Where do you put the microwave?

[@TheRayDog]

And I will dump on the idea of eliminating the micro, too. Kitchens are designed to be a workplace, of function. Air fryer, micro, blender, oven, range, coffee machine, etc. Eliminating tools for the sake of looks in the one room that is dedicated to actual work production is shortsighted.

[@i5usko]

Thanks for this, exactly what I needed. I was struggling with it as well.

[@centralWisconsin1]

Love the the comedic relief offered in today’s video!

[@jamesweber1986]

We went with a Wolf Under-Counter drawer microwave for our new kitchen and couldn't be happier. At 24 inches wide, it blends with our other drawer sizes and actually installed flush to the cabinetry instead of protruding out, making it somewhat unobtrusive. The biggest benefit we see is lifting items from the microwave up to the counter, versus dangerously lifting a hot bowl from above your counter like an OTR. The drawer microwave also doesn't have the rotating glass bottom that normal microwaves commonly have, which allows you to fit multiple bowls of soup at a time versus a regular microwave which limits that capability. Lastly, the other aspect we love is that it truly heats the food better and more evenly than your standard microwave, which if you use it often enough is reason alone to go with a higher quality microwave such as the drawer. Thanks again for the video!

[@hsdesignstudio]

Those definitely are some of the benefits, and I think it all comes down to how you use your microwave. If you scroll the comments, I think you will see a few people who hate them because they primary heat hot drinks in glasses and don't like the idea of sliding a drawer in or out.

[@acvarthered]

Mine is usually on top of my fridge. It is an area which I never use because it sucks for cabinetry due to needing a ladder to get anything out of said cabinet.

[@5610winston]

2:05 While there are a dozen brands or more of drawer microwaves, there is only one manufacturer and my experience with other products from that manufacturer have been less than warm and fuzzy. I don't have the space to sacrifice a thirty-inch drawer storage drawer, and below the proposed cooktop location I will be placing a warming/proofing drawer, two non-heated stainless storage drawers below it.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Maybe not, but some people do and it’s worth the consideration for them

[@benjaming9912]

every time i have friends over they are amazed by the fact that you really dont need a microwave. its definitely convenient but its not an essential (like a sink, cooktop or fridge). so if you have a small kitchen id say ditch the microwave and use the space for storage/countertop instead.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Yes! I think the concept is just foreign to a lot of people in North America, but very possible.

[@5610winston]

Who will cook the bacon if I sack Chef Mike?

[@alisonstroud1653]

Need microwave to heat up things ? I would never be without mine. Heat up milk every morning for my coffee 🤓

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

This has turned out to be one of the worst issues in my new kitchen design. Right now it's in our island right across from the fridge. Twice a day, this turns into a traffic jam spot. But worse is something I never thought about. I'm getting older and my back is shot. Bending over to get into the microwave is suddenly a huge problem. To clean it, I have to sit on a stool with my bucket of water and a spritz bottle of cleaner. This is now a whole thing so I don't clean it as often as I used to. Countertop height inside of a tall cabinet would be ideal, but the only place I could move it is right beside the stove and I don't know how I feel about having the stove butted up against a tall cabinet. My only other option would be to move the stove down, but then I lose drawer space on the other side. It's a tight fit on that wall. I have no idea how to fix this. Nobody warned me that one day simply bending over would be a dealbreaker. Turns out that spines are a problem for most of us after the age of 50. smh Young people, please consider that your body isn't going to be as cooperative later in life. Even if you're in great health, accidents happen. Backs get broken and you'll never see it coming.

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

Where does the greasy air from a drawer microwave vent?

[@DeanneMariaCreates]

Good place... in the skip! Seriously, not had one for 18 years and I am sure that getting rid of it prevented me from becoming ill.

[@sal3579]

How about placing your microwave in your pantry?

[@Pandorash8]

In my last house I had a tiny kitchen. So I installed a combi speed wall oven that was both my second oven and microwave. Next house I’m leaning towards an appliance garage for my microwave. I’d actually like a drawer version, however they’re still almost impossible to get here in Australia. I’m sure they’ll take off over the next couple of years and I’ll be annoyed if it’s after my remodel lol. Great video as always.

[@melaniekeeling7462]

In the early seventies, my best friend got their already cool house remodeled. One of the new items was a microwave. We used to make American cheese and white bread sandwiches. One piece of bread, one slice of cheese melted in the microwave then folded over: delicious! I'm a bit basic, so I never really graduated to more elaborate uses for the appliance. I've never owned one, but I've heard they save on dirty pots and pans .

[@hsdesignstudio]

I love that you remember your friends already cool house, getting even more cool

[@melaniekeeling7462]

@@hsdesignstudio Most of the books I read are set in that house. Her mom's my mom's life-long friend and she is mine. I treasure the memories of that lovely, amazing house, but I treasure the fact they have accompanied my family for two generations more.

