Microwaves play very integral roles in the kitchen. But making space to set your microwave if it’s a countertop microwave can seem like a highly daunting task, especially once you don’t have the extra room to spare. But can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?
Yes, you can set your countertop microwave in your kitchen cabinet. On the other hand, due to the enclosed area, this needs to be done cautiously to prevent it from developing any complications.
This guide will discuss more countertop microwave cupboard installation in addition to precautions to take to do it right.
Can You Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?
There are three variations of microwave ovens in regards to installation. There’s the built-in oven, the above the range, along with the countertop. Even though countertop microwave ovens were developed to be put on a counter, you can put your countertop microwave on your cupboard.
On the other hand, countertop microwaves were developed to be placed in open spaces. Unlike the built-in microwave, they’re designed to be put on a counter hence the name.
But as long as you take the basic precautions needed to do this, you need to be good to go. Also, ensure that you request your microwave oven manufacturers before attempting to put your microwave in a cupboard. This is because not all microwave ovens are made or appropriate for that location.
Tips to Consider Before Putting your Microwave in a Cabinet
These tips can help you guarantee that the installation of a microwave within a cabinet is successful.
Check the Cabinet Doors
Standalone Cabinet homes the built-in microwave oven.
For cabinets with poor doors, you may want to fix that before moving your microwave oven in. This is because a faulty cabinet door may make transferring your microwave oven a chore.
These doors will usually require additional effort to open and close, and this drawback makes it one of the worst spots to set your microwave oven.
If you would like to open or shut your microwave in a rush, the door could get jammed for a few seconds first.
If you can get a technician to repair the door, you may want to get that fixed before placing your microwave oven into your Cabinet.
Having Children Around
If you have your cupboard in a shallow part of your kitchen and you’ve got small kids around, the best option is to ensure that your cupboard is one that you can lock.
Whenever your oven is not being used and not around your microwave oven, you might want to maintain the Cabinet, which houses your oven locked.
Otherwise, kids playing across the oven can result in a kitchen accident, and you do not need that.
Accessibility
Before opting to put your microwave oven on your cupboard, you need to ensure the Cabinet is easily accessed.
Putting your oven in a place that cannot be easily accessed can lead to kitchen accidents, especially ones that happen from holding hot food taken a right from your microwave oven for a long time.
Make sure your Cabinet is very near your kitchen countertops, or it’s okay by you if it isn’t.
Matters to Looking Out for When Placing Countertop Microwave in the Cabinet
1. Cleaning
This is a peculiar situation as you can easily wash your microwave oven if it is on the counter.
Cleaning your microwave toaster out of the cabinet is usually quite complicated, especially since you may not have the ability to reach all the relevant nooks and crannies.
That is why you might have to take your microwave oven out at regular periods to clean all of the hidden corners thoroughly. This will lengthen the life span of your microwave and help lessen the damage that could happen from cleaning.
2. Trim Kit
The framework around the microwave oven is referred to as a trim kit. It allows for venting and a fantastic fit inside the cabinets.
This isn’t compulsory, but it provides your microwave oven a tidy and organized look. A trim kit can also assist you in protecting your microwave oven from dirt or dust as it encloses the microwave.
If you want to get a trim kit for your microwave oven, you may have to think about getting one designed by your oven manufacturer.
They’re more perfectly satisfied since they’re making it together with your specific oven dimensions and kind in your mind.
3. Ventilation
Ventilation is essential for all oven types. Microwaves create heat, and that warmth, when trapped within an enclosed space without any free space, could damage your microwave and the cabinet.
Before transferring your microwave into a cupboard, make sure that there is enough Additional space for ventilation.
4. Microwave Oven Vents
Check all of the sides of your microwave oven to find the vents. Oven vents are meant to divert air.
So if putting the microwave oven in your kitchen cabinet will impact the vents, then you might need to find an alternative spot for your range. Ensure that the microwave vents aren’t trapped or coated in the cupboard when you proceed with your microwave oven.
5. Location
When deciding on where to put your microwave oven, do not consider cabinets that are too high up.
Such locations will strain your neck, and whatever can occurs while you discover a way to use it. Instead, use a cupboard that you can reach easily and without difficulty.
Disadvantages of Putting a Countertop Microwave Oven at a Kitchen Cabinet
Damage
Because of the enclosed character of a chimney, moisture and heat produced from the food can get trapped in the cupboard and eventually cause damage to the timber.
This is especially when there is not any sufficient venting in the microwave. So make sure that your oven is not trapped overly tight while it’s in the microwave oven.
Wood is particularly susceptible to damage in this situation because moisture and steam readily get trapped in timber and might begin to harm it.
To prevent this, make sure that you wipe down the inside part of your microwave oven in addition to the cabinet after each use. This will help it to last longer.
Functions
Convection microwave ovens are complicated to run in a kitchen cupboard since they usually expect a good deal of space for the heat to port.
They also get considerably hotter compared to some solo microwaves. So except you’ve got clearance from your toaster manufacturer, the cabinet might not be the ideal spot for your convection microwave oven.
Additionally, always ensure that you leave at least 2 inches of extra space in your cupboard regardless of the oven type. This will give it considerable space and opportunity to vent.
Conclusion
It’s perfectly safe to put your microwave oven in your kitchen cupboard. But before you do that, make sure you’ve observed basic precautions.
This will reduce the odds of kitchen accidents. The question “can you place your microwave in a kitchen cabinet” does not possess its answers put in stone.
While it is safe to put most microwaves in kitchen cabinets, make sure you have permission or clearance from the oven manufacturers before attempting to put it in.
Due to the fact it is a countertop microwave oven. There can be some other strategies or precautions which the manufacturers might want you to understand before doing this.
FAQ’s
Is it safe to put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?
Can a Countertop Microwave Be Installed at a Cabinet? When many bloggers advise you to install a microwave in your kitchen cabinets, we strongly discourage you from doing this. A microwave oven designed exclusively to be used in a kitchen countertop features vents integrated into the rear of the unit.
What type of microwave can go to a cabinet?
Microwaves that are built can be conveniently installed in a wall or cabinet. While the built-in microwave has a similar capability to additional microwave designs, it saves counter space. It can be set up away from the range, giving numerous individuals more room to cook together.
Does a countertop microwave need ventilation?
Yes, it’s required. Microwaves need sufficient air clearance on all sides, the rear, and the top to work correctly. This ensures proper airflow for the exhaust and intake air vents.
How can you convert a countertop microwave built-in?
Install the countertop microwave to the pre-drilled hole. Adjust it so that at least one inch of space is left in front of each vent area. Avoid pressing the microwave from the cabinet’s rear panel, and avoid cramming the microwave into the cupboard space if the side panels do not offer sufficient space for the vents.
What is the difference between a built-in microwave and a countertop?
The distinction between a countertop microwave along an integrated microwave is that the countertop microwave is set in addition to the kitchen counter. In contrast, the built-in microwave is installed into the cupboard’s wall or corner.