Microwave in the kitchen - TOP 110 photos and instructions for installation in the set. Ideas for placing a microwave in the kitchen

Ivan Omelchenko

expert in the field of family budget saving

The microwave oven has long become an integral part of the modern kitchen. In the fast pace of life, her ability to heat up food in a few minutes is simply priceless. A microwave oven will help out in the morning, when every minute counts, and in the evening, when you need to quickly defrost meat before guests arrive. The only negative is that microwaves are quite large and it is not always possible to find a suitable, convenient place for them in the kitchen.

Built-in models of microwave ovens solve this problem. They are compact, mounted above the oven and fit harmoniously into the interior.

We studied all types of devices in online stores, compared different models, their capabilities, and prepared a rating of the best built-in microwave ovens of 2022.

Countertop space

This option is the most common because it does not require any additional costs or effort on the part of the owners. You can place the microwave oven at any end of the table and move it as needed.

However, this method of placing a microwave is completely inapplicable in a small kitchen, since it deprives the housewife of a significant part of the working space, which is already insufficient.

Tips and warnings

When working with a built-in microwave oven, it is especially important to follow safety precautions and operating rules in order to maximize the service life of the device.

Tips for important points:

• Microwave oven maintenance should be carried out at least once every 2-3 months. During the procedure, you need to check the serviceability of all functions, wash the device, clean the ventilation holes, remove debris from the gaps, make sure the integrity of the case, internal coating, and electrical wires. For built-in models, ventilation care is especially important, since if the rules are not followed, a fire may occur.
• Microwaves are high-voltage equipment, so they need to be protected from voltage surges. To do this, it is worth providing the device with a separate outlet. Since the built-in model cannot be moved, it is worth installing it in advance, taking into account the length of the wire. It is not advisable to use extension cords, as well as to connect several plugs to one power source.
• Consider the nuances of placement. It is undesirable for it to be in proximity to a hob, water sources, windows, indoor plants (they do not tolerate radiation well), or meters (they can get lost under the influence of waves). It will be difficult to move the device after installation; check the kitchen plan and choose a convenient option.
• Before installing the equipment, you need to ensure easy access to the socket and cables. In the event of breakdowns, fire, or short circuits, it is important to turn off the device as quickly as possible, which is not always possible with built-in models.

Microwaves built into the cabinet help save space, look stylish, are reliable, and functional. Among their disadvantages are the high price, difficulty of repair, possible problems with installation, operation, and safety precautions. The appliances look best in small, high-tech kitchens. The convenience, feasibility, and service life of integrated microwave ovens depend on the location, so its selection must be approached especially carefully.

Placement on brackets

Wall brackets can be mounted between the wall cabinet and the countertop, thereby saving scarce space in a small kitchen. In spacious kitchens, this option is also acceptable, since the microwave oven is located at a convenient level for use.

It should not be forgotten that any placement of this electronic device requires free space to allow air to circulate freely around it. Also, even the slightest vibration, which can damage the device, is unacceptable.

What lighting options are there?

LED lamps for kitchen cabinets come in 3 types.

Check out our article about organizing lighting in the kitchen.

Spotlights

Round, square, rectangular - they can either be built into the bottom of the box or mounted on top of it. Spotlights look good both under cabinets and under open shelves. To ensure there is enough light, choose the appropriate brightness and place the sources at a suitable distance from each other.

LED panels

To achieve soft, diffused, homogeneous light, there is no better option. Unlike strips or spots, panels typically occupy the entire bottom surface of cabinets, ensuring an even flow of lumens. The panels do not heat up, are safe for the eyes, and last about 50,000 working hours (~15 years). Easy to install and maintain. The only drawback is the relatively high cost.

Important! Any diode lamps - strips or panels - are characterized by energy-saving properties. They consume much less energy compared to conventional incandescent lamps and even energy-saving lamps

LED Strip Light

An affordable option with a low price. Just like panels, tapes do not emit heat and last for many years. They can be installed anywhere:

• the angle between the apron and the bottom,
• in the center of the bottom,
• near the front side.

At the same time, you can install lighting in the kitchen under the cabinets yourself, without the help of specialists. The only disadvantage of the tapes is the serial connection. That is, if one LED burns out, all of them will stop working, which means the strip will have to be changed completely.

Placement under the countertop

This option can be used when other methods of placing a microwave oven are rejected for objective reasons. It should be noted that with such a low location it is extremely inconvenient to use the device.

Equipment

In addition to a niche for mounting built-in equipment, a cabinet for a microwave oven can contain additional equipment in the form of one or two drawers. As a rule, pull-out structures are located at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet.

Additional equipment allows you to use the kitchen module not only to accommodate built-in household appliances, but also as a full-fledged storage system.

In the drawers of the microwave cabinet you can store kitchen utensils of limited height, for example:

• frying pans;
• dishes for the microwave;
• textiles, etc.

The retractable storage system is equipped with a roller or telescopic opening mechanism. In the first version, the retractable module moves along guides using rollers. Telescopic systems use ball guides. The telescopic extension system is more reliable, but it is more expensive than its roller counterparts.

Built-in appliances in modern kitchens are no longer uncommon. Household appliances mounted in cabinets save space in the work area. A wide selection of kitchen modules for built-in appliances will allow you to choose furniture that is ideally suited to the parameters of any microwave oven.

Placement on a windowsill

If there is not enough space, this option is very convenient, since it does not require a specially equipped place for the stove. For this reason, this method is used quite often. When placing an electronic device in this manner, safety requirements must be observed.

The width of the window sill must be sufficient to accommodate the stove and allow free circulation of air flows emanating from it. It should also be taken into account that during its operation the device emits significant thermal energy, which, acting on the cooled window glass, creates unacceptably sharp temperature changes and negatively affects it.

Plants on the windowsill are also exposed to excessive heat radiation, which can lead to their death.

Rating of built-in microwave ovens

Popular models of built-in microwave ovens:

The popularity rating among Russian users includes mainly small-sized budget models. Fans of wide functionality should pay attention to microwave ovens from Samsung, Hansa, Siemens, Kuppersberg, Ariston.

Right choice

Placing the stove in accordance with the requirements of its operation guarantees long service life for the period specified by the manufacturer. If these requirements are not met, the device is subject to adverse effects and overloads, which leads to a reduction in the period of trouble-free operation.

If it is possible to select several options, one should proceed from specific conditions and capabilities, regardless of general recommendations. In extreme cases, when none of the existing options can be implemented, and the question of how to place a microwave in the kitchen remains unanswered, it can be moved to another room.

Successfully implemented real options for placing a microwave in the kitchen are illustrated by numerous photo and video materials posted on specialized Internet sites.

Note!

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Built-in or conventional microwave, which is better?

A built-in microwave is a controversial solution, the advantages of which cannot always compensate for the disadvantages. This technique is definitely not suitable for budget kitchens, since the device itself, its installation, ventilation and wiring will be very expensive. A standard (free-standing) microwave on a shelf or cabinet of approximately the right size will do the job better.

The built-in microwave is suitable for small kitchens. Practicality, style, and extended service life compensate for the overpayment and complexity of repairs. It is best to choose models with increased functionality - the steamer, grill, convection, and deep fryer modes will eliminate the need for other household appliances.

In medium and large kitchens, a built-in microwave is more of an extravagance than a necessity. You can buy it if the interior is made in high-tech style with integrated appliances. Otherwise, it is better to purchase a separate model and disguise it behind the cabinet door. This will eliminate the hassle of repairing and moving the built-in microwave, preserving beauty, convenience, and economical use of space.

Photo of microwaves in the kitchen