[@edwardcasper5231]

My kitchen looks like it's about the size of the butler's pantry in your video. Sometimes there simply isn't room for a countertop microwave, so over the top of the range is really the best option for me (repeat, for me). I live alone, and use my microwave at least once every day (to make coffee, as I use instant, because most brewed coffee is a too bitter for my tastes), and even more on weekends, when I use the microwave to make rice (which I do every week and is quite easy, by the way). Mounting the microwave in the same space as the other cooking tools in my kitchen increases efficiency as I don't have to carry food long distances (not that anything is a long distance in my kitchen - 😆).

[@hsdesignstudio]

You are correct, sometimes there just is no other option but OTR.

[@edwardcasper5231]

@@hsdesignstudio There are other options I'm exploring for the future, but they'll require adding an outlet or two to the empty wall (I'm going to add one or two more anyway, as my home is 50 years old and could use a couple more outlets to avoid extension cords) and getting a cart/portable "island." The OTR isn't very useful if I end up in a wheelchair.

[@doug8766]

Lol at ditching the microwave... A kitchen with a family always has a line at the microwave (reheating tea, leftovers, steamed veggies, etc) at mealtime. Going to blow your mind, but kitchens with TWO microwaves are elite.

[@hsdesignstudio]

I have a family...with 3 kids. Our microwave is barely used. It all depends on how and what you cook/reheat/etc. I have lots of clients ditching their microwaves. Especially those that are including combi-ovens.

[@Racinek]

I use mine everyday a few times a day, for my breakfast and for reheating starches, etc. If others don't like them, that's fine, but it starts almost sounding really snobby.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@Racinek Why is it snobby to discuss getting rid of a microwave?

[@kidslovestories]

0:29

[@trinaroe5132]

I’m short, but the ONLY way I’d put a microwave below the counter is if it was a drawer style microwave. I’m not even sure I’d do it then. Unless it had buttons with high contrast large font lettering, it’s hard to read the buttons without stooping down. And if you are iver about 40 and wear bifocals, you’ll also have to raise your glasses as you stoop. Speaking from personal experience with a microwave that is just at table height without even going lower.

[@millieh.-nyc6537]

Great ideas. Thank you. Be well.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Thanks, and you too

[@evawettergren7492]

Hell no on skipping a microwave alltogether. I can't imagine living without the ability to quickly heat up leftovers. (Also, isn't it basically a second kitchen if you move the microwave, coffeemaker and blender in to the pantry? All you need is a sink in there and you'd be set.)

[@centralWisconsin1]

You overlooked one option for a countertop microwave. It’s also my option. I have a freestanding refrigerator, and my microwave sits on top of the refrigerator. Both appliances are white and the combo works Great in my kitchen. Plus I have a few decorative items on top of the microwave, which adds to the homey feel to the kitchen. I am 5’10”, and have no problems reaching into the microwave.

[@piceatall6962]

Missing from the list is to ditch it as a separate item and buy an oven with an integrated microwave.

[@hsdesignstudio]

This is a great point as well! Thank you 👍

[@valeriegould1769]

The drawer microwaves are a joke, at least to those of us who use it to make hot drinks. Trying to push in a bowl with liquid or a glass (I drink hot drink from a 12 oz pint glass) The other issue with drawer microwaves is that you can not monitor your food as it's cooking at least not without killing your back. My fav is built-in over the regular oven. Though over the stove is okay. I do agree they can look clunky now that clunky stainless steel appliances are in. If you go back in kitchen design and look at when either black glass or my fav white glass front appliances were in, the over the range or cooktop is far sleeker looking. Same thing for the double-oven look. One of my biggest pet peeves of the new double-ovens with microwave on top is that it has a HUGE handle like the oven and the door flips down. It doesn't need a huge handle and you most certainly don't want to pull the door down. Looking for closeouts of the old style is a bit challenging but I think it will be worth it to have it look cleaner and sleeker, especially since my cabinets will be white. There is no way in the world I'd give up the microwave. I'd sooner give up the oven because I really do use it that much. And no, I don't eat a lot of frozen food. But I do prep a lot of food in advance and then heat it up later. So you'll take my microwave when you pry it from my cold dead hands. Extreme, I know.

[@hsdesignstudio]

You make some good points here, and that is why I honestly believe this is one of the hardest appliances to place. Some people use it a ton, others barely or not at all. I'll reheat my coffee but I could do that in any microwave without worrying. Or I could actually just drink it before it goes cold, solving that problem entirely.

[@valeriegould1769]

​@@hsdesignstudio Glad your mornings allow you to finish your coffee before it gets cold. That is not reality for most of us. Juggling childcare and/or eldercare makes this next to impossible. Microwaves also allow those of us dealing with hot weather to eat without heating up the kitchen. It also allows us to quickly heat up meals for those same kids or elderly. Aren't you lucky that you're not having to do deal with these challenges.

[@hsdesignstudio]

@@valeriegould1769Thats an interesting comment.. I have plenty going on in the mornings with 3 kids to get up and ready for school and daycare. I'm not saying microwaves aren't useful...I have one and wouldn't get rid of it. But I also don't think they are critical for day to day life which is why you see comments here about people getting rid of theirs.

[@jesica9540]

I can’t stand OTR microwaves.. we bought an older house and the first thing I did was rip it off and now I just have a small regular microwave taking up space on my counter!

