Choosing the Right Kind of Microwave for Your Kitchen
To incorporate the optimal microwave oven in your new kitchen design, it's crucial to understand the different types available.
Different types of microwaves, such as countertop models, built-in microwaves, and microwave drawers, all offer unique benefits for various kitchen layouts.
Countertop microwaves are a convenient option for those who have ample countertop space or wish to move their microwave around. They are great options for smaller kitchens due to their relative portability and variety of sizes available.
If your kitchen design includes a wall or tall cabinet system, choosing a built-in microwave could make a sleek custom option. Built-in microwaves free valuable countertop space – a clear advantage for a small kitchen design. However, microwave placement at such height may not be the best option if you have small children or individuals with mobility issues in your household.
Alternatively, a microwave drawer is an innovative modern kitchen appliance. Offering easy access, tucking your microwave in a drawer often located in the kitchen island eliminates the need for overhead lifting
This is an especially good option if you have limited counter space in your kitchen layout. But bear in mind, unlike countertop or built-in versions, drawer-style microwaves almost always require professional installation, which can increase its cost.
Choosing the right microwave depends on your personal preferences, your own kitchen space, and your cooking habits. Aim for a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal in your kitchen over purely following microwave sales.
20 Microwave Placement Ideas
As you embark on the journey of setting up your new kitchen, here are 20 great options for microwave placement. These practical suggestions will help maximise your kitchen space, while ensuring your microwave oven is appropriately located for easy access and optimal performance.
- Under a shelf: Utilise your storage space by placing a smaller microwave under a sturdy kitchen shelf. This allows plenty of free countertop space for other kitchen essentials.
- The Corner: A corner is often an underused part of the kitchen. This can be a convenient option for your microwave, particularly if you have limited counter space.
- Micro-hood: This is an excellent option for saving valuable kitchen space. It involves placing the microwave above your stove, doubling as a hood for cooking appliances.
- On a kitchen island: If designed robustly, a kitchen island is a good option for placing a countertop model microwave oven.
- Inside a cabinet: A microwave can be hidden inside a kitchen cabinet, avoiding unnecessary clutter. It can easily be concealed behind a cabinet door when not in use.
- Under the kitchen island: This is a good space-saving solution for those with a kitchen island design.
- Inside a drawer: A drawer-style microwave or a microwave drawer is a sleek custom option for modern kitchen designs to save space and improve safety.
- In a tall cabinet: If you have a lot of space, tall cabinets provide extra space for larger microwave ovens.
- Over a low level refrigerator: This is a more traditional placement and offers easy reach for most family members.
- Wall-mounted: Wall-mounted microwaves are a space-saver. They can be installed on wall cabinets, sometimes above other cooking appliances for easy reach.
- Inside a pantry: A pantry offers a large storage space, making it an excellent spot for a microwave oven.
- Built-in with oven: Some built-in microwaves can be installed with your regular oven, compacting your cooking appliances into one location.
- On the countertop: This is an effortless solution for countertop microwaves. Where to put it will depend on your kitchen layout and available space.
- Suspended from a cabinet: This is a crafty microwave placement solution for small kitchens, allowing you to utilise your upper cabinet space.
- Inside a microwave cabinet: A designated microwave cabinet can be a great way to establish a central location for this essential kitchen appliance.
- On a rolling cart or pastry bench: If your new kitchen has limited space, this can be an easy DIY fix. A small rolling cart can offer adequate storage space for your microwave.
- In a corner cabinet: A corner cabinet often provides the right amount of space for a compact microwave oven. This can also be a great way to utilise your corner space.
- Within a base cabinet: A microwave-ready base cabinet is an outstanding option. It provides easy access to your microwave while keeping your countertops clear.
- Lower wall mount: A lower wall mount solution is perfect for someone who wants the microwave at a convenient, easy-to-reach level.
- Within reach of the cooking area: Having your microwave close to your cooking area can make kitchen tasks more streamlined and efficient.
Now, lets explore all of these ideas in more detail...
Placement Ideas for a Small Kitchen: Making the Most of Your Space
Efficient microwave placement is a key factor in successful kitchen design, especially when dealing with a small kitchen where space is a premium.
