Can a microwave be placed on or next to a refrigerator?

Owners of small-sized kitchens are showing interest in the question of whether a microwave can be placed on a refrigerator. In conditions of limited space, every centimeter is important, so they put a dryer on the washing machine, and a microwave oven on the refrigerator. How correct this is and whether such a combination of techniques is possible, you will find out in our article.

Myths about friendship and hatred

The proximity of a microwave to a refrigerator often gives rise to a large number of rumors and gossip, which is why the answer to the question about the proximity of a microwave to a refrigerator should be a categorical “no.” Most often, these rumors are not confirmed by anything, but we will get acquainted with them anyway.

Myth No. 1. If a vehicle is standing on top of another vehicle, it may explode.

If something like this really happened, then household appliances would not be so freely available, and such restrictions would always be covered in the instruction manual.

Myth 2. Equipment will break faster this way.

This statement cannot be completely called a myth, since there are technical instructions about where it is better for equipment to be located. If you comply with these conditions, then nothing bad will happen. If, for example, normal air circulation is not ensured, then the refrigerator or microwave oven may indeed fail. But this happens not because of the proximity of the equipment, but not because of compliance with installation rules.

Myth No. 3. Radiation from the refrigerator and microwave oven add up and become harmful to the body.

This is the most interesting point, because the propagators of such myths most often cannot answer the question of what kind of radiation we are talking about. Sometimes you can hear the answer “electromagnetic”, but it is located inside the microwave oven, otherwise it would greatly heat up all surfaces and objects in the area. Imaginary radiation is not something to worry about in the kitchen.

Safety in use

Of course, microwaves are safe to use. But no one is immune from injuries that can be caused by improper use. What does the user need to know to avoid unpleasant incidents? Do not forget to read the instructions before starting to work with the equipment.

Instructions:

The microwave oven is a food preparation device and should not be used for other purposes.
Never use an empty microwave oven.
If you have a damaged cord or plug, it will need to be replaced. Using household appliances under these conditions is prohibited and dangerous.
If you notice a malfunction, contact a technician; do not try to fix the microwave oven yourself.
Place the microwave so that children cannot reach it.
Do not leave food in the oven.
Be careful with liquid hot food.
Do not heat vacuum packed products. This may cause an explosion.

Improper use of the microwave can not only lead to short circuits, but also to fire. To avoid this, it is strictly forbidden to use metal or low-quality kitchen utensils for the microwave.

Arguments for"

The most important argument is saving space. There are such small kitchens that there really is no place for a microwave anywhere else except on the refrigerator. If there is a place, then in some cases it is better to adapt it to something else, for example, a work area.

The second argument can be called convenience. It’s really convenient to take the plate out of the refrigerator and immediately put it in the microwave to warm up.

But here you need to take into account the height of the hostess and other residents, as well as the height of the refrigerator itself. Nowadays there are more and more giants on the market, the top of which can only be reached with the help of a stool or even a stepladder.

The third factor is that the roof of the refrigerator or freezer can easily support the weight of the microwave.

The fourth argument is not prohibited by the instructions. And everything that is not prohibited is permitted. But here you need to start from specific models of equipment, since some examples have similar limitations.

Arguments against"

There are many more arguments why you can’t put a microwave on a refrigerator. And it doesn’t matter what we’re talking about - a freezer, a No Frost chamber or a regular one. Let's look at these arguments:

