Space Saver Microwave Ovens for Your Home

So what kind of space saver microwave ovens are out there on the market today?

Well, there are several designs that may work for you, and they are…

Compact Microwave Ovens
Mid-Size Microwave Ovens
Built-In Microwave Ovens
Over the Counter Microwave Ovens
and Over the Range Microwave Ovens

Each of them offer space saving options in your home but of course that’s not the only thing to consider.

What to Look for in a Space Saver Microwave Oven

Before buying a microwave it is important to consider whether you plan to use the microwave to cook family meals or whether you’re just an occasional nuker—relying on the microwave to cook a simple meal now and again, to heat up a cup of coffee, or reheat leftovers.

If you are content with simple cooking then the compact microwave will likely serve you well. Compact microwave ovens typically range around 17-18″W and 0.5-0.8 cubic feet. Generally, the heating range for compact microwaves is between 500-800 watts.

Compact Sharp Half Pint Microwaves

Although 800 watts is usually the highest wattage most compact microwaves tend to heat food at, it isn’t impossible to find ones that heat food at a higher wattage even though they are scarce.

So, basically what you save in space you sometimes compromise in heating capabilities which is why you’ll often find compact microwaves to be fairly affordable. Because they are on the low end of the heating range.

If you are interested in more complex cooking you’re likelier to be satisfied with a microwave oven with a 800-1200 watt heating capacity.

That is especially true if you plan to use your space saver microwave oven to cook with recipes. Since most recipes require that your microwave has at least 800 watts, chances are it would be difficult to prepare satisfying meals without one.

You would also better off getting a space saver microwave oven with convection cooking if you are interested in making extravagant meals, since it will offer you equal or superior cooking (browner and crispier food) in a fraction of the time spent with traditional cooking.

In cases such as that, if you still want to save space, yet not compromise cooking abilities, then mid-size microwaves would be the best place to start with.

Since many mid-size microwaves aren’t too much larger (ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 cubic feet) than the compact versions they would be ideal. In light of that, in the long-run you’ll find sacrificing a few inches of space is worth the peace of mind.

Also, Consider Installation…

Are you looking for a simple space saving strategy or are you willing to incorporate something a bit more complex?

If simple is what you’re looking for, then you’ll find…

countertop microwaves
microwave shelves
or over-the-counter microwave ovens

…to be likelier choices.

Incorporating a countertop space saver microwave oven is simply searching for the most space-efficient choice (in size) that can fulfill your needs. As said above, the compact microwave would be the most suitable choice for you if you’re an occasional nuker.

Otherwise, you’ll want to begin your quest with mid-size microwaves if you have more complex cooking ideas in mind. Two mid-size microwaves you might want to consider are Sharp and Panasonic, but keep in mind neither offer convection cooking.

If you’re looking to get the microwave off the countertop the simple way, then a microwave shelf is your next choice. You can either use a wall mounted microwave shelf or go for an over-the-stove microwave shelf.

:: Over-the-Stove Microwave Shelf ::

Although the latter choice is likely the easiest and may be most preferable, the bad news is that you will need a free-standing range to do it.

If you choose to go with a wall mounted microwave shelf, you can find some available at Kitchen Source.

If none of those choices suit you, consider getting an over-the-counter microwave oven. Keep in mind it is the most complicated choice of all.

No professional installation is required. You can do it yourself, but you will at the very least need a (grounded) outlet inside of the cabinet that is situated above the over-the-counter microwave oven.

Also be prepared to drill holes in the cabinet. So, if you rent a place, chances are good that you won’t be able to incorporate an over-the-counter space saver microwave oven in your kitchen.

If you have no problem with equally complicated options, then drawer microwaves or over-the-range microwave ovens could be what you’re looking for as well.

A drawer microwave oven is designed to fit into an opening below the counter and slide out like drawers, rather than having a door with a henge that opens from the side.

As for the over-the-range microwave oven, it is designed to mount on a wall above the range (stove). Over-the-range microwaves can be installed by you through the instructions included but you may need a bit of help.

The same can be said about drawer microwave ovens. You can thank Sharp for their new innovations of creating built-in ready microwave ovens, designed for easily installation.

Their microwave drawers can be installed behind any electric or gas wall oven.

However, if you have any trouble or don’t like to deal with things like that you can always get someone to professionally install it for you.

Choosing the Best Space Saver Microwave Oven

Overall, when choosing which space saver microwave oven to get you’ll be able to make the best choice for yourself by judging your…

daily cooking needs for your microwave
how much space you need to save
whether you prefer a simple or more complicated choice
and how much you’ll be able to afford

As said above, if you’re an occasional nuker then a compact counter top space saver microwave oven might be all you need. If not then, a mid-size microwave will probably do the trick.

Remember, when making the choice keep a leveled head. Take your time and be patient.

Think it through thoroughly…

What makes the most sense to you and makes you feel the most comfortable?

If you can spare the portion of countertop space with no trouble, then spending the extra money just to save a bit more space may not be for you.

It’s all about what you can afford and the optimum choice in your situation.

What you can and can’t deal with. Once you establish what those things are, the choice should be pretty easy to make.

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