Can I put the microwave on the refrigerator

A microwave oven is a necessary and convenient attribute of any kitchen. At the same time, in small rooms, the question always arises where to put it. If there is a refrigerator in the kitchen, then a free space will form on top of it, where you can put a microwave oven. Most users have a reasonable question: can the microwave be put on the refrigerator? Will it harm both devices?

is it possible to put the microwave on the refrigerator
Household appliances are designed to make our life more comfortable, easier and more enjoyable.

Microwave placement rules

To figure out whether a microwave oven can be put on a refrigerator, you need to understand the rules for placing both appliances. The refrigerator is usually purchased first. Since thanks to him, the products will remain fresh for a long time. After all, if they deteriorate, then there will be nothing to warm up.

refrigerator in the kitchen
The main thing in the kitchen is the refrigerator, which has practically become a member of the family.

The microwave oven is purchased later, when already part of the kitchen can be equipped. In addition, if the refrigerator is bought for a long time, then the second device is usually changed more often. At the same time, the installation requirements for different models may be completely different.

microwave in the kitchen
The microwave and refrigerator in the kitchen complement each other.

Therefore, first you should pay attention to the requirements for installing a microwave oven in the room. They differ slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Also, the installation rules may depend on the year of manufacture of the equipment.

microwave over refrigerator
It happens that a tiny kitchen cannot fit on its square meters all the equipment, even such a necessary and important one.

Furnaces produced a long time ago have greater requirements for placement, since they used to be less shielded, heat up more, and have simpler bodies. They are demanding about their place of residence. Modern devices are safer in design, so finding a place to place them is much easier.

microwave in the closet
Manufacturers do not prohibit installing a microwave oven on top of the refrigerator.

Basic rules for placing a microwave:

  • Safety for all tenants of the apartment. If there are small children in the house, then it is advisable to put the unit out of their reach. In this sense, the microwave on the refrigerator will be very appropriate.
microwave on the refrigerator
You should not put the stove next to the constant presence of a person - on the shelf behind the kitchen couch and in other places.
  • The oven must be easily accessible. Its door should open freely, there should be a place nearby where you can put dishes. For example, if the refrigerator is in a narrow corridor, then placing a microwave on it would be a mistake. It is absurd and strange to put the microwave on a device whose height is more than 2 m.
microwave on the fridge
Reaching for food will be inconvenient, and there will always be a risk of knocking over a hot plate on yourself.
  • The device must be well ventilated. If it is not provided, then the device will overheat and someday break. Surfaces that will be near will deform and deteriorate over time. The optimal distance from the top cover of the device to another surface - shelf, ceiling - should be 20 cm. The lower distance is different for all devices.Some have ventilation holes on all sides, and some are heated from below, in both cases it is necessary to provide a distance of at least 5 cm between the device and the bottom shelf. As a rule, such devices have legs.
countertop microwave
Do not put anything under the microwave - magazines, plastic bags, small items.

Is it acceptable to put the microwave on the refrigerator

If the requirements for installing the microwave are taken into account, then its placement on the refrigerator is possible. In this case, it is also necessary to comply with a number of requirements for the operation of the second device.

A refrigerator is a cooling item and, as a rule, manufacturers require space between it and other items to facilitate ventilation of the appliance. Therefore, it is advisable to install the microwave on a stand.

where to place the microwave
First of all, care must be taken to ensure that the location of the microwave oven ensures safety for the health of the inhabitants of the apartment.

In addition, no units should be placed next to it that can heat up and accordingly increase the temperature around it. It is for this reason that the refrigerator should not be placed next to the oven and microwave, which is very hot.

The proximity of the microwave and refrigerator also depends on the frequency of use of the former. If you need it just to warm up a couple of dishes a day in it, then most likely it will not heat up very much. In this case, it can be safely placed on top of the device.

microwave on the fridge
When choosing a place to operate a microwave oven, it is necessary to ensure unhindered access to it, free opening of the door and, in general, ease of use.

If the device is used for constant cooking, then it cannot be placed here, since in any case it will heat up and increase the temperature of the air around it.

Sometimes a refrigerator has a freezer on top, or it's a small freezer. Then a reasonable question arises - is it possible to put the microwave on the freezer. The rules for installing a microwave oven here are the same as for a conventional unit.

microwave over refrigerator photo
In a large family with small children, it is necessary to place the microwave oven at a sufficient height.

Alternative ways of placing the microwave

In addition to installing a microwave oven on such a large object, there are a number of other ways to place this microwave oven in the kitchen. The most popular ones are:

  • On the kitchen butcher's table
  • By washing machine
  • In a niche that can be built into the wall
  • On a hanging shelf
  • On a wide windowsill

Do not place the microwave oven next to the oven, as it gets very hot by itself. Their neighborhood will not be able to provide adequate ventilation for both devices.

If you install the device on a windowsill, then there must be the necessary space between it and the glass. Otherwise, the glass will warm up and fog up in winter, which will ruin the window frame and the oven itself.

microwave on the windowsill
It is important to ensure effective ventilation during placement. If it is insufficient, it can damage the household appliance.

The standard top panel of the washing machine can hold up to 15 kg. Therefore, you can put a not heavy microwave here. However, the washing machine generates strong vibrations during the spin cycle. In order not to damage the oven, it is better to equip it with a hanging shelf above the machine.

microwave on a hanging shelf
During installation, it is necessary to observe the standard distances to nearby surfaces.

The specifics of the device

The main thing when placing a microwave oven is to take into account the specifics of its operation. This device emits strong electromagnetic waves around it. Modern ovens have quality screens that trap these waves. But part of the radiation still comes out to the surface. Therefore, the devices should not be placed next to plants or animal cages - radiation will negatively affect them.

microwave in the kitchen
Some microwave ovens have ventilation holes on all sides, even the bottom.

Radiation can damage gas meters, so when using them it is necessary to place the stove at a distance.

The effect of radiation on people should also be taken into account. It is important not to install the device near places where people are for a long time or children like to play.

Safety in use

In order for the device to serve for a long time and bring only benefits to the owners, it is necessary to comply with the basic safety requirements. In addition to the installation rules described above, it is important to observe the safety of the connection.

microwave on the fridge
Due to the fact that the microwave is a heating device, and the refrigerator is a cooling device, there must be a high-quality heat-insulating layer between them.

Since this device is powerful enough and requires grounding, it must be plugged into a separate outlet. It is prohibited to connect a microwave oven to one electric point along with other powerful devices: a refrigerator, kettle, airfryer, multicooker. This can lead to overloading of wires, short circuits and, as a result, to fire.

how to use the microwave
You can not lay anything under the microwave oven: paper, cellophane, etc. can get hot.

And of course, it is by no means possible to plug a faulty device that works strangely into the network.

If you follow the basic requirements for use, then the microwave oven will bring the family only pleasure, joy and will last a long time.

microwave on the refrigerator photo
The microwave oven can be safely placed on a low refrigerator, it is convenient, it will be easy to reach it.

VIDEO: Is it possible to put a microwave on the refrigerator.

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