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.
Basic rules for placement
Since you have to use a microwave oven often, you need to pay due attention to where it is placed.
General requirements for placement:
- optimal height from the floor – 60-150 cm;
- should not be placed near a stove, oven, radiator or other heating appliances;
- position it so that you can easily reach it with your hand;
- do not place the microwave oven next to the sink;
- make sure that nothing prevents the door from opening and closing;
- ventilation openings must not be blocked. They are usually located on the top panel. If particles of food or water get there, the device may burn;
- Do not store interior items or kitchen utensils on the appliance.
Ignoring advice on ergonomic and safe placement is not recommended.
Due to improper use, the microwave oven will quickly break down, and if it is inconveniently positioned, you risk spilling hot food on yourself and getting burned. Even at the stage of planning your kitchen furniture, you should take care of the space for the microwave. Modern headsets, ready-made and custom-made, often already have a special shelf for the device.
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 .
Tips and warnings
When working with a built-in microwave oven, it is especially important to follow safety precautions and operating rules in order to maximize the service life of the device.
Tips for important points:
- Microwave oven maintenance should be carried out at least once every 2-3 months. During the procedure, you need to check the serviceability of all functions, wash the device, clean the ventilation holes, remove debris from the gaps, make sure the integrity of the case, internal coating, and electrical wires. For built-in models, ventilation care is especially important, since if the rules are not followed, a fire may occur.
- Microwaves are high-voltage equipment, so they need to be protected from voltage surges. To do this, it is worth providing the device with a separate outlet. Since the built-in model cannot be moved, it is worth installing it in advance, taking into account the length of the wire. It is not advisable to use extension cords, as well as to connect several plugs to one power source.
- Consider the nuances of placement. It is undesirable for it to be in proximity to a hob, water sources, windows, indoor plants (they do not tolerate radiation well), or meters (they can get lost under the influence of waves). It will be difficult to move the device after installation; check the kitchen plan and choose a convenient option.
- Before installing the equipment, you need to ensure easy access to the socket and cables. In the event of breakdowns, fire, or short circuits, it is important to turn off the device as quickly as possible, which is not always possible with built-in models.
Microwaves built into the cabinet help save space, look stylish, are reliable, and functional. Among their disadvantages are the high price, difficulty of repair, possible problems with installation, operation, and safety precautions. The appliances look best in small, high-tech kitchens. The convenience, feasibility, and service life of integrated microwave ovens depend on the location, so its selection must be approached especially carefully.
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.
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.
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.
Pros and cons of building in a microwave
The main advantage of built-in household appliances is saving space in the kitchen. A compact microwave oven is installed in a closet, pencil case, niche, occupying the entire space, leaving no useless idle areas. Other advantages of such ovens:
- Large volume. Despite their compactness, built-in microwaves are not inferior to conventional ones in internal dimensions. This allows you to heat food on large plates or place several dishes inside at once.
- Quality and functionality. Built-in models are produced for long-term use, which is why they have an extended service life and additional protection against overheating, moisture, and power failures. Since such microwaves are made only by popular brands for the high price segment, they are almost always equipped with a grill, convection, automatic doors, an improved display and other additional functions.
- Hygiene. The microwave completely occupies its niche, which eliminates the accumulation of dust and debris in the cabinet. Installation inside the cabinet will protect the internal gaps, cracks, and buttons of the stove itself from contamination, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns. All that is required from the owner is to periodically wipe the door frame of the device.
- Aesthetics. The integrated microwave merges with the facade of the kitchen, eliminates voids and cracks, does not spoil the appearance with wires, and therefore looks better in the interior. This stove fits especially well with a country or classic style design, where openly standing modern appliances look out of place.
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.
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.
Built-in or conventional microwave, which is better?
A built-in microwave is a controversial solution, the advantages of which cannot always compensate for the disadvantages. This technique is definitely not suitable for budget kitchens, since the device itself, its installation, ventilation and wiring will be very expensive. A standard (free-standing) microwave on a shelf or cabinet of approximately the right size will do the job better.
The built-in microwave is suitable for small kitchens. Practicality, style, and extended service life compensate for the overpayment and complexity of repairs. It is best to choose models with increased functionality - the steamer, grill, convection, and deep fryer modes will eliminate the need for other household appliances.
In medium and large kitchens, a built-in microwave is more of an extravagance than a necessity. You can buy it if the interior is made in high-tech style with integrated appliances. Otherwise, it is better to purchase a separate model and disguise it behind the cabinet door. This will eliminate the hassle of repairing and moving the built-in microwave, preserving beauty, convenience, and economical use of space.
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.
Rating of built-in microwave ovens
Popular models of built-in microwave ovens:
| Title and photo | Characteristics | Price |
| Bosch BFL554MW0 | Budget model with electronic control. 38x59x37 cm - dimensions, 25 l - volume, 31.5 cm - tray. Maximum power is 900 W. The feature of the model is 7 installed operating programs that help not only to heat and defrost food, but also to prepare original dishes. The inner surface of the oven is covered with a layer of stainless steel, which reliably protects against damage and overheating. White color | RUB 21,650 |
| Tesler MEB-2070X | One of the smallest microwaves with dimensions of 32x46x34 cm and a volume of 20 liters. Heats food in 5 power modes with a maximum of 800 W. Equipped with a grill mode, automatic defrosting and 8 cooking programs, including a crisp setting. The body color is silver, the internal coating is enamel. The door frame design is made in a high-tech style | 9990 rub. |
| Gorenje BM6240SY2B | Microwave with a hinged door and a system of protection against accidental opening by children. Dimensions - 59.5x39x39 cm with a volume of 23 l and a tray diameter of 27 cm. Power - 900 W. Model with quartz grill (grid included), defrosting, automatic cooking. The inside of the oven is covered with enamel. The black case with a minimalist timer design and touch buttons gives the microwave a modern, stylish look | RUB 26,370 |
| Weissgauff HMT 203, 404315 | A small oven with dimensions 39x59x29 cm and a volume of 20 liters. The reduced depth allows the model to be easily integrated into standard upper kitchen cabinets. Maximum power - 700 W with 5 different modes and the ability to smoothly change when cooking. Additionally, an auto-defrost function is built-in depending on the type and weight of the product. Ecological bio-enamel as a coating and a child protection system make the model one of the safest, and the stylish beige body with discreet buttons will allow it to fit into classic kitchens | 12490 rub. |
| Bosch BFL 520 MS0 | A model specially designed for installation in an upper cabinet with a depth of 30 cm. Dimensions - 38.2x59.4x31.7 cm, volume - 20 l, tray - 25.5 cm. Convenient control of two rotary switches. Power modes - 90, 180, 360, 600, 800 W with defrosting and automatic cooking functions. The inner lining of the camera is made of stainless steel, the body is black | 21990 rub. |
The popularity rating among Russian users includes mainly small-sized budget models. Fans of wide functionality should pay attention to microwave ovens from Samsung, Hansa, Siemens, Kuppersberg, Ariston.
