No matter what you call it (microwave booster, microwave shelf, microwave stand) we all want to put our microwaves on top of the fridge, so that our counter space is uncluttered and our food can cook evenly. But does that kind of setup make sense?
Are there any disadvantages of cooking with a microwave on top of the fridge, or do the benefits outweigh the costs?
Life without a microwave?
No way.
It is really hard to find a house without a microwave.
In this advanced world, where technology takes the foremost place microwave has become essential. People are barely having any breathing space as they are running all the time with busy schedules.
An appliance like a microwave oven is surely a great addition to your kitchen. I think no one can express their denial of this statement.
But can you put a microwave oven on top of a refrigerator?
Microwaves are designed to work best when placed on a solid, level surface, such as a countertop or table.
That’s because the microwaves need to reflect off the walls in the oven on their way out, and they’ll get trapped by the soft curves of a refrigerator.
This may not have much of an effect on the performance of your microwave, but it will cause the motor to work harder, which will result in higher electric bills, and it could potentially shorten the lifespan of the oven.
Folks these days do not have time to cook all the time.
They cook once, store it for the whole day in the refrigerator, and reheat it before eating.
This mostly happens.
The microwave oven works on the principle of electromagnetic radiation.
This can reheat and cook your food with ease and overheating or overcooking has no place here. Because the sensor will voluntarily stop when it is done. Let’s get to know more about the microwave.
A microwave oven has a smart display for your convenience.
You can bake a cake, steam vegetables, reheat food, and beverages, etc., with a microwave.
Besides all these, some people consider this unhealthy, but there is no such evidence of harm from a microwave.
There are some things you should not keep in a microwave such as paper and plastic bags, aluminum foils, plastic containers, stainless steel travel mugs, and bottles, etc.
If you are doubtful about what to place in your microwave just use the things given while buying, that would be better.
A microwave can be very quick in its performance.
Types of microwave:
There are three types of microwave
1. Solo microwave
A solo microwave is a basic microwave used for uniform reheating and defrosting.
If you are basic when it comes to food, or you stay alone and not much into cooking, and all you need is reheating this would be the finest choice for you.
It is not suitable for baking or grilling. It is fundamental in its performance.
2. Grill microwave
As the name suggests, the grill microwave will offer you a grill function. In addition to reheating and defrosting, this grants you a function to grill your chicken, meat, and fish. You can cook rice and pasta, you can brew milk, coffee, and tea, and can make popcorn as well.
3. Convection microwave
A convection microwave is a bit versatile and different from the other two which comes with a fan for cooking. It also uses radio-frequency energy for cooking.
This type is expensive than the other two and allows you to bake cookies and pieces of bread. It helps you in baking, cooking, roasting, and browning and moreover, it adds flavor to your food.
The process would be even faster than the remaining.
These are different types of microwaves, you can pick one up according to your usage and purpose. The typical problems we face with a microwave are,
- Microwave buttons do not work
- The door does not shut properly
- Sparkling and smoke inside the microwave
- Burning smell from inside
- The light inside does not work properly
- Microwave not heating food
- Microwave stops working in between
- Microwave overheating
- Microwave fuse is blown
- Food inside is not cooked properly
Some of these can be fixed at home with ease. Besides all these, we might have a problem with placing the oven.
The kitchen can be small, you can face difficulty with tiny space.
So, can we place a microwave on top of the refrigerator?
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This question might arise in many minds so let’s have a look at it.
Can You Put a Microwave on Top of a Fridge?
This doubt oscillates in many minds. As we cannot spare extra space for microwaves we try putting in on something else for convenience.
What do you think about a refrigerator?
It is nice but is it possible?
Can we place a microwave on top of the fridge?
Can the refrigerator handle the weight of a microwave?
Will it be a problem as they release heat?
We should know more about the refrigerator so that we will get to know its capacity and features.
Can we put things on the top of the refrigerator?
All of us do not have the luxury of a big kitchen.
So we try to stuff things up hither and thither and arrange accordingly.
Then the refrigerator flashes in our thoughts, and the empty place on it.
We would never leave a chance like this, right?
But before doing something with the place above the fridge, reading the manufacturer’s instructions is not a bad idea. You can also check out list of the best refrigerators without water dispenser or icemaker on our site.
