My first apartment was small. The biggest challenge was finding enough counter space for my kitchen appliances.
One of my ideas for arranging the kitchen was to place my microwave on top of the fridge to save space. The question is, was this the right move?
Can you put microwave on top of fridge?
Yes, you can put your microwave on top of your fridge. However, both devices’ height, weight, ventilation, and wattage must be considered. You wouldn’t want to put too much weight on your fridge or, luck enough, fresh air circulation.
Often when you find a microwave on a fridge in anyone’s house, it always has something to do with space. Not all have the luxury of owning too much space in their kitchen for all their appliances, especially in small apartments or houses.
Another reason is having a large family that needs more floor space that is being taken up by your several kitchen appliances. Therefore, you must devise a way to improvise and make space for people.
This article explains whether it is possible to put a microwave on top of a fridge. Other topics include Important Factors to Consider when Placing a Microwave on Top of a Fridge, is it Okay to Put Stuff on Top of a Fridge, and Can you put a Microwave on a Mini – Refrigerator, among others.
Essential Factors to Consider when Placing a Microwave on Top of a Fridge
If you are here, you must consider placing your microwave on your fridge. Which we have said is possible. However, there are essential factors to consider. Some of the factors have been discussed below.
The Size of Microwave and fridge Microwaves come in different sizes. Others are smaller than others; often, people believe that the smaller ones are better suited to be placed on top of the fridge than the larger ones. However, I think what matters is whether the fridge can carry the microwave despite its size and weight.
A larger microwave can weigh up to 100 pounds, while a smaller one can weigh from 32 to 39 pounds with a width ranging from 29 to 30 inches, depth from 15 to 16 inches, and height from 16 to 18 inches. The same microwave may have an inner capacity of 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet. All the mentioned characters should be monitored before placing your microwaving on your fridge.
The questions you should be asking yourself are: is the microwave heavy for the fridge? Can the fridge carry the microwave and still function appropriately?
Also, when placing the microwave on the fridge, one safety measure you should be keen on is how stable the microwave is. You wouldn’t want an incident where your microwave is not standing appropriately, and any slight movement might cause it to fall. It may end up falling on a child causing severe injuries or even a fire hazard when it falls while still running.
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Power Consumption of Both the Fridge and the Microwave
You should know the quantity of power your microwave and fridge consume simultaneously. The wattage level will help you determine whether the two devices will share the same socket or if you need an alternative.
When two devices are often close or on top of each other, they use the same socket for power supply. However, if the two consume too much power, the socket becomes overwhelmed, which may lead to a power outage.
A fridge is likely to consume between 1000 to 2000 Watts, and a microwave would consume between 500 to 1100 Watts. It is therefore important to ensure that these two electronic devices have been connected to a very strong power supply that can handle at least 2500 Watts a day.
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The Ventilation of Your Fridge
Proper fridge ventilation is the only best way to ensure that your fridge works appropriately and consumes the expected amounts of power. Even as you place your microwave on top of the fridge, do not allow the fridge to carry heavy weight ad still block its ventilation.
The fridge’s vents are placed on its back, which is why setting a microwave on top might not affect its functioning. However, placing a microwave on top of the fridge and not allowing it to breathe appropriately will only make the fridge work twice as it should. Also, the microwave heat may cause the fridge’s compressor to kick in more often, affecting how it works.
Check to learn how a microwave works.
Eventually, you might end up paying for high power consumption and frequent fridge maintenance. Therefore, a quarter an inch gap between the wall and the fridge will go a long way in ensuring that the fridge has enough space to release hot air.
The ventilation of the microwave, on the other hand, may not be affected that much, as long as it is on top of the fridge and there is enough space and air in the room
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Fridge height
A very tall fridge may not be ideal for placing your microwave on. You wouldn’t want to put your microwave too close to your ceiling. Moisture from the microwave may damage your ceiling.
Also, the height of the fridge should be friendly to all members of your household. Your kids should be able to reach the microwave and easily warm the food left there.
At the same time, you wouldn’t want them to struggle to reach the microwave, which might end up pushing the microwave over and causing serious damage or injury. They might even end up spilling the food after microwaving and burning their tiny hands.
Is it Okay to Put Stuff on Top of a Fridge
Yes, placing stuff other than a microwave on top of the fridge is very much okay. However, ensure the things placed on the fridge are stable enough not to move, fall off or shift when you open your microwave.
Also, ensure whatever you place on top of the fridge is not heavier than the fridge. You wouldn’t want to overload it. The staff should also not fall over and block the air ventilation at the back of the fridge. When such happens, your fridge works twice as it should, and you end up paying double your electricity bills.
Can you put a Microwave on a Mini – Refrigerator
Yes, you can put a microwave on a mini fridge. The same requirements and safety measures will be observed. For instance, the weight of both devices, the size of the microwave, and the ventilation of the fridge.
Suppose your microwave is heavier than your mini fridge; you may have to re-think placing the microwave on top of it. Too much weight will cause it to malfunction eventually. Always ensure that the external material of your fridge is robust enough to handle the added weight.
Due to the added weight on top of the mini fridge, you may consider giving your fridge more breathing space so that it can easily let out excess hot air. A space of an inch away from the wall can be quite helpful. Also, ensure that nothing from the microwave on top of the fridge is distracting the normal function of the ventilation of the mini-fridge.
What is the Maximum Weight that May Be Placed on Top of a Fridge
I believe any weight between 15kg to 25kg is the safest amount of weight to place on top of a fridge. However, there are occasions when more than 30 kgs of weight can be placed on top of a fridge.
Suppose you plan to put your microwave on top of your fridge; if the microwave weighs less than 30 Kgs, it is safe unless you own a mini fridge. However, if your microwave is heavier than 30 kg, it is time to start calculations of your fridge’s weight.
Figure out if the fridge is heavier and can handle the weight of the microwave. Also, consider whether the external material of your fridge is robust enough to handle the added weight. Placing too much weight in a fridge that can hardly handle will only cause damage.
Do Microwaves Need Ventilation
Yes, microwaves do need ventilation. This is why placing it on top of a fridge or counter is better than putting it inside a cabinet.
A microwave vent is placed either on the sides or back of the device. They need an open space to let go of smoke, moisture, or cooking odors when microwaving. The vents are blocked when you place your microwave in a closed place like a cabinet. With too much or often microwaving, the heat becomes too much leading to a fire hazard.
On the other hand, you can always store the microwave in the cabinet and remove it when you are ready to use it. That way, you can use it in an open place with free air circulation.
Will my Microwave Fit on Top of my Fridge
Whether your microwave will fit on top of your fridge will be determined by both your devices. You cannot expect a huge microwave to fit on a mini fridge. The mini fridge will be damaged within a matter of days.
The microwave might also not fit on a fridge that is too tall and close to the ceiling. Such a microwave is hazardous to people who might not be able to reach it. The struggle to reach the device may cause food to spill and cause burns or may cause the entire microwave to fall from the fridge causing serious damage or even injuries.
Therefore, before placing your microwave on top of your fridge, go through our “Important Factors to Consider when Placing a Microwave on Top of a Fridge.”
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with placing your microwave on top of your fridge. In fact, putting it there gives it great ventilation space.
However, you must ensure that the microwave’s size and weight are compatible with the fridge’s size. As agreed, too much weight on the fridge will only cause it damage.
