Where do you put the microwave when you are doing a hood over the range? Let's assume you aren't doing a separate built-in oven, so you wouldn't build the microwave in with that. It seems to me the options are 1. on the countertop 2. take the over-the-stove microwave and build it in somewhere else in the kitchen (with no stove under it) 3. get a microwave drawer (built into cabinet right under the countertop) 4. something else....?
Assume you are starting from scratch so anything is an option.
Post by mrs.jacinthe on Mar 23, 2015 13:47:06 GMT -5
We actually have two microwaves. One is built-in and is in the cabinet above the oven. The other sits on an antique stand thing. I HAAAAATE the built in (and have never liked OTR ones either) because it's weirdly shallow, has stupid controls, and as a short person, is occasionally hard for me to load or unload. I only use the other one.
I would do a drawer style if putting it on the counter wasn't an option.
We had thought that we would build it in (we do have a separate oven, but even when we were thinking about getting a range we wanted the microwave built in), or a microwave drawer.
In reality, neither option worked in our small kitchen, so we've lived without one for 18 months. We now know exactly why we would like to have one around, and when we do get one, we will put it in my studio, where it will probably get used more often anyway. If we need to use it, we'll just pop over there...it's just across the the covered porch from the living room door, so even if it is raining it is not a big deal to walk over there.
Post by bullygirl979 on Mar 23, 2015 14:19:25 GMT -5
I have a small cupboard built in to my cabinets that fits the microwave. Granted, it's a perfect fit so I'd probably never find another microwave that fits as perfectly if this one breaks..
Post by hbomdiggity on Mar 23, 2015 18:22:21 GMT -5
My parents have it on an open shelf above the counter and think we'll do something similar when we remodel. I don't have to hide it, but there's no way it's taking up previous counter space. My sister has it low (below counter) which I don't like.
Post by dr.girlfriend on Mar 23, 2015 20:39:56 GMT -5
We did this:
I am only 5' tall, and we wanted our six-year-old to be able to use it as he gets older (plus we're always using the stove and microwave at the same time) so we really didn't want it in a stove hood. This is perfect for us...we have to duck a little to put stuff in and out, but NBD. Much better than taking up counterspace anywhere. I read up on the drawer ones, but general consensus is they're expensive and unreliable. I did shell out for an extra full-height door for that space if we ever change our mind and want to move it.
We installed a Sharp microwave drawer when we built our house and love it! Our last house had the microwave above the cooktop and I like this so much more.
My parents have it on an open shelf above the counter and think we'll do something similar when we remodel. I don't have to hide it, but there's no way it's taking up previous counter space. My sister has it low (below counter) which I don't like.
My parents have this. Sort of a built in cabinet for the microwave. I quite like it actually and when we add some more cabinets to our kitchen in the future I'm going to request the same.
Ours sits on the countertop opposite of the stove. This and the toaster oven are the only 2 appliances that are out constantly. We don't have cabinet space and these are both fairly heavy to keep bringing in and out.
My parents have it on an open shelf above the counter and think we'll do something similar when we remodel. I don't have to hide it, but there's no way it's taking up previous counter space. My sister has it low (below counter) which I don't like.
This is what we did. I actually don't like them above the stove as I find it a nuisance when cooking but we dind't want it on the counters so this worked best.
We also have a microwave shelf. Essentially open shelf built into upper cabinetry. I prefer a built in look though.
Post by lavender444 on Mar 25, 2015 8:44:28 GMT -5
Ours currently sits on the counter, since our kitchen was built without a space for it. I works out okay, since our kitchen is a good size, and the fridge hides it from most views. If we were doing it again, I would build it into the island. We have double ovens and I don't want to lose those. Plus, I'm also only 5'0 so below the counters is a better spot for me.
Thank you for all the ideas. I talked with the kitchen designer last night and he talked me into doing a microwave drawer. I had asked about putting it in an upper cabinet, but they're not really deep enough. Here's the mock up he sent today. I really like it!
Thank you for all the ideas. I talked with the kitchen designer last night and he talked me into doing a microwave drawer. I had asked about putting it in an upper cabinet, but they're not really deep enough. Here's the mock up he sent today. I really like it!
You may want to read up on reviews for the microwave drawers before you commit. There are only one or two companies that make them, models never have more than 3 stars (and a lot of 1-star reviews), they cost $800 - $1000, and you may have trouble doing something else in that space if it ends up not working out. :-) That looks like a cute and functional kitchen design though...I'm guessing the sink is in an island or something? You may also want to check out the different options for corner cabinets. As a final note, I LOOOVE my shallow cabinet next to the fridge. So much storage space for a 6" slice of floor.
If you have extra space the pull-out pantry is great too. SO much floor-to-ceiling storage with only 12" width. I have one to the left of the fridge, shown here:
This will give you a better idea of how much that one holds:
dr.girlfriend thanks for the ideas. I really like the idea of that thin cabinet you have on the right of your fridge. We will have our sit down with the designer in a few weeks to determine specific features and whatnot. This is just the preliminary layout phase. And yes, there's another area with a sink across from the picture I posted.
dr.girlfriend thanks for the ideas. I really like the idea of that thin cabinet you have on the right of your fridge. We will have our sit down with the designer in a few weeks to determine specific features and whatnot. This is just the preliminary layout phase. And yes, there's another area with a sink across from the picture I posted.
Thanks! I got the idea from this one, which shows it as a broom/cleaning closet, but we keep all that stuff in the basement. Mine has about ten rows of shelves, and holds all our canned and boxed food.