How to hide a microwave: Design ideas for a seamless kitchen

There are several routes to explore when learning how to hide a microwave in a kitchen. The seven options below offer plenty of ideas for tucking your appliance out of major sightlines. Your microwave may not be compatible with all of these options, but read on to discover if one might work for you.

A microwave drawer is a pull-out style model that sits in lower cabinetry or an island, opening horizontally like a drawer. This under-counter microwave idea removes the appliance from eye-level sightlines and tucks it into the cabinetry below, creating a clean, uninterrupted view across your countertops. Select KitchenAid^® Microwave Oven Drawers, such as this model, include features like LED Interior Lighting, Steam Cooking and also allow you to open and close the drawer at the touch of a button.

Built-in microwaves are often installed recessed into cabinetry or a wall cutout, clearing the countertop and giving the kitchen a cohesive, finished appearance. A flush built-in installation aligns the microwave door nearly even with the surrounding cabinets so the appliance is streamlined. The key to a flush face on many models is a microwave trim kit, a tailored frame that surrounds the front edges of a microwave set into cabinetry or a wall opening. The result is a streamlined, integrated look that turns a standard appliance into a built-in focal point. Select microwaves from KitchenAid brand such as this model, feature a Built-In Design that fits evenly with your cabinets to give your kitchen a seamless look.* 

*when installed in standard cabinet depth of 12 ¾”

A low-profile microwave that sits above the range serves double duty, occupying the compact hood cavity above the cooktop in place of a traditional range hood. This shorter over-the-range body sits closer to the cabinet line than a traditional model, freeing the counter below and keeping the appliance within easy reach. Select KitchenAid^® Over-The-Range Microwaves offer a Low Profile Design that provides a small, sleek microwave with powerful venting features. Other KitchenAid^® Low-Profile Microwaves, such as this model, are built in, rather than above the range, and feature Hidden Microwave Controls, which make it easy to choose cooking settings when opening the microwave to place food inside. When closed, controls are hidden behind the door for a sleek exterior look.

If you want to hide a microwave, cabinet options might appeal to you. Stowing the microwave within a cabinet or appliance “garage” (often a kitchen cabinet with a roll up or pull-down door) may conceal it behind a door that resembles (or blends in with) cabinetry, so the appliance effectively disappears from view when not in use and essentially becomes a “hidden” microwave. Cabinet ideas may include lift-up, retracting or pocket doors that can conceal a compatible microwave. A dedicated appliance “garage” for a compact microwave may suit you if you don’t use your microwave very often. If you’re using a cabinet to hide a microwave, be aware that only microwaves engineered for enclosed spaces can be stored in this manner. The cabinet needs to respect airflow, power cords and door angles for ease of use. Check your user manual to be sure your microwave is compatible.

For kitchens with island layouts, a hidden microwave in an island may fit your overall design. Placing the microwave below the counter overhang of a kitchen island can help keep it within reach during prep while removing it from sightlines that draw the eye across an open-concept kitchen. Drawer units are often used for this purpose, but not all microwaves can be placed below the counter, so be sure to check if your microwave is compatible first by checking the directions in your user manual.

Placing a microwave where it is not immediately visible can help keep the space tidy. For space saving microwave ideas in small kitchens where the obvious spaces are already spoken for, you might consider a compatible pantry, closet or cabinet shelf placement. When considering placement for your microwave, in a closet or other tight space, be sure to consider door clearance, ventilation, outlet access and how far the appliance sits from your main prep area. To tuck or “hide” a microwave in a pantry or closet, you need a model designed for enclosed use. These placements aren’t suitable for every model, and your microwave’s final landing spot must meet all of your model’s set-up requirements and air flow needs, so be sure to check your user manual first, to be sure your microwave is compatible.

When considering where to hide a microwave, on a countertop is not a location that usually pops to mind. But, for those with limited options, there are some ways to help disguise a microwave on a counter without permanent changes. Color matching your microwave to the backsplash or walls can help it blend in and may draw the eye less. Or, if you don’t use your microwave often, try putting a piece of artwork in front of the appliance when it is not in use. Then move the artwork out of the way when you need to use the appliance. These approaches are sometimes useful in rental kitchens. 

When you’re trying to keep your microwave out of sight, each concealment route offers different drawbacks and benefits. The table below summarizes some options to help you figure out where to hide a microwave.

*Note: The ease of reach and installation may vary, and depend largely on individual situations

Whatever way you decide to “hide” your microwave—either with a flush, built-in model, or tucking your microwave into a suitable cabinet or shelf—be sure to do a few key checks to help ensure your microwave installation goes smoothly. Consider the following:

Check your model’s specs and all measurements involved. Make sure the place you are seeking to put your microwave is compatible and allows for the size and configuration of your model, as well as correct ventilation. If opting for a built-in model, remember, microwave and trim kit pairings are not universally interchangeable. Choose a model engineered for built-in use or one the manufacturer has verified as trim-kit compatible. Then, record the appliance dimensions, and check door opening angles and trim kit requirements before altering any cabinetry. KitchenAid brand Trim Kits are designed to frame select microwaves, giving them a sleek, integrated look.

Proper airflow is essential for microwave operation, and models engineered for drawers and cabinets include venting suited to enclosed settings. The manufacturer's documentation outlines the specific clearance each model needs, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual. For the outlet and cord, plan your microwave’s route to the power source, so the cord can reach without strain. Countertop models should not be enclosed unless the manufacturer allows it. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.

Whether you’re trying to “hide” your microwave in a way to make it more streamlined or just more inconspicuous, the following questions and answers may help.

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