Wondering Where to Place the Microwave? We Suggest 9 Clever Spots
See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter
tidgboutique
13 June 2018
Toronto Interior Design Group is a trusted one-stop-shop residential interior design concierge boutique-style firm crafting timeless interiors.
Toronto Interior Design Group is a trusted one-stop-shop residential interior design... More
The classic kitchen work triangle organises foot traffic from the fridge to the sink to the stove, in an attempt to make cooking and preparing meals flow more smoothly. But what about the other major, although sometimes smaller, appliances that many of us use every day? Take the microwave, for example. You can place a microwave high, low, out of sight or within easy reach, and there are pros and cons for every choice. Here’s a look at those advantages and disadvantages, so you can figure out the kitchen configuration that’s right for you.
1. Below the counter
Don’t have much counter or upper cabinet space to spare? Consider replacing a lower drawer with a microwave cabinet.
Pros
Leaves the counter clear and the sightline open, especially when paired with airy upper shelving.
Cons
If the microwave is too low, moving dishes in and out of it can be a nuisance. Plus, if you have curious small children, this could be a dangerous option.
Construction considerations
Removing a large drawer front can often leave a suitable space at virtually no cost. For the tidiest fit, choose a microwave-ready base cabinet during construction for typically the same cost as a standard drawer cabinet.
Don’t have much counter or upper cabinet space to spare? Consider replacing a lower drawer with a microwave cabinet.
Pros
Leaves the counter clear and the sightline open, especially when paired with airy upper shelving.
Cons
If the microwave is too low, moving dishes in and out of it can be a nuisance. Plus, if you have curious small children, this could be a dangerous option.
Construction considerations
Removing a large drawer front can often leave a suitable space at virtually no cost. For the tidiest fit, choose a microwave-ready base cabinet during construction for typically the same cost as a standard drawer cabinet.
2. Integrated into cabinetry
A sleek custom option for those who love the look of beautifully featured appliances.
Pro
The height can be customised for the best reachability.
Con
If it’s placed too far from a counter, the danger arises of holding a hot plate and having nowhere to quickly set it.
Construction considerations
It’s hard to retrofit unless a cabinet happens to exist at a good height and size, and you may need a customised cabinet for the perfect height (or to accept one of your cabinet supplier’s standard options). Also, a beautiful trim kit will look spectacular but cost extra.
Check out these 8 amazing kitchen cabinet doors and drawers
A sleek custom option for those who love the look of beautifully featured appliances.
Pro
The height can be customised for the best reachability.
Con
If it’s placed too far from a counter, the danger arises of holding a hot plate and having nowhere to quickly set it.
Construction considerations
It’s hard to retrofit unless a cabinet happens to exist at a good height and size, and you may need a customised cabinet for the perfect height (or to accept one of your cabinet supplier’s standard options). Also, a beautiful trim kit will look spectacular but cost extra.
Check out these 8 amazing kitchen cabinet doors and drawers
3. In a spare cabinet
This option is such an easy DIY fix. I used it in my own kitchen to keep the appliance out of the way between occasional uses.
Pro
Like an integrated style, this setup lets you put the microwave at a convenient height (or in an underused cabinet to save space), at little cost.
Cons
Neat freaks will be annoyed when others leave the door open or leave crumbs in the crannies. Also, opening the cabinet door might be a bothersome extra step for those who use the microwave very frequently.
Construction considerations
If a suitable cabinet exists, the only difficulty typically will be drilling a hole for the wiring to reach an existing plug, making this a relatively easy DIY project. If you plan for this during construction, a plug could be provided inside the cabinet to avoid visible cords. Check your microwave user guide to ensure that the open door will provide sufficient heat ventilation.
This option is such an easy DIY fix. I used it in my own kitchen to keep the appliance out of the way between occasional uses.
Pro
Like an integrated style, this setup lets you put the microwave at a convenient height (or in an underused cabinet to save space), at little cost.
Cons
Neat freaks will be annoyed when others leave the door open or leave crumbs in the crannies. Also, opening the cabinet door might be a bothersome extra step for those who use the microwave very frequently.
Construction considerations
If a suitable cabinet exists, the only difficulty typically will be drilling a hole for the wiring to reach an existing plug, making this a relatively easy DIY project. If you plan for this during construction, a plug could be provided inside the cabinet to avoid visible cords. Check your microwave user guide to ensure that the open door will provide sufficient heat ventilation.
4. Angled corner cabinet
A convenient option for large kitchens where deep corners will otherwise go unused.
