Building a microwave cabinet starts with careful planning. Measure your microwave and the space in which you intend to place the cabinet to get approximate dimensions. Draw a schematic diagram of the cabinet, including a top, bottom, sides, and any additional shelves or drawers you would like to incorporate.
Once you have the drawings complete, purchase the desired materials such as birch plywood, paint or stain, cabinet-grade hardware and any other tools you may need.
Before beginning to assemble the cabinet, sand the wood to ensure a smooth finish and to remove any rough edges. Begin by assembling the frame of the cabinet and attaching the bottom to the frame. Additionally, if you plan to attach shelves, secure them to the sides at this point.
Next, paint or stain the cabinet and install the door or doors in the desired configuration.
Once the cabinet is painted and the door is attached, you are ready to put it in position. Lift the cabinet and shim it in place to make sure it will fit snugly in the space. Once it’s in place, determine where to attach the cabinet to the wall, as determined by the weight of your microwave and cabinet configuration.
Secure the cabinet to the wall with appropriate hardware, making sure to drill pilot holes first. Finally, place and affix your microwave, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Having a microwave cabinet gives you a convenient spot to store your microwaves while adding an additional decorative element to your kitchen. Through careful planning and execution, you can build a microwave cabinet that fits your needs and your unique style.
How do you make an upper cabinet microwave?
To make an upper cabinet microwave, you will need a few supplies that include the following: a wall stud finder, a drill and appropriate drill bits, a jigsaw, wood screws, wood glue, clamps, and a microwave.
Before beginning, make sure you have an upper cabinet opening that is at least 16 inches in height to accommodate for the microwave.
First, start off by using the stud finder to locate the studs along the wall. It’s important to have the microwave securely attached to two studs to keep it safe. Once you have the studs located, mark the studs with a pencil.
Next, you will need to use the jigsaw to cut out a 16×18 inch opening in the cabinet. This can be adjusted to fit the size of your microwave, but make sure it’s large enough.
Once the opening is cut out, use wood screws and wood glue to attach a piece of wood trim around the edges of the cabinet opening. This will provide a strong anchor point to secure the microwave to the wall with screws.
Use the drill and appropriate drill bits to make pilot holes for the screws. Insert the screws and attach the bottom part of the mounting bracket to the wall. Line up the mounting bracket with the cabinet opening and then use a level to make sure it is straight.
Secure the bracket in place with the screws and then attach the top of the mounting bracket to the top of the cabinet opening. A few clamps can also be used to hold the cabinet opening in place while the screws are tightened.
Finally, place the microwave onto the mounting bracket and insert the necessary screws to secure it in place.
Once everything is secure, check to make sure the microwave is level and doesn’t wobble. Once completed, you are now ready to use your upper cabinet microwave!
Can you make a countertop microwave a built in?
Yes, it is possible to convert a countertop microwave into a built in microwave. It requires some assembly and installation, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done. First, you’ll need to make sure the shape and width of the microwave will fit into the cabinetry.
If so, you’ll need to purchase a kit that allows you to attach the microwave to the cabinetry. This will require cutting the counter and cabinetry to accommodate the kit. Once installed, the microwave can be finished with trim and molding, to give it the same look as the other cabinetry.
After the installation is complete, you’ll need to plug the microwave into a dedicated outlet as these units require their own circuit. All in all, this is an involved installation but can be done with the right tools and knowledge.
Can a microwave be enclosed in a cabinet?
Yes, a microwave can be enclosed in a cabinet. This is a popular choice for many homeowners, who want to integrate the microwave with their kitchen cabinetry. Depending on the model and the type of cabinet, some microwaves can be built into not only the cabinetry, but also into walls, allowing for a more seamless look and a reduction in kitchen countertop clutter.
When installing a microwave in a cabinet, it is important to ensure proper ventilation to prevent over-heating and possible fire hazards. Another option is to install a range hood and have the microwave be vented outside or to the interior of the house.
The range hood will also help with steam and odors. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the microwave is shock resistant, as well as having a child safety lock and timer control features.
Can a freestanding microwave be built-in?
Yes, a freestanding microwave can be built-in. You can do this by creating a backboard or cabinet space where the microwave can sit and be mounted with brackets to keep it secure. This can be done in the kitchen or any other room of your home, and it is a relatively simple process that is achievable for DIYers of a range of skills levels.
