Can You Put a Microwave on Top of the Fridge? (Weight and other concerns)
Finding a house without a microwave these days is quite challenging. The world has evolved, and nearly everyone embraces this new digital world. Microwaves have become part and parcel of our daily lives; we can’t just do without them. The problem can be finding the space.
Microwaves are safe to put on top of the fridge if you take weight, sizing, electric hookups, and ventilation into account. If you consider these aspects, you’ll be able to save some of your limited counter space.
This post will walk you through how to use your microwave and some of the most frequently asked questions, like can you put a microwave on top of a fridge?
Can You Put a Microwave on Top of the Fridge?
Yes, putting your microwave on top of your fridge is safe.
Most people place microwaves on their kitchen counters, but not all of us have the space. And that is why many people would instead opt for the top of their fridge. If you don’t have enough kitchen space, the top of your fridge is an excellent place to put your microwave.
How to safely put a microwave on top of a refrigerator
If you’re concerned about the safety risks of placing a microwave on top of a fridge, let me put those worries to rest.
Below are the most important concerns to address when trying to save counter space like this.
Weight limits for the top of a refrigerator
There’s no specific weight limit, but a good rule of thumb would be to avoid placing more than 35 to 45 lbs on top of your fridge.
While your fridge can hold between 35 to 45 lbs, I have seen some people place up to 65 lbs on top of their fridge. In other words, there is no one-size-fits-all rule. You should evaluate based on your refrigerator model.
A smaller microwave generally weighs around 25 lbs, which would easily fit within the range I have given above. The biggest microwaves can be upwards of 50 lbs. That said, there’s nothing to worry about as long as you don’t put too much weight on your fridge.
Ensure the electrical socket is up to the task
When you move your microwave to on top of the fridge, chances are, the only available socket will be the same one the fridge is plugged into.
And because these two appliances – the fridge and the microwave, will be connected to the same outlet, you need to be very careful with the voltage each use. A microwave will need anywhere from 500 to 1800 watts depending on what type of microwave you are using.
On the other hand, fridges will pull approximately 725 watts and could go up to 1,000 watts. Therefore, it is essential to check and see that the outlet you will be using can accommodate the draw of the two appliances.
Even if the outlet can accommodate both appliances, it is always best to use a different outlet for two big appliances like your microwave and refrigerator if possible.
Ventilation requirements for microwaves
Lastly, microwaves need to vent heat during use. These vents are commonly on the back or bottom of the microwave. Ensure that you don’t block any vents on your microwave.
Additionally, make sure there is nothing that will melt or burn near the vents.
Keep in mind that your fridge also needs to vent. While the fridge vents shouldn’t be on top, double-check to avoid blocking those vents as well.
Additional risks of putting microwave on top of fridge
You have now known that you can comfortably put your microwave on top of your fridge, but there are also some safety concerns you need to know. For example, you should consider the height of your refrigerator.
There is always the danger of liquids and foods spilling when you try to remove them from the microwave on the top of your fridge. And this risk will be higher if the height difference between you and your refrigerator is noticeable.
This is also the case whenever you’re operating the microwave as well. It could be difficult to control and see the microwave at the top of the fridge.
Where else can you put a microwave to save space?
If your fridge isn’t a good option, you have a few other choices for where you can put a microwave out of the way.
Can you put a microwave in a cabinet?
While a cabinet is a great place to store an unused microwave, you should not put a microwave in a cabinet and use it.
As mentioned above, microwaves need to vent heat as they work. Inside a cabinet or cupboard, there is not much airflow to help this. The constrained space may even block the microwave’s vents.
Can you place a microwave on top of a washing machine?
As long as your washing machine is not a top-loading machine, there is no problem with putting a microwave on top!
Just don’t try to reheat soup in the microwave while the washing machine is on. You might end up spilling your soup!
Can You Put Appliances on Top of the Microwave?
What if you want to save counter space but don’t like the idea of putting the microwave anywhere but its own spot on the counter? Can you instead put appliances on top of the microwave?
You can place small appliances on top of a microwave, but not all devices. Likewise, there are some safety measures you need to take when you want to put any appliance on top of your microwave. This is because some appliances can get damaged when the microwave is used. Below are some tips.