Pros
Fills a corner and faces into the room for ease of use. Makes better use of a deep cabinet that might otherwise contain hard-to-reach items.
Con
Some space will be unused behind the microwave and behind other appliances or drawers.
Construction considerations
Typically a corner cabinet is planned during construction and not easily added after. If your cabinet system or company provides corner cabinet options, the cost shouldn’t be much different than that of a standard cabinet.
A convenient option for large kitchens where deep corners will otherwise go unused.
Pros
Fills a corner and faces into the room for ease of use. Makes better use of a deep cabinet that might otherwise contain hard-to-reach items.
Con
Some space will be unused behind the microwave and behind other appliances or drawers.
Construction considerations
Typically a corner cabinet is planned during construction and not easily added after. If your cabinet system or company provides corner cabinet options, the cost shouldn’t be much different than that of a standard cabinet.
5. Over the range
Not always the most beautiful option, as opposed to a sleek hood fan, but effective for making the most of limited space.
Pro
Microwave and hood-fan combos do double duty to save space in a compact kitchen.
Cons
If the microwave is too high, reaching and seeing in will be difficult for many users. It also replaces a sculptural range hood for a somewhat less elegant look, and typically is not as effective at venting.
Construction considerations
It’s best for the microwave and range finishes to match, so try to source the two components from the same manufacturer. After that, installation is pretty straightforward and usually takes a few hours, depending on how long it takes to remove an existing range, hood and microwave, and whether or not cutting needs to be done to counters and cabinetry to make the new units fit.
Not always the most beautiful option, as opposed to a sleek hood fan, but effective for making the most of limited space.
Pro
Microwave and hood-fan combos do double duty to save space in a compact kitchen.
Cons
If the microwave is too high, reaching and seeing in will be difficult for many users. It also replaces a sculptural range hood for a somewhat less elegant look, and typically is not as effective at venting.
Construction considerations
It’s best for the microwave and range finishes to match, so try to source the two components from the same manufacturer. After that, installation is pretty straightforward and usually takes a few hours, depending on how long it takes to remove an existing range, hood and microwave, and whether or not cutting needs to be done to counters and cabinetry to make the new units fit.
6. At a drinks station
A smart option for a butler’s pantry, basement bar station or other secondary food-prep space.
Pros
Moving the microwave to a side station puts it near the coffee machine for quick breakfasts or snacks, and away from the primary chef in a busy household.
Con
It’s not ideal to have the only microwave far from the fridge or main prep space if it’s used often for cooking.
Construction considerations
The typical construction issues will apply depending on how the microwave is mounted. When the microwave is the only visible major appliance, consider featuring it as an accent instead of hiding it.
Take a look at these 6 quirky food and drinks stations
A smart option for a butler’s pantry, basement bar station or other secondary food-prep space.
Pros
Moving the microwave to a side station puts it near the coffee machine for quick breakfasts or snacks, and away from the primary chef in a busy household.
Con
It’s not ideal to have the only microwave far from the fridge or main prep space if it’s used often for cooking.
Construction considerations
The typical construction issues will apply depending on how the microwave is mounted. When the microwave is the only visible major appliance, consider featuring it as an accent instead of hiding it.
Take a look at these 6 quirky food and drinks stations
7. In an appliance garage
An excellent, trendy option for those who wish to hide multiple appliances between uses.
Pro
Keeps small appliances hidden at counter height for ease of reach.
Con
Uses extra space as opposed to simply keeping items on the counter.
Construction considerations: A short stretch of counter can be turned into an appliance garage retroactively, although the very best option would be an extra-deep counter (30 inches rather than 24 inches) to leave usable space in front. If you’re adding a door after, use a contrasting finish (like metal) if you can’t match your existing paint, or the style will be off.
An excellent, trendy option for those who wish to hide multiple appliances between uses.
Pro
Keeps small appliances hidden at counter height for ease of reach.
Con
Uses extra space as opposed to simply keeping items on the counter.
Construction considerations: A short stretch of counter can be turned into an appliance garage retroactively, although the very best option would be an extra-deep counter (30 inches rather than 24 inches) to leave usable space in front. If you’re adding a door after, use a contrasting finish (like metal) if you can’t match your existing paint, or the style will be off.
8. In the island
Keeps the microwave out of sight without completely covering it up, and makes strategic use of the island, which can often otherwise end up as odds-and-ends storage.
Pros
Saves the main cabinets for storage. Also, you can position the microwave away from the main cooking area, so someone who isn’t doing the main cooking can use it without worrying about bumping into the one who is.
