Undercounter microwave?

[Dilbertian]

I hadn't expected the designer to put the microwave under the counter. But it's an appealing idea, leaving more space on the worktop for me to fill with clutter.

Anyone have an undercounter microwave? Any reason not to?

(Ignore the colours, this design is about placement, haven't decided any colours yet. Though I do like the wall units being a different colour to the base and tall units.)

I believe you can get integrated microwave drawer style ovens which are easier to access when removing, say, soup.

I suppose of the controls are on the top, though I've only seen them on the bottom. I don't like how it isn't symmetrical (and I'd have drawers, not cupboards). But I agree I like different colour base and wall units.

I would hate this as I struggle to bend down at the moment. I much prefer ovens and microwaves at chest height. However, if it works for you and you really like it, go for it.

I would definitely prefer this to a high up one, personally. I did see someone's kitchen like this and she liked it. You can get microwave drawers which look awesome but I think they are really expensive. We've just gone for one in our countertop as I find that easiest to use, though we do have a lot of worktop.

I think an under counter microwave would suit our kitchen design but I haven’t seen any available in the U.K. or the units to house them. Are you going to use an ordinary integrated microwave?

We didn’t have a choice so all appliances are under counter. Our microwave door opens flat, think what you’d prefer.

We have had one for years in our island unit, I wouldn't have it antwhere else, unfortunately I can't load photos on my phone.

The drawer ones are only available in the us at the moment. I’ve spoken to the manufacturer to check. They are cool though since you access them from above.

A base level hinged door microwave wouldn’t be my choice simply due to the bending down although I accept that isn’t very logical given that most ovens are base level. I’d also be a bit concerned about the lifespan of the appliance and getting a replacement to fit the space when the time came.

Really don't find that pleasing to the eye. Sorry missing the point entirely!

not keen. You stoop down to put things in and out, and kneel on the floor to clean it.

I'd hate it.
I am far more likely to use my microwave for heating liquids - cocoa, porridge, steamed veg etc.
They are very different to take out of a microwave than removing a baking tray from an oven. I want the microwave at counter level.
I also wouldn't want the open door sticking out.

I like it.
Better than high up or on the counter.
Have to bend to use many conventional ovens so I see no difference.

@Voice0fReason

I'd hate it. I am far more likely to use my microwave for heating liquids - cocoa, porridge, steamed veg etc. They are very different to take out of a microwave than removing a baking tray from an oven. I want the microwave at counter level. I also wouldn't want the open door sticking out.

This is a very good point.

I would have eye-level ovens if I could, but I am determined to have my walk-in corner larder, which leaves no room for eye-level ovens.

Can’t you put the microwave in the walk in larder?

Mine is in a floor to ceiling double door larder cupboard

Could you add a slim warming drawer under the microwave so it appears to be the same height as the single oven ?

We may found a way for us to have two ovens in a tall unit, without losing either the walk-in larder, or useable worktop space!

My microwave is on a shelf in my larder cupboard. Means you can have a cheap one and replace easily when it goes. I got a compact one to save cupboard space

I’m not a fan of it . It was recommended to us by my husbands brother as it meant his kids could reach it. They put it in their island . We have a toddler and a baby so that was a no go for us ( definitely not something I want them touching ). In your kitchen I’m not a fan of it though as I like everything symmetrical but that’s just me .

We struggled so much with where to put our microwave as we had no space for it with the kitchen design we wanted and I didn’t want it taking up counter space . We decided to get rid of it 🙈 I will regret this 😆

@Blue5238

good to know!

We got rid of our microwave but I have a feeling I’ll regret that decision. We are putting an outlet in one of our larder units so that could be a backup plan for us