wow i've actually never seen this before. i wouldn't want this. the placement isn't very convenient. i would need to bend over to put anything in it. and it's in a high traffic space i can just imagine having the microwave door open and someone ramming right into it because they didn't realize it was open. such an awkward spot for it.

" i would need to bend over to put anything in it. and it's in a high traffic space i can just imagine having the microwave door open and someone ramming right into it because they didn't realize it was open"

Actually, this is a microwave drawer - It's specifically designed for this type of installation and is very convenient to use by adults, yet even moreso by children who use this to help learn to prepare their own foods. It's actually far easier to use than a microwave over the stove.

http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeAppliances/MicrowaveDrawerOvens.aspx

I love having my microwave tucked out of the way and out of sight in our island. I can't stand microwaves ovens over the range - so cluttered looking and they take up too much counter space and again make your kitchen cluttered. Microwaves are not used nearly enough by most people to waste prime space on them, nor are they decor features that you want to emphasize in my opinion. It's also much safer lifting something hot up to your countertop rather than down and risk spilling it towards you from a height (Ie. from over top the stove). I love it - it works for us, but everyone sees their space through their own eyes.

We are in the process of building and will be putting our microwave oven in the island. I need a microwave that will also work as a convection and also open like a regular oven (pull down not open sideways). A drawer style would be even better but not sure I can find one that is also a convection?
I have a feeling I am going to LOVE it in the island for the very reasons you say nightbk!

I have seen this in a lot of designs on houzz and wondered, " Why would you install a microwave that low?" I would not. I hate bending over! Also, I glance in the microwave window to see if an item is ready while it is cooking. ie. is the water boiling yet or is the cheese melted? I cook to much to bend over and check. Mine is located above the stove top and although not the most aesthetic design I do use my microwave frequently while I am cooking at the range and I happen to find the location very convenient. I am in the process of designing 2 kitchens (for myself) and I will not be putting a microwave at this level anywhere in the kitchen. Note: I will not be placing it above the range again either because it's just not pretty. My solution will be to incorporate a nook that is aesthetic and in close proximity to the stove.

i agree and disagree :) i have a drawer microwave and love it. you don't really bend over to use it..it's very convenient and much safer. it also has some nice operational features. we have such limited counter space that i didn't want to put a microwave there and i didn't want one over the range because i know i would drop hot dishes on myself :) i think the overriding reason for the drawer is that it's not a door. i am lefthanded and you can't get a microwave for lefthanders. it is true that not all lefties are the same though, so it might work for someone else.

When ever I see a microwave in an island or lower cabinet area I cringe. I would worry about a toddler opening it or putting something in it. Even if you do not have children may have a young visitor or the next home owners may have children.

the microwave we have includes child safety features, and our range and dishwasher do too.
placement of appliances depends on two things. personal preference and logistics. i had no idea how much i would enjoy having a water and ice dispenser in my fridge. it's the best thing ever :)

Do you mean 'inside' the fridge mousemaker?
I've noticed that many of the newer fridges don't have them on the outside anymore.
Yeah I imagine a microwave on a lower cabinet isn't nearly as dangerous as a range/oven, which is also low and you have to bend over and reach in.
A microwave drawer would be much less dangerous. IMO.

having our microwave in our island is amazing. it is not an attractive appliance and it is out of sight and still very easy to access.
we are in the process of building a new home and will be getting a microwave drawer instead, but it will still be in the island and out of sight.
i would install it the same way if i built 10 more houses.

sorry Kandy0629 :) i meant on the outside! :) we got a counterdepth fridge because of how the cabinets were designed. there aren't too many to choose from in that category, but i found one i liked.

That's what I am looking for too!
What brand did you get and are you happy with it?
I'd love a built in, but the $$ is just crazy for one of those!!!

we have a Maytag. so far it's great. it's smaller than our previous fridge, but i'm finding that it's all the space i need. we have a freezer in the basement which helps a lot. i got a frenchdoor/bottom freezer model.

Thanks for the info. I could stand packing a little less into my refrigerator too!
I think the more space I would have the more junk I'd pile in there!
Thanks again

not sure if i should be posting more info on appliances..but the fridge does have nice features like vacation mode, max cool (which is great if you just stuffed your groceries in), and a cover for the dairy section.

many thanks to "thelakehouse" :) i checked your ideabook and now i have more pics in mine!!
i hope you don't mind we sort of hijacked your thread :)

Thank you to all who weighed in on the microwave question!...And you're so welcome Mousemaker! I'm building a new home and just recently found this site. I get so excited when I get a reply to my questions! I will check out your idea book too, if you don't mind- maybe I'll get a few of your pics! :)

We have our traditional microwave installed in our island. For the first month - I was worried about my decision. Now I love it! I love that it is tucked away out of sight (it faces the interior of my kitchen. It allows all my cabinets to look more sleek and uniform. My kitchen is an extension of my family room and by minimizing the appliances it has a very "furniture" feel. Once you become accustomed to it - you never think of it again1

I have had this microwave for 3 years and it amazes people. No child has ever put anything in it because they don't know how to open it. Kids are afraid of ovens. It is so safe. My kids are 8 and 10 now and have just recently let them use it without any problems. I feel it is much safer for them to use than the high over the range models. It is so easy to use. I would highly recommend it! You just tug on the drawer and it opens all by itself. It's magical! Hot foods are easily lifted out and placed on the countertop. It is a breeze to use and a wonder for guests!

Thanks for your feedback bendingbranches1 ! We moved into our new house last week and I AM THRILLED with this microwave in the island!!!! Ours has open and close buttons to push, then it opens on it's own as well! My guests have never seen one with a drawer either, so it has been fun showing them how it works! ...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that it's not taking up any counter space!

guess what i just found? silicone handle thingies that i keep in the microwave to use instead of hot pads! they're a bit like castanets :)
i also keep a silicone mat on the bottom of the microwave. there are cheap plastic lids you can use for cooking, but they are all round. i really need a large rectangular one..

oh wow, hadn't heard of those! Where can I get some?

i found them at an Outlet store...Revere/Corning Outlet...i'm not sure what they're called and i threw away the tags! oh grrrr :) i can go back there and find out though...(runs off to make a note)

i just googled silicone kitchen tools and they do have something similar..but they;re animal shapes...

Thanks! Don't go to any trouble, but if you do see them again at some point, post and let me know! :)

i checked my receipt and it says "silicone grips" ...

thank you!

hi. it's me again:)
i just examined them more carefully (which i should have done before)
and they are Trudeau silicone pinch..so i googled and voila :) :)

Thank you Mousemaker! Now sure how your last post got by me! I will check it out! :)

i'm glad i could help someone :) i usually just post things that get overruled :) i bought the grips at a local outlet store, but they are available all over, i think..
good luck!!

thank you

This is a great thread. We have installed about 40 microwaves in islands over the past 5 years. All in all we have not had to move one out of the island. We have however replaced microwave drawers in islands and swapped them with regular microwaves in the same place. The drawer is not the best micro to use. Once over the hump of having it there, everybody loves it.

Thank you! I agree!

oh oh. i love my drawer microwave!!! it's not in an island though. one of the reasons i wanted a drawer is because regular microwaves are made for right handed users. there are no easy use microwaves for left handed users.
the last one i had without a handle was a push open, which is still a bad idea because it hits you in the hand.
a drawer can be child locked and it is safer to use than an overhead machine..and it does not take up counter space. it is also large enough to hold one or several cake-sized pans, which is a huge advantage.
i think it's really up to the chef du jour :)