skip to main content

microwave in pantry closet?

itsallaboutthefood

13 years ago

So, I put my smallish microwave on our new counter and it seems to be taking over all the space next to my stove. So I am wondering now, if I can put the microwave on a shelf in my pantry closet (it's about the size of a hall coat closet). My husband is redoing the shelves in there and there is an outlet in it. We only use the microwave to warm plates of food occasionally...we never really use it to cook meals. Is this okay to do?

Featured Answer

breezygirl

13 years ago

Clearance appropriate for the MW is important.

We have a good sized countertop one in our temporary house here. There is no dedicated circuit. It has moved around the kitchen to a couple of different spots. If yours is small and won't be installed like that before an inspection, just do it. Oh, and I've never been in any office with a MW that had a dedicated circuit either.

That code reminds me of the code for Make Up Air (MUA). I'm sure it's code for a reason, but it doesn't really make sense in a lot of places to follow it. MUA is code where I live, but not enforced.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

blfenton
13 years ago
In our area a microwave has to be on a separate electrical circuit and have clearance allowances around it to vent.
User
13 years ago
Our local code also requires a dedicated curcuit for the MW. Check the MW's instructions to see how much clearance it needs. I would worry most about the latter in your case...

ours is in the pantry, but there is plenty of room around it.... and we never shut the door when we're using it.
Related Discussions
Shelving in pantry closet? Closet organization systems?
Q
Comments (16)
I have Elfa ventilated shelves (and some drawers) in my pantry and laundry room both. I love them BUT I use liners so I don't have the wobbly issue going on. That would drive me crazy. Elfa's ventilated shelves, unlike what you can find at Lowe's, HD or Ikea, have the wires a lot closer together. They also "lock" into place so the wire part is sitting really firmly in the bracket - not just a piece of wood sitting on top of the shelf bracket. As far as organizing little things, Elfa has "shelf baskets" that you can put dividers in and stack stuff in if need be. In the pic below, I have one of those on the immediate left (3 shelves up) and above the counter top oven in the back. I use it for bags of baking stuff like chocolate chips, coconut, etc on the left and treats in the back. And I absolutely love their big drawers. Container Store's return policy is great too - anytime with a receipt and the best Elfa sales is 30% off all Elfa products. It starts Dec. 24th and goes through the end of January typically. There is one in the fall that isn't as good - 25% of Elfa Shelving. (No, I don't work for Container Store, I am just a big fan and will be buying some more Elfa stuff during their Dec. sale.) Here's a picture of our new pantry.
...See More
Microwave inside pantry or under counter - will we hate it?
Q
Comments (20)
We rebuilt our existing pantry to include a space for our microwave. It's just a shallow closet (about 18-inches deep), not walk-in. We pulled out the old pantry and drywall above to create a space that went nearly to the 9-foot ceiling. We replaced the original door (a standard 36-inch-wide, 7-foot-tall door) with three sets of double doors. Below the second set of doors -- just slightly lower than counter height -- we have an open shelf: that's where the micrrowave is. It's a bit out of the main traffic path of the kitchen but only a few steps away from the main activity zones. We debated putting the MW behind some kind of doors (either swing up or down) but decided we use it often enough -- probably 3-4 times a day, mostly for reheating -- that having to open doors each time would be irritating. So far I'm loving not having the MW on the counter (where it was before). And access and usability have not been a problem.
...See More
Pantry Storage: closet vs. pull out cabinets
Q
Comments (16)
Jakuvall-Your experience is interesting to me. WHy not just have a closet at the end of the cabinet run? I guess there would have to be a way to incorporate it so it doesn't look like just a drywall box? I think that having shallow shelves is key, so that the stored items are visible and accessible. Herbflavor-Like you said, extra storage space is usually a bonus. Makes it hard to complain, even if it isn't quite perfect. tmy-here my original pantry ispiration: [Contemporary Kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Boston Closets And Organization Marie Newton, Closets Redefined I would love storage like that! a2gemini-I would love a pocket door. But I guess you have to have at least a 60" space, right? Room for the door + the pocket?
...See More
Butler's Pantry or Coat Closet
Q
Comments (4)
I love those inspirational pics, the hooks are more practical for our world than hangers would prob ever be. To answer Karin K, our mudroom enters next to our kitchen and exits into the back of my spouses work shop and our back yard so since most entering and exiting will happen at the front door having an alternate storage for there would be nice.
...See More
breezygirl
13 years ago
I've seen several pantries here with that set up. I only remember one in a space that small, but I don't see why it won't work.

I think arlosmom did this just recently in a walk-in pantry. It wouldn't work for me as I use it more often, and I couldn't deal with no landing space and the possible crumb or spilling issue, but know I'm different.
jakabedy
13 years ago
Ours is in a reach-in pantry, probably the same size as yours. It has a shelf to itself, so has room around it. We leave the door open when we're using it.
itsallaboutthefood
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you all! We should be able to give it plenty of room on a shelf in there. And I was thinking I would leave the door open when I use it. Our micro is a countertop one and we have been moving it around...not sure how you would enforce the "dedicated" circuit thing for a countertop appliance. But the plug in the closet might be on a dedicated circuit...I'll have to check into that.
cplover
12 years ago
bump, bump-- does anyone have photos or tips to how they did this?

Related Stories

KITCHEN APPLIANCES 9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter

KITCHEN DESIGN Get Cookin' With the Right Microwave

By KitchenLab Interiors

Energy zapped from trying to pick a microwave model and location? This guide will fire up your decision making

KITCHEN DESIGN Discover the Pull of Microwave Drawers

By Rachel Grace

More accessible, less noticeable and highly space efficient, microwave drawers are a welcome newcomer in kitchen appliances

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Make a Storage Space a Showstopper

Mudrooms, laundry rooms, closets, and in-between pantry spaces can be big on style

0

KITCHEN STORAGE Artful Organizers: Jars for Pretty Pantry Displays

By Tiffany Carboni

Ditch the disheveled look of mismatched boxes and bags for colorful or clear pantry jars in an appealing arrangement

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Ways to Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Design choices that prevent stooping, reaching and falling help keep the space safe and accessible as you get older

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

KITCHEN DESIGN Throwback Kitchen Gains Countertop Space, Color and Smart Storage

By Mitchell Parker

Pullout pantries, sustainable hardwood cabinets and all-new appliances turned this kitchen into a showpiece for a Portland couple

KITCHEN STORAGE Show Us Your Hardworking Pantry

By Mary Jo Bowling

Do you have a clever and convenient kitchen storage setup? Throw some light on the larder and share your pictures and strategies

KITCHEN DESIGN Designs for Living: The Perfect Pantry

By Lily Gahagan

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen design feedback

6

Kith cabinets? They look great and well made?

4

Silver colored drawer pulls and faucet

1

contractor chooses kitchen

13

Removing Kitchen Backsplash

2