Hiding Small Appliances | Microwave Drawer and Appliance Cabinets

Kitchen remodel by Forward Design Build Remodel.

Want to Hide Your Countertop Appliance? Consider a Microwave Drawer!

Today, homeowners who are remodeling or building a new home are opting for a sleek, simple look in their kitchens. One of the biggest challenges can be finding ways to tuck away countertop appliances like toasters, blenders, and the microwave while still having access to their functionality. One of the most frequent requests we receive when undertaking a kitchen remodel is to hide the microwave while still keeping them accessible.

At Forward Design Build, we're always seeking out creative ways to meet our customer's needs for hiding the microwave (and other appliances) that go beyond the standard “appliance garage.”

Here are some creative approaches for hiding the microwave!

Reconfigured Cabinets

During a remodel, consider hanging a tall, narrow cabinet on its side under your uppers. It's perfect for stashing the microwave, and there's plenty of room for hiding other small appliances or food as well. Most cabinet manufacturers have options for hiding microwaves but it's best to speak with your designer for expert advice on size and placement and to ensure it's included in your cabinet order. You can have the door hinges to open up like a garage door, and it's a great look for a practical upgrade. A kitchen island is a perfect place to stash the microwave. Have a shelf installed below the island countertop where a microwave can be permanently mounted out of sight and out of the way. Another great option is a built-in microwave slot in the island with a pull-up door.

A Microwave Drawer Oven

The Sharp Microwave Drawer oven has changed the way people access the microwave compartment. A microwave drawer is exactly what it sounds like. Unlike traditional microwave ovens that provide access with a swing out door, placing food into this appliance is done by pulling out a drawer and dropping it in from above. Microwave drawers are made to be installed in a kitchen's lower cabinets and in the kitchen island. The cost of a microwave drawer is a usually bit more than a typical door style microwave but pricing is coming down as the competition increases. Sharp may still be the leader in the microwave drawer category but manufacturers like Bosch, Jenn-Air, Wolf, Dacor and Thermador now offer microwave drawers. 

Lift Shelves

One of the coolest new cabinet additions we've seen is called a “stand-mixer lift.” It's an extendable shelf that fits inside a base cabinet and slides out and up to match the counter height. Originally designed to hold a stand mixer, it's the perfect option for hiding a smaller microwave out of sight, yet fully accessible!

Remodeling? Add a Double Door Pantry

If you're remodeling on planning one, a massive double door pantry can serve double duty. Add pull out shelves on the lower level for food and dry goods, and add a couple of sturdy shelves at counter level and an electrical hookup. If the perfect place to hide the microwave or other small appliances out of site, yet right at hand!

Hide It Out In The Open!

While it's not hidden, a compact microwave can blend in with the color scheme of your kitchen. Create an open microwave bay or shelf under your upper cabinets. If your cabinets are white, GE and other manufacturers offer monochrome white microwaves that can perfectly blend with your cabinets.

Build It In

Again, it's not hidden, but building your microwave in can look sleek, be out of the way and free up counter space. Many manufacturers like GE, Viking, and Frigidaire Professional make sleek looking built-in units. A built-in microwave looks just like a wall oven and still offers the benefits of a microwave with no loss of counter space.

Ok... There's Always An Appliance Garage

While it does take up some counter space, an appliance garage with a swing up door is an excellent way to hide your microwave and other appliances. Add a power strip to the back, and you're ready to go. Pull down appliance garages can also fit under upper cabinets, above the countertop.

These are just a few ideas you can incorporate into your kitchen. There's always custom cabinets as well. At Forward Design Build, our design team can work with you to create a solution that fits your needs. If you're planning a kitchen remodel, give us a call. Let us help you create the kitchen of your dreams!

Forward Design Build Remodel is a residential design-build firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and communication. We are committed to improving our neighbors quality of life with inspired design and creative remodeling. Our homes are highly functional, exquisitely beautiful, and remarkably comfortable. Contact us to speak with an expert about your new home or remodeling project.

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