A microwave is an essential attribute of any kitchen. How to correctly place it in the interior? Further, we consider some of the features of installing a microwave oven in an apartment kitchen.
Safety regulations
It is worth remembering that when choosing the place in the kitchen where to put the microwave, you need to be guided not only by the features of the interior space, but also by certain safety rules, as well as the subtleties of ergonomics.
Choosing a place for a microwave oven, it is worthwhile to provide quick access to it. Ideally, the height of the device should be about 60-150 cm - so putting plates and taking them out will be convenient for all family members.
It is necessary to place the microwave oven so that next to it there is a countertop, on which it will be possible to put heated food. It is also often recommended to install the oven near the refrigerator, but it is certainly worth considering the fact that the devices should not be in contact with each other.
It must be remembered that on top of the microwave oven you can not put other objects and especially smaller household appliances. You should also avoid covering the ventilation openings with towels or a wall.
When installing the oven, it is worth paying attention to how convenient the process of opening and closing its doors will be.
Where to put the microwave in the kitchen? The general safety rules state that this appliance should be at a certain distance from furniture and other electrical appliances. The way it should be depends on the power of the device, however, the standard recommendations say that the indentation on the sides should be about 10 cm, and at the back at least 15 cm.
Next, we consider the main options for where to put a microwave in the kitchen (with photo).
Worktop
One of the most common options for placing a microwave in the kitchen is its installation on the area of the worktop. According to experts, this option is the most acceptable, since it implies the proximity of the surface to the furnace, as well as the optimal height of the device and providing a reliable basis for it.
When installing the appliance on a countertop, remember that it will require a separate outlet. It should be noted that the minimum distance from the furnace to the sink should be at least 50 cm.
Practice shows that this method of placing the microwave is ideal for large kitchens in which there is plenty of free space.
Windowsill
Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen? Often, for this purpose, wide apartment window sills are chosen, which, as a rule, remain unused in the interior.
It is worth noting that when placing the furnace on the windowsill, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the type of equipment under consideration reacts negatively to excessive heating of the case from the outside, which is why in the summer period the device will have to be protected from direct sunlight. In winter, under the influence of cold, a microwave placed on a window will require more energy resources.
In view of all these features, the considered method of arrangement of equipment can be suitable only for those rooms in which the window opening has access to the loggia. Otherwise, placing the furnace on the windowsill will be a rather convenient, but dangerous option.
Bar counter
In the event that there is a bar counter in the interior of the kitchen, it can be used as the basis for placing a microwave oven. Practice shows that for this you will have to think about how to hide the back of the unit, which is represented by a grill and wires that spoil the view. Many experts in the field of interior design recommend coming up with some kind of box, the finish of which will be made in the color of the counter tops - this design with the oven inside will look very harmonious.
It is worth noting that this method of placing the oven is ideal for those who like to make quick snacks.
Placement of the furnace in the working area
Where to put a big microwave in the kitchen? Currently, manufacturers of appliances offer a large selection of special models of microwave ovens designed for installation in built-in kitchens. When choosing this method of placing the furnace, one minus must be taken into account - the procedure requires a clear selection of the microwave for the dimensions of the selected recess and vice versa.
When choosing to place this type of equipment in the built-in frame, it is worthwhile to provide for a socket for it, since otherwise you will have to use extension cords, which often spoil the whole look of the structure.
Where is it better to put a built-in microwave in the kitchen? The recommendations of specialists say that the most convenient options for the location of equipment are:
- over the oven;
- above the hob;
- on the top line of the built-in headset, in place of one of the cabinets.
When planning the placement of equipment above the oven, it is advisable to use objects that are similar in color to the case and the features of its decoration - the only way they will be able to complement each other not only in functional but also in aesthetic terms.
If the oven is installed above the hob, then in this case it is important to take into account that during cooking the microwave below will heat up. In order to avoid possible problems with its further functioning, it is important to provide high-quality insulation of devices.
