3 Ways to Integrate a Microwave in Your Kitchen

When you’re designing or upgrading your kitchen, it can be tricky to integrate your microwave oven. We have come to rely on our microwave ovens because they fulfill a unique role in our kitchens. But, they can be bulky, they take up a lot of countertop real estate, and they can be tricky to store and move around easily. So, is it possible to integrate the microwave oven in some way and take back that valuable space for other purposes? The short answer is yes, and we will show you three clever ways to integrate your microwave oven in your new kitchen design.

What Type of Microwave Oven do You Have?

Before we look at the three available options, it’s important to know what kind of microwave you have or you’re thinking of buying. A smaller countertop model can be housed up on a shelf or kept on a counter without taking up too much space. But, if you want to keep those areas clear, you may want to look at a unit that can be wall mounted. Some people now install their microwaves in a drawer unit that can be placed at any desired height, and this is a great option if you have a smaller kitchen. The final options is an over the range microwave that can share the light and ventilation of the oven and range located below. When you choose a new microwave, consider where you want to place it first, consider the dimensions, and you can narrow your suitable choices.

3 Microwave Integration Options

  1. A Microwave Drawer

We’ve already mentioned that a microwave oven in a drawer unit is a great space saver. But, there are other good reasons to integrate your microwave in this manner. If you’re going for an ultra-modern sleek kitchen, aesthetic drawer storage units are certainly the way to go. The microwave can be placed in a drawer below the countertop, or you could install it in a center island. The microwave can be placed inside a cabinet with a front sliding door that’s the same design and color as the surrounding cabinetry. This is a very minimal and tasteful way to store your microwave, and yet it’s still easy to access and use. This is a great way to free up your countertops for cooking prep and plating up meals.

  1. Wall Mounted Microwave

Perhaps you have some extra wall space form a closet or garage where you could recess a microwave oven into a wall opening. This is another clean solution, and it certainly makes the best use of the available space in your kitchen. When your microwave is mounted in the wall, you have a convenient appliance that doesn’t protrude into the kitchen. This is a solution where you can see the microwave door and panel, but it doesn’t look unsightly. If you trim the mounting area with a matching paint trim, you can easily blend the area into the rest of your kitchen.

  1. A Cut-out in Cabinetry

If you build a cut-out in a convenient cabinet for your microwave oven, you can make it look like it belongs in that location. If the microwave is a snug fit, this looks even better, but you can get trim kits from certain manufacturers that could be helpful. Use the trim kits to fill in any gaps if you want that uniform and seamless appearance.

Any of these three options will allow you to access, use, and clean your microwave without any problems.

If you’re considering upgrading your microwave, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to a member of our team for additional guidance.

5 Types Of Microwaves For Your Home

The modern kitchen holds a variety of powerful cooking appliances, helping you produce restaurant-quality dishes from the comfort of your own home. But large appliances, like a cooktop or wall oven, are not ideal for fast and efficient cooking. When exceptional speed and heat are your requirements, you should turn to a microwave.

A kitchen microwave is a staple in every home, but with so many unique designs available, it can be challenging to find the precise unit for your cooking space. To help in your search, we’ve compiled information on the most common types of microwaves on the market today.

Countertop Microwaves

For a traditional microwave with classic features, consider a countertop microwave.

These units are probably the most common types of microwaves available, designed to sit atop your kitchen counter and plug into a nearby electrical outlet for easy use. Countertop microwaves offer the basic heating cycles your kitchen needs, and are ideal for simple cooking spaces. The freestanding design of a countertop microwave offers the versatility required for many homes, allowing you to conveniently move your unit whenever needed. Best of all, these microwaves can typically be found at affordable prices, providing convenient heating and cooking at a great value.

Countertop units are a great choice for many homes, but tend to offer fewer cooking and heating options than their more advanced counterparts. If you’re looking for basic features at an affordable price, this is the ideal option.

Built-in Microwaves

If style and luxury are your primary concerns, you may want to invest in a built-in microwave.

Unlike freestanding countertop models, built-in microwaves are fully integrated into the design of your kitchen. These units can be installed within walls or kitchen cabinets, maximizing counter space for cooking. Built-in microwaves are generally larger than countertop units, providing more room for larger dishes. These designs are often installed alongside a wall oven, designating a centralized location for two of your most frequently used kitchen appliances.

Built-in microwaves are premium appliances, offering the added space, style, and features you’d naturally expect from such a product. But added luxury comes at a higher cost, and a built-in microwave may not be the best choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Over-the-Counter Microwaves

Looking for an affordable unit that will help save space in your kitchen? You should consider an over-the-counter microwave.

These appliances are installed above your kitchen counters, built-in to your cabinets for a seamless feel. The built-in design is ideal for more stylish kitchens, reducing clutter within your cooking space. Many of these units feature more advanced features than traditional countertop models, providing added cooking capabilities to your home. Best of all, many of these units can be found at a lower price than a premium built-in microwave. For a great combination of value and features, you’ll want to look into over-the-counter units.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Today’s kitchens require a number of powerful appliances for peak operation, but finding the space for all those kitchen products can be a challenge. An over-the-range microwave is guaranteed to help you save space by combining the features of two required appliances in one unit.

This type of microwave is installed above your cooktop or cooking range, built-in to your kitchen cabinets much like an over-the-counter model. The greatest benefit of an over-the-range microwave is its added ventilation features. The bottom of the microwave features a fan and filter system much like a range hood, removing smoke, steam, and other airborne pollutants from your kitchen while in operation.

An over-the-range microwave provides all the advantages of an over-the-counter model with the additional benefits of a range hood, making it a great choice for the contemporary kitchen.

These units can come at a relatively high price, but with so many choices available on the market, you’ll be sure to find an appliance that meets your budget requirements.

Microwave Drawers

Most built-in microwaves are installed above your kitchen counters or within a wall, and if you’re looking for something a bit different, consider a microwave drawer.

Microwave drawers are built-in units installed under the countertop. This type of microwave is easier to use than an over-the-counter or over-the-range unit, as you won’t have to reach up to your cabinets in order to access the appliance. Most microwave drawers do not feature the rotating plate seen in a traditional unit, and instead feature a smooth surface where you place dishes for heating. As a result, these appliances can be cleaned very easily.

A microwave drawer is an ideal addition to a luxury kitchen, as it provides a truly unique design that brings a “wow” factor to your home. These units offer premium style and features that are sure to meet your needs while impressing friends, family, and other guests.

Powerful Microwaves For Every Type of Kitchen

No contemporary kitchen is complete without the fast and convenient cooking that a microwave provides. There may be many different appliances available today, but with some knowledge on the most common types of microwaves, you’ll be perfectly prepared to choose a great unit for your home.

Ready to discover the microwave of your dreams? Explore a wide selection of options with this online collection of microwaves. For additional assistance in your search, be sure to contact a home appliance professional.