Moving your microwave off the kitchen countertop saves so much space. Should it be in the base cabinets or upper cabinets? It all depends on your kitchen design. But, if you are redesigning your kitchen, you need to move it off the countertop
Do microwaves need to be flush with cabinets? Ideally, microwaves should be flush with cabinets. If you don’t have deeper cabinets, your microwave will stick out.
Anyway, let’s have a look at some of the typical questions you have.
Base Cabinet Standard Depth
Contents
Let’s start with base cabinet sizes. As the base for your countertops, these cabinets need to be sturdy.
Depending on your design needs, base cabinets can have a single door, double doors, a series of drawers, or both. Base cabinets are 34.5 inches tall without the countertop and 36 inches with it.
The drawers in base cabinets usually measure six inches tall, while the doors are 24 inches tall. Cabinets with only a door (full height) have doors that are 30 inches tall.
A standard base cabinet is 24 inches deep. When there is not enough space for such a deep cabinet, the depth is generally reduced by 3 inches at a time.
The average height of a microwave is 12 to 15 inches. Closed-door depths vary from 16 to 20 inches. Open-door depths are around 34 to 39 inches.
What are some tips for choosing a microwave that is flush with cabinets?
Today, every kitchen has a microwave. It’s a necessity for busy people. But here’s a question many people don’t think to ask when renovating or designing a new kitchen: where exactly should the microwave go? On the benchtop? Over the fridge? In a cabinet? It gets more confusing, so let’s look at some of the tips.
Ease of access
Due to design limitations, your options may also be limited if you have a small kitchen or shallow cabinets. Which is more important, storage space or a ‘discrete microwave’? Make sure it’s convenient for the stove, fridge, and countertop.
If you’re going to put something straight from the fridge into the microwave, place them close together – and make sure there’s a bench nearby.
Safety
Make sure you don’t move hot foods or drinks around the kitchen.
Visual appeal
I’m all on for visual appeal in the kitchen, but I’d say this is the least important consideration. The microwave is just another piece of furniture in the room. The only thing that really matters is that it looks good in the space.
Some prefer to hide it, and others prefer to show off their appliance. Either way works fine.
Under the Countertop
Another great space-saver is a below-bench microwave cabinet. Microwaves are less visible in an open room layout because of this placement. In addition to being easy to access, it is also not too low – keeping the microwave off the benchtop.
Above the Countertop
An overhead cabinet can be a great place for a microwave. As a result, you are able to keep below-bench cabinetry free for drawer storage.
What are the benefits of having a microwave that is flush with cabinets?
There are several benefits of having a microwave that is flush with cabinets. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it saves space. With the microwave hidden behind the cabinet doors, you can free up counter space for other tasks.
Another advantage is that it looks neater and more streamlined since there are no exposed appliances to clutter up your kitchen.
You’ve seen kitchens with the oven and microwave flush with each other, which is very pleasing to the eye.
Are there any drawbacks to having a microwave that is flush with cabinets?
There are a few drawbacks to having a microwave that is flush with cabinets. For one, the oven door should stick out a bit to ensure that the combustible materials of the cabinets are not exposed.
Additionally, longer overhangs can be achieved by adding supports that extend out from the countertop. Lastly, when the door to an oven is closed, it should not protrude more than 2 inches from the cabinetry.
How do you properly maintain a microwave that is flush with cabinets?
If your microwave is flush with the cabinets, it is important to be sure that it is properly ventilated. If there is not enough ventilation, the microwave could overheat and pose a fire or explosion hazard.
Another concern with microwaves that are flush with cabinets is that they may not be as sturdy as those which are mounted over the range. If you have shallow cabinets, an over-the-range microwave may be a better option.
If you choose to keep your microwave flush with the cabinet, you can use a bracket to attach it to the cabinet and cover it over with trim. You can also get rid of all the extra space (such as by building new cabinets).
What are the most popular brands of microwaves that are flush with cabinets?
When it comes to finding a microwave that is flush with cabinets, there are a few popular brands that consumers often turn to. Some of the most well-known names in this category include GE, Frigidaire, Electrolux, and Bosch.
These companies offer a wide range of models with different features and capacities, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
20L microwaves are the most popular size on the market right now, so you’ll have plenty of choices when shopping for one of these appliances. In addition, many major brands like GE, Frigidaire, and Bosch offer models that are designed specifically to be flush with cabinets.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to update your kitchen without sacrificing any functionality, then a flush microwave is a great option.
How do you know if a microwave that is flush with cabinets is right for you?
When it comes to microwaves, one size does not fit all. You need to consider the needs of your family and lifestyle when choosing a microwave.
If you have limited space in your kitchen, a single-wall oven may be the best option for you. A combi oven is an ideal option for those who want the benefits of both a microwave and an oven.
What are the most common problems with microwaves that are flush with cabinets?
The most common problem with microwaves that are flush with cabinets is a lack of clearance. The microwave cannot be placed too close to the front edge of the cabinet, or it will not fit properly.
In addition, many microwaves require specific clearances on the sides in order to vent properly, and these dimensions may not be possible if the microwave is flush with the cabinets.
