There’s a lot of debate about whether you should put a microwave on the fridge. On the one hand, it seems like it would be a great place to store your microwave – out of the way and easy to access. But on the other hand, there are some potential dangers involved in doing this.
Many families including myself have at a point in time, placed the microwave on top of the fridge for a variety of reasons which we will get into. But is it okay to have your microwave sitting on top of the fridge?
Today, we will discuss this topic and try to answer the question once and for all. There are a lot of factors to consider when answering this question, so we’re going to take a critical look at all the variables involved. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not putting your microwave on top of the fridge is right for you.
So, to the question,
Can You Put Microwave On Top Of The Fridge?
Yes, you can install your microwave on top of the refrigerator and it should not cause any issues. But before you do so, you should know that there are a few potential risks involved in doing this which we will go over shortly.
In most cases, microwaves are placed on the kitchen countertop. This is for a variety of reasons, but the main one is that it allows for proper ventilation but not everyone has the counter space for it and therefore resorts to other places like on top of the fridge.
Reasons For Putting Microwave On Top Of the Fridge
There are a few reasons why one might consider putting the microwave on top of the fridge. The most common reasons are:
1. Lack of counter space
This is one of the major reasons people put the microwave on top of the fridge. If you don’t have enough counter space in your kitchen, chances are you’re going to look for other places to put your microwave. The fridge is usually one of the first places people look, especially if the fridge is located in a convenient spot.
2. It’s out of the way
Another common reason people put their microwave on top of the fridge is that it’s out of the way. If you have a small kitchen, chances are you’re going to want to put your microwave in a spot where it’s not going to be in the way. We all want the luxury of space in our kitchens and oftentimes, putting the microwave on top of the fridge is a great way to achieve this. This is particularly true when you have a very busy kitchen, you need all the counter space you can get and you notice the space on top of your fridge is not being used for anything else.
Things to Consider Before Putting Microwave On The Fridge
Before opting to put your microwave on top of the fridge, there are a few things you should take into consideration:
1. Reach
This is important because you want to make sure your microwave will be at a comfortable height for you. If your fridge is too tall, chances are you’re not going to be able to reach the microwave comfortably. You should be able to reach the microwave without strain or discomfort.
Imagine having your food toppling over because you were either stretching to put it in the microwave or because you were trying to take it out and you lost your balance. Not only is this dangerous because you will be carrying hot food over your head, but it’s also a hassle – not ideal.
2. The Weight Of The Microwave
This is important because you don’t want your fridge top getting dented due to the weight of the microwave. The average weight for most microwaves is between 18 and 30 pounds. But there are some models that can weigh up to 60 pounds. That’s a lot of weight to put on top of the fridge, so you want to make sure your fridge can handle it.
The last thing you want is for your fridge to break down because it wasn’t designed to hold that much weight on top. It is always a good idea to check your fridge’s manual to see how much weight it can hold on top before you put anything there.
Another thing to consider is that if your fridge is old, the weight of the microwave might cause it to sag in the middle. This is not ideal because it can make your fridge less energy-efficient and can further damage it.
3. Size Of The Microwave
This is important because you want to make sure the microwave will fit on top of the fridge. Not all microwaves are the same size and not all fridges are the same size. You should measure both before making a decision.
You don’t want to get a microwave that’s too big for your fridge top because it will sit securely and can easily fall off, which is dangerous.
4. Ventilation
You want to make sure the microwave has proper ventilation because it needs air to circulate around it. If the microwave is not properly ventilated, it can overheat and this can be a fire hazard.
Most microwaves have vents on the side or back, so you need to make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate. Generally, microwaves are designed to sit on countertops and are therefore properly vented from the sides or back. If the fridge is in an open area, you should be fine. But if the fridge is in a tight space, you might want to consider another location for your microwave. You need to have at least 6 inches from the wall and around the fridge.
5. Power outlet
Because of the positioning of the fridge and microwave, it is most likely that the two appliances will be connected to the same power outlet. This is a critical thing to look at because you wouldn’t want to have two connected to the same circuit.
You have to make sure your microwave will have a dedicated circuit to prevent any electrical or fire accident.
So, those are a few things you should take into consideration before putting your microwave on top of the fridge. Now, let’s look at some of the risks involved in doing this.
Dangers Of Putting Microwave On Top Of The Fridge
1. Spillage And Burns
If you are carrying hot food over your head to the fridge, there is a higher risk of spillage and burns. Remember, the microwave will be higher than the countertop, so you will have to reach up to get your food. This is especially dangerous if you have young children in the house.
2. Electrical Or Fire Accident
As mentioned earlier, if you are using the same power outlet for both the fridge and microwave, there is a risk of electrical or fire accidents. This is because the circuit will be overloaded and can cause a fire. Modern microwaves sit between 600 to 1200 watts, with bigger microwaves using up to 2000 watts. Average home fridges sit between 350 to 800 watts. So you can imagine the strain it will put on the circuit if it’s shared with the fridge.
Even if you are using a different power outlet, there is still a risk of fire if the microwave is not properly ventilated. If the air cannot circulate around the microwave, it will overheat and catch fire. It is good to always follow safe appliance use guidelines.
3. Falling Over
Another risk is that the microwave can fall over and break. This is especially true if the microwave is not the right size for your fridge or if it’s not properly secured. If the microwave is too big, it can easily fall off the fridge. And if it’s not properly secured, it can also fall off when you open or close the fridge door.
Also, If your fridge is not stable, chances are it’s not going to be able to support the weight of the microwave and it will eventually fall and break.
4. Denting Your Fridge
Last but not least, if you put the microwave on top of the fridge, there is a risk of denting your fridge. If the weight of the microwave is too much for the fridge, it can cause the surface on which it is sitting to dent or cave in a little. This is especially true for smaller fridges.
In conclusion, you can put a microwave on top of your fridge and it should work perfectly fine. There are, however, drawbacks to consider. If you absolutely have to put your microwave on top of the fridge, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to prevent any accidents from happening. Thanks for reading. I hope this has been helpful.
FAQs
Q: Can you put other things on top of the fridge?
A: Yes, you can put other things on top of the fridge, but it’s not recommended to overstuff it. Generally, the fridge top is not a storage space but you can put one or two things there. Putting too many things there may stop heat from escaping.
Q: How much space should I allow around the microwave?
A: For proper ventilation, you should allow at least six inches of space around the microwave.
Q: Where is the best place to put the microwave?
A: The best place to put the microwave is on the countertop. There is enough space for proper ventilation and it’s at a comfortable height.
Q: Can I plug the microwave into an extension cord?
A: No, you shouldn’t plug the microwave into an extension cord. It can cause an electrical fire because it cannot handle the amount of power going through the extension cord. Always plug it directly into the outlet.