Where to place a microwave in the kitchen
When deciding where to put a microwave in your kitchen, prioritize accessibility and convenience for transitioning dishes to the countertop, stovetop or oven. Popular options include countertop models near the stove, over-the-range units to save space, and built-in microwaves above wall ovens. Ensure proper clearance, avoid corners, and keep it near outlets and away from sinks.
Finding the perfect microwave placement for your mealtime routine can significantly enhance the functionality of any kitchen and help make meal prep that much easier. Read on to explore various microwave placement ideas for different types of microwaves, including countertop and over-the-range models. Learn where to put a microwave in a small kitchen to maximize your limited space or the ideal spot in larger kitchens where appliances are more spread out.
Microwave placement considerations
When figuring out the best place for a microwave in your kitchen, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind to make your kitchen both functional and safe. A well-placed microwave not only makes cooking easier but also fits nicely into your kitchen’s design. Here are some handy tips to consider:
Type of Microwave: The best microwave placement will depend on whether you have a countertop, built-in, or over-the-range model as well as your kitchen layout.
Size of Microwave: Small countertop models can easily tuck under cabinets while larger models could be placed on a shelf or installed within cabinets to save countertop space.
- Door Swing Clearance: Make sure there’s enough room for the door to open fully without hitting anything or blocking traffic.
Height of Family Members: Place it at a height that’s comfortable for everyone who will use it.
Location of Other Appliances: Think about how close it is to other appliances for a smoother cooking experience. Close to other cooking appliances is ideal to allow easy transfer.
- Outlet Placement: Ensure you have easy access to electrical outlets to avoid using extension cords or remodels.
Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen
In small kitchens, effective microwave placement is crucial for maximizing space and functionality. Since many small kitchens lack counter space, consider options like mounting your microwave on the wall, placing it under the counter, or integrating it into cabinetry. When considering where to put a microwave in an apartment when permanent installations are not an option, using a microwave drawer or tucking it into a pantry can save valuable counter space while maintaining easy access. Keep these microwave placement ideas in mind for your small kitchen, along with other tips for small kitchen design:
Wall mounting: Keep the microwave off the counter by placing it on a sturdy shelf mounted near food prep areas. Always make sure the shelf can withstand the weight of the microwave and anything you put inside it.
Above the stove: Utilize vertical space in tiny kitchens by placing the microwave above the stove, which can also function as a range hood, reducing the need for an additional appliance. Note that your microwave must be designed for over the range placement for this installation option. Explore Whirlpool® Over-the-Range Microwaves
- Under-counter placement: Install a microwave drawer below the countertop for a sleek look and easy access.
- Integrated design: Build the microwave into existing cabinetry to save space and enhance aesthetics. You can also use a trim kit to install a small countertop microwave into cabinetry. This is a good solution for where to put a microwave in a tiny kitchen that has limited counter space in addition to limited cabinetry.
Pantry storage: If available, store the microwave in a pantry to keep it out of sight when not in use.
- On a rolling cart or beverage center: If your tiny kitchen doesn’t have room for the above solutions, consider adding a small cupboard or cart just outside the kitchen in a hallway or your dining room. If you have a separate beverage area in an adjacent room, a small countertop microwave can make a discreet addition.
Shop Whirlpool® Over-the-Range Microwaves
Explore the Whirlpool® Microwave Hood Vent combo comparison chart to learn about their top features, dimensions and more to find the right microwave for your kitchen. Shop over-the-range microwaves from Whirlpool brand with convenient features on select models like air fry so you can cook crispy chicken nuggets, wings, fries and more right in the microwave. Maximize space in your kitchen with a Whirlpool® Low Profile Over-The-Range Microwave that offers a better fit for your kitchen without sacrificing capacity.
Best place for microwave in a large kitchen
In a large kitchen, the best microwave placement boosts functionality and looks while reducing unnecessary steps. Positioning the microwave near other cooking appliances minimizes travel distance and aligns with the kitchen work triangle, streamlining meal prep. Consider built-in designs, under-counter installations, or over-the-range options for microwave placement in larger kitchens. If you have plenty of counter space, putting the microwave on the counter near the cooktop is also a great choice, making transferring ingredients seamless.
Microwave oven combo: Large kitchens with plenty of cabinet space can fit a wall oven and microwave combination that places a microwave above a wall oven within a single unit. This makes transferring from one to the other a breeze. Explore Whirlpool® Microwave Oven Combos.
- Under-counter installation: This option hides the microwave while providing convenient access, especially if placed at the end of an island in a large kitchen.
In tall cabinets: Integrating the microwave into tall cabinetry near food prep areas optimizes workflow and keeps it out of sight. You can take advantage of your large kitchen by installing a large capacity built-in microwave to prep and cook bigger portions. Browse Whirlpool® Built-in Microwaves.
- On the counter: When you have a large kitchen with plenty of countertop space, you can keep your microwave right on the counter. This makes it easily accessible for most heights and minimizes transfer time for hot dishes. Place it near other cooking appliances to create a cooking zone for added convenience. Shop Whirlpool® Countertop Microwaves.