Con
A low microwave will be harder to reach, especially if the counter has a deep lip.
Construction considerations
If your island is being built out of lower cabinets, a microwave cabinet won’t cost much extra, but you will need electrical run to the island, making this tricky to add to an existing island.
See these 13 one-of-a-kind kitchen islands
Keeps the microwave out of sight without completely covering it up, and makes strategic use of the island, which can often otherwise end up as odds-and-ends storage.
Pros
Saves the main cabinets for storage. Also, you can position the microwave away from the main cooking area, so someone who isn’t doing the main cooking can use it without worrying about bumping into the one who is.
Con
A low microwave will be harder to reach, especially if the counter has a deep lip.
Construction considerations
If your island is being built out of lower cabinets, a microwave cabinet won’t cost much extra, but you will need electrical run to the island, making this tricky to add to an existing island.
See these 13 one-of-a-kind kitchen islands
9. Over the oven
This “chef’s kitchen” style isn’t shy about showing off stainless steel appliances. It’s great for balancing out lots of timeless wood with a modern touch.
Pros
Groups the appliances together for a sleek, integrated look. Also allows for a larger microwave for heavier use.
Con
Sometimes puts the microwave too high or the oven too low for some users to reach.
Construction considerations
Typically this approach will require some customising. Adding a large microwave (or at least a sizable trim kit) can cost hundreds of dollars or more, depending on quality.
Read more:
11 Drawer Designs for an Efficient kitchen
8 Modern & Efficient Kitchen Designs
Tell us:
Where have you placed the microwave in your kitchen? Share images and your thoughts in the Comments below.
This “chef’s kitchen” style isn’t shy about showing off stainless steel appliances. It’s great for balancing out lots of timeless wood with a modern touch.
Pros
Groups the appliances together for a sleek, integrated look. Also allows for a larger microwave for heavier use.
Con
Sometimes puts the microwave too high or the oven too low for some users to reach.
Construction considerations
Typically this approach will require some customising. Adding a large microwave (or at least a sizable trim kit) can cost hundreds of dollars or more, depending on quality.
Read more:
11 Drawer Designs for an Efficient kitchen
8 Modern & Efficient Kitchen Designs
Tell us:
Where have you placed the microwave in your kitchen? Share images and your thoughts in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Kitchen Ideas
7 Essentials For a Successful Kitchen Renovation
Remodelling your kitchen? Updating cabinets, walls, backsplash, flooring, storage should be a must on your list
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
10 Key Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Here are key kitchen dimensions that will help you design like a pro
Full Story
Indian Homes
Renter's Dilemma: How to Update an Indian-Style Kitchen Design
Follow these simple, renter-friendly tips to update your space into a modern kitchen
Full Story
Kitchen storage
Say Hello to the Most Popular Types of Kitchen Wall Cabinets
Find out which kitchen wall cabinet style combines convenience and good looks, is easy to maintain and best suited for you
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Is an Open Kitchen Layout Right for Indian Homes?
Explore the strengths and shortcomings of an open kitchen design and find out whether it makes sense in your home
Full Story
Most Popular
What's the Best Material for Kitchen Cabinets?
Choices are aplenty when it comes to cabinet materials. Find the pros and cons of the top 5 available in the market today
Full Story
Lighting Ideas
How to Light Kitchen Counters
By David Warfel
Discover these 6 professional tips for lighting your countertops and other kitchen workspaces
Full Story
Kitchen storage
6 Must-Have Modular Kitchen Accessories
These accessories for modular kitchens are guaranteed to increase efficiency and storage
Full Story
Photo Books
23 Scandinavian Kitchens That Pack Extra Punch
Blonde timber, white details and pared-back designs are key Scandi kitchen looks
Full Story
Kitchen Ideas
Have an Open Kitchen That Can Be Closed Off Too
By Jennifer Ott
Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design
Full Story
Would anyone be able to tell me what kind of microwave is in 6. At a Drinks Station? I would like to similarly incorporate a low profile microwave like this one into my kitchen cabinetry but I can’t find one like this that isnt an over the range hood microwave. any help would be appreciated greatly!
Heather, if you click on that picture there's an option to ask a question about it. I saw on one Houzz post that you're more likely to get answers if you ask them there, as the designer or author of the article will be notified of the question but might not see them in the comment thread, especially if there are a lot of comments.
Heather,
The microwave in Photo 6 appears to be a GE Profile https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-specs/PEB9159SJSS. It's 13" deep (plus an inch clearance required in back.)