Before you start doing any major work, you’ll need to ensure that the microwave is an appropriate size for the area and can be safely vented to the exterior of your home. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that you adhere to local building codes.
Once you’ve nailed down the details, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the countertop or cabinet space and installing the microwave. Depending on the microwave model, you may also need to purchase screws, brackets, and mounting studs.
Once you’ve got the microwave in place and powered up, it should look and feel like a built-in appliance with no trace of being a freestanding unit.
What is the difference between a built-in microwave and a countertop microwave?
The main difference between a built-in microwave and a countertop microwave is their size and installation methods. Built-in microwaves are designed to be installed into custom cabinetry while countertop microwaves are designed to stand alone on the countertop.
Built-in microwaves typically range in size from 30- to 48-inch wide cubic feet and countertop microwaves typically range from 0.5 to 2 cubic feet. Built-in microwaves are generally more expensive, but they offer more features such as a built-in vent, Alexa/Google Home compatibility, and the ability to be mounted flush with the cabinet for a more seamless look.
Countertop microwaves are more affordable, but their features are more basic than a built-in.
Which microwaves can be built-in?
Microwaves that can be built-in will typically be deeper, larger capacity models than those designed for countertop use. They will be made to fit within standard kitchen cabinet sizes and will usually require mounting into a wall cabinet or shelf.
Installation of a built-in model typically requires professional or experienced do-it-yourself installation to ensure proper fit and connection to the electrical system and ventilation. Some features to look for in microwaves that can be built-in include: trim kits for a finished look and to adjust for cabinet size, larger capacity (usually 1.
6 cubic feet or more), sensor technology for more consistent cooking results, adjustable power levels and energy usage, customizable racks for multi-level cooking, convection setting for roasting and baking as well as other multi-functionality.
Popular brands with models designed for built-in installation include Samsung, LG, Thermador, and KitchenAid.
Do you have to vent a built-in microwave?
Yes, it is important to vent a built-in microwave as this will properly exhaust the heat and steam from cooking or reheating food. A built-in microwave should be vented to the outside of the home in order to prevent the microwave from recirculating the heated air and steam, which can cause humidity and moisture throughout the home.
The steam and heat that is produced when microwaving can also cause the inside of the oven to build up with moisture and cause mold to form over time. Additionally, the constant recirculating of the air can cause odors in the home, which could be difficult to remove without proper ventilation.
When installing a built-in microwave, it is important to make sure that the insulation is installed properly and the ventilation is vented to the exterior of the home. Additionally, depending on the type of built-in microwave, it may be necessary to install a hood or ventilation fan above the stove area to properly vent the heat and steam.
What is a self venting microwave?
A self venting microwave is a type of microwave oven that has a built-in venting system. This system uses one or more fans to circulate air as it’s heated or cooked, venting it outside instead of into your kitchen.
This is especially beneficial in kitchens that lack adequate ventilation, as it helps to reduce steam, smoke, and odors that are created when using the microwave. The self venting system also helps keep your kitchen cool by removing the hot air from the inside of the oven as well as the cooking compartment.
Some microwaves come with built-in activated charcoal filters, which helps to remove odors from the air as well. Many self venting microwaves also come with multiple settings and features that help to customize your cooking experience, such as defrost and multi-stage cooking options.
Can you put a microwave on a shelf?
Yes, you can put a microwave on a shelf, as long as the shelf is secure and not overloaded. Ensure that the shelf you choose can hold the weight of the microwave. If necessary, reinforce the shelf with brackets or extra support.
Always be sure that the shelf is level and adjusted to the same height as the control panel of the microwave. Additionally, make sure that the shelf you choose is not too close to any other appliance.
There should be at least 3-4 inches of space between the shelf and any other appliance to ensure that heat does not build up in one area and cause a fire. Lastly, ensure that the shelf does not block the venting of the microwave to avoid a fire hazard.
How deep of a shelf do you need for a microwave?
When installing a microwave, it is important to consider the depth needed for the shelf on which it will sit. The depth of shelf needed for a microwave depends on several factors, such as the size and design of the unit and the type of mounting system being used.
Generally speaking, a shelf for a microwave should be deep enough that the unit will sit safely and securely, with the back and sides of the unit flush against the wall. A shelf can range in depth from 14 to 24 inches, or even greater in some cases.
When in doubt, it’s best to opt for a longer shelf to ensure the microwave will fit securely. It’s better to be safe than sorry; the last thing you want is a microwave that is not correctly installed or fails to fit securely.
