowners like to stack their microwave drawer just under a wall oven, so all of their cooking appliances are together in one place.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches.
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.
Yes, you can stand a safe distance in front of the microwave. Microwave ovens are designed to keep in radiation. Against the glass, there is a protective mesh screen dotted with tiny holes.
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.
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.
Countertop microwaves should be at least two feet away from the stove. They can't withstand the heat from the stove like an over-the-stove variation. Giving them at least two feet of distance can ensure hot food spills won't damage the exterior of the microwave.
Yes, like an appliance that generates heat, the top and the sides of a microwave will get hot when in use. That's why it's recommended not to keep things on top when cooking as this may result in melting, damaging the items or the microwave itself.
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.
Should the bottom of the microwave be flush with cabinets? The ideally installed microwave should be flush with cabinets. But, if you don't have deeper than ordinary cabinets, the chances are high that your microwave will stick out of the cabinet.