Choosing where to put a microwave in the small kitchen is no easy feat. Sure, you could stick it in the corner, or continually move things around just so you can find some elbow room, but access to an easy-to-use microwave makes cooking for yourself, every time, a possibility.
Whether you’re wondering where to put your microwave in a small kitchen, or where you put this appliance in a tiny kitchen, you’ve definitely come to the right place.
11 Tips for Microwave Ideas for Small Kitchens
Having no space on your countertop? These 11 microwave storage solutions will assist you.
1. Install It Above the Stove
kitchen with microwave.
Did you know that there are microwaves designed to sit over your range? Called over-the-range microwaves, they are often as wide as the range itself. More commonly a bigger appliance than a countertop microwave, an over-the-range microwave might feature additional features such as air frying, rotisserie inserts, and so on.
Microwave Ideas for Small Kitchens
Space-saving, over-the-range microwaves often incorporate air circulation or kitchen venting to eliminate cooking odors and install overhead lighting. But these devices do not always provide the same level of ventilation strength as a freestanding vent, which can cause issues in heavy-use home kitchens.
2. Install Under the Counter
For an under-counter microwave, you have two choices:
- Purchase a typical microwave and place it in a roomy under-counter location near a power outlet.
- Put in a personalized microwave drawer.
- Built-in microwave drawers provide a smooth, inconspicuous appearance, convenient access to reheat food and beverages, and no wasted countertop space
Installing a microwave drawer can be more expensive than buying a smaller microwave to store under your countertop. Nonetheless, it is a long-term, compact solution that might be useful in a tiny area.
3. Tuck It into a Spare Cabinet
microwave storage. Like putting a microwave underneath your counter, placing it into a spare cabinet keeps the appliance in a convenient location without using up any countertop space.
Selecting a cabinet centrally located can make it easy to transport food back and forth. This method also offers an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” approach to storage, as you can close it up when not in use. You may want to consider Pull-Out kitchen shelves instead.
4. Install It in the Pantry
If you have a walk-in pantry or a large storage closet, it can be the best place to hide a microwave when you do not have enough counter space.
Simply place the appliance on wide, sturdy pullout pantry shelves, then shut the door over it and forget it’s there. This will make heating up quick snacks like popcorn on family movie night a breeze, and with that comes a win in our books.
5. Make it part of your island
Kitchen islands are the underappreciated storage heroes of the kitchen. They offer an alternative surface in your kitchen while also providing some space below that you can use for storage — or for adding a built-in microwave. You might prefer a microwave drawer for a seamless finish, or clear out some shelf space for a smaller model you can take in and out of the island as needed.
There may be some downsides, however. Depending upon the height of your island, you might find yourself needing to bend to reach a microwave to fetch food, snacks, and beverages. On the other hand, it would put the microwave within children’s easy reach; that can be a safety risk for you.
6. Put It in Your Cabinetry
Whether you’re building a bespoke cabinet with space for your microwave or simply installing a countertop unit inside an existing cabinet, this microwave storage option is a favorite.. In most cases, it requires little effort or demolition work.
Just remember, unless you customize your cabinets to fit in with your microwave, you can end up with spaces where the cabinetry is, and the appliance isn’t.
7. Pair It with a Wall Oven
This is perhaps an ideal solution for people building a new kitchen, but it also works if you’re not opposed to doing some remodeling. Either way, the streamlined look of pairing a microwave with a wall oven immediately makes a small kitchen feel like a more modern kitchen while keeping all its key appliances within easy reach.
If you expect to install a microwave above your wall oven, you will probably need to hire a pro for its installation and wiring.
8. Put It on a Rolling Stand
Have the best of both worlds with your microwave when you place it on a rolling stand! The stand may give you an extra working space. And when you’re not using it, you can easily roll the appliance and holder out of your way, making it easy to navigate in the kitchen.
You can buy a microwave stand specifically designed for this purpose or get a piece of furniture sturdy enough to hold onto it, like a small, rolling butcher-block island that instantly adds cottage charm to your kitchen.
9. Store it on top of your island
You can position your microwave in your kitchen or on your kitchen island.. Most people believe that the island will be best utilized if one uses it to serve food, but one should not forget the microwave, as well. The drawback? It will still consume some countertop space and produce unsightly cords when put atop the island. Nonetheless, the 360-degree access ensures that the device has adequate airflow and makes cleanup easier.
10. Move It to the Corner of Your Counter
Is your counter L-shaped? If so, you probably have a spare corner of the counter that isn’t really used to its potential. Perhaps it is just due to the weird shape or location in the kitchen, but those little inefficiencies of the kitchen could become an excellent location for a small microwave. On the other hand, you will be losing some of the excess countertop storage and likely will be walking around the kitchen to make dinner.
11. Put It on Top of Your Refrigerator
There are several myths surrounding microwaves, one of them stating that microwaves shouldn’t be placed on top of a refrigerator. Fortunately, it is not true; you can safely place your microwave on top of the refrigerator to save space. But while this can keep the appliance off your countertop, it does mean you will need to take it down and put it away with every use, which can be a potentially frustrating — and unsafe — storage solution.
Safety Precautions When Positioning Any Microwave in the Kitchen
When you want to position a microwave in a small kitchen, you might be tempted to place your microwave in any available corner. However, take some time to consider your options and find the best available spot. For example, your microwave needs to be in a place that does not get in your way as you move around the kitchen. Even the sturdiest countertop will be of no use, as it falls to the floor due to carelessness in striding over the cord or bumping into the appliance.
If you have little ones around, keep your microwave out of reach; but at the same time, ensure you have found a spot that is accessible for you, especially when anyone in your household has issues with higher surfaces.
