How often do you use the microwave and what do you use it for? How convenient is the pantry? I have a Sharp microwave drawer but we wouldn't have an alternate location. It's awfully expensive for something that won't be used.

I basically use it for heating water for tea, reheating coffee and sometimes thawing meat or reheating a leftover. It also is used for melting butter or chocolate when I bake, but that is infrequent. The new pantry is in the kitchen and will be a step in, not huge but it will have a counter top for small appliances. I probably use the microwave 3-4 times a week. I just wonder if the space next to the stove would be better for 2 cooking utensil drawers since I do not have those figured in anywhere.

I agree with Sherri.

I just reviewed the plans again and I think I could put it next to Refrig instead of having a bank of drawers there. It would be at the entrance to the kitchen but I don't think that would be an issue as we rarely use it and there are only the two of us. It would also not be right next to the wolf ovens so that the handle difference would be less obvious. DH is afraid that a pantry is a dangerous location for micro, not sure why as people have them in small spaces all the time! Sent the KD an email to see if this relocation would work, if not it is going in the pantry! Thanks!

Next to the fridge is a great idea. It's right handy if you want to melt some butter, take the chill off some berries, heat up a quick snack, etc. I wouldn't worry about the handles. They're different appliances with different functions so should look different. As you said, it's only an issue if they're right next to each other. I don't think there's any danger to having a microwave in a pantry unless it's a cabinet style pantry and you shut the door on it while it's working. OTOH, sometimes things coming out of a microwave are hotter than they seem at first, so having a good landing space to set it down quickly is a must, and you might not have that between the pantry and destination.

Designate two shelves in your pantry-- one for microwave-- one for a landing. Or adjust shelves to allow room to sit item atop microwave while shutting door etc before transporting it to kitchen. Works for me. i am not a fan of displayed microwave ovens. Mine is an inexpensive white one GE, new, previously Sharp which lasted ten yrs. matches my shelving. My pantry is large. All appliances in kitchen are stainless.

I vote pantry

This thread is a year old already. My guess is the OP chose a location.