Greetings, friends! If you are already scratching your head over the question of how to place a microwave in the kitchen, then we are coming to you... Okay, jokes aside, but with a microwave it’s really not that simple. And if it cannot be built into a column, it is usually placed where it fits and where it is worst to use.
1. Built-in microwave in a column with an oven
So, the best option is to place the microwave in the column (cabinet) of the kitchen unit together with the oven. Where it is installed at chest level, directly above the oven.
Of course, this option is the most convenient and safe, since you control the position of the dishes and what is in it. It is unlikely that you will be able to spill hot soup on yourself. This arrangement also allows you to clean the microwave without any problems!
Experts recommend installing the stove at a height of no more than 135–140 cm from the floor or 6–8 cm below the shoulder .
A similar way of placing a microwave in a column is when it is placed under the oven. Sometimes the microwave is installed exactly so that children can warm up something for themselves.
Of course, parents in this case must understand how the child’s age and level of development correspond to safety rules. Although the child will sooner or later still have to learn how to use it.
with a façade frame looks good . The latter shows how you can save on built-in equipment.
Width of built-in microwave ovens
- The minimum width can be 45 cm. Narrow models are very rare. In our store you can find Gorenje Plus GOM811X 45.5 cm wide.
- The standard width is 58-60 cm according to the width of the kitchen cabinet or column. For example, the built-in Bosch BFL 520 MS0 model with a volume of 20 liters and a width of 60 cm is in demand.
- Wide built-in devices for the home (over 60 cm) are also available in a limited range. For example, the 76 cm wide Wolf ICBMDD30PM/S/PH with a hinged door can be considered a semi-professional model.
Placing a microwave in an upper or lower kitchen cabinet
In this placement option, first of all, the ease of use of the stove suffers. Since the upper cabinet is approximately at eye level, and you will have to constantly bend down to the lower one.
In addition, it is not always possible to place a microwave in cabinets without any modifications to the unit itself. Therefore, if you are planning a new kitchen and installing a standard microwave in it, then include your wishes in the design project .
Options at a Glance
Let's consider several modifications of equipment of various sizes.
Samsung ME81KRW-2
The model from Samsung is designed for 23 liters and is made in a stationary form factor. Dimensions: 48.9x27.5x36 cm (WxDxH). Let's classify it as a standard microwave - the parameters practically coincide with the standards. Turntable with a diameter of 28.8 cm. The inside of the chamber is covered with BIO-ceramic enamel. The product weighs 12 kg.
Flaws:
- no grill;
- no delayed start;
- no auto-maintenance of the set temperature;
- there is no function for saving your own recipes;
- there is no convection.
The radiation power is 800 W. Management - mechanics. Rotary type switches. With this device you can defrost food. Equipped with a system for uniform wave distribution. The camera is illuminated from the inside. At the end of the work cycle, a signal sounds. The hinged door opens with a button.
Cost - 4,980 rubles.
How to place a microwave in the kitchen on brackets?
For this arrangement we will need special devices, similar to corners, and a place where we want to install the microwave. Usually such a place is the apron set.
Of course, the disadvantages of this arrangement are obvious:
- the design of the headset is deteriorating
- part of the free space is taken away
- darkening of part of the work area on the tabletop, although this can be compensated for by backlighting
With this arrangement, the main thing is not to forget to make a small indentation from the upper cabinets to the microwave for ventilation.
“Hide” under the countertop
To prevent the microwave oven from taking up useful space on the work surfaces, it can be moved down and placed under the countertop. To do this, you need to replace one of the lower cabinets of the kitchen unit with a niche for a microwave.
It is best to initially include such a change in the project - then it will harmoniously fit into the overall design and will look neat and stylish. But you can also refurbish an existing space.
This placement also has its disadvantages. The microwave is located very low, which makes it difficult to use, especially for tall people. Be sure to think carefully about this option if there are small children in the house. Given their omnipresence and curiosity, this can be dangerous. In addition, frequent leaks and stains on the facade of the device cannot be avoided; it is necessary to more carefully monitor its appearance.
Microwave niche in the kitchen
For some reason, many customers and designers neglect this option. However, if there is a niche in the kitchen and it fits the size of the microwave, then it should be used. But we often see that they try to quickly close such areas and forget that there was anything there at all. And this is in vain!
See how you can cleverly hide a microwave in a niche. By the way, don’t forget about the sockets in this area.
Why information about dimensions is useful
First of all, the dimensions allow you to determine whether this model will fit in your kitchen. If the purchase is planned after repair or to replace an old device, you will have to take into account existing conditions. For those who have thought about the choice in advance, it is possible to provide special niches during repair work or select a built-in model that meets all needs.
