Since the microwave oven arrived on the scene, most kitchen users have determined that they are both convenient and necessary in any current kitchen design. Think how often your microwave gets used by all members of your household. It is the heating and reheating rockstar! In most kitchen designs we work on we must consider the microwave location and look desired by the homeowner. In this article we will share 8 common microwave styles and installation options for your kitchen design from Village Home Stores. We hope this information and the examples we share can help you decide what is right for your own project with us.
Over the Range Microwave Hood
Are you limited in available countertop and wall cabinet space for your kitchen design? Are you ok with reaching up to load and unload items from an elevated surface? Then consider a microwave that is installed underneath a wall cabinet in your design. The most common application of this style is a microwave hood. Microwave hoods are also known as “over-the-range” hoods and “space saver” microwaves. They remain a very popular choice and are readily available from all brands we offer. If your available space is limited in the kitchen, an appliance that can function as a range hood and a microwave is a good option for your design. You will also see a savings in your project cost and space use by combining two appliances into one. Microwave range hoods give you a functional microwave oven and ventilation below it. They are to be installed to a wall cabinet and above a cooktop surface. Most models can be set to be vented out or recirculate the air. The CFM power of the hoods can range so be sure to ask an appliance expert at Village what CFM would be recommended above your cooktop surface.
Low Profile Microwave Hood
A newer option in the microwave hood category is the low-profile design now available from our Whirlpool and KitchenAid lines. Designed to replace a standard under cabinet range hood, these models are shorter than typical microwave hoods. Low-profile microwaves allow you to install a microwave hood without replacing or reworking the cabinet above if a standard range hood was in place originally. This makes them a great option for partial remodel projects or just replacing a range hood that has stopped working. NOTE: These models have been designed to still have a healthy interior capacity, so they do project out into the room in depth a bit more than standard microwave hoods.
Over the Counter Microwave
Another elevated microwave option you may not know about is an over-the-counter microwave style. This model is designed to have the same concept of an installation below a wall cabinet, but above a countertop instead of a cooktop. They don’t have a vent hood below but do still include task lighting. If you are considering this option, be sure to discuss with your kitchen designer at Village Home Stores so they can plan a location that will work best for it. Over the counter style microwaves function best when there is a clear landing space of countertop below.
Microwave Drawers
There is a microwave category that is designed for a very different aesthetic and user experience: microwave drawers. Instead of a hinged door that opens to reveal the interior cavity and tray, a drawer opens to be loaded and unloaded from above. The controls for these models are also located facing up to the user so you do not need to bend over to select times and functions. The drawer opens and closes at the touch of a button (or a wave of the hand on this model). They do require a specific location and base cabinet cutout space specified by the model you have chosen. Once installed, they offer a clean and customized look.
“I have a Sharp drawer microwave that I bought from Village and absolutely love it!! It is good and hidden in my island. Also easy to clean!” -Julie C
Built-in Microwaves
A custom look for a microwave is to give it the appearance of a built-in appliance. This can be achieved by installing a wall microwave unit or a countertop style microwave with a trim kit to frame it in. This option, paired with dialog with your kitchen designer, can give you complete control where the microwave can be located. Many choose to install built-in microwaves right at eye level for better access to the controls and loading and unloading items. Built in microwaves with trim kits can also be installed below the counter and are often included in kitchen islands or peninsulas. Once installed in a microwave base cabinet with a trim kit, the look is similar to a microwave drawer. It should be noted however that this application does require more bending over for access to the microwave and its controls.
There are also built-in microwave models that do not require an additional trim kit to install them. Some may have a bottom hinge that opens like an oven door. We have examples of all of these options in the Village showroom.
Combination Wall Oven Microwaves
Often times a built in microwave is being installed above a wall oven. Built in models as discussed above can be installed with a look like a double wall oven once in place. But if you are looking for a cleaner, more seamless look, you can install one double appliance unit. There is an appliance called a combination wall oven and microwave available from many of our appliance lines. These units boast one large appliance with a single wall oven below and a microwave oven above. As with all built-in appliances, we recommend that your kitchen designer knows you are planning on a combination unit so that you can communicate the cutout dimensions to your cabinet line. These models are shorter than a double oven is, so the desired look is to create a cutout space as tight to the surrounding doors and drawers as possible. That look is successfully achieved in the image shared above.
Countertop Microwaves
Countertop microwaves remain the most budget-friendly option available. The look of countertop microwaves has improved a lot over the years and the size of the units have become more compact. If you are aiming to have your microwave on the counter, chances are you don’t want something that will dominate all of your countertop space. Sometimes we may have the option of putting the microwave inside of a pantry or prep area instead of the main kitchen. In this case, a countertop style microwave can be a wise appliance option selection since it is out of sight.
Microwave on a Wall Shelf
We can also designate a space and order a cabinet that includes an open shelf for your countertop microwave to be placed in (see image above). Typically microwave shelf cabinets include an open shelf with a finished opening and a shelf that is installed in the opening to accommodate the depth of the microwave. We use this application a lot in coffee bar areas, kitchenettes, or home bars.
Just like many elements of your kitchen design from Village Home Stores, you have options. While one microwave style may present itself as the best or even obvious choice in your situation, it is always better to explore all options ahead of ordering. Each of these 8 microwave options require a specific space allowance and of course they also have electrical needs. All the needed installation information, manufacturer-suggested cutout dimensions, and power requirements for our microwave models can be found online when you shop with us, or we can also email or print them off for you in person. See examples of these styles installed into our showroom vignettes and shop in person with us at 105 S State Geneseo, Illinois. You can shop microwaves with us online, anytime at villagehomestores.com If you have questions or want to learn more about any of these options, don’t hesitate to use the chat feature on our website.