We're Imploring You To Stop Putting This Kitchen Essential On Low Shelves

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If you've ever looked around your kitchen in search of ways to reduce clutter on your countertops, then you may have come across the idea of transitioning to a built-in microwave. These alternatively-placed appliances are built into a unit with the aim of saving countertop space and creating a sleeker, more modern appearance overall. However, while this may seem like a good way to refresh your kitchen and make it more practical, installing a built-in microwave on lower shelves or in bottom cabinets has some major drawbacks.

The first main concern is accessibility. Past users have raised concerns about locating a microwave lower down, rather than at waist height or above, as is typically done. This is because anyone who has mobility limitations, joint pain, or back pain will likely struggle with the frequent bending down and standing up required to reach the microwave and its contents. In addition, placing a microwave at a lower level puts it within the reach of children. This can be an advantage for older children because they don't have to use a chair or stool to reach the higher level. At the same time, it can pose a safety risk for younger kids who might sneak in items that don't belong in the microwave.

So, while it may seem like a great solution to install a built-in microwave on a lower shelf in order to save both countertop space and storage within upper cabinets, it can actually create a variety of important concerns. If you are still looking for a sleek way to get this bulky appliance off your counters without increasing these safety concerns, you may want to consider mounting your microwave over your stove instead.

One popular location for mounting a microwave is above the stove. This is handy because it keeps all your cooking appliances in the same area, and some microwaves even come with built-in fans to help dissipate any smoke and steam from the hob below. Moreover, these microwaves are typically mounted relatively flush with the surrounding cabinets, creating a stylish finish while also getting the appliance off of valuable counter space.

For this option, you will first want to look into the kind of microwave you already own or are planning to get. Given that the mounted version will generally be set among shelves, it will need to have the vent in a location where it can work without being obstructed by the surrounding materials. For example, this Black+Decker Over-the-Range Microwave from Amazon has vents on the bottom to allow it to easily circulate air. Some microwaves even have a "recirculating" feature that lets them filter the air without the need for an external vent.

Once you have selected a microwave that can be safely installed within your kitchen's dimensions, you will then need to follow the product's instructions to mount it using brackets. If you prefer, many stores like Home Depot offer professional installation services to help make sure your microwave is safely and securely fitted for worry-free use. This is a great way to hide microwave eyesores in your kitchen by integrating it into the cabinetry without the potential inconveniences and dangers of placing it on a low shelf.