Built In Under Cabinet Microwave Better Kitchens
With limited space, the challenge is to find a spot where your microwave oven is within easy reach, yet doesn't hinder your culinary efforts.
Using small appliances like a countertop microwave or a smaller microwave can save a lot of space. Ensure that the microwave doors open conveniently, without obstructing the flow of your kitchen space. Here are some placement ideas:
- Under Cabinet Microwave: An under-the-cabinet microwave is an ideal solution when you have limited counter space. This placement makes use of the otherwise unused space underneath upper kitchen cabinets. It provides easy access while preserving valuable countertop space.
- Small Appliance Garage: An easy DIY fix for microwave placement is a small appliance garage or cabinet. It's a cabinet with a door that can be rolled up like a garage door, hiding your microwave when it's not in use and overall creating a neater kitchen design. This is often a good option when seeking a less visible placement.
- Above the Fridge: This placement makes effective use of available space but should be chosen with caution as it can be a dangerous option for shorter individuals or children. It’s essential to consider safety alongside convenience when deciding on microwave placement. It's also recommended only for smaller microwaves due to weight considerations.
- In a Drawer: Convenient drawer-style microwave units are becoming increasingly popular. They offer a sleek custom option, integrating your microwave seamlessly into your kitchen layout.
- In a spare cabinet: Repurposing a spare cabinet as a microwave cabinet is an economical choice. A spare base or wall cabinet can house your microwave at an easy reach, making both a practical and aesthetic addition to your kitchen. Ensure the cabinet door allows for adequate ventilation.
Above all, remember, the best option for your microwave placement depends on your kitchen layout, the kind of microwave you choose and your personal preference. Whatever your choice, ensure the placement works for you and enhances your cooking efficiency.
Utilising the Potential of a Microwave Drawer in Kitchen Design
A microwave drawer offers a fantastic way to capitalise on your own kitchen's space whilst maintaining easy access to your small appliances.
This drawer-style microwave is a perfect addition to any modern kitchen, capable of seamlessly blending with your cabinet system. It combines the convenience of a stable, fixed microwave with the easy DIY fix to any kitchen layout.
If you're limited in space, then a drawer microwave is an excellent alternative to a bulky countertop model. Positioned at a more comfortable height, it makes cooking appliances readily available, without having to stoop or stretch.
- Easy Reach, Easy Access: Whether you're blending smoothies or heating leftovers, the lower height makes it easy to reach inside, taking the guesswork out of cooking.
- Valuable Countertop Space: Countertops are often vital for food prep, so saving this space by using a sleek custom option like a drawer microwave can be a game changer.
- Space Efficient: It blends smoothly into cabinetry, leaving plenty of space for storing kitchen essentials elsewhere.
However, it’s important to note that microwave drawers will often require a professional installation. Adding one to your kitchen design after cabinets are already in place might add extra cost.
Also, check the drawer microwave's dimensions before purchasing, particularly if you plan to retrofit it into existing cabinetry. It's a good idea to ensure that the drawer microwave's size will not interfere with the convenient option of your kitchen cabinets' doors and drawers operation.
Another small drawback to consider is if the drawer-style microwave comes with a standard door, rather than the pull-down version. Using a microwave at knee or waist level might be difficult for some.
However, there are smaller microwave drawer options available for those who prefer a petite size. This solution can be a great compromise, allowing these cooking appliances to be tucked away with discretion and style.
At the end of the day, the microwave drawer is a great option for those who want to prioritize both design and function in their new kitchen.
Worktop Microwave Placement: Maximising Your Kitchen's Working Space
When it comes to microwave oven placement, countertop models are a popular choice. Not only are they easy to install – just plug it in, and you're good to go – but they also offer convenient access for all users.
However, in a small kitchen, the limited counter space can make this option challenging. But don't be deterred! With some strategic planning and good design, a countertop microwave can be a great option for your new kitchen.
One of the best ways to optimise valuable countertop space is to place your new microwave oven near the end of the counter, ideally not right next to the wall.
This not only makes it easy to access but also reduces the risk of food spillage on other kitchen essentials. Still, remember to leave enough space between the microwave doors and walls or other appliances to avoid damage.
Another efficient and modern kitchen layout idea for a countertop microwave is to dedicate a specific area for it.
This might mean setting aside a corner of your countertop or designating a specific countertop area for your microwave and other small appliances. This separates your cooking area from your food prep area, making for a smoother cooking process.
If space is really at a premium, consider placing your microwave on a microwave stand. This is an easy DIY fix to hold your microwave and provide additional storage space.
Also, an open shelf could be a good option. Shelves can be installed at a height and location that suits your needs, and this can make countertop microwaves more accessible for everyone while freeing up your counter for other uses.
Lastly, a microwave-ready base cabinet might be the perfect solution for those with particularly limited space. This sleek custom option keeps your microwave out of sight when not in use and makes sure it's comfortably within easy reach when it's time to heat up a meal.
It's an option that's growing in popularity because it combines convenience, efficiency, and style — a most appealing combination for any kitchen.
Your specific allotment of kitchen space and cooking habits will ultimately dictate the best place for your countertop microwave oven in your new kitchen.
No matter your kitchen's size or layout, with a thoughtful design in mind, you're bound to find the perfect spot to make the most out of this kitchen essential.
Kitchen Island: A Great Option for Microwave Placement
When it comes to flexibility and convenience in kitchen design, having your microwave oven on a kitchen island can be a game-changer. The island presents a valuable countertop space that you can use to accommodate a countertop microwave.
Microwave in a kitchen with a large island
It provides easy access for all family members, making it a great option especially if the kitchen is a central gathering place in your home.
One of the advantages of kitchen island microwave placement is that it doesn't require sacrificing any of your wall cabinets or tall cabinet areas. It will free up those spaces for other small appliances and kitchen essentials.
In your new kitchen, this arrangement could give you a lot of space to keep counters clutter-free and can make cooking a more enjoyable activity.
Microwave drawers are also a smart addition to a kitchen island setup. These drawer-style microwave models, also known as undercounter microwaves, are a sleek custom option that adds functionality without compromising the visual flow of your kitchen layout.
The built-in microwaves lend your kitchen a seamless, modern kitchen aesthetic. You don't have to worry too much about microwave doors protruding in the traffic pathway, which could otherwise be a potentially dangerous option.
A microwave oven located on a kitchen island also allows for easy reach from all sides.
It’s an ideal location if you have younger family members or if you're catering for a large family gathering, as the microwave can efficiently serve various cooking and reheating needs at once, promoting overall smoothness in your kitchen operation.
The kitchen island does require a more spacious kitchen layout to accommodate it. However, it is a fantastic choice if you have the available space, particularly when considering the possibility of incorporating a smaller microwave or a microwave drawer into your kitchen island design.
So if you’re fortunate to have ample space in your own kitchen, take advantage of it to create a convenient, accessible, and stylish spot for your cooking appliances.
The Benefits of Wall Cabinets for Microwave Storage
Wall cabinets offer a unique way to store your microwave oven, especially in a small kitchen where countertop space might be limited.
By placing your cooking appliances in a secure, elevated position, you provide easy access while also benefiting from the added storage space underneath. With this style of microwave placement, your appliance is within easy reach without contributing to countertop clutter.
This type of installation is beneficial for smaller microwave ovens and is a great option for busy kitchens where every bit of space efficiency counts.
Some modern kitchen designs even incorporate a special microwave cabinet in the wall unit, tailored to your own kitchen's measurements and the size of the microwave oven.
Note: Whilst wall cabinets are a great option, it is vital to check the load capacity of your chosen cabinet. Overloading a wall cabinet can lead to structural stress, and in rare cases, it might result in a dangerous situation.
In terms of aesthetics, a microwave oven blends seamlessly in a wall cabinet, offering a sleek custom option for contemporary kitchen layouts. This not only ensures that kitchen appliances like the microwave do not break the visual line but also enhances the overall functionality of your kitchen.
Appropriate consideration should also be given to the cabinet door style. Some homeowners prefer to hide the microwave behind a cabinet door to maintain a streamlined look.