Shop Whirlpool® Built-in Microwaves
These sleek microwaves give a built-in look designed to complement Whirlpool® Wall Ovens. Popular features on select models include Concealed Touch Controls that add to the built-in microwave’s streamlined look. Select built-in microwaves include a Trim Kit that comes with the parts you need to seamlessly integrate it into your cabinets and look great above your existing Whirlpool® Wall Oven.
Creative microwave placements
Maximizing kitchen space with creative microwave placements can significantly enhance both functionality and style. Consider recessed installations in walls or cabinetry, placing the microwave on a sturdy shelf, or stacking it above a wall oven for a seamless look. Other options include hiding it in a pantry, integrating it into under-counter cabinetry, or incorporating it into an island for easy access. Read on for more creative places to store your microwave.
Create an appliance garage
Transform just about any cupboard, sturdy shelf, or built-in cabinet into an appliance garage to store small appliances like blenders, toasters, and food processors alongside your microwave. This is best for countertop models that can easily be placed on a shelf at your ideal height. Try cutting a small opening in the back of a standalone cupboard to run the cord through for a tidy look. Check shelving weight limits before placing your microwave, and ensure there is adequate clearance and ventilation when utilizing this creative microwave placement idea.
Install a standalone shelf
For small kitchens with limited counter and cupboard space, a blank area of wall may be all you need to get creative with your microwave placement. Securely attach a heavy-duty shelf to the wall that can handle the weight of your fully-loaded microwave. Make sure the shelf is near an outlet to avoid using extension cords and place it at a height that’s convenient for the whole household. Use the space below to place a kitchen cart where you can rest dishes before and after microwaving as well as store extra cooking tools.
Create a microwave drawer
Consider installing a pull-out shelf within your upper or lower cabinets to create a DIY microwave drawer. This clever microwave placement allows you to extend the shelf when using your countertop microwave, freeing up valuable counter space. Alternatively, you can choose a dedicated microwave drawer appliance that installs in lower cabinets and pulls out like a drawer, allowing you to load dishes from the top. Both options provide a stylish and functional solution for your kitchen.
Shop Whirlpool® Countertop Microwaves
Having a hard time deciding where to put a microwave in your kitchen? Get the flexibility you need with a microwave you can place just about anywhere. Explore countertop microwaves from Whirlpool brand to find the size, style and features you need. Shop large capacity microwaves with features on select models like Sensor Cooking that removes the guesswork and gives just the right amount of heat and time. Fit a microwave into even tiny kitchens or dorm rooms with compact models and unique designs that fit easily into corners to maximize counter space.
Microwave oven placement by type
When it comes to microwave placement, the type of microwave you choose greatly influences where it should go in your kitchen. Each type has its unique benefits and ideal locations that can enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
Where to put a countertop microwave
One of the main advantages of countertop microwaves is that they can be installed nearly anywhere. Position them on a sturdy surface, ideally near your cooking area for seamless transfer from microwave to oven or cooktop. Beyond this, they can be placed on the counter, on a shelf or even within cabinetry with the help of a trim kit. This type is perfect for those who need a straightforward solution without the need for installation.
Microwave Drawer Placement
Microwave drawers provide a sleek and modern solution for kitchen design. Installed in lower cabinets, these microwaves pull out like a drawer, making them easy to access while saving valuable countertop space. This design allows for loading dishes from above, which is particularly convenient and keeps the kitchen looking tidy. Install them below your main prep area so you can simply lower your dishes inside once they’re ready.
Best place to install a built-in microwave
Built-in microwaves offer a polished and integrated look by fitting seamlessly into cabinetry. One of the most popular microwave placement ideas for a built-in model is above a wall oven. Install both appliances near a cooktop to create an ultra-convenient cooking zone in your kitchen. You could also opt for a 2-in-1 microwave oven combo that combines a microwave above a wall oven in one appliance.
Over-the-range Microwave placement
The placement for this type of microwave is in the name. Over-the-range microwaves are installed above the stove, saving counter space while providing ventilation for your cooking area. They shouldn’t be installed elsewhere as they are equipped with vents that could be obstructed by alternative placements. However, if the area above your stove is limited, you could opt for a low-profile microwave, like these options from Whirlpool brand. These slim microwaves offer ample capacity while freeing up space above your cooking surface for tall pots and flexible movement.
Where to put microwave with range hood
If your kitchen already has a range hood installed above your cooking surface, you might be wondering where to put your microwave. To keep it close to your range while freeing up counter space, consider installing a built-in model within a nearby cabinet or placing a countertop microwave inside an adjacent pantry. If you have a cooktop, another option is to install a wall oven next to it and place your microwave above the wall oven. This arrangement keeps all your cooking appliances in one convenient area.
Learn more about range hoods vs over-the-range-microwaves to decide on the best fit for your needs.
Shop all Whirlpool® Microwaves
Whirlpool brand offers a wide variety of microwave styles, sizes and finishes to match your kitchen and your meal prep needs. Explore microwaves in timeless stainless steel, sleek black stainless, classic white and more finishes. Whether you choose the convenience of a countertop model, or the space-saving design of wall oven microwaves or microwave-oven combinations, you’ll be able to reheat, defrost or prepare food with ease.
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