When choosing kitchen appliances, including microwave ovens, consumers increasingly prefer more compact, easy-to-use models. Microwave ovens can be either free-standing or built-in – it’s up to you to decide which one to choose. But it’s better to choose a place for the equipment in advance. And based on this, you should select a model. We will tell you how to install a microwave oven and where it is best to place it. It is also important to know how to properly connect an electrical appliance so that it can be used conveniently and as safely as possible.
What types of microwave ovens are there?
Before moving directly to the installation stage, let's look at what microwave ovens exist. So:
- the simplest microwave ovens with a minimum set of functions (heating and defrosting);
- Microwave ovens with grilling function;
- models with a convection system that can easily replace your built-in oven.
What metal can be used in a microwave?
The main thing is not to use metal utensils. This is the main “contraindication” for use in a microwave oven. That is why you should also not reheat or defrost food in aluminum containers, as well as semi-finished products in foil packaging.
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Choosing a location and method of embedding
The installation method for microwave ovens depends on their type and location. Today there are several options for installing a built-in microwave oven. After familiarizing yourself with them, you can determine the location for the electrical appliance.
The traditional and, perhaps, the most aesthetic installation method is to integrate the microwave oven directly into the kitchen unit.
You can order a cabinet for a microwave oven along with kitchen furniture. Or find a suitable size cabinet in an existing set.
In this way, you can place the stove, for example, under the countertop, above the stove, in the upper cabinet or any other place. The built-in model can also be placed in a plasterboard niche. This type of installation is more labor-intensive; preparation for it should begin during the renovation.
The most modern, compact type of installation is placement in a drawer. The body of the electrical appliance is built directly into the drawer of the kitchen furniture. To use the microwave, you just need to pull it out of the front. This placement saves kitchen space as much as possible, and also ideally disguises the appliance itself.
As for freestanding microwave ovens, there are more options for their installation. The easiest way is to place them on a countertop or other flat surface.
But such placement often takes up a lot of space, which is sometimes not enough in the kitchen. How to install a microwave, where to put it to save work space? And most importantly, can a regular microwave be built into kitchen furniture? We'll talk about this below.
In principle, installing a conventional microwave oven is possible, but important points should be taken into account.
The main thing is to ensure proper air circulation so that the microwave does not overheat during operation.
If the niche is too narrow, it will simply be impossible to ensure the flow of cold air and the removal of warm air. For the built-in model, this process is carried out through the front panel. Therefore, it does not require any gaps in the cabinet. For free-standing electrical appliances, this is the main condition for proper operation of the device.
In the case of a conventional microwave oven, the size of the niche directly depends on its dimensions.
For models with convection, the height and width of the niche should be 20 cm greater than the height and width of the oven, the depth - 10 cm. For conventional models, 10 cm on all sides will be enough. Select the installation location taking into account the location of the free outlet.
It is not advisable to use an extension cord to connect equipment to the network.
It is not recommended to place the device close to the hob, sink, or refrigerator. This may cause it to break. The distance between household devices must be at least 45 cm.
How to choose a built-in microwave oven?
When purchasing kitchen equipment, it is advisable to take into account all the main nuances. Let's consider the most important criteria for choosing the right integrated oven for the kitchen:
- Convection appliances have the most powerful functionality. There is a grill, a fan, and this oven allows you to cook dishes in all basic ways.
- The color of the front panel is selected in accordance with the design of the facade. If a white built-in microwave oven is suitable in most cases, then a bright rich color will not always look appropriate in a simple setting.
- Chamber volume – 12 liters is enough for one user; for 3 people it is better to purchase a device from 25 liters.
- The coating is the most durable of stainless steel. Bioceramics are easy to care for, but expensive. Budget enamel lasts at least 5-7 years.
- The dimensions of the device must correspond to the dimensions of the niche.
- The power of the device affects the cooking speed.
- A quartz lamp takes up relatively less space, but a high-quality heating element grill provides more uniform heating.
Built-in microwave oven dimensions
With a huge number of home appliance manufacturers, strict sizing standards are no longer met. It is advisable to carefully study the passport data if you are purchasing an oven online. The dimensions of the built-in microwave oven depend on the volume of the chamber and are within the following limits:
- Height – 30-60 cm.
- The average depth is 30-45 cm.
- Narrow built-in microwave ovens have a width of 45-50 cm.
- Standard width is about 50-60 cm.
