Kitchen Cabinets for Microwave Ovens | A Complete Guide

When choosing kitchen cabinets for your microwave oven, consider the size of your microwave. A standard microwave measures about 24 inches wide, 17 inches deep, and 12 inches tall.

The ideal cabinet size for a microwave is slightly larger to accommodate the oven and any additional storage needs. A cabinet that's 30 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches tall is a good fit for most microwaves.

In terms of style, you can choose from a variety of cabinet types, including stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets. Stock cabinets are the most affordable option, but they may not offer the exact design you're looking for.

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You can hide your microwave in a custom built cabinet that combines a microwave niche with other storage features like a slide out spice rack and a bookshelf hidden by pocket doors.

At Toulmin Kitchen and Bath, designers have been using this strategy to meet the needs of their clients, blending in with existing cabinetry and adding plenty of function.

Trim kits can be used to place select countertop microwave ovens in a cabinet cutout, but it's essential to ensure proper ventilation to avoid a fire hazard.

A microwave oven designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop has vents that are built into the back of the microwave oven, which must not be blocked.

Sharp recommends installing a countertop microwave oven in a cabinet with the proper precautions, such as using an oven-to-table quality ceramic turntable platter.

If you don't need a large microwave, a compact version can be easily hidden in plain sight by creating an open microwave bay or shelf under your countertop.

GE and other manufacturers offer monochrome white microwaves that can perfectly blend in with your cabinets, ideal for a seamless look.

Custom built microwave cabinets can be designed to meet your specific needs and blend in with your existing cabinetry, adding plenty of function while keeping with your design.

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Custom Cabinets are a great way to hide your microwave oven while keeping it easily accessible.

You can create a specific cabinet in your design for "similar" items, such as combining a microwave niche with a slide-out spice rack and a bookshelf hidden by pocket doors.

Custom built microwave cabinets can blend in with your existing cabinetry and add plenty of function while keeping with your design.

At Toulmin Kitchen and Bath, their designers have been using these strategies to meet the needs of their clients.

No matter what your creative vision or aesthetic needs, their designers can help you achieve them.

When using a Sektion base cabinet, consider adding a deep Maximera IKEA drawer for storage. This type of drawer is perfect for storing items like popcorn, bowls, and cups.

You can install the drawer at the bottom of the cabinet, just like I did, and it will fit perfectly. The size of the drawer is actually a great size for storing kitchen essentials.

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A kitchen island is a great place to stash your microwave, and you can install a shelf under it for added storage. This shelf can be permanently mounted out of the way, giving you more counter space.

You can even include a built-in microwave slot in the island with a pull-up door to completely hide your microwave. This is a great way to keep your microwave out of sight while still having easy access to it.

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If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for a microwave oven cabinet, IKEA is a great choice. I personally ordered a lower microwave oven cabinet from IKEA and had a great experience.

Tape measure is a must-have tool for any DIY project, and I used it to ensure my cabinet fit perfectly. Other essential tools for this project include a jig saw or oscillating tool, drill, 18 gauge brad nailer, brad nails, wood glue, miter saw, and a table saw, circular saw, or track saw.

You can trim the edges of the cabinet to match the rest of your cabinets, but it's not necessary. I trimmed out the opening with leftover black panel pieces to create a seamless look.

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IKEA makes a microwave oven cabinet, as one example shows.

If you're looking for a specific cabinet, you might not find it on IKEA's site, as another example suggests.

IKEA does offer options for cabinets, but it's possible you might need to get creative, like making your own, as one person's experience illustrates.

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If you're planning to install a lower cabinet from IKEA, you'll need a few essential tools to get the job done.

A tape measure is a must-have for measuring and marking your cuts. I always make sure to have one on hand.

You'll also need a drill, as it uses the same batteries as the 18 gauge brad nailer. This can be convenient if you're working on multiple projects at once.

To assemble the cabinet, you'll need brad nails, which come in different lengths. Be sure to get the correct length for your project to avoid any issues.

If this caught your attention, see: Do Microwave Ovens Need to Be Vented

For cutting the back of the cabinet, a jig saw or oscillating tool will come in handy. If you're not comfortable using one of these tools, you may want to consider using a miter saw or table saw, circular saw, or track saw.

To finish off the edges, you can use wood glue and paint them to match the rest of the cabinets. This will ensure a seamless look.

Here's a list of the tools you'll need for the job:

When building a cabinet for a microwave oven, consider the electrical outlet installation. You can put an electrical outlet inside a cabinet, as demonstrated by a DIY project where the back of the cabinet was cut to pull the outlet through.

A basic Sektion cabinet box can be used for this purpose, and it often comes with its own backing that can be utilized. This was the case in a successful project where the backing was used to complete the installation.

When building a cabinet for a microwave oven, you'll want to consider installing an electrical outlet inside the cabinet. You can put an electrical outlet inside a cabinet, as long as you cut the back of the cabinet to pull the outlet through.

A basic Sektion cabinet box can be used for this purpose, and it often comes with its own backing that can be utilized.

Some countertop microwave ovens can be installed in a cabinet with the right precautions.

You can use a trim kit to place a select countertop microwave oven in a cabinet cutout, but it's essential to ensure proper ventilation.

A microwave oven designed for a kitchen countertop has vents built into the back that need to be able to release steam.

If these vents are blocked, it can create a fire hazard in your kitchen.

You can install a microwave oven in a cabinet with an oven-to-table quality ceramic turntable platter, like the Sharp Matte Black Carousel Convection Microwave Oven.

This microwave oven comes with an optional stainless steel trim kit for a modern design.

However, it's generally recommended to leave your countertop microwave oven on the countertop for safety reasons.

Some microwave ovens are specifically designed for built-ins and can handle air circulation, but you'll need to consider how often you'll use it.

Installing a microwave drawer oven, like the Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven, can be a fantastic way to free up counter space. It can be placed below a kitchen island or in standard cabinetry.

Having a microwave drawer oven also makes cooking and cleanup easier. Convenient placement allows for simpler cooking and saves prep time.

By incorporating a microwave drawer oven, you can enjoy a more streamlined kitchen experience.

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Having a cluttered kitchen can be frustrating, but there are ways to free up counter space without sacrificing functionality. A microwave drawer oven can be a great solution, allowing for easier cooking and cleanup.

Convenient kitchen placement is key to making the most of your space. Placing a Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven below a kitchen island or in standard cabinetry can be a game-changer.

The hidden controls on a microwave drawer oven make it a safe choice for families with curious children. It's also a great way to keep your kitchen looking tidy and organized.

By incorporating a microwave drawer oven into your kitchen, you can save prep and clean-up time. This can be a huge time-saver, especially for busy households.

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You should leave 3″ clearance on the top and sides of a microwave oven when installing it in a cabinet.

Having enough space around the microwave is crucial for air circulation.

A minimum of 1″ clearance is required in the back of the cabinet.

I created a "stop panel" to prevent my microwave from being pushed too far back into the cabinet.

This stop panel is added perpendicular to the shelf, using wood glue and a brad nailer.