The microwave. It's an essential everyday appliance for many people despite its countertop-hogging footprint (a serious consideration if you cook in a small kitchen, and the reason some eschew the microwave altogether). To save on flat surface space, I've seen microwaves installed above the stove or in an island, but in a cupboard? It's new to me, and I like it!
This kitchen, though grand-looking with its marble counters and white and silver color palette, is actually quite small. So the owner, Kelly Giesen, installed a small microwave in one of her cupboards, and looped the electrical cord through to a power outlet. Smart!
Related: 6 Smart Alternative Locations for the Microwave
(Images: Jim Franco | Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces)
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I actually keep my toaster oven in cupboard like this. Although I plug it in outside the cupboard just when it's in use--which reminds me to keep it unplugged otherwise (I have a bit of a toaster-oven-fire phobia after a bad childhood experience!).
I keep the microwave on an open shelf just above the counter, discreetly tucked into a corner, and just below the toaster cupboard--I had the contractor build the height of that shelf to just fit the microwave. I definitely like having both these appliances off the counter, for both space/use and aesthetic reasons.
That's a nice idea,,.:)
We just did that in our kitchen renovation. One of our cabinet choices was a floor to ceiling pantry that was just the right depth/width for a standard counter size microwave. It's great not to have to look at it all the time and helps keep the counter clutter free. I'm not a big fan of the over-the-range microwave hoods plus we have a larger 48" range and separate vent hood. Our second choice was to put the microwave into the island somewhere, but it didn't work out as easy as the pantry option for us.
I have more cabinet space than I need and not enough counter space, so I did this too. I had an electrician install an outlet in the cabinet so I don't see the cord. There is nothing attractive about a microwave so it's a great idea to put it out of sight.
I have my microwave installed in my built-in pantry. I love having it tucked away out of sight, but still easy to access and use. I leave the pantry doors open when it's running.
The appartment I rent has a built-in shelf in the cupboards for the microwave and it comes with the electrical plug too. No counterspace wasted. :)
I love this idea! Is it okay as far as ventilation/airflow? Totally going to do this...
I did this in my kitchen last year and about a month later our microwave was out of commission. I suspect our cabinet didn't have enough ventilation. Since then, we've moved our microwave on top of the fridge, where its off the counter and out of site.
This is actually a terrible idea. A microwave, just like any electronic appliance, creates heat, and therefore needs room around it for air to circulate. The microwave also has a fan, usually on the bottom or back, that blows the exhaust air out to keep the internal components cool. If you block the fan, the microwave is going to overheat much quicker, and you're going to ruin your microwave.
I like the idea, but I'm not sure I'll have the cupboard space for it, for now my microwave is still unplugged and in storage... 3 months and counting but so far I don't even miss it.
I live in quake country, and knew of someone in the 1994 Northridge quake who died after they were hit in the head by their microwave (it wasn't bolted/strapped down), if I can't find a great way to keep it - and do it safely - I'm ready to do without it.