Placing some explosive and highly reactive materials can push into trouble, so you have to be alert. That doesn’t mean that you can place everything except explosive materials.
Heavy materials should be avoided because they might pressurize the refrigerator so much.
Before placing anything we should realize the fact that the refrigerator releases heat.
So if we place anything with more weight it might have an impact on the compressor badly.
Because the items prevent the heat from escaping then it lands in a situation where the compressor should toil harder.
So normal household items and things which you want to keep safe can be kept, a medicine box, a flower vase, etc.
Things that weigh more than 30 kg are strictly not allowed.
Anything ranging from 15 to 20 kg will be fine.
So, as of now, a microwave has its approval.
What if it is a mini-refrigerator?
Yes, what about a mini-refrigerator?
Ever heard of this?
As the name depicts, mini-refrigerators are small and standard- sized.
These come in different types such as a single door, double door, and a triple door just like the normal ones.
These mini refrigerators are trending now, because of their compact size.
They are found often in many places.
People who live alone, hotels, workplaces, cars, etc., make use of this very well.
These are way cheaper than the normal refrigerators which allow every individual to buy.
Apart from this mini-refrigerators are convenient and handy.
Due to the small size, it will be very easy for everyone to move from one place to another.
Spaces saving designs are available which bestows you with the privilege to place it anywhere in your house. Energy-saving features are obtainable so that all our food and groceries are preserved well without more energy consumption.
Cube mini-fridges weigh from 25 to 30 pounds and the medium-sized compact refrigerators are a bit heavier weighing from 40 to 50 pounds.
These can be stored everywhere, if you do not have a place in the kitchen, you can store your mini refrigerator in the bedroom, because it is completely safe to do so.
As long as you are not blocking the vents on the back of the fridge, you can store anything on the top of it, because that is the place where the hot air from the refrigerator goes out.
You have to make sure that the outer build materials of the mini refrigerator are strong enough before placing as all of them are not efficient.
Power and other problems
Before placing microwaving on the top of the fridge, we have to look into the power the microwave is going to need for the run.
A refrigerator normally uses anywhere from 800 to 1000 watts for starting of the compressor. A microwave might take 1200 watts to run.
So you have to check whether the socket you use for the microwave and refrigerator is able to facilitate the power. If you are worried about microwave noise then don’t forget to check out our list for best quitest microwaves.
If the socket cannot handle the load of 2 appliances, it might put you in trouble. A mini-refrigerator takes 300 watts or more than that for functioning.
Another unnoticeable problem is with the height.
If your refrigerator is tall, and you are planning to place your microwave on it be careful as you are going to face some issues.
There are maximum chances of spilling.
With a sleek monochrome design, a microwave can easily blend into the background of your kitchen—but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re trying to keep clutter at bay.
Still, you might find yourself wanting to bring your microwave to the forefront of your kitchen space for a couple of reasons, such as to add a touch of modern style, or to make it easier to use.
That seems simple enough, but is it a good idea to put a microwave on top of a refrigerator?
Or is it a bad idea to put a microwave on top of a refrigerator?
Or is it a good idea to put a microwave on top of a fridge?
While keeping it inside or taking out there are chances of spilling, especially if they are liquids.
So you have to note this down before putting your microwave on the fridge.
In this way, by noting down all the points and taking all the precautions into consideration, you can put the microwave on the top of the fridge.
You’ve probably seen microwave ovens sitting on top of top of refrigerators. After all, sometimes the kitchen is simply not large enough for all your appliances. But is it safe? Can you put a microwave oven on top of a refrigerator?
In fact, it is even more helpful, if you have kids who always press the buttons of the microwave in order to have fun.
Playing with microwaves is not a good idea, so putting it on a refrigerator can be advantageous in this way too.
Even if you place something on the refrigerator, make sure you are not obstructing the air coming from the vents.
They are on the back of the refrigerator, it would be great if we leave someplace behind.
I hope this article helped you to answer the unsolved questions.
As now you understood the whole scenario, you can place your microwave on the top of the refrigerator after contemplating the significant points.
Minimum weight, electricity check, and vents blockage are all you need to check.