Can You Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

Microwaves are essential in the kitchen. Microwaves allow you to save time. Even if it’s a countertop microwave, making space for your microwave can be a difficult process, especially if you don’t have a lot of additional space. Though, Can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?

Yes, you can keep your countertop microwave in your kitchen cabinet. However, because of the enclosed space, this must be done with caution to avoid any complications.

This post will go over the steps for installing a countertop microwave cabinet and the precautions to take.

Is it Safe to Put a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet?

There are three different types of microwave ovens when it comes to installation. The choices include a built-in microwave, an over-the-range microwave, or a countertop microwave. Although countertop microwave ovens are designed to be put on a counter, you can store yours in your cabinet.

On the other hand, countertop microwaves are for public use. Unlike built-in microwaves, they are intended to be placed on a counter, hence the name.

However, it would be best if you were alright if you follow the basic safety rules. Check with the manufacturer before attempting to install your microwave in a cabinet. This is because not all microwave ovens are designed or suited for that purpose.

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Factors to Consider Before Putting a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet

The following guidelines will help you install a microwave in a cabinet successfully.

Check the Cabinet Doors

If your cabinets have damaged doors, you should replace them before installing your microwave oven. This is because a broken cabinet door can make putting your microwave oven a difficult task.

It is one of the worst places to put your microwave oven because of opening and closing these doors take more effort.

If you need to open or close your microwave quickly, the door may become stuck for a few seconds.

If you can find a professional to repair the door, you might wish to do it before installing your microwave oven.

Having Kids at Home

If your cabinet is located in a low area of your kitchen and you have little children, the best alternative is to get a cabinet that can be locked.

When your oven isn’t in use, or you’re not near your microwave oven, you should keep the cabinet that stores your oven completely secured.

Otherwise, children playing near the oven may cause a cooking mishap, which you do not want to happen.

Accessibility

You should make sure that your microwave oven can be conveniently accessed before selecting to put it in your cabinet.

Putting your oven in a difficult-to-reach location can lead to kitchen mishaps, particularly those resulting from holding hot food straight from the microwave oven for an extended period.

Make sure your cabinet is handy to your kitchen counter, or don’t worry if it isn’t.

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Things to Looking Out for When Putting a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet

Cleaning

This is a weird issue because it is easier to clean if your microwave oven is on the counter.

Cleaning your microwave oven out of the cabinet might be challenging, especially if you don’t have access to all of the important nooks and crannies.

This is why you may need to remove your microwave oven at regular intervals to thoroughly clean all of the hidden corners. This will help to extend the life of your microwave and avoid damage caused by not cleaning it.

Trimming Kit

This isn’t required, but it does give your microwave oven a cleaner, more ordered appearance. A trim kit can also help protect your microwave oven from dirt or dust by completely enclosing it.

If you need a trim kit for your microwave, you should look for one made by your oven manufacturer. They’re best suited because they make it specifically for your oven size and type.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is required for all oven types. Microwaves generate heat, which might destroy your microwave and even the cabinet if it’s kept in a secure place with no ventilation.

Before you put your microwave in a cabinet, be sure there’s enough space for air.

Vents in Microwave

Look for the vents on all sides of your microwave oven. The purpose of oven vents is to let the air out.

If installing the microwave oven in your kitchen cabinet clashes with the vents, you may need to find another location for it. When moving your microwave oven, make sure the vents aren’t blocked or covered in the cabinet.

Place

Cabinets that are too high up should not be considered when determining where to put your microwave oven.

Such places will put pressure on your neck, and anything could happen while you figure out how to use it. Instead, choose a cabinet that you can access quickly and easily.

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Drawbacks of Installing a Countertop Microwave in a Cabinet

Damage

Moisture and heat generated by your food may become trapped inside cabinetry, causing damage to the wood.

This is especially difficult if the microwave does not have enough airflow. As a result, make sure your microwave oven isn’t overly crowded.

Wood is particularly prone to damage since moisture and steam can become trapped and begin to degrade it in this situation.

To avoid this, wipe off the inside and outside of your microwave oven after each use. As a result, it will last longer.

Functions

Because they require a lot of area for the heat to exit, convection microwave ovens are particularly challenging to operate in a kitchen cabinet.

In comparison to a solo microwave, they also become much hotter. Unless your oven manufacturer has permitted you, the cabinet may not be the best location for your convection microwave oven.

Also, regardless of the oven type, always leave at least 2 inches of extra space in your cabinet. This will allow it plenty of space to air and vent.

FAQs

Conclusion

Microwave ovens can be safely stored in kitchen cabinets. However, make sure you’ve taken the necessary precautions first.

This will lessen the chances of kitchen disasters. The answer to the question “can you put a countertop microwave in a cabinet?” isn’t clear.

While most microwaves are safe to install in kitchen cabinets, you should check with the oven manufacturer for permission or clearance beforehand.

It’s because it’s a countertop microwave oven. The designers may want you to be aware of some additional instructions or warnings before you do this.

If you’re still not sure if you need it in the cabinet, a microwave stand might save you the trouble of wondering if you did everything right.

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