This approach can be applied whether you're using a drawer-style microwave, a traditional built-in microwave or even a countertop model.
Ultimately, the decision of where to place your microwave should factor in safety, functionality, kitchen layout, and aesthetics.
Whatever your choice, taking the time to plan out and carefully consider all options will ensure that your new kitchen is not only beautiful but also works well for your unique lifestyle.
Whether you're planning a complete kitchen remodel or just looking for an easy DIY fix to improve accessibility and make the best use of available space, a wall cabinet for your microwave is certainly worth considering.
Easy Reach, Easy Access: The Advantage of Microwave-Ready Base Cabinets
When designing your new kitchen, microwave placement can significantly impact the functionality and aesthetics of the space. One great option to consider is a microwave-ready base cabinet.
With this, you can install your microwave oven within a specially designed cabinet that provides easy reach and easy access. You get the convenience of having the cooking appliances at hand, without cluttering your countertop.
There are several benefits to having your microwave in a base cabinet. Firstly, it save valuable countertop space. For homeowners with a small kitchen, this is a crucial enhancement.
It also offers an opportunity to declutter your kitchen space, lending it a cleaner and more homogeneous look.
- Efficient Use of Space: This type of microwave cabinet is a great option for smaller microwaves. They can fit neatly into the cabinet system, freeing up ample kitchen surface for other essential tasks.
- Safe and Convenient: Having the microwave at waist level or below makes it a convenient option. It eliminates the risk of burns or spills that may occur with an overhead or upper cabinet space placement. You can quickly check, stir, or add to your cooking without any need to reach high areas.
- Sleek and Neat Aesthetic: Microwave-ready base cabinets offer a sleek custom option that blends elegantly into the rest of your kitchen. It results in a consistent flow of design and efficient use of the available space.
When choosing a microwave-ready base cabinet, keep in mind your own kitchen layout and the microwave model you have or intend to purchase. Check the cabinet door clearance and ensure it does not interfere with any other kitchen essentials.
Also, consider the power cord length of the microwave since the sockets need to be within reach for an easy DIY fix in case of any hitches.
In essence, planning for a microwave-ready base cabinet in your new kitchen design can be a worthwhile consideration. It provides a neat storage space, easy access, and safe handling for your cooking appliances.
These cabinets ultimately contribute to transforming your kitchen into an efficient, functional and visually pleasing space.
Transforming Your New Kitchen: Incorporating a Microwave Cabinet in Your Design
Transforming your kitchen layout can be an exciting yet challenging task. Among all kitchen appliances, deciding the microwave placement is crucial. A popular choice is a microwave cabinet - it's a practical, space-saving, and aesthetic solution for your new kitchen design.
Built In Microwave above a Single Oven - Better Kitchens
By incorporating a microwave cabinet, you not only offer a home to one of your small appliances but also keep your counters free from clutter. This is especially beneficial if you have limited counter space.
- Microwave Cabinet with Doors: A cabinet door can cleverly hide your microwave oven, maintaining the sleek look of your modern kitchen. It also keeps the appliance out of sight when not in use, provides easy access, and puts your microwave oven within easy reach.
- Drawer-style Microwave Cabinet: This involves incorporating a microwave drawer into a cabinet system. This is a sleek custom solution that is excellent for a smaller microwave, giving it its own specific place in your kitchen and making it easy for you to use.
- Tall Cabinet: If you have a lot of space, a tall cabinet is a good option. By placing your microwave at waist or chest level, you could save yourself from the hard bends that often accompany the use of these appliances. Plus, you could add other cooking appliances into this space and keep all your kitchen essentials in one place.
Remember, the type of microwave cabinet that is a best option for you depends on your own kitchen's layout, storage space, and appearance. If you don't have a lot of space, a drawer microwave might be your best choice.
If you have extra space, however, a tall cabinet or a cabinet with microwave doors may be the most suitable choice.
Attention to small details can make a big difference in kitchen design. Wisely choosing your microwave placement can maximise the available space, making your cooking and cleaning processes much more efficient.
So, whether you're looking for an easy DIY fix or a grand project to overhaul your kitchen layout, a smartly placed microwave cabinet can be a great addition to your new kitchen.
