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Original poster

New kitchen planning: microwave essential?

44 replies

BellaJeanB · 02/03/2023 15:01

Hi all, I'm currently planning my new kitchen and because it's on the smaller side I can't have everything :(( ;-)
I might have to give up my microwave (because I want to have a larger fridge, and a larder cabinet). Do you think I will regret that?
I don't use it often, only occasionally, mainly to warm up leftovers..

OP posts:
FlounderingFruitcake · 02/03/2023 15:12

Our microwave is in the larder cupboard, is that not an option? I find it handy for doing small amounts of veg quickly for the kids but don’t use it for anything else really, so I could probably adjust to life without relatively easily.

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 02/03/2023 15:26

We have just had a new kitchen fitted. It's a small kitchen and worktop space is at a premium. We bit the bullet and went for a built in microwave above the oven. They are so much more expensive but I actually love it.

Lcb123 · 02/03/2023 15:28

I’ve never had a microwave, so would be ok for me. I would only get one if I had kids as heard it’s good for heating leftovers for them

Original poster
BellaJeanB · 02/03/2023 15:39

FlounderingFruitcake · 02/03/2023 15:12

Our microwave is in the larder cupboard, is that not an option? I find it handy for doing small amounts of veg quickly for the kids but don’t use it for anything else really, so I could probably adjust to life without relatively easily.

Thanks! I will look into this again! I have been thinking about this too. I am worried that I won't have enough space in there because I also have a few other small appliances designated for the larder (coffee machine, nutribullet, kitchen aid..) it's only a small larder. Will reconsider :)

OP posts:
Original poster
BellaJeanB · 02/03/2023 15:40

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 02/03/2023 15:26

We have just had a new kitchen fitted. It's a small kitchen and worktop space is at a premium. We bit the bullet and went for a built in microwave above the oven. They are so much more expensive but I actually love it.

Oooh that sounds like a really good option (apart from expensive haha!)! What kind did you go for? Any recommendations?

OP posts:
CupEmpty · 02/03/2023 15:50

How old are your kids? I have 3 young ones and use it several times a day for them. If you’re out that stage I wouldn’t bother

NeverHadANickname · 02/03/2023 15:59

I never used to have one and didn't miss it. I do have one over the cooker now though and it works well.

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 02/03/2023 16:37

BellaJeanB · 02/03/2023 15:40

Oooh that sounds like a really good option (apart from expensive haha!)! What kind did you go for? Any recommendations?

Show quote history

This is ours. Its a Bosch one and I have to say it is the best microwave we have ever had. It just works really well. Looks good. Cooks food quickly and easily. And it has saved enough worktop space for us to really be worth it.

New kitchen planning: microwave essential?
CasperGutman · 02/03/2023 16:42

I work from home and like to have something hot for lunch (usually batch-cooked soup, leftover stew/curry etc) and a microwave is invaluable for that.

We had a microwave built into a tall unit which also houses the oven. The kitchen isn't particularly small, but I dislike having a microwave taking up worktop space, and dislike the dirt traps under and around a freestanding one.

hippygirllucky · 02/03/2023 16:45

Our microwave recently broke and we haven't replaced it. We can't believe how much room we have on our sides now! It's surprising how quickly you get used to not having one, too.

screamingj · 02/03/2023 16:46

I couldn't live without mine now, it's so convenient. Mine's under the kitchen island.

megletthesecond · 02/03/2023 16:48

Essential for heating up batch cooked portions and leftovers IMO.

SnowAndFrostOutside · 02/03/2023 16:56

I couldn't live without mine. I have a small built in one in a wall cabinet. It's 50cm I believe, smaller than the full size 60cm ones.

RollerCoaster2020 · 02/03/2023 17:00

Can certainly recommend the Panasonic flatbed drop down door opening microwave, grill, oven. Heats up in only 5-minutes and is so much more efficient than a large oven and can supplement when needed for large meals. Can also fit a whole chicken and roast potatoes in there. I think it's 25 l capacity. Picked one up for £50 from Facebook marketplace. Model NN-CF853 but there is probably a more recent one but if you can get one for under £80 it's a no-brainer.. also great for defrosting batch cooked food.

RollerCoaster2020 · 02/03/2023 17:04

RollerCoaster2020 · 02/03/2023 17:00

Can certainly recommend the Panasonic flatbed drop down door opening microwave, grill, oven. Heats up in only 5-minutes and is so much more efficient than a large oven and can supplement when needed for large meals. Can also fit a whole chicken and roast potatoes in there. I think it's 25 l capacity. Picked one up for £50 from Facebook marketplace. Model NN-CF853 but there is probably a more recent one but if you can get one for under £80 it's a no-brainer.. also great for defrosting batch cooked food.

It's worth going for a larger oven if you've got the space. It's actually 32litres. www.panasonic.com/uk/support/discontinued-products/home-appliances/nn-cf853wbpq.html

AnOldCynic · 02/03/2023 17:24

Never had a microwave in my own home and managed even with kids. I don't think you'll regret it.

Now have an airfryer which is great for heating up leftovers as well as cooking.

prettybird · 02/03/2023 17:54

We put in a combi-oven microwave above the "main" oven. At the time you couldn't get a double oven that included a combi oven so we had to get two separate ovens.

The good thing about the combi oven is that it's smaller, so much more efficient to use. The disadvantage is that if you've used it conventionally to make, say, chips, it really doesn't like being used as a microwave. But even though it buzzes complains, it still works Grin

Anotherschooldilemma · 02/03/2023 17:57

We dont have one.
We moved into this house 6 months ago.
We have two ovens side by side.
On the rare occasion we need to heat something up, we use the reheat function of the oven.

ScottBakula · 02/03/2023 18:02

A few years ago my microwave broke and I knew my kitchen was getting revamped within a few months so I thought I would wait till its all finished then buy one .
That was over 4 years ago and I still haven't replaced it .
Like you @BellaJeanB I only have a small kitchen so space is a problem.

Pp that said get a wall mounted one , that may work for you , we have them at most of the sites I work at but keep in mind if they break they can be a bugger to replace . And twice that I know of last year two people were scalded as they took the food out of the microwave and dropped the bowls .
Also depending on how high up they are you can not see what you are stiring . Staff that are
5' 7 Can not see into the bowls so it's not a short arse issue .

ehb102 · 02/03/2023 18:07

If I didn't have a microwave I'd have to get meat out to defrost the night before and not freeze all the bread. That's the only difference. Everything else is easily done on the stove.

Mxflamingnoravera · 02/03/2023 18:22

Mine is also in an out of the way cupboard. I only use it to occasionally reheat food.

SeasonsBleatings · 02/03/2023 18:23

We considered ditching one but realised we wouldn't manage! We got a corner one which is less powerful than most but sits out of the way

Original poster
BellaJeanB · 02/03/2023 18:49

Thanks for all your replies!! Will read and reply after dinner!!

OP posts:
Blurpy · 02/03/2023 19:00

We have never had one, bit are getting a built in with a grill function. Will be good to be able to heat up leftovers, coffees, etc. and make cheese on toast without having to switch on the oven.

CharmedUndead · 02/03/2023 19:08

There's nothing we use the microwave for that can't be accomished with an oven and hob. It can take a little longer, or require a pan, but ultimately it isn't a critical gadget for us.