You’ve done all the research and purchased one of the best microwaves on the market, but now you need to find the perfect place for it in your kitchen. It may seem like your options are limited by the space you have available, but it’s important to prioritize safety, then convenience, and finally overall design.
Convenience aside, there are also some unsafe locations for your microwave that you should avoid when planning your kitchen. Proximity to certain appliances can affect performance or even pose a fire hazard if handled incorrectly. And if you choose a built-in microwave, you need to consider the location of your microwave both in your overall planning and in the context of your other built-in appliances.
The answer to the question of where to put your microwave depends on whether you’ve chosen a countertop model, meaning it’s a standalone appliance, or a built-in microwave, meaning it’s integrated into your kitchen cabinets. With that in mind, we asked design experts and microwave manufacturers for their best tips on where your microwave should, should not, and what to consider when choosing the right place for a microwave in your kitchen.
Places where you should never put a microwave and why
- Near a water source
- In a place with limited ventilation
- Near other important electrical appliances such as stoves, televisions or radios
“Microwaves should never be placed near a sink, in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation, or near televisions and radios,” says Sachin Bagga, Haden’s creative director, “as these locations pose safety risks and can cause interference.”
Experts at Hisense agree that microwaves should be banned from these areas – “over a stove, near water sourcesAnd in a closed cupboard without ventilation,” adding that placement above the stove should be avoided because “the microwave could be exposed to steam, grease and heat during cooking, which can damage it over time and pose potential safety risks.”
Near water sources would mean: “Splashes of water could damage the appliance, and proximity to water increases the risk of electric shock.” Finally, a closed cabinet results in “lack of air circulation,” which “can cause the microwave to overheat and possibly result in a fire.”
What you should consider when setting up a microwave on the countertop
While there are places to avoid, there’s also a lot to consider when choosing the best place for your countertop microwave. Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, says to start by saying, “Think about your workflow, your prep area, your coffee-making station, and whether you’ll even be using your kitchen island as a work-from-home space – do everything you can to make sure your plumbing and power are in the right place.”
And experts at Hisense say the five most important things to consider when placing a microwave are “accessibility, proximity to electrical outlets, ventilation, workflow efficiency and countertop space.”
A countertop microwave will obviously take up space on your countertop, but thinking about the workflow in your kitchen is the best way to figure out where you can sacrifice space.
“Place the microwave at a height that is easily accessible and follow the manufacturer’s instructions,” recommends Craig Nold, senior microwave regulatory engineer at GE Appliances. For most people, a height between waist and eyes is ideal to avoid spills or burns when transporting hot food.”
He adds: “Make sure there is enough space around the microwave, especially on the sides and back, to ensure adequate ventilation.” When considering a surface, stability is also an important factor. “The surface should be stable enough to support the weight of the microwave, especially when it is loaded with food. Make sure it is level to prevent accidental tipping.”
Also consider where your electrical outlets are, what your personal needs are, and how safe your children are. You also need to find a place that gives you easy access so you can clean your microwave and extend the life of your appliance.
Important aspects when installing a microwave
The first consideration for your built-in microwave is height. Bruce recommends considering the following things: “A built-in microwave should be installed at a comfortable height and in a convenient place in the kitchen. Ideally near the oven or prep area, as this will require you to carry hot food as far as possible. Always consider positioning and traffic flow. You don’t want to put a microwave where people are constantly walking by.”
It’s also important to consider structural support, as Nold advises: “Make sure the cabinets or built-in enclosure can support the weight of the microwave, especially when it’s in use. Measure the space to make sure the microwave will fit in the area it’s intended for, and follow the manufacturer’s required clearances for adequate ventilation.”
With a built-in microwave, you will need to have access for maintenance and cleaning, which is worth considering, especially if you plan to place your microwave high up or in a hard-to-reach location.
Should you choose a combination device?
If you really want to save space, combo appliances are a great option. You can get combo microwave ovens if you need extra oven space, use them for reheating food or pressure cooking, or even combine your microwave with an air fryer if you don’t want to buy one of the best air fryers. It’s all a matter of personal preference and also depends on the size and style of your kitchen.
