Microwave Cabinet Inspiration for Tricky Kitchens

Finding the perfect spot for a microwave can be a tricky endeavor in a small or awkwardly laid out kitchen. With limited cabinet space and countertops, determining an accessible yet seamless placement takes creativity. Fortunately, there are clever solutions that transform challenging kitchens through smart cabinetry design.

From under-counter drawer spots to building it into your kitchen island, we've got tips and inspiration to maximize functionality in inconvenient kitchens.

Clever Places to Put Your Microwave

Standard countertop placement doesn't work in every kitchen. But you have options when it comes to choosing unconventional cabinet spaces for your microwave.

Under-Cabinet Microwave Drawers

Microwave drawers installed underneath your kitchen cabinets provide a brilliant space-saving solution. Keeping the appliance completely out of sight while still easily accessible, it's an ideal choice for small, galley, or awkward kitchens.

As the name suggests, microwave drawers function as a pull-out drawer built seamlessly into cabinetry underneath your countertop. Controls sit on the underside of the unit or out of sight entirely, contributing to a streamlined look.

There are a few pros and cons to keep in mind with a drawer microwave:

• Pros:
  • Frees up countertop space
  • Discreet, hidden placement
  • Can accommodate various kitchen layouts
• Cons:
  • Pricier than countertop models
  • Smaller capacity (typically 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet)
  • Requires custom cabinetry work

Ideal interior drawer dimensions range between 23 1/2 to 30 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches deep. This sufficiently fits most compact microwave models. For help choosing the right microwave size and specifications to pair with your drawer, consult kitchen designers.

Custom cabinetry is necessary to integrate your microwave drawer for a seamless look and feel. Opt for matching finishes and hardware to make it indistinguishable from surrounding cabinetry. Soft-close drawer slides also contribute to a high-end appliance.

Kitchen Island Microwave Cabinet

Islands make excellent real estate for incorporating additional storage and appliances in a kitchen. Cleverly integrating your microwave into an island cabinet frees up precious countertop workspace.

Ideal for larger, open concept kitchens, island microwave placements provide easy access from multiple viewpoints. However, accurate microwave and cabinet dimensions are key for ample clearance.

Allow for proper ventilation requirements above your appliance as needed. Some higher-wattage microwaves require as much as 6 inches of clearance. Built-in trim kits can help bridge gaps between the unit and cabinetry.

For a seamless, bespoke look, consider custom island cabinetry built precisely for your microwave model. Continue finishes and hardware from existing kitchen cabinets for cohesion. Glass cabinet fronts also maintain visibility of your appliance.

Kitchen Pantry Microwave Shelf

While unconventional, integrating your microwave onto shelving inside your kitchen pantry can be an ingenious use of space. Tucked neatly out of sight, it maintains easy access when needed for reheating or defrosting.

Pantry microwave placement does come with layout considerations. Firstly, your pantry must have adequate electrical outlets to support your appliance. Ventilation is also a factor, which may require installing a vent above.

Custom shelving framed precisely for your microwave model provides a built-in look. A sturdy, solid plywood structure sufficiently supports most standard compact microwaves. For safety, secure shelves to wall studs.

Finish surrounding shelves or lattice trim with materials complementary to existing kitchen cabinetry. This pleasantly incorporates your appliance into the pantry's overall aesthetic.

Space-Saving Cabinet Microwave Ideas

For diminutive kitchens every inch counts when incorporating a microwave. We've got cabinet inspiration for installing your appliance in tight spaces.

Microwave-Oven Combination Unit

All-in-one microwave-oven combination appliances are ideal space-savers. Doing double duty, a single unit provides both a standard microwave and small oven while claiming minimal kitchen real estate.

Available across a range of dimensions, combination appliances typically start around 27 inches wide. Compact 24-inch models are also available for extra-tight spaces. Stylish cabinet front options disguise the microwave when not in use.

Placement flexibility is a major perk of combination oven microwaves. Install under your countertop or align neatly with existing kitchen cabinets thanks to varying cabinet depths. Be sure to follow individual clearance requirements.

Slim Built-In Microwave Cabinets

Slim profile microwave ovens measuring less than 15 inches deep offer seamless built-in cabinet integration. Paired with custom surrounds, they can fit snuggly into narrow crevices while maintaining functionality.

Finding a truly slim microwave is key, as most standard models protrude 18-inches or greater. Carefully compare depths across manufacturers to determine the best fit.

Building out the surrounding cabinetry is then essential for a flush, built-in aesthetic. Construct shelves, side walls, and face frames tailored precisely to your microwave model's cutout dimensions. A custom trim kit finishes the look.

Upper Corner Microwave Cabinet

Make use of awkward corner spaces with inventive cabinetry transforming angles into functional appliance housing. This opens your countertop while still keeping your microwave readily accessible.

Taking advantage of vertical real estate, upper corner cabinets provide ideal obscured microwave placements. Angled cabinet fronts with hinged upper doors or lower drawers maximize ergonomics.

Decorative crown molding seamlessly incorporates angular microwaves into existing kitchen motifs. For more modern designs, pair sleek handle-less cabinetry with complementary metal or glass finishes.

Design Inspiration for Tricky Kitchens

Beyond placement, cabinet materials and hardware offer design opportunities making appliances at home in inconvenient kitchens.

Innovative Microwave Cabinet Materials

Venturing beyond basic wooden cabinet surrounds, get creative with materials complementing your kitchen motif. Mix textures and colors blending your microwave with existing aesthetics for a bespoke feel.

Integrate sleek glass or stainless steel into built-in cabinetry matching professional-grade kitchens. Cool metal finishes like brushed bronze or matte black inject modern flair. Multi-toned designer cabinets also disguise appliances.

Continue kitchen design elements with custom microwave cabinetry for cohesion. For rustic charming spaces, opt for warm wood tones and visible grain. Incorporate ornate hardware and molding for traditional kitchens.

Cabinet Microwave Placement Patterns

Playing with cabinet orientations refreshes tired kitchen formats. Align your microwave creatively to make the most of limited dimensions or work around household traffic flows.

Shifting beyond landscape cabinet placement opens unique design formats. Stacking cabinets vertically maintains functionality in narrow galley kitchens without sacrificing appliances.

Floating microwave cabinets add modern flair while blending seamlessly into surrounding walls. Reminiscent of wall-mounted units, continue backsplashes or paint colors behind for an illusion of independence.

Match cabinet depths and heights to existing kitchen architecture tying everything together. Deviating openings, uncommon shapes and uneven lines inject character into awkward rooms.

Microwave Cabinet Hardware

Finally, don't underestimate the impact minor cabinet details impart. Hinges, pulls, handles and slides should align with the existing kitchen hardware for harmony.

Soft-close hardware is particularly useful for turbulent kitchen environments. Drawers and doors gently catch preventing slamming and damage during busy meal prep. This also contributes to a high-end, luxury feel.

Brass, black metal, and brushed nickel finishes maintain consistency across kitchens. Carry unique backsplash tile designs or colors onto cabinet fronts and hardware for custom cohesion.

Incorporating a microwave into your kitchen takes forethought and customization when dealing with small spaces or irregular layouts. But thanks to clever cabinet configurations, you can creatively carve out a functional spot blending seamlessly with your tricky kitchen motif.

Focus on ergonomics, aesthetics and seamless built-in design when planning cabinet dimensions, placement and finishes. This guarantees your microwave feels purposefully at home while maintaining accessibility and functionality.