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Where To Put The Microwave? 14 Tips (11 comments)
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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.
by Susan Serra, CKD 
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.
by European Cabinets by Design
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.
by LDa Architecture & Interiors
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.
by Arctangent Architecture + Design
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 Northlight Architects
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 Priscilla Fried
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.
by BGI Architects
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.
by Becker Architects Limited
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?
by Shubin + Donaldson Architects, Inc.
The proximity of the microwave to both the refrigerator and oven/stovetop is a classic arrangement.
by Sullivan Conard Architects
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.
by Christian Rice Architects, Inc.
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.
hhbrady's ideabook kitchen
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.
Megan Smythe Design
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.
by Susan Serra, CKD
comments
shira says:
terrific. i wish i had thought it out before building my kitchen with 2 microwaves {meat and dairy}
victoria_d says:
Great tips. Thanks!
lefish says:
You mentioned microwave drawers -- we just got one and I LOVE it!! It's under the island, so we take stuff out & set it right on top. The only downside (and this might be specific to the model I bought) is that it doesn't have the interior height my regular microwave did, so taller jars, etc. don't fit.
dinkdom says:
Or store it in a cabinet out of sight, like I do with my iWaveCube! It's the smallest, lightest thing in the world!!! Check out http://www.dinkdom.com
aahadley says:
Here's a question for you....why is it that microwaves all open right to left? When we bought our home the new stainless microwave was inside the pantry behind a solid door. I thought it was odd and it is taking up quite a bit of my pantry space. I am planning on updating my cabinets with paint and glass doors and I am considering moving the microwave. But where I would like it to go would make opening it a little awkward as I would have to reach to the right to do so. There don't seem to be any that open in the other direction! I can not put it below the counters. Not enough space plus we are too tall for it to be comfortable. I have a nice stainless vented hood so I would rather leave that as is. I see that the last microwave shown is behind a cabinet so perhaps I will leave it as it is.
patscats2 says:
I have the microwave drawer also. It's really neat.
susanserrackd says:
shira-It's a sneaky appliance that can be easy or difficult to place. Best to consider it early!
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!
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!
bobbo says:
i like it.
housepeepers says:
Love that first kitchen; the black cabinet is a great design detail ( even w/o the microwave).
eclecticgirl says:
Thanks for the useful tips and the beautiful photos.
sunshineindustries says:
We recently renovated our kitchen and our microwave is in our island now. Best kitchen decision that I made. It frees up the rest of the cabinetry, is out of the way (and sight unless you're behind the island) and it's conveniently across from the fridge. Life is good.
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