Microwave on the windowsill in the kitchen
Another profitable and thoughtful way is to place the microwave directly on the windowsill near the window. Typically, window sills are rarely used for household appliances and any unnecessary trash or flower pots are often stored on them. Therefore, it would be a sin not to use it to place a microwave.
Believe me, this solution will greatly help save most of the working space in the kitchen. Moreover, there is always a parking space on the windowsill where you can put a plate or cut food before heating it.
At the same time, sockets must be provided in the window slopes, otherwise you will have to pull an extension cord.
What parameters characterize the device
When choosing kitchen appliances directly in a store or on its website, customers always pay attention to the characteristics of the product. When purchasing, you need to monitor all indicators. For example, the weight of a Samsung microwave may be greater than that of a cheaper one with the same parameters.
The main features of a microwave oven that you need to know when buying:
- dimensions of microwave ovens;
- power;
- set of modes;
- type of coating of the inner walls of the chamber;
- chamber volume;
- equipment;
- additional functions.
Sometimes the weight of the microwave, the dimensions of the microwave magnetron, and its location are very important. Now models have appeared on the market with an emitter in the center of the bottom, which allows food to cook much faster.
Manufacturers claim that such installations damage the structure of food much less, so it turns out tastier, and less time is spent on its preparation.
It is also necessary to resolve the issue of location - a freestanding microwave or a built-in one will be more beneficial for the kitchen. This factor has virtually no effect on the size of the device, but if there is a ready-made niche, it will be decisive when purchasing.
Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen - on the countertop
So, if you have run out of ideas on how to place a microwave in the kitchen, or your small kitchen does not allow you to find a place for it. Then there is only one old and reliable way - just put the stove on the countertop.
There is nothing to comment on here, because the microwave will always take up space on the countertop, taking away useful working area. Of course, she will constantly get in the way and will be moved from corner to corner. As a result, you will simply have to accept this decision, or abandon the stove altogether.
In our opinion, placing a microwave on a countertop is the most inconvenient and impractical location option, especially in small kitchens.
Kinds
Depending on the functionality and available modes, there are several types of built-in microwaves:
- Solo. They perform only basic functions - heating and defrosting food, preparing simple dishes.
- Ovens with grill. The grill can be top or bottom. In some models, the shadow moves by 45 degrees if necessary.
- Devices with grill and convection. In addition to the heating element, there is a fan that evenly distributes warm air.
- Multifunctional ovens, in addition to the main modes, allow you to steam food
Microwave in the island
Placing a microwave oven in an island is not the most convenient option for this particular household appliance. Since the height of the island is usually small, this means you will constantly have to bend down. If you prefer a sporty lifestyle, then you can use this type of microwave location.
The disadvantages are the same as in the location of the stove in the lower cabinets of the unit.
Height of built-in microwave ovens
- The standard height of products is from 30 to 40 cm, but stoves with a height of less than 35 cm are rare. One of the lowest Neff C17WR00N0 is 38 cm.
- Tall models - from 40 cm or more. Stoves higher than 50 cm are also very rare. For example, Kaiser EH 6319 at 49 cm is one of the tallest in our store.
Parking near the microwave
So, we have already dealt with the question of how to place a microwave in the kitchen. However, an equally important point remains - the presence of a parking area near it. Why is parking so important?
The fact is that before you put a plate in the microwave, you first open the door. And when you have dishes in your hands, it is sometimes difficult to do this with one hand. You have to put the plate somewhere, or return with it to where you came from.
What if you take a hot plate out of the oven with your bare hands! This happens sometimes, doesn't it? Then you will have to run with considerable acceleration in order to quickly get rid of the burning object in your hands! Therefore, it is very important to have a small part of the surface near the microwave.
That is why we did not consider options for placing microwaves on the walls and on the refrigerator, since without parking it is very inconvenient and impractical. And sometimes this arrangement is not safe!
We hope that the article helped you and you have already decided how and where the microwave oven will be installed in the kitchen.
Depth of built-in microwave ovens
- The minimum depth is 30-31 cm. Shallow microwave ovens have a small volume of up to 20 liters. Miele M6030SC EDST/CLST with a depth of 31 cm has a volume of 17 liters.
- Standard models with a depth of up to 55 cm are the most common. Most often you can see a microwave oven with a depth of 38-40 cm.
- Deep models are large volume devices, up to 60-65 cm. Smeg SF4800MPO with a depth of 56 cm has a volume of 40 liters.
Using corner space
This method helps save precious kitchen space. The deep angle can rarely be used effectively. Installing a microwave oven there is one of the most acceptable options for filling it.
Another advantage is that the device faces the kitchen and is easily accessible for use.
However, it must be remembered that this does not completely fill the corner - voids will remain in any case.
Don't forget to provide a separate outlet for a microwave oven in the corner.
