Trudi most often suggests putting the microwave under the counter, often on the end of the island to free up space in upper kitchen cabinets. Building your microwave into the cabinetry below your countertop means it's at a great height for kids warming up snacks and keeps it out of the main kitchen flow.
What kinds of microwaves can be stored in cabinets? If you want a microwave stored in a cabinet, it must be designed to function correctly in an enclosed space. Countertop microwaves aren't meant for that purpose. An over-the-range microwave is a good way to save space and have adequate ventilation.
At least one existing rule allows a minimum of 13 inches, but pro installers and others who know their way around kitchens argue that there should be 20 to 24 inches of clearance above the stove top.
“Since washing up dishes is a messy business, you run the risk of accidentally splashing the microwave during operation,” says Albert. The solution is to make sure that the microwave is always somewhere between four to nine feet away from the sink. It's much safer, and simply good design.
Leave at least four inches of space between the microwave and the cabinet's top. Give adequate spacing between the back of the microwave and the inside of the cabinet. Consider the ventilation hood required for your microwave.
To help dissipate the heat it is recommended that when installing a microwave into a cabinet there needs to be enough space to allow heat to flow away from the microwave. It is recommended to have a gap of about 50mm around all sides of the microwave.
Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.
Installed Ventilation
Heavy cooking in your kitchen can lead to a lot of heat, steam, and air toxins that can fill the room as you cook. In place of purchasing and installing a range hood, an over the range microwave can help you clear this unwanted air, replacing it with fresh, clean, breathable air.
Those features greatly limit exposure to levels of radiation that are already low. And since the radiation levels drop sharply with increasing distance, the levels two feet away are about one-hundredth the amount at two inches. Proximity to a microwave oven is not dangerous.
A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear. In other words, if you are asking 'does a microwave need space around it? ' the answer is yes. It ensures the right level of airflow and protects the appliance.
Yes, you can mount your countertop microwave on a shelf or in a cabinet for a built-in look that frees up counter space in your kitchen. This is a great option for anyone looking to add more counter space without requiring a complete kitchen remodel.
You should generally account for 1” of ventilation space between the microwave and the wall behind it and at least 3” of space from the edge of the counter to the open microwave door to avoid tipping. Also, try to put at least two feet between the microwave and the range.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating. This will avoid harm from any possible leaks.
Microwaves travel by line-of-sight; unlike lower frequency radio waves, they do not diffract around hills, follow the earth's surface as ground waves, or reflect from the ionosphere, so terrestrial microwave communication links are limited by the visual horizon to about 40 miles (64 km).
Instead of placing food in the center, spread it in a circle around the outer edge of the container or plate. The more you spread it out, the better. This makes it easier for the microwaves to reach in and create enough friction to heat the food evenly.
One drawback of over-the-range microwaves is that getting food in and out isn't always practical. Kids and shorter adults may have trouble reaching them, and can even run the risk of spilling their hot food. Countertop microwaves have the benefit of being easily accessible for just about everyone.
A microwave drawer is designed to fit perfectly under a counter, and placed into a lower cabinet or kitchen island. This allows for cleaner counter space, improved functionality, and a more modern overall ascetic.
While most over-the-range microwaves are designed to fit in a standard 30-inch wide cabinet, a wide range of sizes are available. In fact, you can find over-the-range microwaves that are as small as 18 inches wide and as large as 36 inches wide.
If the microwave is not vented, the excess heat will have nowhere to go but inside your kitchen, and the metal inside the microwave will continue to get hotter. If the inside of the microwave gets hot enough, the parts inside will start to melt, and possibly fuse together.
Allow at least three inches of space between the wall and the back and sides of your microwave oven. It's worth noting that the vents release heat whenever you use the appliance. This means positioning the oven too close to the wall can lead to overheating issues.
Installing an over-the-range microwave generally requires clearance of 12 to 13 inches above the range, as well as 66 inches of space from the floor to the top of the appliance. If you are installing near a wall on the left side, make sure there is at least 6 inches of clearance to allow the door to fully open.
A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave. If installed into a cabinet, these vents will be blocked and unable to release steam from the microwave.
If you are wondering whether your microwave can be installed underneath the cabinet, the good news is that almost every microwave can be mounted. Still, it is vital that your microwave is adequately ventilated. Therefore you will have to ensure enough airflow around your microwave.
In cabinet installation for countertop microwaves is not recommended without the use of a built in kit. But if a built in kit is not available, then the above air clearances are necessary. If the microwave is located near a range, a two foot clearance on the side adjacent to the range will be necessary.