Where not to put a microwave?

A Microwave Against a Wall Is a Bad Idea
“If you put [the microwave] against a wall, both the door of the microwave and your wall can get damaged over time,” Daniel says. A microwave oven planned in a restricted space can also make the appliance awkward to use.

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Are microwaves OK in cupboards?

What kinds of microwaves can be stored in cabinets? If you want a microwave stored in a cabinet, it must be designed to function correctly in an enclosed space. Countertop microwaves aren't meant for that purpose. An over-the-range microwave is a good way to save space and have adequate ventilation.

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Where should I put my microwave in my house?

9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen
  1. Below the Counter. Don't have much counter or upper cabinet space to spare? ...
  2. Integrated Into Cabinetry. ...
  3. In a Spare Cabinet. ...
  4. Angled Corner Cabinet. ...
  5. Over the Range. ...
  6. At a Drinks Station. ...
  7. In an Appliance Garage. ...
  8. In the Island.

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Where is the best place to put a microwave in a small kitchen?

Here are a few ways you can do this:
  • Below the Counter. You can put the microwave in a large cabinet under the counter, or replace a drawer with a microwave cabinet. ...
  • In a Spare Cabinet. ...
  • In the Pantry. ...
  • In Your Island. ...
  • Over the Range. ...
  • On Its Stand. ...
  • On Your Island. ...
  • In the Corner of the Counter.

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How much space do you need around a microwave?

The microwaves will vibrate all particles, cool air prevents this from affecting the components and ensures it is just the food that is agitated and cooked. A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear.

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Top 10 Things You Should NEVER Put In The Microwave

25 related questions found

Do microwaves need space for ventilation?

Microwaves need adequate air clearance on each side, the rear and the top to function properly. This allows good circulation for the intake and discharge air vents. Countertop Models: 3" of clearance on both sides and the top.

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Is it safe to put a microwave next to a fridge?

Don't Put a Microwave Next to a Refrigerator

In this scenario, you run the risk of denting your fridge door with your microwave door if you're not careful. Note: if you have an IKEA panel-ready refrigerator, this might not be the worst idea.

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Does it matter where you put a microwave?

Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.

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Where is the best location for a countertop microwave?

Trudi most often suggests putting the microwave under the counter, often on the end of the island to free up space in upper kitchen cabinets. Building your microwave into the cabinetry below your countertop means it's at a great height for kids warming up snacks and keeps it out of the main kitchen flow.

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Does placement in a microwave matter?

Instead of placing food in the center, spread it in a circle around the outer edge of the container or plate. The more you spread it out, the better. This makes it easier for the microwaves to reach in and create enough friction to heat the food evenly. Place a cover over the food to keep water from evaporating.

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How much space do you need around a microwave Australia?

There is no one standard microwave cabinet size Australia, but all microwaves must have at least ten centimeters of space between the cabinet and each microwave wall. The top of the microwave needs at least 20cm to allow for proper ventilation.

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How far should a microwave be from the floor?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches.

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Can I put a freestanding microwave in a cupboard?

Yes, it can be safe to put a microwave in a cabinet, but it depends on a few factors. If it is a countertop microwave, the cabinet must be sturdy enough to support the microwave's weight, and there must be sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating.

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What surfaces can a microwave sit on?

You can place a “home use” microwave on any material that will support its weight. That includes metal, wood, man-made materials, cardboard boxes, or anything else. Commercial microwave ovens are generally much heavier so the supports must be proportionally stronger.

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Why are microwaves in lower cabinets?

A microwave drawer is designed to fit perfectly under a counter, and placed into a lower cabinet or kitchen island. This allows for cleaner counter space, improved functionality, and a more modern overall ascetic.

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What is the gap between microwave and cabinet?

To help dissipate the heat it is recommended that when installing a microwave into a cabinet there needs to be enough space to allow heat to flow away from the microwave. It is recommended to have a gap of about 50mm around all sides of the microwave.

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Can you put a microwave above a wall oven?

You can install an over-the-range microwave above a wall oven. However, it depends on the manufacturer. Before you jump into the installation, consult the manufacturer's instructions. Over-the-range microwaves are not the same as built-in microwaves, so it's important to double check the owner's manual.

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Where do microwaves go when you open the door?

Also, a properly functioning microwave oven automatically turns off the moment you open the door. The last bit of microwaves emitted by the oven bounce around inside and are absorbed within microseconds, long before you have even finished opening the door.

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Should you avoid standing in front of a microwave?

Don't use a microwave oven if you can't shut the oven door or it doesn't seal well. Take precautions. As an added safety precaution, don't stand directly against or in front of an oven while it is operating.

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Where should you not put a refrigerator in the kitchen?

Feel free to experiment with your layout as long the refrigerator placement meets these basic requirements: (1) Leave ½” of space on all side and the top for ventilation; (2) Leave 2 ½” minimum clearance if installed next to a wall; (3) Do not install next to a stove or other heat source; (4) Install near an outlet or ...

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Can you put a microwave above a sink?

The main goal is ensuring that water never comes anywhere near the microwave. And that includes steam! If you have to install a microwave above your sink, try to place it as high as possible within your height limit. Again, the farther away from the sink, the better.

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Can I plug my fridge and microwave into the same outlet?

In the US and New Zealand, microwaves need their own electricity supply. A fridge is a large consumer of power and having a microwave on the same circuit could overload it and trip the circuit breaker when both are running. If the circuit breaker failed, the overload could cause the wiring to overheat and start a fire.

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What happens if a microwave is not properly vented?

For example, if there is food stuck to the roof of the microwave, it could start to burn and fuse to the metal. Because microwaves have a high surface temperature, they can cause serious damage if they are not properly ventilated.

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What happens if a microwave doesn't have enough ventilation?

Microwave ovens have air vents to stop them overheating. The air inside, and the food, gets hot. If you block the vents, they overheat and stop working.

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How do I know if my microwave is venting properly?

Turn on the microwave and let it run for a few minutes. This will help to ensure the fan is working properly and the air is venting outside. Check the exhaust vent outside to make sure that air is flowing out properly. You should be able to feel the air coming out of the vent with your hand.

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