Microwave location in new kitchen

7 years ago

What are people's thoughts about an under bench location of a microwave? I don't think it looks that convenient. Would you put it under the bench or in a pantry that is about 6 steps from the cooker ? Pearls of wisdom welcome . Thank you

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jmm1837

7 years ago

Our last house, the microwave was above the bench, on a shelf level with the bottom of the cabinets (not over the oven, though). That worked well enough. Current house, MW is on the bench in the butler's pantry, so more than six steps from the range top, but I don't find that to be a problem (possibly because our wine fridge is also there, so I can get myself a glass while waiting for the microwave to do its thing!) I guess it depends on how you use your microwave, but our arrangement works for us.

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Minka Interiors
7 years ago
That all depends on how often you use your M/W and weighing up the convenience of position v's location . You are correct in looking at these options because people don't often want to see them sitting on benchtops any more, and the cubby hole above the oven looks tacky. So if its not a built in Microwave or one with a trim kit, then you are best to either put it in the pantry or under bench (out of the line of sight - for example in the island or peninsula of a kitchen)
amc101 thanked Minka Interiors
amc101
Original Author
7 years ago
I have never had it under the bench but it looks like it would be awkward to use. Especially with hot things
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scottevie
7 years ago
I used to have microwave in pantry (not butlers pantry, just a cupboard) and in new kitchen have it under the bench in the island (hidden as minka interiors said). Either location suited us (except for loss of pantry space) and main thing is having a bench to safely and conveniently set down the hot dish. I probably would have worried about the low down location when kids were tiny toddlers but now think that it will be convenient for them to use in the next few years without risk of spilling on themselves from overhead. Overall, I only use the microwave a couple of times a week.
amc101 thanked scottevie
bigreader
7 years ago
Mine's in the pantry. Second house that I've had it there. I have considered below bench in next house but would never have it on the bench. Too clunky.
amc101 thanked bigreader
geluka
7 years ago
Mine's on top off the fridge! A lot of people comment on it and yes it's a little high, but we've gotten used to it and it's out of the way.

I only really use it for reheating though
amc101 thanked geluka
shellsnz
7 years ago
We have our microwave under the bench and I love it there. It doesn't feel awkward to use (which is a few times a day) and I don't like it on the bench. The main reason for putting it under the bench though was that when we renovated a few years ago the kids were 5 and 7, and I wanted it to be easy for them to use as they both like to help out in the kitchen. They can now independently use the microwave to make their own porridge, heat soup for dinner, melt butter if I need it for a recipe etc. And now they're a bit older they are learning to cook on the hob as well. I guess I just saw it as a stepping stone in learning to cook, which they still both love to do.... dishes are a whole other story though lol!
Adrian Watson
7 years ago
We just renovated our kitchen and went with an under bench in the island. Works a treat.
LesleyH
7 years ago
We have had all options. Below bench is awkward to clean but safer to bring food up to bench the from a higher position. Built in with a rim is great until the microwave dies. I like our current one in the pantry. Just need to increase the width of the pantry to compensate.
Sina Nova
7 years ago
Under the bench but that said if I had little children, it would be up higher.
Evee
7 years ago
Consider whether you back will like it. Mine wouldn't, so I have it above the oven, which is located just in front of me when I'm standing.
LesleyH
7 years ago
Also think of resale when you make your choice.
Adrian Watson
7 years ago
@lesleyhawkins..why which one would make a difference? surely whats good for one person is not for another anyway
bargainhunter
7 years ago
I've had one under bench and it was fine. Most microwaves have child lock options and since they don't get hot I wouldn't worry about the child access problem. My daughter has one under bench also and her two year old takes no notice of it.
Vy
7 years ago
I have mine sitting in my pantry..with all my breakfast stuff kettle toaster etc ..

I'd hate to have to bend down every time I have to use it ..even my oven is on the wall only the dishwasher is under the bench
asquithoatley
7 years ago
We have our mw under the bench on the kitchen island- its great for us as we only use it to defrost meat. I hate the look of the mw on the bench or up high as i had it before. It depends how much u use it.
Gioenne Rapisarda
7 years ago
Living in a small apartment with a single wall kitchen, our microwave is in the cupboard/pantry to the left of the sink. It's not ideal at all, since there are no powerpoints in the cupboard, we have to un-reel an extension cord and plug it into the wall every time we want to use it. It's also up quite high, and I ranked actual food pantry items more important to have at eye level. This is one thing I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for in future!!!

Microwave location in new kitchen

jmm1837

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Minka Interiors

amc101
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Microwave location in new kitchen

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