[@hsdesignstudio]

Nice! You have already taken the first step...the next one leads to full renovations ahah!

[@peanutco7635]

Remember those old Teas made that grandparents always had sitting on top of there bedside cabinets! Im now thinking of putting my microwave next to my bed on my cabinet! Add milk to a mug and wait for the ding!!!

[@hsdesignstudio]

Haha that would be one way to locate it!

[@maximilian9295]

Thanks for addressing small kitchens too, mine is so small a double door fridge barely fits. So frustrating.

[@hsdesignstudio]

No problem- I work with a lot of clients who are trying to maximize a small space. It can definitely be a challenge.

[@lucyloo35]

I’m having a hard time finding a 15 inch depth microwave for a countertop cabinet. So annoying.

[@hsdesignstudio]

I have a tiny Panasonic in our kitchen- it is about 1.2 cubic ft and maybe 14” in depth. The larger ones are more difficult to find.

[@5610winston]

Butler's pantry? Who has space for that?

[@hsdesignstudio]

Lots of people- about 1/2 my clients

[@tracybrayton6800]

I don't use the microwave other than reheating rice... I would ditch it in an heartbeat, however my youngest is still home and wants it... Lol

[@mslindadoll]

I'm cheating. My next kitchen will be small, and there will be only two of us to cook for on a regular basis. The way I use a microwave is mostly for food prep (like boiling water for a recipe) and reheat. So I'm planning on a Miele steam wall oven that has microwave capabilities. I know that this means if anything ever happens to the wall oven, I lose the microwave too. But Miele has an excellent dependability reputation. And I'd rather have the space freed up than lock in to a separate microwave. Watch this space to see if I "chicken out"....

[@hsdesignstudio]

Lots of people are moving to the combo ovens and removing their microwaves. It's also one less appliance to buy and place.

[@angeleyes2356]

These videos never show options for a standard home. They are always the more upscale homes. It makes it hard for regular people to get ideas when they never have your basic run of the mill kitchens that are often smaller, not a lot of cabinets or counters.

[@planesandbikes7353]

countertop is too low for me, I like the old school open shelf in an upper cabinet. Folks who want it in a base cabinet are nuts. nuts. You must have to be under 5 feet tall for that?? I like non built in type so I can buy a microwave that is of varied size, different brands and much lower price. I'm cheap but I am not averse to spending $8k on nice countertops lol. If I lived in an apartment, I'd go OTR and find that location is about perfect except the microwave gets coated in grease.

[@5610winston]

Over the cooktop, the way God intended. My galley is so small I can't take a deep breath. I found a mike that offers an outside vent option, it is the same finish as my chosen appliances (except that I will be using a black porcelain gas cooktop). The other options are inconvenient and wasteful of space at best. Yes, I am leaving out a base cabinet in favor of a skeleton frame for that length of countertop, allowing a space for a stool and a place to sit while prepping and chopping, but I have Rube-Goldberged a way to use that space to include drawer-type storage for everyday dishes and silverware, which will improve function and appearance.

[@hsdesignstudio]

There are times and spaces where the OTR is necessary...unfortunately

[@winstonelston5743]

@@hsdesignstudio Bosch (and, I imagine other brands) offers storage drawers and since I will be using a wall oven instead of a range, I am considering a stack of stainless steel drawers about ten inches tall each (the top to be a warming drawer) under the cooktop. I expect the unusual stainless steel bank of drawers will provide a focal point that will draw the eye away from the OTR (also Bosch brand stainless). Opposite the cooktop I will have a hammered copper sink with an oiled bronze faucet. Plenty of interest to draw attention away from (ho-hum) Chef Mike.

[@dramaqueen3457]

Thank you♥. DQ

[@hsdesignstudio]

My pleasure!

[@sasbro7838]

yes well he is really talking the top end of clients and their microwaves, now bring down to the everyday wage earner and their budgets

[@hsdesignstudio]

This isn’t just for clients with big budgets. This is a starting point for normal everyday people like you or me. It’s just a matter of being creative and not just going with the “cheapest” solution. Sometimes spending more in one area, leads to savings in another, or a far better kitchen down the line. The goal should be to renovate with intent, not just a facelift with little to no thought.

[@darlene19668]

I would put the microwave in goodwill pile...😂...love to cook and the microwave is not part of my kitchen...but i can do some cooking on my gas stove❤❤❤

[@hsdesignstudio]

Please tell that to the countless amount of people that tell me scrapping it is ludicrous!

[@TMB62]

I just got rid of my microwave. I was tired of being the one that used it the least and the only one to clean it.

[@hsdesignstudio]

Good thinking 👌 too many people don't believe me when I say they are being removed altogether.

[@TMB62]

@@skinnydee1886 it wasn't convenient to me. That's why I barely used it.

[@skinnydee1886]

@@TMB62 Thank you.

[@busterbuster8193]

For the love of God eliminate the unnecessary distracting annoying music

[@aquamarine2416]

for Real

[@AndreaRuralMN]

No help for my antique home and kitchen....

[@thomasp1673]

Worse place ever to put the microwave. Bending down while removing an item is not good. Put it on the counter or over the range.