Creating Extra Kitchen Space with a Corner Cabinet for Your Microwave
When designing your new kitchen, the thought of where to place your microwave oven can be a daunting one. This is especially the case in a small kitchen, where excessive small appliances can overwhelm the limited counter space.
A corner cabinet for your microwave is often overlooked, but it can be an effective solution for freeing up valuable countertop space.
This option is perfect for those with a countertop microwave, and could even work for a smaller microwave if you're working with limited space.
- Optimal use of space: Corner cabinets are an excellent solution for utilising the available space effectively. They allow you to maintain a clean countertop, giving you more room for food preparation or other kitchen essentials.
- Easy access: A corner cabinet places your microwave at a convenient height, making it easy to reach and use. Forget about the strain of reaching up to high cabinets or bending low to access below-the-counter appliances.
- Easy to blend with design: Corner cabinets can blend effortlessly with the rest of your kitchen layout, making the placement of your microwave less obvious and your kitchen design more streamlined.
However, it's important to take into account the size of your microwave and the dimensions of the corner cabinet. Countertop microwaves are the usual choice for corner cabinet placement, particularly if not a lot of space is available.
For those with a larger microwave oven, a microwave-ready base cabinet or microwave drawer may be a better option. Always remember to measure your appliances and cabinet space to ensure a good fit.
Additionally, installing a microwave in a corner cabinet isn't usually a difficult task, and can usually be an easy DIY fix, making it a cost-effective solution. However, if you're not confident with DIY tasks, hiring a professional might be the safest route.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a solution that will provide easy reach, easy access, and a sleek custom option for your microwave oven, considering a corner cabinet could be your best option.
This can transform your own kitchen into a functional and modern kitchen, with small appliances tucked neatly away, but within easy reach when needed.
Maximising Your Kitchen Space: The Benefits of an Upper Cabinet Microwave
Whether your kitchen space is copious or compact, appliance placement is crucial. Upper cabinets are an often overlooked, innovative solution for microwave oven placement.
This serves as a great option, especially when your countertop is crowded with other essentials, and it proves quite conducive to utilizing limited kitchen space effectively.
A microwave cabinet high on your wall frees up your valuable countertop space and presents a sleek, streamlined look to your new kitchen.
But remember that this kind of microwave setup needs a mindful design; having a considerable gap between the bottom of the microwave and the countertop can make it a dangerous option, especially if you’re short or have children in the house.
- Microwave sales often peak when new kitchen layouts are being designed. Cornering the market are built-in microwaves, which fit neatly into upper cabinets, preserving available space while providing easy reach and access to your cooking appliance.
- Your cabinet door becomes an active integrated part of the overall kitchen design, concealing the microwave effectively when not in use. This ensures your kitchen maintains a uniform aesthetic appeal.
- Upper cabinet microwaves present an easy DIY fix; most small appliances, including smaller microwaves, can be retrofitted into the existing cabinet system. And if you have a spare cabinet, this could be your best option.
Think about the height and depth of your upper cabinet space. It should be such that the microwave doors open smoothly, providing easy access to its interior for cleaning and food retrieval.
If you have a microwave-ready base cabinet, this could be a convenient option too. However, it does take a lot of space if compared to an upper cabinet microwave.
In conclusion, proper microwave placement can redefine your kitchen space and create an efficient cooking environment.
So whether you pick a countertop model, a drawer-style microwave or an upper cabinet variety, ensure it's an appropriate size for your needs and comfortably accessible to all users.
Plan Your Ideal New Kitchen with Better Kitchens
Whatever your chosen kitchen layout, microwave placement, or size of cooking appliances, navigate these considerations with the help of Better Kitchens. We understand your need for accessible, manageable kitchen space.
Whether you're looking for a modern kitchen design complete with a built-in microwave or a smaller kitchen requiring careful placement of a countertop microwave, we have you covered.
From choosing your microwave oven, drawer microwave, or even an upper cabinet space to store this kitchen essential, Better Kitchens is well-equipped to guide you in optimising your cooking area to match your individual requirements and style preferences.
Collaborate with us to plan your dream kitchen now.