Worst Places in the Kitchen for a Microwave

Microwave ovens can now be found in more than 90% of US households, according to the Consumer Price Index from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. While home appliances have skyrocketed in popularity since the 1970s, there is still some confusion about where to place them in the kitchen. Here are a few places you should try to avoid.

Worst places in the kitchen for a microwave

The spacious, airy open-plan kitchens that many today take for granted didn’t become the norm until the 1970s. Prior to this, kitchens tended to be compact and designed for efficiency rather than dancing. All of this to say that not everyone has kitchens that are large enough to give them multiple options for microwave placement.

For everyone else, here are some of the worst places to place a microwave:

Corner without sufficient clearance

Did you know that most microwaves have hinges on the left? Keep this in mind when figuring out where to place yours, avoiding, for example, corners that prevent you from fully opening the door.

Next to a sink or dishwasher

First, there are potential safety issues associated with placing electrical appliances near a water source. But you should also avoid this configuration because “water and moisture can damage microwave oven electrical components and increase the risk of damage or malfunction,” Northeast Mechanical Services ‘ Dave Roebel told Homes & Gardens .

Narrow spaces or corners

If you have a small space big enough to fit a microwave and there’s not much room around it, resist the temptation to put the appliance there if you can.

Tabletop microwave ovens require at least 3 inches of clearance on both sides and top and 1 inch at the back for sufficient air circulation . Also, to prevent your microwave from tipping over, make sure the front edge is at least 3 inches from the counter or shelf.