The microwave is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. Yet the microwave doesn’t ever seem to have a set home. It ends up on kitchen counters, tucked away in cabinets and installed above the kitchen range. Check out a few ideas of where to keep your microwave, so it doesn’t keep getting in the way.

1. Over the Range

One of the most popular places to stash the microwave, the space over the range is conveniently out of the way. Your microwave also works as an exhaust fan to make sure steam and smoke don’t damage your cabinets. The microwave is out of the way here, yet it’s also difficult to reach if you’re short.

2. Under the Counter

One of the most underused places for the microwave, under the counter is a great spot for this appliance. Little kids can reach the microwave, and it’s not in the way of other appliances. The only downsides are that it needs to be specially installed here, and little ones can reach and play with buttons and knobs.

3. In the Island

If you have a kitchen island, you should take advantage of this space for your microwave. Similar to the area under the counter, the kitchen island offers microwave access to smaller kids. You might not need to install the microwave if your island has a shelf that is large enough for the microwave to fit.

4. Hidden in Cabinets

Create a special space just for your microwave in your kitchen cabinets. A special cabinet for the microwave can keep it out of sight and away from the really little kids. You simply close the cabinet door when you’re done, and your microwave is out of sight again.

Transitional Kitchen by Barrie General Contractors Alair Homes Barrie

5. In the Corner

If you have an irregularly shaped kitchen with a corner space for appliances, move your microwave to this spot. You won’t be able to use the entire corner space as the space behind your microwave will be empty. Yet this small nook probably isn’t practical for anything else, so it’s not a bad spot for this small appliance.

6. Tucked in a Station

Many kitchens come with small stations now. Some homeowners use them for beverage stations, others use them for chopping and prep work. You can keep your microwave tucked in this station, so it stays off the counter and away from other appliances. Yet make sure the station is easily accessible when you need it.

7. With Other Appliances

Make a small appliances garage by keeping your microwave with the rest of your appliances in a cabinet. If your cabinets don’t offer access to electrical outlets, you’ll need to pull your microwave out of the cabinet every time you need to use it.

8. Above the Oven

This option is great for ovens that are not attached to a range. When the microwave is above the oven, you can easily move items from the oven to the microwave to stay warm and continue heating. Or, you can defrost a dish in the microwave before finishing it in the oven.

9. On the Counter

If all else fails, you can stick with the old faithful method and keep your microwave on the counter. If you have a convenient spot picked out, you can easily slide in your microwave. This also makes replacing easy because you don’t need to look for a model that will fit your space.