How old am I ? I am this old…… over the range microwaves were the newest and best invention ever! Yes, there really was a time when that was true. For those of you who are not that old, let me give you a little history lesson: The countertop microwaves of the past were massive and took up way too much countertop space. I had a microwave cart as did most of my friends because there was no room on the countertop. Over the range microwaves (OTR) were exciting when they came out because they freed up all that space.
Over the stove microwaves are still functional, and allow for added counter space, but I have a love/hate relationship with OTR microwaves. Luckily, I have 4 different options that can be applied in an Ideal Cabinets custom design as your space allows.
#1- COUNTER Just recently one of my Ideal Cabinets clients asked for the microwave to sit on her counter. What? Her reasoning is that she is short, and her husband is tall. At 36” from the floor it is the perfect height for them both. Their white kitchen cabinets and gray veined quartz countertops looked great with a small red microwave sitting on the counter! It worked for them!
#2- IN A CABINET – There are two types of micr
owaves that can be used inside a cabinet. One is a built-in microwave that will come with a trim kit. Sometimes they are installed in a tall cabinet, or you could choose to have a drawer microwave that will be built-in and placed in a base cabinet. Two is a countertop microwave that can be placed in a wall cabinet with a shelf or a base cabinet. You will need to finish the inside of the cabinets for this application.
#3- IN AN APPLIANCE GARAGE- countertop microwaves can be placed behind a door in an appliance garage, but sit on the countertop. This hides the microwave but also makes it easily accessible. It can stay plugged in and ready for use. (Unsure what an appliance garage is ? Look at the photo on the right). 
#4-IN A PANTRY- if your pantry is close by this is a great option! You’ll have less pantry space but more cabinet and/or countertop space. Always consider how much you use your microwave. You don’t want to place it in a pantry that is not easily accessible. If you do not use an over the range microwave, you will need to place a hood vent over your range or install a downdraft range.
My husband and I just purchased a home with an OTR microwave. When I walk into the kitchen, I feel like it has neon lights blinking and saying, “I am ugly, but I work!” I want to place a pretty hood over the range and place microwave in a cabinet. BUT the tiled backsplash doesn’t extend behind the microwave, and I don’t want to replace all of the tile……..Well, a girl can’t have everything, or can she? That will be a topic for another day.
The beautiful custom kitchens created by Ideal Cabinets show us that our dream kitchens are not out of reach. Call or visit our website today to make an appointment with a designer.
