Microwave Placement: 15 Best & Worst Kitchen Locations Explored

Planning to redecorate your kitchen setup?

Or getting a fully fresh kitchen in your new home?

No matter the scenario, placing important elements at the right place can actually decide whether your kitchen is functional and aesthetic at the same time or not. Among the useful kitchen items, microwave placement is one of the common concerns of most house owners. There are a lot of options when choosing where to put a microwave in a kitchen, but choosing the right area is surely an important decision.

Are you also having doubts regarding where to place the microwave in the kitchen?

Or thinking about where not to put your microwave in the kitchen?

Then follow this guide till the end and find your answer.

The Best Microwave Locations to Help You Build a Practical Kitchen

Wondering where the best place is to put a microwave in the kitchen?

As we always believe in staying positive, here at first, we will also focus on spots that you can easily choose-

1. Integrated microwave cabinet (perfection at eye level)

The top of the list is this. It is completely revolutionary to have the microwave tucked away in a built-in cabinet at eye or chest level. It doesn't bend or stretch, and it looks great with the cabinetry. Ask your custom kitchen cabinet manufacturer the area you want to keep the oven, and that's it.

It's the kind of placement where you question why you didn't do it sooner. Additionally, it frees up counter space and gives the kitchen a sleek, designer appearance.

2. Within a specific counter niche

A dedicated counter niche is the best option if you don't have room for built-ins. Consider a tiny, recessed space in your cabinets where the microwave can be placed comfortably; it should be out of the main prep area but still accessible.

Instead of letting it compete for space with your toaster and coffee maker, it's important to give it its own corner.

3. Modern and secure microwave drawer

We accept that anyone would initially have doubts about microwave drawers. However, you will be sold after trying one in a remodelled kitchen. Like a drawer, you open it, place your dish inside, and then close it. It eliminates the need to lift heavy bowls over your head and is extremely safe for children.

Because it hides visual clutter, it's also a great choice for open-plan kitchens. The sole drawback? Although it costs more than a standard microwave, it is well worth the money if comfort and style are your top priorities.

4. Oven above the wall (vertical efficiency)

If your appliances are stacked, this arrangement is ideal. The microwave is positioned directly above your wall oven, creating a neat, balanced appearance. It's particularly useful if you have limited counter space.

Make sure it's not too high, though. Pulling out hot dishes otherwise can feel like working out at the gym if you set it up a little above eye level. Comfort can vary significantly by a few centimetres.

5. Beneath the island of the countertop

Under an island bench, microwave drawers or small models are ideal. Cooking with friends was much easier when I had this setup in my smaller apartment because everyone could use the microwave without clogging the main prep area.

Additionally, it is safer for wheelchair users and kids. The only drawback is that it will require some bending, but for many households, the accessibility and stylish appearance outweigh that small drawback.

6. Within an appliance garage or pantry

For those who prefer simplicity, here is an option. This arrangement is a work of pure magic if you detest seeing appliances on display. To keep your counters pristine, conceal your microwave inside an appliance garage or behind a pantry door.

Just make sure there is a power outlet close by and adequate ventilation.

7. Personalised microwave shelves

Although not all kitchens have built-ins, a custom nook or floating shelf can work just as well. It will become your favourite do-it-yourself improvement if you simply install a sturdy wooden shelf beneath the upper cabinets that is large enough to accommodate the microwave.

It looks tidy, frees up counter space, and gives everything a more deliberate feel. Just make sure the back of the shelf has enough space for ventilation and support.

8. Inbuilt wall cabinet

Narrow kitchens or galleys look great with an integrated wall cabinet. It keeps the appliance close at hand and off the counter. When combined with under-cabinet lighting, it becomes a fashionable design element. It's one of those placements that subtly enhances your workflow. You don't realise how convenient it is until you use someone else's kitchen without it.

The Worst Microwave Locations (7 Spots You Must Avoid)

When considering places to keep your microwave, you must ask the question, "Where should you not put a microwave?". Well, here are the common places to avoid-

1. Don't go near the sink or dishwasher

Setting a microwave next to a sink is among the worst things you can do with an appliance. The first is that putting an electrical appliance close to a water source may pose safety risks. However, since "water and moisture can be detrimental to the microwave's electrical components and increase the risk of damage or malfunction," you should also stay away from that setup. Making sure that the microwave is always four to nine feet away from the sink is the solution to this.

2. Leave that tight space or nook.

If you have a tiny area that is barely large enough to accommodate your microwave and has little to no space around it, try to avoid the temptation to put the device there. Countertop microwaves require at least 3" of clearance on the top and sides, and 1" of clearance in the back for adequate air circulation. Additionally, the front edge of your microwave should rest at least 3" back on the counter or shelf to keep it from toppling over.

3. Never go close to the window

If you live in Melbourne or nearby suburbs, you would know windows are one of the key design elements in these areas to bring natural light into indoor spaces. Although microwaves need adequate ventilation, placing them in front of a window is not the solution. In general, windows should be kept free of heat-producing materials, as it could mean the difference between danger and safety at an exit in the event of a fire. The best solution in this case is asking your kitchen cabinet makers in Melbourne to create a designated space for the microwave in between the cabinets, which is away from the kitchen window.

4. Avoid the place beside the refrigerator.

It's also not a good idea to put your microwave next to a refrigerator, particularly if the refrigerator has two doors or one that opens towards the microwave. If you're not careful in this situation, you could dent the door of your refrigerator with the door of your microwave. Additionally, a microwave releases a lot of heat, and so does the fridge because it functions by shifting heat from the inside to the outside. Moreover, a microwave might not be the ideal appliance to put next to a cooling machine like a refrigerator.

5. Against the wall is also a bad idea.

The worst-case scenario is this one. Given that they only have one door, microwave ovens require a lot of room around them. Placing [the microwave] up against a wall can eventually cause damage to both the wall and the microwave door. A microwave oven placed in a small area can also be difficult to operate and detract from the overall usefulness of your kitchen.

6. Don't try to look above face level.

It's best to avoid installing your microwave above face level, even though many people wind up putting them in difficult-to-reach places. A potentially hazardous situation could arise if the microwave is placed too high up. To clean and retrieve extremely hot objects, you must be able to reach inside comfortably. Imagine that your face is a few inches below your microwave. You unintentionally spilled a full cup of coffee that you had just microwaved. Ouch! So, maintaining your microwave at face level or below is ideal.

7. Forget about the corners.

Busy areas are often generated by microwaves. To reheat, defrost, or soften leftovers, you frequently switch between the refrigerator and the microwave. Unless your kitchen is made for an angled area, it is usually a bad idea to put them in a corner. This plan lacks the airflow necessary for adequate ventilation and improperly supports the microwave. A better option for installation? The microwave is properly supported and has adequate space for ventilation on both sides.

Final Thoughts?

If you are getting custom kitchen cabinets installed in recent times, make sure you discuss with your kitchen joinery company about the placements of your microwave, refrigerator and other essential elements. With all the places we have discussed so far, you can have a clear idea of areas to keep and avoid for your electric oven and plan a highly functional kitchen that looks put together and operates efficiently.