Frequent and prolonged use of microwaves produces a lot of warm air. It may affect the operation of the refrigerator.
The minimum distance from the microwave to the ceiling is 20 centimeters. If the refrigerator is high and the ceiling is low, such placement will not always be possible.
One of the most common arguments in reviews and forums is that there is a risk of spilling something hot on yourself, which can lead to unpleasant consequences. Here, again, you need to focus on the height of the refrigerator compartment and the height of the owner.
During the active phase, the refrigerator may vibrate strongly. This is another cause of accidents. Vibrations can cause scratches and even dents on the surface of the refrigerator compartment. These are small things compared to the fact that the microwave can move and even fall over time. If the vibrations are too strong, then it is worth checking whether the refrigerator is installed level. Perhaps one of the legs needs to be tightened.
The warm air that is generated from the microwave can cause the refrigerator or freezer to work harder, which will negatively affect your electricity bills - the numbers will increase.
There are still models of microwave ovens with bottom ventilation. If you want to put a similar specimen on the refrigerator, you will have to attach microwave legs so that the air circulates normally. But this increases the risk of the machine tipping over. The conclusion is this: if the microwave will definitely stand on the refrigerator, it is better to choose models with side or top ventilation.
You need to understand that not all refrigerators have a perfectly flat surface on top - some have recesses or raised areas. It is better not to place the microwave on such a base to avoid it tipping over.
Although no one will say this to your face, the service center may refuse warranty service if it finds out that the microwave is on the refrigerator. These actions are illegal if the instructions do not directly prohibit such arrangement of equipment. To avoid problems, it is better to remain silent about such an arrangement.

Although this list looks impressive, most of the items can be dealt with simply by correctly installing the equipment.

Recommendations

If the microwave is placed on the refrigerator, then it should be used moderately, limiting itself to the heating and defrosting options. The refrigerator should not vibrate much in operating condition, and its upper surface should not contain foreign objects.

You cannot plug both types of equipment into one outlet using extension cords and tees. The power cords should not become hot. It is worth noting that due to the flow of hot air to the condenser, the energy consumption of the refrigerator increases. When fully using heating equipment, you should keep it on the countertop or install it on a shelf.

When is it possible?

There are several conditions under which there is nothing wrong with placing a microwave oven on the refrigerator. Among them:

Rare use of the microwave and no more than 5-7 minutes in a row - this way the equipment and air will not be too hot. It turns out that the microwave oven will only be used for heating and, at most, defrosting food. You cannot cook in it in the “grill” or “convention” modes.
Ensure proper ventilation for both the microwave oven and refrigerator.
Be sure to use a microwave mat to prevent the refrigerator from heating up. Chipboard, plywood or rubber can be used for this. But you should never use paper, foil, plastic, oilcloth, cellophane or a tablecloth, as they can melt, damage equipment and even catch fire. It is also necessary to check that the metal surfaces of the equipment do not touch.
Another prerequisite is grounded sockets. In addition, you cannot use the same outlet for the refrigerator and microwave at once, for example, through a double or tee. This is a fire safety requirement so as not to overload the network.
The wires should not touch the back wall of the refrigerator, as they may overheat and become damaged.

Why are there no similar rules for placing a microwave next to a refrigerator? Because no special conditions are required for this - only open ventilation for high-quality work.

Why you shouldn't place a microwave on the refrigerator

The refrigerator and microwave are used to solve diametrically opposed problems. The first device creates a low temperature to preserve food.

The second, on the contrary, produces a certain amount of heat during operation. This creates the appearance that the devices are incompatible with each other.

In fact, this is not true . In many, especially in small apartments, the devices live peacefully with each other.

just requires that certain conditions be met.

Rules for installing a microwave oven

Above were recommendations that should be followed when installing a microwave oven on a refrigerator. But do not forget about the instructions, which indicate all the requirements for installing a microwave oven as a whole.

Required distances for proper operation

For example, it is believed that a microwave oven should be located at a height of 90 to 150 centimeters from the floor.

The optimal height is if the microwave is just below the hostess’s shoulder. Obviously, modern refrigerators with a height of 170 centimeters are not the best choice for placing a microwave.

The only exception is a person's height is about 2.5 meters.

In addition to height, it is important to consider other characteristics. As mentioned earlier, there should be at least 20 centimeters to the ceiling.

Often people neglect this rule and install the microwave in closed shelves and the refrigerator in a closet. This option is only permissible if normal ventilation of the equipment is ensured, for example, by drilling holes on the top or side shelves.

