Microwaves are such a funny appliance. Some of us use them multiple times a day, some of us use them almost never but NONE of us really want to look at a microwave. So what do we do with this thing because you won't see a microwave in any of your inspiration pictures. There's a few different ways to do this and it really depends on your family and budget to pick the best option for you.
The first thing to ask yourself is function. Do you need this to act as a hood and get installed above your range? Or would you prefer a small "countertop style" microwave that could sit on a shelf (typically are the smallest option). Lastly, there's always the super fancy microwave drawer option!
Over the Range Microwave- This unit is a big space saver and the most practical option in a small kitchen with limited surface space and storage space. It also serves two functions in that it ventilates the cooktop in addition to being a microwave. In most cases, the cabinet above will still have space for storage as well. Also you should consider that this is the largest microwave unit out of all the options I'm mentioning so if having a large microwave is important to you, this could be the way to go!
** Also let's talk about venting for a second because some people get caught up in directly venting outside as if that's the only option even though its just a preferred option. You can always have your over the range microwave (or most hood units) set up as a recirculating vent. This includes a charcoal filter that needs replaced every 6-12 months depending on how often you cook.**
2. Wall Cabinet with Microwave Shelf- This option is ideal if you plan to use a smaller "countertop style" microwave that is between 21-27" wide and 15" or less in depth (height will vary). It includes a small cabinet portion at the top for storage and a shelf is usually at the bottom to support the additional 3" of depth. IMPORTANT: ask for your outlet to be installed in the cabinet portion above the microwave portion so that the plug doesn't take up any additional depth. (The cord will go behind the microwave and through a hole into the upper portion and plug into an outlet).
3. Base Cabinet with Microwave Opening- I love this choice... but only for the household without small children- its the perfect height for toddlers to explore (YIKES). Having your microwave stored in the base cabinets keeps it out of direct eye sight but the downside is that its height is a little awkward for the "countertop style microwaves". You would need to make sure there's an outlet installed into your base cabinet.
4. Base Cabinet Microwave Drawer- Again, a beautiful option for the household without young children because its stored in the base cabinets, keeping its location below 36" AFF. The benefit to the drawer option over the "countertop style microwave" option is that you retrieve your food from the top of the microwave and not the front. The downside is that they are extremely expensive and I would imagine costly to repair as well.
5. Double Oven Appliance Cabinet- This is not a "cheap" option but its the perfect option for the kitchen with a cooktop/ double oven configuration. Instead of having two ovens, you can purchase one oven & one convention oven/ microwave that is a built-in unit to the cabinetry. Not everyone has the space for this kind of cabinet so its not the most common choice.
6. Horizontal Hinge Countertop Cabinet- In several cases, I've had a homeowner inquire about a custom made wall cabinet that could sit on the countertop and have the new horizontal hinge (new generation of appliance garage). When doing this, I've needed to increase the depth to as much as 20", the height will always be 18" and then the width can vary depending on the design of the cabinets above it.
