Microwave nook help

11 years ago

Hey y'all-

We live in a narrow rowhouse with a galley-style kitchen, so counter space comes at a premium. The contractor who renovated the house before we bought it left a very awkwardly shaped nook in the cabinets, presumably for a microwave (see picture). The nook is 27" wide by 15" high by 11" deep. We have to make it work-we don't want to hang a microwave under the counter (would lost counter space) and an above the range is a no-go. Problem is also that we want a slightly larger microwave that fills the nook better.

Any ideas? Thanks for your input!

PS-we don't cook with the microwave but frequently use it and need one.

Featured Answer

feeny

11 years ago

The real problem is that even a 12" microwave is going to stick out further if placed in front of the outlet, as it should be to cover it. So there will be at least 2-3" jutting out, even if you put a shelf below to raise the microwave up to cover the outlet. The cabinet should have been designed to come out another few inches. You could, however, have a bottom shelf built that comes out further to accommodate the microwave. Here's an example of what I mean:

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Comments (14)

hatetoshop
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Buying a microwave to fill the space shouldn't be a problem -- can you not find one the right size?
D M
11 years ago
You're lucky. that's a nice sized nook. I've got a small one that's impossible to find a microwave to fit. try GE
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feeny
11 years ago
It's probably the 11' depth that is making it difficult to find a larger one. Usually, to fit a dinner plate, they need to be at least 12". GE has, in the past, made microwaves that are a bit larger than the one you have, but not too deep. The GE model we have in a similar nook is not longer sold, but I suspect GE has another model of that roughly 12" depth that might work for you. It would stick out an inch beyond the nook, however.
Dwarakanath Yadavalli
11 years ago
If you want to retain the same microwave, you can try creating a shelf on the lower part of the nook to (say) get some extra storage. This would lift up the microwave and fill the space. Similarly the side space can also be converted to a shelf. The electrical socket may have to intelligently hidden behind (not sure where the switch for it is).
D M
11 years ago
now I see what your problem is - it's the depth. 11 inches is pretty shallow. GE makes one about 12 inches deeps. it's going to protrude a bit.
jimc999
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the comments, all. Yes, deidrem1-the depth is what's getting me! GE does indeed make a unit that may just barely fit under the outlet (and will still protrude a bit). I'm definitely not married to keeping the microwave we have. The issue then is how to cover up the top part of the exposed nook/ugly outlet view?
jimc999
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks, feeny-your take is accurate. I like the shelf idea-that's about the only route to take at this point.
feeny
11 years ago
Fortunately, adding a little shelf like that should be relatively easy and cheap.
747.2fra
11 years ago
You could build a shelf above the microwave that has a false back on it so it blocks the view of the plug. It would be the same color as the cabinets.
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Interior Affairs -- Vickie Daeley
11 years ago
Microwave problem...get a larger one to fit the space better...you would be surprised how much you will use it...you could also get a convection/microwave oven...and probably use it even more...
stacey m
11 years ago
maybe punch the back out to get space and move the outlet down so that you don't see it?
and then if you still need a little room, the shelf to extend the depth is a good idea!
stacey m
11 years ago
or hang an under counter microwave in that space, and take out the bottom shelf all together.
HU-681688130
3 years ago
I have this exact same sized nook and we are haveing the exact same problem! any micrwave wide enough to even look ok in there is way deeper than 11”. Any micrwave 11” deep is as way too narrow. idk what to do!