Smallest under-cabinet mounted microwave

10 years ago

We're renovating out kitchen - high-gloss white cabinets, gray quartz countertops - and are struggling with the microwave placement. We thought about actually hiding it in an upper cabinet, but I'm not sure about venting and I'm not sure how deep the cabinets would need to be. One cabinet guy we spoke to said he'd recommend 14.5" deep to put a compact microwave inside - but then I feel like we need to raise the cabinets higher off the counter than 18" and I don't want them higher than 20" (I'm 5'1".)

The other option is an open cubby - but would that have ventilation issues as well? We don't want a big open space - and we don't like the trim kits. The microwave is not something we want to showcase and draw attention to. How much venting do you actually need for this?

So I looked into an under-cabinet mount - so the bottom of the microwave is flush with the bottom of the rest of the cabinets. But these seem large. This looks to be the smallest one I've found - http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Profile-1-1-cu-ft-Countertop-Microwave-in-Stainless-Steel-PEM31SFSS/204633793?MERCH=RV--rv_nav_plp_rr--NA--204633793--N - and it's 24" wide.

My preference would be something this size: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-0-7-cu-ft-compact-microwave-stainless-steel/8622005.p?id=1219357504733&skuId=8622005 - it's the smallest one I could find. But it doesn't look like I can mount it under the counter and then we're stuck with figuring out the right solution.

Note: we use the microwave about 1-2 times a week (though we've been on a health kick recently and haven't used it for almost a month - though this is not sustainable).

Help/advice welcome.

thanks.

Featured Answer

jhmarie

10 years ago

Do you have a pantry? I recently saw several newer homes with the microwave in the pantry.

I also like the microwave above the wall oven that I saw in Parade Homes this year. Sometimes it was built in and other times on a shelf. It was lower than those placed over the stove. The over the stove ones are uncomfortable to short me.

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This is more the open shelf style:

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Here are some hidden microwaves:

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There is also a microwave drawer, but I understand it is very expensive:

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Comments (9)

Stephanie Bates
10 years ago
Did you ever solve this problem or find the right microwave? I'm currently facing the same dilemma! Would love an update!
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m_gabriel
10 years ago
I came across this post researching the same question. Here is what I found that we are investigating putting under an 18" cabinet (but using a shorter cabinet so microwave comes out level on the bottom with the other cabinets). I have not reviewed the hanging kit yet with our contractor. Small Under Cabinet Microwave
PRO
The Kitchen Abode Ltd.
10 years ago
For ventilation you need to check with the manufacturers installation manual for the minimum required clearances. Many microwaves have optional trim kits for built-in applications, these kits are not just a face plate, they include a cowling assembly that redirects the airflow around the microwave. If you just place the microwave into a cupboard and the cupboard has a door it is considered an appliance garage, this would require a receptacle that is on a micro switched relay to prevent the appliance from being operated with the door closed, otherwise it could be a real fire hazard.

Graham
Nilda
8 years ago
the GE one linked above is the only one I've ever found as well. current dilemma. LOL
lfast
Original Author
8 years ago
We went with this one: http://appliances.monogram.com/ApplProducts/ZEM115SJSS

We didn't do an undermount, we built it in at the upper cabinet level, so it replaced some cabinet space.
Nilda
8 years ago
That's pretty, but too wide for those of us looking for less than 20" width. :-)
mshutterbug
8 years ago
I'm looking for a small undercabinet microwave as well, and just wondered if anyone had found any more options :)
adrienne downs
8 years ago
The GE model linked above by m_gabriel has a hanging kit, but no trim kit. I had a wonderful Thermador double oven with the top one being a combination thermal/microwave. After 30+ years, I finally had to replace it--unfortunately with double ovens that I ardently dislike but which were the only things available to fit into the existing space. Since my cabinets were slab, I bought the little GE, had the bottom of one of the cabinets cut off, and placed the microwave on the now-open shelf. It's unobtrusively plugged into the existing under-cabinet plug molding, and it looks and serves well enough until I'm ready to re-do the entire kitchen.