Deciding where to put the microwave inside the kitchen can be tricky! Can you put microwave next to fridge? Many think that next or over the refrigerator is a perfect place. You take out food from the refrigerator and put it in the microwave placed next or above. In minutes, you get to eat hot & warm food. Well, is it safe to put microwave next to fridge? The short answer is Yes provided you follow all the set rules!
In this post, we will discuss everything that you need to know before putting a microwave near the fridge. Be it next to the fridge or over the top of the refrigerator! You will learn safety concerns to take, misfortunes that can occur, and more.
Also, we’ll see the weight that a refrigerator can handle on top of it, power overload that a circuit can handle, and a lot more. So, read till the end to learn better and avoid any mishaps.
Can you put microwave next to fridge?
Yeah! You can put a microwave next to the fridge. One can keep it on the countertop next to the fridge. Just a few things to be taken care of.
Make sure that the microwave door does not hit the refrigerator. Otherwise, you increase the risk of creating a dent on the fridge.
Also, a microwave expels a lot of heat when it’s in operation for a long time. So, make sure that the fridge operates smoothly in those times. There are facilities for hot air to vent through.
Can you put a microwave on top of the fridge?
Many find it handy to have a microwave on top of fridge. Well, you can do so. Just consider a few things beforehand.
Weight of appliances
Firstly, your refrigerator must be able to handle the microwave’s weight. Its top must be strong enough! One of the most-essentials to consider before you put microwave above fridge.
Generally, you can put a weight of 15-20 kgs on the top of the fridge. Many also put a microwave of 30 kgs above the refrigerator. In those cases, the fridge’s outer casing will be much stronger to carry the weight.
Yet, microwaves averagely weigh around 17 kgs or so. Ideally, a refrigerator can handle this much weight pressure. Still, to your best knowledge, you must check the owner’s manual. Check the user manual of both the refrigerator and oven. At times, different brands can hold different weights.
Check whether ‘Your’ refrigerator can withstand the desired weight. Also, check whether your microwave is allowed to be put on top of the fridge. This final check will clear out all your doubts in the best ways!
Rather than putting the microwave directly on to the fridge, consider using an oven stand. It provides a right grip as well as makes your kitchen look more organized.
Power circuit supply
How much wattage can a circuit handle?
Generally, a microwave consumes power between 500W to 1800W. While running, a power frequency of approximately 2450W is needed. Also, a refrigerator consumes 1000-2000W a day! These requirements differ based on microwave & refrigerator types & brands.
For the best knowledge, always check your owner’s manual. It guides in the right manner at all times! You can trust it to most extent. Yet, be cautious as being an informed user.
It’s better to keep a single outlet for each appliance! You’ll learn why as you read further.
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Ventilation
A refrigerator and oven dissipates hot air to keep itself cool! So, allow your appliances to breathe!
While keeping the microwave near the refrigerator, many make this mistake! They block the vents, causing the compressor to work hard, leading to high power consumption, and eventually the long-term life of your appliance affects! Moreover, it can increase electric bills too.
Remember ! : Always keep a quarter-inch gap where the appliance’s vents are!
Can you put a microwave on a mini-fridge?
Well, yeah! It feels good to have a microwave on top of your fridge. And, yes, you can put a microwave on a mini-fridge too. One just needs to abide by the same rules stated above!
A mini-fridge generally has a lower weight than a big fridge. So, be sure about whether it will be able to handle additional weight or not. As said before, check the owner’s manual in this case too.
Also, keep the optimal gap for the vents. An appliance either dissipates hot air outwards or recirculates inside. Leave the space around to do so.
Can a refrigerator and microwave be on the same circuit?
Ideally, a circuit is not made to handle the combined load of two appliances.
So, you should not plug the microwave and refrigerator on the same circuit. According to the National Electrical Code, you’re supposed to have a dedicated circuit for each appliance. Do not share the circuit with any one appliance.
Talking about the refrigerator & microwave, both share a high amount of power. So, it’s risky to plug them on to the same power circuit.
Imagine one runs both the fridge & microwave at the same time. As the voltage consumption is high during those times, a blown breaker can happen. Also, the circuit should have an Arc-fault Circuit Interrupting (AFCI) certificate. Ground-fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) is required when you plug into the garage, basement, or within 6 feet of the sink.
In conclusion, better avoid mishaps! Use single outlets for all appliances.
Safety concerns
Besides, you should also consider other safety concerns. Yeah! Considering height, weight, power wattage, ventilation, etc are top-most things. They are a must-do. Yet, there are other important things as well. Let’s discuss below.
Convenience of appliance handling
Are you confident to handle the microwave situated on top of the fridge? You might say Yes, yet think again!
Microwave hard-to-reach and Skin-burning risk
The microwave over fridge must be in your reach. Generally, short-height people or kids find it hard to access the microwave situated above. They might not be able to see the microwave. So, they use a chair to reach the microwave. This in turn increases the risks of hot food spilling over! If it falls over the skin, there are skin-burning chances.
Taking out the hot container out of microwave
Also, many a time, a food is sizzling hot after its microwaved. While you take it out with an oven mitt, you immediately need to place it on the countertop. At any point, if you do not find a place to keep the hot dish, you will get irritated! So, make the arrangements accordingly.
Other safety tips
- Avoid putting boiling water inside a microwave situated on top. You increase risks of potential injuries doing so.
- Shut the microwave door properly to avoid exploding, leakage, or electric shock.
- Put only the microwave-safe utensils inside. Say, sliding in a metal container inside can explode. As the microwave is above the top, the damage will be more.
A possible alternative! If you put a microwave over a mini-fridge, you might not face these issues. As the mini-fridge is short in height, you will be able to reach the microwave.
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Verdict
Can you put microwave next to fridge? Yes, you surely can!
Some homemakers find it convenient. If you’re one of those homemakers, consider putting a microwave near or above the refrigerator. Just follow the safety precautions said in this short post.
And, you’re good-to-go! Enjoy eating hot & delicious microwaved food.
Happy reading! Let us know if you’ve any more questions.