Do you want to know how many inches does a microwave have to be above a stove? You should allocate a minimum of 66 inches from the floor to the microwave and from the stove to the microwave; it needs to be around 13 to 16 inches high.
It is important to know how to manage the spacing in your kitchen not only for aesthetic purposes but also for functionality and safety for the people who will be using it. A microwave can be useful when preparing food but with it comes precaution to consider.
With this article, you will find the answer to that question and a lot more. After reading this, you’re going to consider more places to put your microwave and maybe even wow your family with the classic and neat look. Keep reading to know more!
Why Is Microwave Placement Important?
Microwaves need to be placed in a space where there is clearance on all sides. This space is needed for the excellent circulation of its air vents. Therefore, clever placement is not only good for it to function correctly and avoid premature damage.
It should not be near the edge of the shelf to avoid it tipping over when opened. You also should not place it too high up to avoid any accidents.
When deciding where to place your microwave, you will need to consider the safety of those entering or using the kitchen. Such as, when opening the microwave, it would not put the person in an awkward position that could cause them to stumble and drop the heated food. Make sure that it would be easy to access too.
Places Where You Can Place Your Microwave
There are several places you can place a microwave other than the shelf. Nowadays, kitchen interior designs have evolved so much that there are other suitable places for different appliances. Here is a list of just some of the places you can place a microwave.
#1. Over the stove
One of the most common places you place it is above the stove. They could serve as a vent for the stove too. But how many inches does a microwave have to be above a stove? The minimum height requirement for a microwave is 66 inches from the floor to the microwave. The approximate height from the stove to the microwave would then be 13 to 16 inches.
#2. Combination wall oven
This is another classic kitchen arrangement that gives it an elegant look. It is also practical because the microwave would be accessible at a convenient height. With this placement, the oven is usually installed by the wall and the oven on top of it, both fitting snuggly in a pre-made wall shelf. Some units even sell these as microwave-oven combos. If I were you, it’s a good idea to know some of the best wall oven microwave combos in the market!
#3. Drawer-style microwaves
Yes, you read that right. Now, microwaves can be installed somewhere that would generally look like a drawer should be. This will be a real eye-catcher for guests when they visit your home. It is generally easier to pick up food lower than from eye level or a little over the head. This sleek design makes a great addition to your kitchen.
#4. Upper shelf
This is the most common place to put a microwave. You will need to have a hidden outlet ready nearby when planning to put your microwave somewhere on a shelf. This placement works well with small microwaves.
It is also easier to install on an upper shelf because of its size and weight. You will not have to worry too much about the shelf giving way to the microwave’s weight.
#5. Lower shelf
This is not so commonplace to put a microwave, especially those not designed specifically for lower places like drawer-style microwaves. You will need to bend down when operating the microwave or taking food out from it. Unless you are vertically challenged, it might not be the best choice of placement for a microwave.
#6. Near the fridge
It is often expected that what you will put in the microwave has come from the fridge. With this in mind, try to find a space for your microwave near your fridge for convenience, but not too near. It would help if you also took note of where the microwave door opens. This will come in handy too when deciding where to place your microwave and which way it should be facing in the kitchen.
#7. Trim kit
This could work for both upper and lower cabinets. Adding a trim kit will give it a more clean-cut look in the kitchen. Trim kits are metal rings that match your microwave. It fills the gaps around the microwave. This could be helpful when you have a shelf that is too big for the microwave. Filling in these gaps with a trim kit could help save you the chore of cleaning up those spaces over time.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you have an idea where you might have to place your microwave. You now know the different options to place it and even know how many inches does a microwave have to be above a stove. It is essential to consider the safety and convenience when deciding where to place a microwave. My friends, you may want to read related articles about how to troubleshoot glass top stove burners and switches and how to install a wood stove in a garage. Thank you so much for reading!