Where to Put Microwave in Kitchen: 6 Smart Spots

Where to Put Microwave in Kitchen

Finding the right spot for your microwave can be tricky. These bulky appliances take up precious counter space and can make your kitchen look messy. The wrong placement can also make cooking harder and less safe.

This guide shows you six smart ways to place your microwave. Each option works better for different kitchen sizes, budgets, and cooking styles. Whether you rent or own, have a small galley kitchen or a large u-shaped kitchen layout, there’s a solution that fits your needs.

Option 1: On the Countertop

Putting your microwave on the counter is the most common choice. You just plug it in and start using it right away.

The Good:

• No installation needed – anyone can do it
• Easy to reach for most people
• You can move it if you change your mind
• Cheapest option since you don’t pay for installation
• Works in any kitchen size

The Not-So-Good:

• Uses up valuable counter space for food prep
• Can make your kitchen look crowded
• Might be too low or too high depending on your height
• Cords can create clutter

Best For: People who rent their homes, those on tight budgets, or kitchens with lots of counter space to spare.

Pro Tip: Place it near an electrical outlet but away from your main food prep area. Keep at least 3 inches of space around the sides and top for proper air flow.

Option 2: Over the Range (OTR)

An over-the-range microwave sits above your stove and works as both a microwave and a fan for your cooking.

The Good:

• Saves all your counter space
• Puts cooking appliances in one area
• Built-in fan helps remove cooking smells and steam
• Often includes a light for your stove

The Not-So-Good:

• The fan doesn’t work as well as a real range hood
• Too high for kids or shorter adults to use safely
• Hard to clean when grease splatters from cooking below
• Reaching over a hot stove can be dangerous
• Steam from cooking can damage the microwave over time

Best For: Small kitchens where counter space matters most. Works well with a good kitchen work triangle design.

Safety Note: Make sure the unit is installed at least 30 inches above your cooktop. Never reach over an active burner to use the microwave.

Option 3: In a Cabinet or on a Shelf

This means putting a regular countertop microwave inside a cabinet opening or on a shelf built just for it.

The Good:

• Clears your counters completely
• Looks more built-in without the high cost
• You can put it at the perfect height for your family
• Custom kitchen cabinets can hide it when not in use

The Not-So-Good:

• Needs proper air space around it (check your manual)
• Might need an electrician to add an outlet inside the cabinet
• Door might hit cabinet walls when opening
• Can trap heat if not ventilated right

Best For: Homeowners who want a cleaner look without spending big money on a true built-in model.

Expert Advice: Leave 6 inches above, 3 inches on each side, and 2 inches behind for air flow. AJ Flying designs custom cabinet openings with proper ventilation built in.

Option 4: The Built-In Microwave

Built-in microwaves are made to fit flush with your cabinets, usually stacked with wall ovens or placed in tall cabinet units.

The Good:

• Looks completely custom and expensive
• Saves counter space entirely
• Can be placed at any height you want
• Creates a seamless kitchen design
• Adds value to your home

The Not-So-Good:

• Most expensive choice for both the appliance and installation
• Needs custom cabinets designed around exact measurements
• Hard to replace since new models must fit the same space exactly
• Requires professional installation

Best For: Kitchen remodels, new home builds, and people who want the most premium look possible.

Professional Insight: At AJ Flying, we always measure appliances first, then build the cabinet framework around them. This prevents costly mistakes during installation.

Option 5: The Microwave Drawer

Microwave drawers install below your counter and pull out like a regular drawer. You put food in from the top instead of the front.

The Good:

• Easy for everyone to use, including kids and people in wheelchairs
• Completely hidden when closed
• Simple to clean since you can reach everything from above
• Perfect for kitchen islands
• Creates a very modern, clean look

The Not-So-Good:

• Costs much more than other types
• Feels awkward to stir food or check on it while cooking
• Takes up lower cabinet storage space
• Limited size options compared to regular microwaves

Best For: Kitchen islands, families with accessibility needs, and people who want the cleanest possible look.

Design Tip: Install drawer microwaves 12-15 inches below counter height. This puts them at a comfortable level for most adults while keeping them accessible for children.

Option 6: In the Pantry or a Hidden Nook

This means putting your microwave completely outside the main kitchen area, like in a walk-in pantry or an appliance closet.

The Good:

• Removes the microwave from view completely
• Maximizes counter space and creates a clean look
• Can use a regular countertop model
• Keeps microwave smells out of the main kitchen

The Not-So-Good:

• Not convenient for everyday cooking tasks
• Need a safe place nearby to set hot food
• Requires electrical outlet in the pantry area
• Can slow down meal prep

Best For: People who rarely use their microwave and care most about how their kitchen looks.

Storage Solution: Create a dedicated appliance area with proper shelving and outlets. Include a small counter space for landing hot dishes safely.

Making the Right Choice for Your Kitchen

Your best microwave placement depends on several important factors:

Budget: Countertop and pantry options cost the least. Built-in and drawer styles require the biggest investment.

Kitchen Size: Small kitchens benefit most from over-range or cabinet placement to save counter space. Large kitchens have more flexibility.

How Often You Cook: Daily microwave users need convenient placement in the main kitchen area. Occasional users can put it in a pantry.

Family Needs: Consider who uses the microwave most. Tall adults can handle over-range models, but families with kids need lower placement.

Safety First: Never install microwaves where you have to reach over hot stoves or sharp corners. Make sure there’s a safe landing spot for hot food nearby.

Kitchen Design: Your cabinet style and layout affect which options look best and work practically.

Conclusion:

The right microwave placement makes your kitchen safer, more efficient, and better looking. Consider your daily cooking routine, family needs, and budget when choosing. Professional cabinet makers like AJ Flying can design custom solutions that integrate any microwave type seamlessly into your kitchen design.