Gaps of at least 10 centimeters on the sides are also important. This is due to the fact that ventilation holes are often made on the sides. A centimeter is needed from below for proper air circulation. Usually it is provided by the legs of the model, so there is no need to worry.

A few more rules

Compliance with the specified parameters will make life as easy as possible for the owner, since you will not have to take the microwave in for repair. But this is not the only requirement from the manufacturer. It is also important to install the microwave:

on a hard, reliable, stable and level surface. When placing the microwave on the refrigerator, it is better to add a sheet of plywood or chipboard;
in an area inaccessible to children;
away from water sources;
away from heating devices or equipment that heats up (for example, an oven);
in an area where adults have unhindered access;
preferably away from plants.

According to Feng Shui, is it possible or not?

If you adhere to the rules of this ancient Taoist practice, you will have to abandon the idea of \u200b\u200bplacing a microwave oven on a refrigerator, since they belong to different elements.

A microwave oven belongs to the element of fire, but a refrigerator belongs to water. These two elements should be as far away from each other as possible. If they are located nearby, then, according to Feng Shui, they will weaken each other’s energy.

In the photo you can see a not very good example of placing a refrigerator next to a microwave and oven. The oven is a very hot appliance, so it should be kept separate from the rest.

Alternative options

If you decide to put the microwave oven in another place, then you can choose excellent options. For example, on:

brackets;
shelf;
tabletop;
window sill;
in a cabinet, for example, for a microwave and refrigerator - the main thing is to provide ventilation;
instead of an oven.

But don’t forget about the features of each option, for example:

If the microwave is on a windowsill, then in winter dampness will most likely form on the glass, which can ultimately harm the equipment. Especially if there is a Khrushchev refrigerator below;
a microwave on the countertop is a good option, but you will have to find a place for dishes and things that are currently located there. And you will often have to clean up the mess and “search” for the oven before heating food, because access to the microwave may be blocked by dishes.

And one more option that is often forgotten is a special built-in microwave. It may or may not be hidden behind the façade. Its advantage is that it also saves space, but this solution looks much more modern and stylish.

Installation near an open gas boiler, above or next to a sink or stove, on a tall refrigerator or washing machine is prohibited.

Launching a new device

It is recommended to thoroughly wipe the new device with a damp sponge.
Eliminate all possible defects of the device inside and outside the chamber, including on the door.
It is imperative to maintain ventilation, namely to allow 10 cm between the walls of the microwave and other objects, including the wall.
Make sure the roller stand and turntable are in good condition.

The microwave must be plugged into an outlet with a current of 15 A. Do not place the microwave oven in places with high temperatures - a stove or radiator. Access to the device should be unobstructed and at a sufficient height, especially if there are small children in the house.

Reviews

In addition, it is important to evaluate the experience of other people who have already decided to install a microwave above the refrigerator. Let's read their reviews.

Elena, 24 years old : To be honest, I really didn’t like the idea of putting a micro on the refrigerator - it smacks of something from the past century. But since I have a very small studio and live alone, a small refrigerator is perfect for me. And there is a stove on it. Of course, over time you get used to everything, but if I had more space, I would rearrange it purely for aesthetic reasons.

Rosa, 60 years old : For me, a microwave oven on the refrigerator is the best option. The grandchildren can’t reach there, which means they won’t be able to conduct an experiment and try to warm up a spoon. There were thoughts of hanging brackets and mounting a microwave oven on them. But I really didn’t want to clutter the wall. The refrigerator is old and low, so it is very convenient. Nothing has broken in 15 years, which is good news.

Evgeniy, 37 years old : At home I have a microwave, as it should be - on the countertop. But at work it stands right on the refrigerator - ours is exactly 160 centimeters, so sometimes female colleagues have to help, otherwise they will suddenly knock it over on themselves. Well, that’s only when they ask. I did not observe any breakdowns. But I don’t believe in harmful radiation and energy fields. If you think like that, then working is also harmful. Especially while sitting.

You can watch another review, this time in video format.

Is it possible to put a microwave on the refrigerator?