The toaster oven is one handy tool around the kitchen. It can heat, toast, broil, bake, brown, and even defrost. But its small size only means that it would only accept a small amount of food.
The toaster oven is usually one of the many heating appliances in the kitchen. And sometimes, homeowners find it difficult to fit everything into one kitchen. Why? There’s never enough space on the countertop.
Keeping the toaster oven on the countertop would be a good idea. But what if you don’t have much space to keep it there? You have to seek an alternative.
Most people would consider placing the toaster oven on top of the microwave. By so doing, they can save some space in the kitchen.
It is okay to assume that putting a toaster oven on the microwave is a good idea. Besides, both are heating devices. But, before you move ahead with your plan, read to understand if what you’re doing is the best option.
Is It OK To Put a Toaster Oven on Top of a Microwave?
No, it’s not okay if you plan to place the toaster oven directly on top of the microwave. Most people may argue that it’s okay to place a toaster oven feet on the microwave. But that is still not ideal.
Several reasons you shouldn’t consider placing a toaster oven on a microwave exist. Let’s discuss them in detail.
1. Toaster ovens get very hot
When turned on, toaster ovens get super hot. That is why they are great at toasting, boiling, baking, browning, and performing other functions.
Toaster ovens considered more powerful can produce temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. And they could get hot all over.
Imagine placing a toaster oven that can get this hot on a microwave. If the microwave exterior is comprised of plastic, expect the heat to melt it in no time.
So, if you’re not ready to stump up the cash for a brand new microwave, desist from putting your toaster oven on top. Here are the reasons why.
2. It could damage the microwave’s finish
The oven’s exterior is a good reason to avoid placing the toaster on top of the microwave. The toaster could discolor the microwave over time.
Your toaster oven’s weight isn’t the culprit here. It’s the heat the appliance generates when turned on. It can discolor the microwave, forcing you to get a replacement.
By the way, a toaster oven generates more heat than a microwave.
3. Damage caused by friction
If the toaster’s heat doesn’t destroy the microwave. Then abrasion and friction could deface the appliance. It could cause the paint atop the microwave to chip.
A Handy Tip: Toasters don’t enjoy the same level of protection as other kitchen appliances. So, you have to be careful when handling them. They can get very hot on all sides, and touching them would be a considerable risk.
Alternative Places in the Kitchen Where You Can Keep the Toaster Oven
If setting up the toaster oven atop the microwave isn’t ideal, how should you place this appliance in the kitchen then?
Where to put the toaster oven beside atop the microwave are diverse. Here is a list of alternatives below.
- Countertop
- Wall-mounted shelf
- Freestanding shelf
- Under cabinets
- Appliance garage
- Pull out drawer
1. Countertop
You can have your toaster placed conveniently on a countertop. Most of them are designed to fit such a platform.
However, you must be extremely careful when placing toaster ovens on a countertop. Ensure it doesn’t get too close to your gas outlet. Otherwise, you might regret placing the toaster oven on the countertop in the first place.
The sink is another place to consider when seeking a permanent spot to place a toaster oven. If the toaster gets too close to the sink, bear in mind that water could damage it.
Finally, don’t place your toaster oven on the refrigerator or microwave. We can’t stress this enough. Remember that toaster can get extremely hot on all sides and damage the appliance underneath.
2. Wall-mounted shelf
You can have your toaster placed on a wall-mounted shelf. Give it a try and see. This shelf is usually some distance away from the countertop and securely fastened to the wall.
You can create a wall-mounted shelf using brackets. Place the brackets at a distance wide enough to support the wall-mounted shelf. Then fasten them to the wall atop the countertop.
The beauty of placing a toaster oven on such a shelf would keep it away from other appliances. And the unit will be easily accessible to you.
A Handy Tip: When mounting the brackets for your shelf, ensure they’re not too high. They shouldn’t be above you. And you don’t have to climb on anything to access the toaster oven. If that’s the case, please adjust your wall-mounted shelf right away.
3. Freestanding shelf
Placing the mobile freestanding shelf in your kitchen won’t only create extra space and make your kitchen appear organized. It will also provide a spot where you can neatly tuck in the toaster oven.
4. Under cabinets
Most toaster ovens come designed with a unique mounting hood, making it possible to tuck them under the cabinetry. Please check to see if yours has. The mounting hood is crucial for protecting the appliance and cabinet itself.
