Incorporating a Microwave into Your New Kitchen Design: Tips and Ideas

By: Jenny Cazares

Your kitchen designer will be happy to help you find the best space for your microwave. Its location will partly depend upon the type of microwave you choose.

Sometimes it is simple to determine where it should go. Two examples are over the range and the low profile.

Others may take a little more consideration. Here are ideas on options that aren’t so obvious, and I’ll point out the pros and cons of each.

What are the benefits of putting a microwave over my range?

• Pros:
  • One of the least expensive options
  • Saves space
  • Great for smaller kitchens
  • Can recirculate air or vent outside

• Cons:
  • Leaves less workspace above the range
  • Can’t have a decorative hood
  • Best to have cabinetry surrounding it for an optimal look
  • Will need to install an outlet behind it
  • If you purchase a model that does not have a recirculating option, will need to vent to the outside

What are the pros and cons of a low-profile hood microwave?

• Pros:
  • Sleek, slender, modern design
  • Looks great in kitchens with lower ceiling heights
  • Reasonably priced
• Cons:
  • Smaller microwave capacity
  • Taller items might not fit
  • Best to have cabinetry surrounding it for an optimal look
  • Will need to install an outlet behind it

Where should I put my microwave drawer?  

Drawer microwaves have become increasingly popular over recent years. Once you switch to the drawer, you won’t miss the door! 

This microwave is used in base cabinets; on an island, peninsula, butler’s pantry, or in a wet/dry bar area. Keep in mind that you’ll want to select the best location for easy access. An area that doesn’t get a lot of “flow-through” traffic would be ideal. 

• Pros:
  • Easy access
  • Easy access for kids (who are old enough to use a microwave)
  • Easy to clean
  • Sleek, modern look
• Cons:
  • More expensive option
  • Limited to base cabinets
  • Will need to install an outlet

What could I do with my countertop microwave? 

Many of us still use and enjoy our countertop microwaves. For those of you who like a countertop microwave yet prefer the extra countertop space, here are a few ideas of where you could put it :

• inside a base cabinet with a finished opening
• in a pantry cabinet on a rollout
• in a tall cabinet that has a finished opening
• in a wall cabinet made to hold a microwave
• in a deep cabinet that sits on a counter, with a lift-up door

With these options, you will need to make sure you have an outlet installed inside / behind the cabinet.

• Pros:
  • Convenient
  • Can be made to look built-in
  • One of the lesser expensive options
• Cons:
  • Takes up cabinet space
  • Sometimes bulky
  • Will need to install an outlet

Where can I put my combination wall oven/microwave? 

A combination wall oven/microwave will need to go in a tall cabinet. You will want to collaborate with your kitchen designer to find the best location. Sometimes it will fit best next to another tall cabinet or next to your refrigerator. 

• Pros:
  • Stylish
  • Easy to access
  • Does not utilize countertop space
  • A great option for larger kitchens

• Cons:
  • More expensive
  • Takes up cabinet space
  • Will need to install an outlet

I hope this blog has given you ideas for your new kitchen design when it comes to microwave choices and their potential locations. There are many microwave options available in the market; your kitchen designer will help you find the best location for the one that fits your lifestyle best.