When we moved into our home almost 12 years ago, our microwave was above our stove/oven. After we renovated our kitchen last summer, we removed the microwave and replaced that space with a decorative hood. We still wanted/needed a microwave, so we decided to try one in the pantry. This was a great solution for us so we didn’t have to demo the island or take away space in the kitchen. Here’s how we moved a microwave into the pantry.
The Microwave Situation Before
We had a huge microwave above the stove/oven for 10 years! I always hated it because it felt bulky and in the way when I was cooking. Boiling water would also make the handle hot and I didn’t love the way it looked. Here is before the kitchen renovation. I knew when we did our kitchen makeover that I wanted a simple decorative hood to replace this bulk. We also knew we still needed a microwave in the home, so we brainstormed putting one in the island. That would have required demo and would have taken up storage space that I love. Ultimately, we decided to try one in the pantry.
Fitting a Microwave in the Pantry
I couldn’t find a lot of information about moving a microwave to the pantry when I was researching this. Hopefully this post helps anyone in that same boat! A few things to consider…we needed power in the pantry which we didn’t already have. And we needed to make sure we could find a microwave small enough to fit in the shelves we already had. Our pantry was already fitted with wood shelves that I didn’t want to have to touch. Luckily, we found one small enough that would still fit our needs, and we easily had an outlet installed in the pantry.
We had an electrician install an outlet in the pantry after deciding which shelf would house the microwave.
Things to Consider When Adding a Microwave to a Pantry
- I wanted to make sure there was some space around the microwave for venting purposes.
- Make sure you microwave is big enough for your needs. This one is small but fits a full size plate and bowl, it works for popcorn, etc.
- This takes away precious pantry space if you have a small pantry! I’m pretty organized in the pantry and in our kitchen in general, so this isn’t an issue for us.
- You have to walk into the pantry to use the microwave. For us, this isn’t really an issue because it’s right next to everything else. If you have a pantry that is further away, it might be something to consider.
We keep paper plates and a microwave splatter cover right next to the microwave for easy access. After one year of moving a microwave into the pantry, we have had no issues and everyone is just used to it now! I love that it is hidden away but also easily accessible. So happy with this decision! XO