Where to put a microwave in the kitchen - 25 successful solutions
To place the necessary attributes - a refrigerator, sink and stove, we have already come up with the rule of the working triangle, which allows you to rationally organize the kitchen space. A microwave in the kitchen has become an equally important item in any modern family. But there are no specific recommendations for its placement.
Where to place the microwave in the kitchen so that it is convenient to use? Choose the option that suits you from the recommendations below.
You can get a lot of ideas from this video:
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.
10 good places
On the countertop in the work area
This option is suitable for a large or functional headset. It is convenient from the point of view of use. If there is enough work surface, then the device will not harm the functionality of the kitchen.
Another point - will the device fit the width of the countertop? You can choose different oven sizes in the store, but the minimum is 60 cm.
A good place is the corner part of the headset. This is the most practical solution, even if there is not much free work surface.
Suspension systems
A special device for holding a microwave oven - a bracket - will be a solution for those who have a small set, but there is a niche or corner where you can place the device, which will not interfere with free movement.
You can hang the device in the cabinet area above the table top (if there is space between the mezzanines).
You can attach a stand above the dining table.
Cabinet installation
Depending on the location of the ventilation holes, a decision is made on how exactly to install the stove: the device can be closely adjacent to the side walls of the cabinet or to the back wall.
There may also be variations here:
- install a microwave under the countertop in the cabinet;
- build the stove into the upper cabinet.
Rating of built-in microwave ovens
- Built-in microwave oven Bosch BFL 634GS1
– stainless steel coating, 7 programs, 900 W, volume 21 l, grill, dimensions 59.4x38.2x31.8 cm. - Built-in microwave oven Electrolux EMS 26004 OK
- budget device 25 l, 900 W, auto-defrost, childproof, push-button control. Dimensions – 59.4 x 45.9 x 41.7 cm. Cons – lack of convection and grill. - Whirlpool AMW 730/WH
– chamber 31 l, 1000 W, electronic panel, display. Dimensions – 59.5x38.5x46.8 cm. - Indesit MWI 222.2
– grill and convection, 900 W, 25 l, push-button and rotary switches, display. Dimensions – 59.5x38.8x45 cm. - Kaiser EH 6319
– grill, convection, steamer, 19 cooking modes, 38 l, display. Dimensions – 59.5x52x45.5 cm.
Basic rules for installing the device
To ensure that when using a microwave oven it remains operational for as long as possible, you should follow some rules when installing this device. There are several of them:
- The distance from equipment that generates heat during operation must be at least 15 cm.
- The maximum placement height should be no more than 1.5 m.
- A distance of at least 15 cm must be maintained from the wall or adjacent side of another surface to the microwave body.
It is also worth considering that the surface for installing the microwave oven must be perfectly flat and as stable as possible. This is necessary not only for ease of use, but also to prevent damage to equipment during operation.
In addition, it is better to place the device no higher than arm’s length, otherwise using it will be very problematic.
What requirements must a cabinet for a microwave oven meet?
The microwave cabinet must have a durable structure that can support the weight of the household appliance. The cabinet under the microwave oven must provide ventilation to remove hot air. In the designs of kitchen modules for built-in appliances, the air duct can be represented by a grille or technical openings. In some models, the issue of free air circulation is resolved due to the complete absence of the rear wall.
The process of installing a microwave oven
If the location for the device is chosen taking into account the above recommendations, you can safely proceed to the installation process itself.
Let's look at the most common installation instructions. It involves performing the following steps:
- Carefully inspect the equipment for damage and various defects.
- In the operating instructions, find the installation section and read it.
- If a mount is included, install it.
- Make a hole in the cabinet wall to provide easy access to the electrical outlet when using the device.
- Place the device in the cabinet, remove the cord, and insert the power plug into the outlet.
- Install the frame if it is included with the built-in oven. How to secure it can be found in the instruction manual. In the case of a regular microwave, there are no decorative frames. Remember its need for proper heat dissipation.
As you can see, if you look at all the points, installing the equipment yourself is quite simple. But if you doubt your abilities, consult a specialist.
However, installation of a microwave oven should be carried out taking into account all recommendations and rules. Then the electrical appliance will work correctly and will serve you for many years.
Option 1. On the countertop
A simple and logical option is to place the microwave on the work surface. However, not every kitchen can afford this: sometimes the countertop is barely enough even for cooking. You also need to remember about the safe distance to the stove and sink and the presence of a free outlet in the immediate vicinity.