5. Appliance garage
The idea around the appliance garage is simple – appliances not in use can be tucked away. What makes moving toaster ovens to the appliance garage after use is their weight. They’re lightweight and a breeze to move around.
6. Pull out drawer
Here is another great alternative. With the toaster oven fitted into the drawer, all there is to do is glide the appliance out and push it back after use.
But please, endeavor to give the toaster oven some time to cool down after use before closing the drawer.
Precautions You Should Take While Putting Your Toaster Oven on The Microwave
If placing the toaster oven on top of the microwave is the only option you have, you can consider it. But before you do so, there are precautions you need to take. These precautions are to ensure you don’t damage the microwave while the toaster is on it.
So, what are those precautions one needs to follow strictly? Let’s look at them carefully.
1. Never place toaster ovens directly on the microwave
Please, pay attention to this. Placing a toaster directly atop the microwave is a wrong move. But if your toaster boasts extended feet, you can give it a go. Just ensure the space between the toaster and microwave while the feet are on is wide enough.
What should you do if the toaster doesn’t have feet? It’s simple. Place a heat-safe underlay between the microwave and toaster oven. This insulation sheet will ensure heat from the toaster doesn’t get to the microwave.
To be on the safe side, consider placing the insulation sheet between the toaster and microwave, even if the former boasts extended feet. By so doing, you’ll be able to prevent abrasion and friction on the microwave’s surface.
2. Desist from using both appliances simultaneously
On paper, using the toaster and microwave at the same time seems ideal. It will help you complete your cooking task on time.
But before you go that path, listen carefully – it’s wrong to use a toaster and microwave at the same time. Both appliances can get very hot. And their power demands can be too much for your socket to handle.
3. Consider toaster weight before placing it on the microwave
Extended feet, insulation sheet, and clearance space between the toaster and microwave aren’t the only things to consider. You also have to pay close attention to the toaster’s weight.
Since it would be atop the microwave, the toaster oven shouldn’t be bigger and heavier than the microwave. Otherwise, the microwave could cave in.
Risks of Putting Your Toaster Oven on The Microwave
There are risks attached to placing a toaster atop a microwave. You have to know what those risks are to prevent them from ruining your toaster or microwave. Let’s discuss what those risks are.
1. Microwave’s protective coating could chip off
This risk explains why placing a toaster on a microwave is a considerable risk. The heat from the device could make the painting vulnerable to chipping.
When placed directly atop the oven, the toaster can cause friction and abrasion, causing the paint to peel off too.
2. Possibility of fire outbreak
Don’t rule out the possibility of a fire outbreak occurring. If there’s no proper ventilation, it could happen.
3. Microwave caving in suddenly
If you mistakenly place a heavy toaster on a lighter microwave, expect this to happen sooner or later.
Can You Put a Toaster Oven on Top of a Fridge?
Yes, you can. But you have to take certain precautions. One of them is the fridge’s height. If the fridge happens to be too high, it would be better to keep your toaster elsewhere.
Allowing a hot and heavy toaster to land on your head, by mistake, could send you to the emergency room. So, please don’t risk your life.
Again, desist from placing the toaster directly on the fridge. Instead, follow the same rules when placing the toaster on a microwave.
If the toaster boasts extended feet, use an insulation sheet underneath too. Remember that every fridge has its finish, and you don’t want anything to happen to their exterior.
A Handy Tip: Even though you can take care of the risks associated with placing a toaster oven on a fridge, seek alternative places to place the appliance. Fridges are expensive. So, they’re not the sort of appliances you should be toying with by any means.
Can You Put a Toaster Oven on The Granite Countertop?
Yes, you can. Granite is by far one of the most rigid igneous rocks forged in the earth’s crust. Thus, they can handle whatever you place on them.
Additionally, the granite countertop doesn’t heat up. So, you can place your toaster oven permanently on your granite countertop without fear of damaging the surface. Nothing would happen to it.
Conclusion
So, can you put a toaster oven on top of a microwave? Well, no is the answer if you plan on placing it directly. The only way you can place a toaster atop a microwave is by protecting the microwave.
Since the microwave is acting as the supporting surface, you need to ensure the toaster’s extended feet are resting on the microwave. There should also be proper clearance between the toaster and microwave.
It would also make sense to use an insulating sheet, whether the toaster has extended feet or not. Just ensure the microwave is well-protected and everything is alright to prevent fire outbreaks.
