Can you put a microwave in a small kitchen? Yes, absolutely! There are many clever ways to place a microwave in a small kitchen, even when space is very limited. Finding the right spot is key to making your small kitchen work well. This guide will explore the best microwave placement in small kitchens and offer many small kitchen microwave solutions.
The Challenge of Small Kitchens and Microwave Placement
Small kitchens pose a big problem for modern appliances. Microwaves are standard today, but they take up valuable counter space. In a tiny space, every inch counts. We need smart solutions that keep the microwave accessible but out of the way. Poor placement leads to clutter and makes cooking hard. Good placement opens up your whole kitchen.
We will look at fixed options, movable carts, and special mounts. We aim to find the best small kitchen microwave spots for your unique layout.
Assessing Your Kitchen Layout
Before choosing a spot, look closely at your kitchen. Where is the open space? Where are the power outlets? How often do you use the microwave? Your answers will guide your choice.
Consider these main areas:
- The wall space above counters.
- The space below upper cabinets.
- Any unused vertical space.
- The space near the main work zones.
Top Fixed Solutions for Microwave Placement
Fixed solutions usually offer the cleanest, most permanent look. They are often built-in or permanently mounted.
Over the Range Microwave Small Kitchen
For many small kitchens, the over the range microwave small kitchen option is a classic space saver. This unit replaces your old range hood.
Advantages of Over the Range Models:
- Saves Counter Space: This is the biggest win. It frees up prime real estate.
- Ventilation: These units often include a built-in vent fan and light for your stovetop. This is a dual function, which is great for small spaces.
- Familiar Placement: It puts the microwave near the stove, where you often use it.
Things to Check:
- Height: It must be mounted at a safe height. You should be able to easily see inside and reach the controls. Check local building codes for minimum height above the cooktop.
- Installation: This usually requires electrical wiring changes and ventilation ductwork. It is often best left to professionals.
Under Cabinet Microwave Installation
If you don’t want to go over the range, look up! Mounting a microwave underneath an existing upper cabinet is another top choice. This requires a special mounting kit made for your microwave model. This offers excellent under cabinet microwave installation.
How it Works:
A metal bracket secures the microwave firmly to the bottom of the cabinet above it. This keeps it off the counter completely.
Benefits:
- Keeps Sightlines Clear: Unlike placing it on a tall shelf, this keeps the microwave at a comfortable viewing height.
- Utilizes Empty Space: It uses the empty air space just above the backsplash.
Installation Notes:
- Ventilation: Ensure the microwave’s vents are not blocked when mounted underneath. Most microwave vents blow out the front, but always check the manual.
- Cabinet Depth: The microwave must fit neatly under the cabinet without sticking out too far into the walkway.
Microwave Shelf Small Kitchen Solutions
If building in or mounting under a cabinet isn’t possible, a dedicated microwave shelf small kitchen solution can work well. This is a strong, open shelf placed specifically for the microwave.
Shelf Placement Ideas:
- Above the Refrigerator: Often unused space, the top of the fridge is great for items used less often, or for a smaller microwave.
- Above a Doorway: If you have high ceilings, a sturdy shelf above a door frame can hold a light microwave. (Safety first here—ensure it is very secure.)
- On a Tall, Narrow Pantry Cabinet: If you have a tall cabinet unit, a shelf built into the side or top can work.
This method keeps the appliance off the main work surfaces but still offers easy access.
Countertop Microwave Alternatives Small Kitchen
If you use your microwave frequently, having it too high (like over the range) might be annoying. Countertop microwave alternatives small kitchen focus on finding a small, dedicated home for a standard microwave that is not on the main prep area.
The Rolling Microwave Cart Small Kitchen Favorite
A rolling microwave cart small kitchen is perhaps the most flexible solution. These are small carts, sometimes just 18 inches wide, designed to hold a microwave on the bottom shelf and offer a small workspace or storage shelf on top.
Why Carts Are Excellent:
- Mobility: You can wheel it out when you need it, and tuck it against a wall or into a small nook when you don’t. This is fantastic for multi-use spaces.
- Power Access: You can place the cart near an outlet without needing permanent changes.
- Storage: Many carts include drawers or hooks for storing microwave covers, oven mitts, or meal prep containers.
Choosing the Right Cart:
Look for carts with locking caster wheels for stability. Make sure the shelf holding the microwave is sturdy and rated for the appliance’s weight.
Customized Niche or Open Shelving
If you have a shallow pantry or an awkward alcove, you can build a custom niche for your microwave. This looks built-in but requires less structural work than a full cabinet install.
- Shallow Pantry: Remove one or two shelves inside a pantry. Slide the microwave in, leaving space for airflow around the back and sides.
- Open Shelving Unit: Use a stand-alone, narrow bookcase or shelf unit placed against an unused wall to hold the microwave on a lower shelf.
High-End and Built-In Small Kitchen Microwave Solutions
For those planning a renovation or wanting a sleek, integrated look, several premium options exist that minimize visual clutter. These options are great examples of space-saving microwave ideas.
Microwave Drawer Small Kitchen Options
The microwave drawer small kitchen option is very popular in high-end, small kitchen designs. These units slide out like a dishwasher drawer, usually installed under the counter or in a lower cabinet bank.
Benefits of Microwave Drawers:
- Seamless Look: They blend right into the cabinetry for a smooth, custom appearance.