The simplest solution is to install a microwave in the upper line of the kitchen. Practice shows that in this case, to give the most harmonious look to the overall picture, the technique must be chosen so that in color and style it fits perfectly with the facade of the furniture. To make the operation of the microwave oven more safe and convenient, you need to install it in the lower and middle tiers of the integrated complex.
Under the countertop
Where to put a microwave in a small kitchen? In the photo below, you can observe the option of placing the furnace under the countertop. This method is ideal in cases where the space of the room does not allow you to place the device on a table, bar, or in any other place.
To create an appropriate niche, it is best to contact specialists in the field of design and manufacture of furniture. As an option, the equipment can be mounted in a countertop box designed to install a drawer.
It is worth noting that the considered option of placing microwave in the kitchen has one significant drawback, which is the presence of an increased risk of sagging, clogging and other types of pollution in the lower part of the kitchen. As a result, the oven will have to be washed very often. In this situation, it is important to consider that regular maintenance is much easier to provide for the built-in model. To minimize the level of contamination, some experts in the field of interior design recommend installing a microwave under slightly protruding countertops.
Specially equipped equipment rack
Some modern interior styles include a ban on the demonstration of kitchen appliances. In order to ensure its storage, separate lockers are organized. Their significant advantage is that not only small household appliances (coffee grinder, electric kettle, coffee maker, juicer, microwave oven, etc.) can be placed on the designated shelves, but also spices, cutlery and other trifles that you want to hide from extra eyes.
If you want to use such an object, which is important for the design of the kitchen, you need to take care of its design in advance. Moreover, it should be taken into account that its placement is suitable only for large areas of space.
On an open shelf
Where can I put a microwave in the kitchen? Special attention should be paid to the possibility of its location on an open shelf, which is placed for the installation of decor items.
When choosing such a box, it is worth paying special attention to the density of the material from which it is made - it must withstand the entire assigned load. In the event that the cabinet is light in weight, then when installing a microwave oven in it, it is better to look for additional brackets for its more reliable fastening. If you are dealing with a high and open design, then it is best to think about ensuring its additional fastening to the wall.
It is worth noting that a rack with a stove, included in the interior of the kitchen, will look very beautiful only if the perfect order reigns on all its tiers.
Use of suspension systems
Where can I put a microwave in a small kitchen? An excellent solution to this problem can be its placement on specially mounted suspension systems. It is worth noting that the modern selection of those is very large. So, depending on the overall picture of the interior, a separate rack, shelf, bracket can act as it. It is worth noting that the listed options for hanging systems can be used to store some other kitchen details.
On the island
Where to put the microwave in the kitchen? The photo below shows how the microwave installed on the island, which is often part of the headset, looks like. The installation of this element is appropriate if the room is large.
An advantage of the method of placing the furnace on the side of such a structure is that in this case the technical device is out of sight. Moreover, the microwave, located as far as possible from the main place intended for cooking, and closer to the countertop, can be used without any problems - this is a big plus of this idea.
Where to put the microwave in the kitchen so that it does not interfere? Of course, an island is the best place to realize such a goal. However, in the opinions of opponents of such a place for placing a microwave oven, it is sometimes emphasized that in this case the equipment will be quite low, which is not very convenient during its operation.
Where do not place a microwave?
Having considered the best options for the location of the microwave oven in the kitchen, you should pay attention to those places that should be ignored in the process of choosing the place in which the oven will stand.
First of all, it is worth noting that the sink and gas stove are not the best neighbors for this type of equipment - such kitchen elements should be kept at least 50 cm from the microwave. Also, do not place a TV next to the stove - as a result of such a neighborhood, it will receive an inaccurate signal.
Experts do not recommend installing the oven under the hob, as this entails a quick breakdown of the equipment due to the constant condensation in the microwave.
When installing a microwave, it is also important to avoid its proximity to the refrigerator, since, being nearby, these types of equipment begin to work unstably.