The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the hardest rooms to keep organized.
Even if you have a well-stocked pantry and an organized spice rack, there are still other essentials that can quickly get lost in the abyss of your kitchen cabinets.
That’s where a good stand-up microwave comes in. These compact appliances give you everything you need to cook quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been renting one for a while, we’ve got everything you need to know before making the investment in your very own standup unit.
What is a microwave stand?
Microwave stands are small appliances that accompany a microwave oven to create a more permanent addition to your kitchen. These appliances allow you to place a dish inside the oven and heat it, or use it to steam food.
The best microwaves on the market have been stand-alone units for quite some time, but manufacturers are now making microwaves with a “stand-up” option, allowing them to be mounted to a wall or cabinet for greater convenience.
When you buy a microwave stand, you’re adding this convenient appliance to your microwave. It may look slightly different than your oven, but it will still have the same features such as a control panel, venting system, and internal components.
How does a microwave stand work?
Stand-up microwaves work exactly as standard microwaves do, with one key difference: They don’t need to be plugged in. That’s right.
Microwaves designed for a stand-up unit can be mounted to a wall, cabinet, or other surface and still work, creating more space in your kitchen and saving energy.
When you’re cooking with a microwave stand, you simply place the dish you want to heat inside the microwave. The dish doesn’t have to be directly inside the unit—it can be on the side or the bottom, depending on the type of microwave you have—and that’s why a microwave stand is great for baking and other types of cooking.
Types of Microwave Stands
There are a few different types of microwave stands you can purchase, depending on your needs and space. Most stands will have a metal plate that attaches to the back of your microwave, allowing you to place it on a countertop or cabinet.
It’s important to note that microwave stands are always installed on a surface, so you’ll want to make sure it can support the weight of the microwave.
Wall-Mounted:
If you have a small kitchen or don’t want to mount a stand on the wall, wall-mounted microwaves are a great option. These are similar to wall ovens in that they have a built-in microwave, and you’ll need to buy a separate wall plate to place on the wall.
Some wall-mounted microwaves are installed like a standard countertop microwave, while others have a built-in cabinet that you can use to store cookware.
Under-Cabinet:
If you don’t have much countertop space, a stand-up unit that’s mounted under your cabinet is great. These microwaves are designed to sit under your cabinets, taking up less space than a wall-mounted model and providing clean, unobstructed ventilation.
Wall-Mounted Cabinet:
If you want a combination of the benefits of a wall-mounted unit and the lower cost of an under-cabinet microwave, you can opt for a microwave that’s wall-mounted but also has a cabinet option.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Needs
When looking for a microwave stand, there are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the right fit for your space and needs.
Power: Generally speaking, the lower the wattage, the more compact a unit can be and the less electricity it consumes.
If you have a smaller home and don’t want to have to run an extension cord around the house, a lower wattage is a great option for you.
Size: If you have a small kitchen, you’ll want to make sure you get a microwave that’s both as compact and quiet as possible.
Cabinet Style: If you’re getting a wall-mounted model, you’ll also want to look at the style of your cabinet. Some microwaves have a different style of cabinet than your standard kitchen cabinets while still fitting underneath them, while others have a more standard design.
Buying Tips for Microwaves
Make sure your microwave is listed as “microwave stand-up.” While many new microwaves with a stand-up option are actually wall-mounted or under-cabinet models, all of the best ones are actually stand-up models.
Verify the wattage: Even if your microwave is listed as “stand-up,” it could still be using standard power. The best way to be sure is to verify the wattage, as that’s what dictates how much electricity it uses.
Make sure your microwave is installed properly: While most microwaves can be mounted to a wall or placed underneath a cabinet, they must be installed properly to ensure they can support the weight of the microwave and vent properly.
Compare prices: Once you’ve narrowed down your search from a list of potential models, it’s important to compare prices so you don’t get stuck with a subpar microwave for a higher price.
Final Words
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, so it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the hardest rooms to keep organized.
Even if you have a well-stocked pantry and an organized spice rack, there are still other essentials that can quickly get lost in the abyss of your kitchen cabinets.
That’s where a good stand-up microwave comes in. These compact appliances give you everything you need to cook quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been renting one for a while, we’ve got everything you need to know before making the investment in your very own standup unit.
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