With their sleek built-in design and space-saving credentials, built-in microwaves are growing in popularity. Integrating a microwave neatly into an existing kitchen cabinet or custom space can provide a convenient and seamless look in your cooking area. However, there are vital safety considerations when installing a microwave in an enclosed space. Careful planning is required to allow for adequate ventilation, clearance, accessibility and more. Follow these essential tips to enjoy the advantages of a built-in microwave safely.
Is Your Cabinet Suitable for a Built-In Microwave?
Before purchasing any built-in microwave, the first step is confirming that your existing cabinet or custom space is suited for housing the appliance. There are specific requirements related to material, weight bearing capacity and dimensions that must be met.
Weight Bearing Capacity
A common mistake is underestimating the weight of modern built-in microwave units. Although sizes vary, they often weigh between 50 to 100 pounds fully installed. Consult your appliance manual to identify the total product weight including all required mounting hardware.
Inspect the shelves and base construction of your cabinet space. Often additional reinforcement is needed to comfortably support a microwave without risk of collapse. This may involve installing specialty microwave cabinet brackets, or simply adding extra shelf brackets for more support.
Material Considerations
Combustible materials in close proximity to microwaves present serious fire risks. Only non-combustible cabinet materials such as powder-coated metal or stainless steel are considered safe housing options. Shelves should also be metal or stone rather than wood-based products.
Additionally, the back wall material behind the microwave matters. Tile, metal and other non-flammable finishes are recommended. Never install a built-in microwave with a flammable back wall in the intended space.
Dimension Requirements
Another common mistake is failing to accurately measure the intended builtin microwave location. You need to account for additional clearance space requirements on all sides for safe operation and ventilation.
Most standard built-in microwaves need at least 3 inches of clearance on both sides, 3 inches on top, and 1 inch in the rear. However, requirements can vary by exact appliance model. Always consult your manual for the total dimensions including ventilation, door clearance, and accessibility considerations.
Essential Ventilation Tips
Proper ventilation ranks among the most critical factors when installing a built-in microwave. Without adequate airflow, heat and moisture can accumulate to hazardous levels. There are several key elements of an effective microwave ventilation system to understand.
Ventilation Needs by Type
One important consideration is determining the right ventilation approach for your specific built-in installation type. Common options include:
- Over-the-range with rear ductwork leading outside
- Under cabinet systems integrated into lower cabinets
- Vented microwave systems with top or side vents
- Downdraft vents drawing air through the floor
Choose an appliance matched to your existing kitchen layout. Over-therange microwaves require ducting through the rear wall, while under cabinet systems need integration with the lower cabinets. Never restrict vital exhaust or intake vents.
Ductwork Planning
For ducted ventilation systems drawing air outside, proper duct sizing and routing is vital. A general rule of thumb is that the duct diameter should match the diameter of the exhaust vent outlet. Limit bends in ductwork to maximize airflow.
Ducts with gradual long-radius bends are best. Where possible, use rigid rather than flexible ductwork. Also ensure duct joints include sealing tape to minimize air leakage impacting performance.
Testing Microwave Ventilation
Before ever operating your new built-in microwave, test that the ventilation solution is functioning adequately. With all access panels removed, power on the unit’s ventilation fan or ducted system. Verify notable airflow exhausting from the releases or duct exhaust points.
Also check that duct joints and microwave housing have a snug fit with no evident airflow leaks. Address any identified deficiencies before use to avoid safety hazards.
Microwave Precautions
Following proper installation in a suitable cabinet, there are also usage precautions to take for ongoing safe operation of any built-in microwave:
- Never store combustible items like food boxes directly above
- Open and close doors gently to avoid unit damage
- Regular inspection of door seals and latches
- Proper handling when inserting/removing contents
Additionally, built-in models introduce some unique precautions versus countertop microwaves. The enclosing cabinet masks potential issues with ventilation, cooling or leaks that may arise over time.
Conduct periodic checks that all system components remain in good working order for safety. Watch for any signs of improper ventilation flow, smoke or unusual noises when operating.
Designing Convenient Built-In Spaces
Following essential safety practices, convenience and ease of use are also vital elements of an effectively designed built-in microwave cabinet installation. Keep these design tips in mind:
Control Panel Accessibility
Having an easily viewed and reachable control panel enhances ongoing convenience in your custom microwave setup. Consider clearance distances for users of different heights needing to access door handles as well.
View Inside Appliance
Well-integrated lighting in the microwave interior aids visibility checking on contents during heating. Some models even include interior cameras allowing viewing from smartphones.
If lighting seems insufficient, supplemental cabinet or task lighting can vastly improve visibility.
Outside Exhaust Vent
For ducted outside exhaust systems, carefully consider the external vent placement. Avoid installing the duct exhaust vent in areas where people commonly gather or walk nearby. Proper placement helps avoid both safety risks and nuisance noise factors.
Also ensure the exhaust point allows vapor to fully dissipate, avoiding moisture damage to building finishes over time.
Following proper planning and installation protocols, built-in microwaves can provide attractive, convenient and space saving options across a range of kitchen designs. But poor implementation also poses very real safety and efficiency risks in the household.
Keep these vital built-in microwave safety factors in mind when evaluating installation options: sufficient load-bearing capacity in cabinet spaces, using only non-flammable materials, allowing for recommended clearances, providing failsafe ventilation, and designing for convenient ongoing use.
While the process involves careful consideration of many technical details, the peace of mind and streamlined look offered by a safely enclosed microwave is well worth the effort.