- Accessibility: Because they open from the bottom, you load and unload food from above, which is safer for reaching into hot containers.
- Space Saving: They use lower cabinet space, which might otherwise be filled with deep drawers or pull-outs.
Drawbacks:
- Cost: They are significantly more expensive than standard countertop models.
- Installation: Requires specific cabinet cutout dimensions and dedicated power.
Drawer vs. Shelf Comparison Table
| Feature | Microwave Drawer | Standard Shelf Mount |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Fully integrated, very modern | Visible appliance |
| Cost | High | Low to Moderate |
| Loading Ease | Very easy (loading from above) | Varies (can be high or low) |
| Space Used | Lower cabinet space | Counter or upper wall space |
| Installation | Complex, custom cabinetry needed | Simple mounting or placing |
Speed Ovens and Combination Appliances
A major strategy in small kitchens is reducing the number of appliances. A speed oven combines microwave functions with convection baking and broiling.
- One Appliance, Two Jobs: This lets you ditch a separate toaster oven and microwave.
- Installation: Speed ovens are often designed for standard wall oven cutouts or can be built into cabinetry, similar to a drawer model but higher up.
While these are often pricier, the space reclaimed by eliminating one appliance often justifies the cost in a truly small kitchen.
Creative and Non-Traditional Placement Spots
When the main areas are all taken, you need to get creative. These ideas focus on maximizing vertical space or using very small gaps.
Utilizing Above-Door Space
This takes microwave shelf small kitchen concept to the extreme. If you have a standard 80-inch door frame, the space above it is usually wasted.
- Install two strong support brackets high above the door trim.
- Place a sturdy, shallow shelf across the brackets.
- This spot is great for a smaller, lighter microwave, especially if the microwave is not used multiple times a day.
- Safety Check: Make sure the shelf is high enough that you won’t bump your head when walking through the doorway.
Inside Dedicated Appliance Garages
If you have a built-in “appliance garage”—a small cabinet with a tambour door (roll-up door)—that spot can often house a compact microwave.
- Pros: The microwave is completely hidden when not in use, reducing visual clutter.
- Cons: You must open the door fully to use the microwave. Ensure adequate ventilation is designed into the garage, or leave the door slightly ajar during operation.
Corner Shelving Units
Corners are notoriously awkward in small kitchens. A specially designed corner shelf unit, often triangular, can maximize this space.
- Use the lower shelf for the microwave.
- Use the upper shelf for cookbooks or frequently used small items.
- This keeps the appliance out of the main traffic flow of the L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen paths.
Finalizing Your Microwave Placement Strategy
Selecting the best spot depends on balancing accessibility, safety, and aesthetics. Think about how you cook.
Key Considerations for Accessibility
| Usage Level | Recommended Placement Style | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Use (Daily) | Countertop (if space allows), Under Cabinet, Microwave Drawer | Easy loading and unloading at waist/chest height. |
| Moderate Use (Few Times a Week) | Rolling Cart, Dedicated Shelf | Can be slightly higher, flexibility of a cart is useful. |
| Light Use (Heating drinks, defrosting) | Over Range, Above Door Frame | Acceptable if height is a minor inconvenience. |
Safety and Ventilation Requirements
No matter where you put the microwave, safety is paramount. Microwaves generate heat and need airflow.
- Airflow: Always leave several inches of clear space around the sides, back, and top of the unit, as specified in the owner’s manual. If you use an under cabinet microwave installation, ensure the top vents are not obstructed.
- Power Access: The cord must reach the outlet safely without being stretched across a walkway or dangling precariously. If you use a rolling microwave cart small kitchen, ensure the cord isn’t a tripping hazard when the cart is moved.
- Stability: If using a shelf or cart, the surface must be completely level and strong enough to hold the appliance plus the weight of food inside. A tipping microwave is dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Kitchen Microwave Placement
Q: Is it safe to place a microwave on top of the refrigerator?
A: Yes, it is generally safe if the refrigerator is stable and the microwave is not too heavy. The main concern is the height. You must be able to safely lift hot items off the top without straining or losing your balance. Also, ensure the microwave’s ventilation is not blocked by the refrigerator’s top venting system (if applicable).
Q: What is the minimum height for an over the range microwave?
A: While this varies by model and local code, most manufacturers require a minimum distance of 13 to 14 inches between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the installed microwave unit. Always consult your specific appliance manual.
Q: Can I put a microwave in a closed pantry cabinet?
A: You can, but you must ensure proper airflow. Microwaves vent heat. If placing one inside a closed cabinet, the cabinet needs ventilation holes drilled in the back or sides, or you must leave the door wide open during operation. Leaving the door open defeats the purpose of hiding it, so dedicated ventilation is key for countertop microwave alternatives small kitchen stored in cabinets.
Q: Are microwave drawers better than standard microwaves for small spaces?
A: Microwave drawer small kitchen options are excellent for saving counter space and providing a sleek look. However, they use up valuable lower cabinet space, which might be better used for pots and pans in a very small kitchen. It depends on whether counter space or base cabinet space is your biggest constraint.
Q: What should I look for in a microwave shelf small kitchen setup?
A: Look for a shelf made of sturdy material (metal or thick wood) capable of supporting the microwave’s weight plus a safety margin. Ensure the shelf depth matches the microwave depth so the front is easy to reach, but not so deep that it impedes traffic flow. Look for options that allow for easy cord management underneath.