Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Where To Put The Microwave? 14 Tips
Certified Kitchen Designer, author of http://www.thekitchendesigner.org blog and http://www.scandinaviankitchens.com
Certified Kitchen Designer, author of http://www.thekitchendesigner.org... More »
Honestly? Sometimes, not always, but sometimes, finding a place for the microwave drives me crazy! It's not always such an obvious, easy, appliance to place. In fact, I could write a book on placing the microwave alone.
First, determine how "much" microwave you need, and by that I mean size and function. Microwaves range in a very wide variety of widths, heights, and one of the most important dimensions, depths. Take special note of the depth, once you find a microwave you like. If the microwave is planned to integrate with wall cabinetry, the depth WILL be an issue, I promise. Not only the depth, but the height as well, particularly if it requires a trim kit or other space for venting.
Easy access is desirable for universal design purposes. Microwave drawers, an image which is not shown below, are a recent great ergonomic development. Situated just below the countertop, the bending is kept to a minimum, while the upper cabinetry does not have to be interrupted by another appliance.
In many homes, the microwave over the range is a perfect solution. I prefer to find any place but this location for ergonomic and safety reasons.
Think of the microwave placement very early on, get all of your specs together so you are not surprised with required ventilation and dimensioning, and make sure that the access makes sense and is visually appealing within the context of the design.
First, determine how "much" microwave you need, and by that I mean size and function. Microwaves range in a very wide variety of widths, heights, and one of the most important dimensions, depths. Take special note of the depth, once you find a microwave you like. If the microwave is planned to integrate with wall cabinetry, the depth WILL be an issue, I promise. Not only the depth, but the height as well, particularly if it requires a trim kit or other space for venting.
Easy access is desirable for universal design purposes. Microwave drawers, an image which is not shown below, are a recent great ergonomic development. Situated just below the countertop, the bending is kept to a minimum, while the upper cabinetry does not have to be interrupted by another appliance.
In many homes, the microwave over the range is a perfect solution. I prefer to find any place but this location for ergonomic and safety reasons.
Think of the microwave placement very early on, get all of your specs together so you are not surprised with required ventilation and dimensioning, and make sure that the access makes sense and is visually appealing within the context of the design.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Can you find the microwave? By thinking in advance, very early in the design process, one can plan to almost truly hide a black microwave within a black cabinet in an interesting way.
| Wonderful design, in direct proportion to cabinetry below and convenient placement in line with the middle upper section, the microwave becomes a part of the framework of the kitchen. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
After pulling items out of the microwave, one can turn around and use the island to place things on. Good height. microwave is not tucked away a difficult corner, but an easy access location particularly convenient to the refrigerator.
| In this very modern and simple kitchen in Shanghai, the microwave sits just at counter height. In keeping with the low-lying aesthetics of the space, the microwave is in the same visual plane as the window. |
![modern kitchen by arctangent architecture + design [ aa+d ]](http://st.houzz.com/simgs/4e215eb30728bea7_4-1000/modern-kitchen.jpg)
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This is interesting. The microwave is a bit set back from the countertop but I see real life happening around this microwave: a couple teenagers doing their homework on these stools while noshing on some nachos that Mom just pulled out of the microwave. |
|
by Priscilla Fried
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Not everyone needs a large microwave, and in this kitchen, the microwave has no need to take on any kind of visual prominence. I barel notice it neatly tucked into the corner where it can still be easily accessed for quick re-heats. |
by BGI Architects
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This seamless arrangement of geometry not only creates an aesthetic continuity, but also, puts the microwave smack dab in the middle at Central Command. From any area of the kitchen, the microwave (and oven) are easily accessed.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| It works! The microwave, like everything else in this spacious kitchen, is an open spot where no one needs to worry about bumping elbows with too many cooks --- or dogs --- in the kitchen. |
| A convenient location, right in between the refrigerator and oven/cooktop, and a small little stretch of countertop to boot. What's not to love? |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The proximity of the microwave to both the refrigerator and oven/stovetop is a classic arrangement.
Here the microwave is charmingly tucked into a corner with the refrigerator on one side, and the sink on the other. A mini-cook zone in it's own right - I'm picturing the late night munchies and microwaved Swiss Miss happening right here in this cozy, sweet spot.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The microwave's placement in a open-ended wall of the kitchen makes it easy to bring warmed food to other rooms of the house. Or, right here, on this inviting eat-in kitchen table.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| A classic location for the microwave, hovering comfortably above the cooktop and with open countertop surfaces on either side to place items. Not my favored location, but many people find this to be a good solution. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A concealed microwave at the far right of the countertop in the center, this door lifts up and retracts back into the space. Keep the door open while the microwave cools. In this case, there is air space behind the microwave for that purpose.
Ideabook updated on Feb. 7, 2010.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
victoria_d-glad they're useful to you!
lefish-my clients love MW drawers. I think their positioning to be comfortable, interesting to hear your take.
dinkdom-interesting retro look
aahadley-I do not have an answer to left/right handed MWs but if a manufacturer were smart, it would be offered. I thought I remembered seeing one at last year's kitchen show but I may have been mistaken.
patscats2-always love to hear feedback on appliances, thanks!
Turning with hot food is bad juju, especially with children and pets on floor level. Reaching over a hot stove to the microwave is also unsafe. Eventually code will require landing space for microwaves.