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Microwave in new kitchen
24
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:31
Hi all
Currently going through the process of choosing/designing new kitchen
We use our microwave quite a bit and the new kitchen design has the microwave integrated into a wall unit rather than on the work top, which looks great but I'm worried that it may be too a touch too high?
Does anyone have one integrated into their wall units? If so, do you find it a pain? Great? Is it a easy height to work with?
Unfortunately I don't have the option to have integrated at mid level... I could potentially move it sit below work top level but I'm concerned about it being easily accessible by children and burns
I'm 5ft5in so average height if that makes a difference
The attached is a pic from the internet to show placement within the wall unit similar to our design. Doesn't actually look to high on this but don't know if the wall cupboards on the pic are set at UK standard height
Many thanks
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:31
Forgot to add the pic
ticktockcock · 16/09/2020 16:33
Try putting a hot bowl of beans in your current cupboard at that height and see how it feels. I think I'd feel uncomfortable and I'm 5'10.
Chasingsquirrels · 16/09/2020 16:35
Our work one is like that and my home one is at a similar height inside a cupboard - it's a larder cupboard and that's the top half, which starts at worktop height.
I fine both fine, I'm 5ft7.
Caspianberg · 16/09/2020 16:39
I would t want to lift hot food down from a height.
Chasingsquirrels · 16/09/2020 16:39
I actually think our work one is higher as I'm sure the cupboard above is smaller - I'm trying and failing to picture it!
My one with a view of the wall cupboard for comparison, it's pretty much at bottom of wall cupboard height, if not slightly higher.
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:39
Good thinking @ticktockcock
They say anything above shoulder height is too high.
With it being a combination one id prob be using as an oven as well so need to think about heavier items
JoJoSM2 · 16/09/2020 16:40
I really like mine and find it v comfortable. We’re tall so the wall cupboards and microwave are higher than in most kitchens too.
I agree that you can try putting things in your wall cupboards and see if that’s weird.
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:40
@Chasingsquirrels would you say that is at your chest height or shoulder height?
Chasingsquirrels · 16/09/2020 16:41
The shelf it is sitting on is bang on my shoulder height.
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:41
Ah thanks @Chasingsquirrels the second pic gives me a better idea of height! And would prob sit higher than the one we would have as the bottom of the microwave is basically the bottom of the cupboard
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:43
That's what I'm a bit  about @Caspianberg
It only takes for it to tip towards you and you have serious injury
Maybe I'm just imagining it higher than it would be?
Chasingsquirrels · 16/09/2020 16:45
Ideally I'd probably have it about an inch lower, but then the bread maker wouldn't fully open.
Kitchen has been in about 8 months and I don't spend any time thinking "this is too high" when I'm using it.
Chasingsquirrels · 16/09/2020 16:45
Defonately agree with putting food in and out of a cupboard to see!
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 16:46
Thanks @JoJoSM2 I love the idea as it frees up worktop.
I think I need to go home and look at my current cupboard and try lifting things out and also see if I can see inside a bowl etc if placed at that height or will I need to lift it out to look at it?
JoJoSM2 · 16/09/2020 16:46
I’ve just checked and the bottom of my microwave is at chest height. I’ve never had any accidents and find it easier to get things in an out that than the oven that stands on the floor.
JoJoSM2 · 16/09/2020 16:47
And yes, I can see how the food is getting on inside.
Chasingsquirrels · 16/09/2020 16:49
I can't see inside bowls in it. But is a standard m/wave not combi, so I just defrost and reheat things and don't need to look at them really.
Chest height would be ideal I guess.
Having just been looking at mine, I could actually drop it an inch but that would mean drilling new holes at the right level for the shelf, that might be happening!
ivfbeenbusy · 16/09/2020 16:57
No actually thats seems a it right if the window on the door is the level?
Mine is integrated above my cooker which is also elevated and I love it
RandomMess · 16/09/2020 17:01
I had one above my oven that looked like a double oven.
I only 5' I made them faff with the tall unit to have it low enough!
Current house the top oven/grill is too high for me to use that safely, I literally can't lift things out and keep them horizontal that easily 
Elzbells · 16/09/2020 17:02
Mines in the same place integrated. I'm the same height as you and find it mostly fine apart from the odd incident with slipping soup or beans as I pick it up at an angle.
Nyclair · 16/09/2020 17:12
I have one. The base is it my shoulder height, I'm 5'6 for reference, and I have absolutely no issues with it. Having had both i prefer the higher mount one, frees up valuable counter space (and i hate clutter).
Fairybatman · 16/09/2020 17:14
Mine is shoulder height and I find it absolutely fine.
TangBloodyFastic · 16/09/2020 17:59
@Nyclair @Fairybatman 👍🏻 great!
feeling that there are more positives to having it raised off the worktop - just hope it's a height that will work easily for me ☺️
MissClementine · 17/09/2020 09:08
We have just had a new kitchen fitted and have an integrated microwave. I really like it and it frees up space on the work surface below and looks good next to the cupboard. It has a hatch lift up cupboard above. I can see my face in the door, I’m 5.8. Base is at chest height.
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