What other appliances can you place on top of your microwave?
1. Toasters
Most people usually bunch a microwave and a toaster together. If you are one of these people or plan to do this, please get a protective layer and put it down before you put these two appliances together.
You have different options to use as layers. Usually, a heat-resistant material would work great. Also, a rubberized mat will serve the same purpose efficiently.
Also, you need to be aware of the effects of a toaster, especially when they are hot. For example, toasters can discolor your microwave top if made of metal and damage the microwave if it’s plastic.
2. Microwave Grills
Placing your microwave grill on top of your microwave is a good bet because it maximizes your limited space.
Microwave grills have become popular over the years; they can help you cook healthy meals quickly. You can always store this appliance on top of your microwave until you want to use it.
Modern-day microwave grills heat the food through the plate rather than passing through the plate. Once the electrons heat the plate, the plate temperature rises. This can be more heat than a regular microwave.
For this reason, take the microwave grill off the microwave before using it.
3. Microwave Metal Racks
You can always toss the microwave metal rack inside the microwave. You also have the choice to store these metal racks on the top of your microwave until you need to use them.
If you have the rack, you will be able to increase your microwave capacity. Grill your sandwich on the shelf and warm your favorite soup below.
If you choose to use the metal racks, please make sure you use the metal racks that came with your microwave toaster. These have been meant to work together, so don’t experiment too much.
Microwave Do’s and Don’ts
It is helpful to keep in mind some things when using your microwave; these rules will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes people make.
Form the habit of covering foods you put in the microwave, like high-fat foods, because they can explode without warning.
Additionally, it would help if you refrained from putting too many foods in the microwave at the same time. Some foods will only get warm in the edges, while the middle remains cold if you do this.
Frozen meat is also tricky to cook in the microwave, so you should never put it in the microwave.
You must keep the microwave and whatever you put on top of it clean. Clean the inside of your microwave and remove any dishes left by the previous user.
And please resist placing any metal in the microwave, except for the metal rack that came with the microwave.
Can You Put Things on Top of a Mini-Refrigerator?
Yes, you can place things on top of your mini-fridge. However, just like a full-size fridge, you need to know how much weight your fridge can hold. Remember, most full-size fridges will have between 35 and 45 lbs, but many will also be able to hold up to 60 lbs.
This weight was for the bigger fridges, meaning a mini-fridge weight capacity can be lower. There is no standard weight limit since mini-fridges vary in size and quality, but you can approximate them based on your specific model.
The same rules we discussed above will still apply. For example, you will also need to watch the height of your refrigerator. If your mini-refrigerator is higher than you, putting other items on top of your mini-fridge may need extra caution as these foods might spill on you as you try to reach them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it Okay to Put Other Things on Top of a Fridge?
Putting other things on top of your fridge is okay, but you should be careful not to stuff it up. This is because putting too many things on top of your fridge can prevent heat from escaping, making it hard for the refrigerator to function normally.
2. Should I Leave the Microwave Door Open After?
This depends. After just using it, leave it open, and when any steam is gone, you can then close it. But before closing it, after the moisture is gone, you need to wipe off any food residue.
3. Do I Need to Vent a Microwave?
In most cases, you will not need to vent a microwave. Your microwave is designed in such a way that it makes use of built-in vents.
4. Where Should I Put a Microwave Apart from the Top of My Fridge?
The wall oven tower is an excellent choice because it ensures your microwave is at the right height. Please don’t place your microwave too high because it can give you problems when you want to reach liquids.
5. Is It Safe to Cover Food With a Paper Towel in the Microwave?
Most of the paper towels you know are safe to use in the microwave, so yes, you can use paper towels to cover your food in the microwave.
This prevents your food from spilling out when the microwave is in use. And if you decide to use a paper towel to cover your food, you need to be checking them at regular intervals.
Summary of putting a microwave on top of the fridge
It is safe to place your microwave on top of your refrigerator. Just make sure that you take the precautionary measures we discussed above before you do anything. If there’s anything unclear, please contact the seller or manufacturer. Don’t ignore anything because what you ignore today might cost you big tomorrow.
