Can You Put a Microwave on a Metal Shelf?

Can you put a microwave on a metal shelf? If you’re looking for the best place to put your microwave, this is the type of inquiry you’ll ask.

Placing your microwave oven on a metal shelf is perfectly safe, even if using metal utensils inside isn’t.

Microwaves take up counter space, but what if you’ve exhausted all of your other options? Where else could you position your microwave for optimal results?

In this article, we’ll go through where you should put your microwave and the consequences of putting it on a metal shelf.

Can You Put a Microwave on a Metal Shelf?

Yes, It is safe to place your microwave oven on a metal shelf.

Despite popular belief that oven reflections extend to the oven’s exterior and can cause sparks on a metal shelf, most microwave oven manufacturers have designed their models to keep this excess on the inside.

Your microwave oven will be safe from sparks if you position it on a metal shelf. Because the interior of a microwave oven does not come into contact with any metal when it is turned on, it is far safer to place your microwave oven somewhere else if one is accessible.

How Does Metal Perform in a Microwave?

When you place a metal container in your microwave that isn’t microwave safe, the container usually creates a reflection on the microwave.

This reflection generates a negative electron reaction in the microwave oven, which generally results in a spark; but, under extreme circumstances, it may destroy parts of the microwave oven’s inside functions or possibly cause it to explode.

However, when you place your microwave oven on a metal shelf, this is not the case.

The unfavorable reactions when metal is placed in a microwave oven normally do not occur outside the microwave.

Related: Can You Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

Tips to Put Microwave on a Metal Shelf

1. Check for proper ventilation

This is critical, regardless of where you decide to put your microwave. When you turn on your microwave, it needs to expel all of the heat it generates.

Ensure enough space on all four sides for heat to pass through when the microwave is switched off when determining where to put your microwave.

2. Take Care When Using Microwave Wires

Aside from the near-zero possibility of a spark if your microwave oven is on a metal stand, metal and electricity don’t mix well.

As a result, any live wire that comes into touch with your microwave’s metal stand poses a considerable risk of electric shock. Tingling in your arm and body, as well as more severe diseases or catastrophes like burns or internal harm, can be caused by these shocks.

As a result, use extra caution if you use your microwave on a metal shelf. The slight possibility of a cooking disaster resulting from this action is not worth the risk.

3. Check to see if your microwave’s manufacturer recommends against it

The manufacturer of your microwave may have given you advice on where to install it.

If they warn against it, you should not use your microwave on metal. Always follow the recommendations in the microwave’s manual. The manufacturers are the most knowledgeable because they created it.

Related: Can You Microwave Cardboard?

Alternatives for Putting Your Microwave on Your Kitchen Counter

If your kitchen countertop has sharp corners, this is one of the most excellent places to put your microwave.

You can move your microwave there once you’ve double-checked that there’s enough air in the space. Also, make sure you won’t have to put in a lot of work to get there.

Appliances like a toaster or a convection oven placed on the kitchen counter are not for everyone.

This is because the counter may get crowded and inconvenient, and you may not have enough room in your kitchen to keep additional items. Consider putting your microwave on your kitchen counter if you have the space.

Shelf

You can buy a microwave-safe shelf specifically for your microwave. It will undoubtedly cost you extra money, but it is worth it.

It eliminates the need to look for microwaves or make additional space in your kitchen and eliminates the problems and risks of using a metallic stand to support your microwave oven.

The Countertop in Your Kitchen

If you don’t have enough counter space for your microwave, consider using the space beneath your kitchen counter.

Double-check that the microwave has enough area to fit in, as well as enough ventilation.

You can make a little microwave stand or buy one already made if you want to set the microwave directly on the floor.

Placing your microwave under your kitchen counter is a better option than using metal support.

Related: Can You Microwave Nutella?

Trim Kit

If you don’t have any other options for putting your microwave, you can use a trim kit instead.

One of the best things about using a trim kit is that you don’t have to make any extra room because you can put it on one side of your kitchen wall. If you have small children, you can raise them as high as you want.

A trim kit is available on most microwave ovens. Others have been pre-engineered with a trimming kit.

All you have to do now is complete the installation. It does not necessitate any specific knowledge. You’re set to go if you follow the instructions on your trim kit.

Cabinet

It is a terrific idea to put your microwave oven in a kitchen cabinet if you have a large enough one. However, some people find it inconvenient to keep their microwaves in kitchen cabinets because they must be kept open at all times when in use.

You must also ensure that the cabinet is sufficiently ventilated; otherwise, you may have to locate another location for your microwave.

FAQs

Conclusion

This article’s main point was, can you put a microwave on a metal shelf? It isn’t the worst spot for your microwave, but it isn’t great either.

Using a metal shelf to support your microwave oven has several drawbacks. As a result, you should consider alternative locations for your microwave oven.

Your microwave oven will fit perfectly on your countertop, beneath your counter, in your oven cabinet, and your oven drawers, and it will be less likely to break or cause serious kitchen risks.

Recommended Posts:

12 Best Microwaves in the Market – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Countertop Microwaves – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Best Microwaves For Seniors – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide