I was just going to say almost the same thing as fori regarding the drawer microwave, lowering the countertop to 36" because it will be too high for the kids at 42", and I'd put the coffee maker on the counter and have the doors cover the whole upper area so it's closed when not in use. Drawers would still be better for all you need to store.

The kids won't be young and short forever. How long do you plan to stay in the house? How old are your kids now? One compromise is a toe kick that slides out to be a step stool. It could have a push button latch so the kids could tap it to get it to slide out. I saw that somewhere. When the kids got older it could be replaced with a storage drawer for seldom used serving pieces or linens.

The kids may be short forever. I have one that will be because she takes after me. :)

I do have a 42" counter in a recreational vehicle and I hate it for cooking and dishwashing. It's fine for other stuff and I'm pretty picky about height things. A kid that is old enough to do anything on a counter is probably tall enough to do it on a 42" tall one if we're talking about easy stuff like pouring me coffee. A pullout cutting board is always nice though, for anyone. Find a 42" counter somewhere and play with it. See how it feels, especially in back since you're looking at a deep one.

Stick with drawers. Measure cereal boxes first.

I am not ready to retire my microwave in favor of my speed oven. There is still hope, but not much.

42 seems too high kids or no kids. I'd prefer a little shorter unless you are all super tall folks. Our tea kettle produces a lot of steam - we actually moved it out from under uppers to an area with no uppers because we were worried about all of the condensation. It would be fine if you are pulling it out before using it though, which I assume you would. Coffee maker doesn't seem to be nearly as much of a problem with steam. Is that area wide enough for both though? I'm assuming you have measured but it looks tight to me. I always need a grinder though too. Drawers will be better than roll outs it just requires more concentrated planning and measuring!

If you want this to be a snack and beverage station, I think you really need to move the counter down to a height that people would be comfortable working at. And I hope you remember to pull the coffee-pot shelf out each night because I do think that, over time, the moisture could be a problem if the coffee is made with the pot closed inside regularly. I agree with moving the speed oven elsewhere. Yes, to drawers and a drawer microwave.

You also need more counter. The counter in front of the micro is fairly useless if anyone is using the micro - leaving about 12" on either side of it for cereal / coffee making, etc. I might be messy - but between a cereal box, a bowl, milk and sugar - you are lacking in space. Love the idea of a breakfast station - but it won't get used if it's too much stuff and not enough working area.

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I'm going to scrap the enclosed coffee maker and just leave it on the counter. Will move counter down to 36 inches height. I wish we had another spot for the 2nd oven but unfortunately this is the only spot we can fit it. Will stick with the drawers--many thanks! I'm thinking something like this.

Can you swap the micro and steam oven? I read that opening the steam oven can release a decent amount of steam (no firsthand experience yet) but having that oven under the counter might not be good to have that steam rise? And having it above counter height might make more sense...?

If you like your original design, I thought this was a clever idea for storing the coffee pot, rather than having it in an enclosed area. Pull it out, push it back in when you are done. I would then make the first drawer under the microwave a pullout tray for extra counter space.

Coffee Drawer · More Info

Artistic Contemporary in Carmichael · More Info

Hey there - thanks for posting the side opening / hinged cabinet - may be using that in my kitchen instead of some tambour door solution to the like that wouldn't really work!!!!

Steam ovens should not be mounted low. lots of steam escapes when the door is opened.