Choosing where to put a microwave in a small kitchen is no easy feat. Sure, you could squeeze it into a corner or continually move things around to make space, but having easy access to a microwave is essential to your daily meal prep.
If you’re wondering where to put a microwave in a tiny kitchen, you’re not alone — and you’ve come to the right place! ShelfGenie offers customizable sliding drawers of all types.
11 Ideas for Microwave Ideas for Small Kitchens
Running out of countertop space? These 11 microwave storage ideas can help.
1. Mount It Over the Range
Did you know there are microwaves specifically designed to sit over your cooktop? Known as over-the-range microwaves, these appliances are typically as wide as the range itself. Often larger than a countertop microwave, an over-the-range microwave may offer multiple functions, including air frying, rotisserie inserts, and more.
Additionally, space-saving, over-the-range microwaves typically integrate air circulation or kitchen venting to remove cooking fumes and overhead lighting. However, these appliances don’t always pack the power of a standalone vent, which may prove problematic in busy home kitchens.
2. Place It Under the Counter
When it comes to an under-counter microwave, you have two options to choose from:
- Purchase a standard microwave and place it in a spacious under-counter spot with access to a power outlet.
- Install a custom microwave drawer.
Microwave drawers are built-in appliances that sit below your countertop, providing a seamless, unobtrusive look, easy access to heat food and drinks, and no lost countertop space.
Installing a microwave drawer may be more costly than simply purchasing a smaller microwave and storing it below your countertop. However, it’s a permanent, space-saving solution that could work well for a small space.
3. Tuck It into a Spare Cabinet
Like storing a microwave below your counter, tucking it into a spare cabinet can keep the appliance in a handy location without any lost countertop space.
Choosing a centrally located cabinet can make carrying food back and forth a breeze. This method also offers an “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” approach to storage, allowing you to close it up when not in use. If your cabinet doesn’t have a shelf dividing it, a professional can remove it and wire the microwave in for you.
You may also consider installing Pull-Out kitchen shelves for a more streamlined solution. These sturdy rolling shelves are deep enough to store your microwave and prevent tipping, and can even be constructed with sloping sides to keep the appliance safely in place.
4. Install It in the Pantry
Whether you have a walk-in pantry or a large storage closet, it can be the perfect location to conceal a microwave when you’re short on counter space.
Simply place the appliance on wide, sturdy pull-out pantry shelves, then close the door to conceal it when not in use. This storage solution will make heating up quick snacks like popcorn on family movie night easier — making it a win-win in our eyes.
5. Build It Into Your Island
Kitchen islands are the underrated storage masters of the kitchen. They provide an alternative surface in your kitchen while also offering some space below that you can use for storage — or for adding a built-in microwave. You may consider a microwave drawer for a seamless finish or clear out some shelf space for a smaller model you can take in and out of the island as needed.
There may be a few downsides, though. Depending on your island’s height, you may have to stoop to retrieve food, snacks, and drinks from the microwave. It also puts the microwave within easy reach of younger children, which could be a safety concern.
6. Integrate It into Your Cabinetry
Whether you’re planning a custom cabinet install with room for your microwave or simply placing a countertop model inside an existing cabinet, this microwave storage method is one of our favorites. In most cases, it requires minimal effort or demolition work. You may even be able to DIY it.
Just remember, unless you customize your cabinets to suit your microwave, you could end up with gaps between the cabinetry and the appliance.
7. Combine It with a Wall Oven
This option may be best for homeowners who are building their kitchens from scratch, but it can also work if you don’t mind a little renovation. Regardless, the streamlined look of a matching microwave and wall oven adds instant polish to a small kitchen while keeping essential appliances within easy reach.
If you plan to add a microwave above your wall oven, you may need to call in a pro for installation and wiring.
8. Place It on a Movable Stand
Get the best of both worlds when you place your microwave on a movable stand! The stand could provide you with an additional workspace. Plus, you can roll the appliance and holder out of the way when it’s not in use, making it easier to move around the kitchen.
You can purchase a specially designed microwave stand or get a piece of furniture strong enough to hold on to it, like a small, rolling butcher-block island that adds instant cottage charm to your kitchen.
9. Store It on Top of Your Island
You can keep your microwave both in and on your kitchen island. Most people believe the island should be reserved for serving food, but the microwave can also find a home there. The disadvantage? It still eats up countertop space and can result in unsightly cords if placed on top of the island. However, the 360-degree access ensures the appliance has plenty of ventilation space and makes clean-up easier.
10. Relocate It to a Corner of Your Counter
Is your counter L-shaped? If so, you probably have a spare counter corner that’s barely used. Whether it’s because of the awkward shape or distance from everything else, these seemingly inefficient corners of the kitchen can be an excellent place for a small microwave. However, you could lose some extra countertop storage space — and you may find yourself crisscrossing the kitchen when preparing a meal.
11. Store It on Top of Your Fridge
There are a lot of myths about microwaves, one of them being that they should not be put on top of refrigerators. Fortunately, this is untrue; you can safely keep your microwave above the refrigerator and save on space. But while this method can keep the appliance off your countertop, it also requires you to take it down and put it away with every use, resulting in a potentially frustrating — and dangerous — storage solution.
Safety Precautions for Any Microwave Placement
When determining where to put a microwave in a small kitchen, it can be tempting to place your microwave in any available corner. However, take some time to consider your options and find the best available spot. For instance, your microwave needs to be in a place that doesn't get in your way as you move around the kitchen. If you stumble over the cord or bump into the appliance, not even a stable surface will keep it from crashing to the floor.
If you have younger children, store your microwave well out of reach. At the same time, it’s imperative to strike a balance and find a spot that is easy for you to reach, especially if anyone in your household has difficulty with higher surfaces.
Finally, position your microwave in a well-ventilated spot with direct access to a power outlet. While it’s not the case with all appliances, microwaves should never be plugged into an extension cord.
Making the Most of Every Inch with ShelfGenie
At ShelfGenie, we believe in the power of a well-designed space, no matter its size. We offer a range of custom solutions made with you and your family in mind. From custom shelf layouts to effortless pantry organization, our three-step ShelfGenie process ensures our designers deliver astounding storage solutions every time. We even back every job with our Neighborly Done Right Promise™ so that you feel confident in your design choice.
Schedule a Free, No-Obligation At-Home Consultation
Ready to upgrade your space — and make storing your microwave easier than ever? Connect with our team at a ShelfGenie location near you, or book a free in-home consultation today.
