How to Move a Microwave to a Kitchen Island
February 13, 2026
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How I moved our microwave from over the stove to our kitchen island.
Over the years, I've probably made at least ten makeovers on the islands we've
had in our two kitchens. I'm currently working on a beautiful update to our
current one that I can't wait to show you!
While working on this project, I've been thinking back to all of these DIY
island makeovers. Moving our microwave to the island in our last house was a
HUGE game changer in that room.
Moving the microwave from over the stovetop to the island freed up space for a gorgeous vent hood and allowed me to completely transform this kitchen!
A quick refresher first -- this is how our island in that kitchen started
(well, after a couple of updates over the years):
Years later, I tackled a whole kitchen makeover, and one of the projects I
addressed was increasing the size of our island and making it way more
functional.
When I extended the island, I created a spot for wine storage, as well as this open space at the
end:
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There are two ways you can add a spot for a microwave in an island -- the
first is to reconfigure the drawer or cabinet storage already installed and
keep your current countertop.
Or do like I did and extend the length to create a spot for one -- but you'll
need to install a longer countertop to fit.
And of course you'll need a power source, so before I finished this project I
had an outlet run to inside this end cabinet.
To add the shelf for the microwave, I started with supports. They were just
scrap 1x2 boards that I secured to the inside with screws.
I made sure they were level and also made sure to mark where I wanted them to
hang at the front:
I was going to finish it up with some trim along the front of the shelf so
needed to make sure it would be flush.
You'll notice my supports didn't go all the way to the back. I made the shelf
a few inches short in the back to allow for some air flow. Otherwise I'd
normally add a support to the back too.
Next I placed the shelf on top:
You want to make sure to predrill your holes for the screws in everything. If
you just screw them in without doing that, the wood will most likely split.
And that's annoying. :)
You've got yourself a shelf!:
Make sure to sink your screws in if you'll see them at all. I usually use
nails for this part but had the screws right there so I just went with those.
Either is fine, but nails are easier to hide.
I added the trim to the front to finish it off:
I painted it out in my favorite gray, Peppercorn, and placed the microwave
inside when it was dry:
We went with a Samsung microwave -- it was on sale and the power is the same
as our older version. We didn't use it much anyway, just smaller dishes and
reheating.
There is plenty of space behind the microwave for ventilation and some on the sides as well. I did a lot of research on placing a regular microwave in an island and recommend adding plenty of room for ventilation:
There is plenty of space behind the microwave for ventilation and some on the sides as well. I did a lot of research on placing a regular microwave in an island and recommend adding plenty of room for ventilation:
There are microwave with drawers that designed to be built in to cabinets,
but they are extremely expensive.
We LOVED having this out of the way. It was so nice to not have it as the
focal point in our kitchen, and I was able to completely transform the space
because of this change.
If you have small kids, you will want to make sure there is a lock feature if you decide to move your microwave.
The buyers of our last home are friends of ours, and this set up is still
working for them as well!:
Here's a reminder of the DIY process...I used cheaper plywood for this part
because I knew we wouldn't see much of the inside when I was done:
And this is how it ended up looking in our finished kitchen!:
This is a great option if you're looking to do a kitchen reno without spending
a ton of money! Nowadays we use our
air fryer/toaster oven
way more than our microwave anyway.
Moving the microwave made it possible to create this pretty kitchen -- I
removed the wall cabinets on that wall and we were able to have sconces
and a pretty vent hood installed instead:
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Looks great! We don't have an island we have a 1960s breakfast bar complete with view blocking upper cabinets. I would like to do something like this but the layout is a mess. We wouldn't be able to open the fridge. No complaints though b/c our last kitchen was the same size as our current breakfast bar. No joke. Three upper cabinets (one was really small like an above fridge cabinet) and three lowers. That was it.
ReplyDeleteLooks so pretty there! Love that it is out of the way. Hate how much space mine takes on my counter. Good Job!! Marianne
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome! I bet you're so happy it's done! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful. I wished I could put mine somewhere, but I too did a research and I wanted it on a shelf above my range, but I read that it was not a good idea. So it sits taking up alot of my counterspace.
ReplyDeleteWe have had our microwave above our range forever... no problems . I t doesn't sit on a shelf but hangs underneath a shorter one.
DeleteIt looks great! Very polished. Isn't it so fun seeing your visions become a reality?!
ReplyDeleteSuch a good use of space!
ReplyDeletedang that's awesome!
ReplyDeleteThat looks really nice Sarah! I like how you created the bookshelf under it. My parents had their microwave under their counter in the cabinets for years and it was no biggie. It was just a regular microwave. My dad is 6' and it was not a problem for him. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great. Glad you are back to finishing the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! Love the blue. My microwave is in my island and love the location too!
ReplyDeleteI love it Sarah!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Love the color you painted it.. Know you will love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! I think you'll love it there! I've never had any problems with mine down low and I love not having to get hot things out above my head (I'm short). The only problem is guests can't find it ;)
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful & more efficient! Wish I had room for an island just so I could put the microwave in it!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Nice to have it out of the way yet still in a convenient space. Now I just can't wait to see what you decide to select for a range hood! :-)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely awesome! Looks so professional and custom- beautifully done! Just curious: what model Samsung microwave did you get?
ReplyDeleteAwesome answer to my earlier question (where is micro going?)
ReplyDeleteWow I love it! What a great color too for the island!
ReplyDeleteAhh, it looks awesome! Been waiting to see this step - how exciting that things are moving forward at full speed now with your kitchen reno!
ReplyDeletePS - I tried your hydrangea bath trick this weekend and it worked BEAUTIFULLY!
Looks great! And love the towel rack hanging near it!
ReplyDeleteSarah, I've been following your Blog for a few years, back to your transition from dining room to library, at least. Love your incremental kitchen remodel and will follow in your footsteps. Question: Have you done anything more with your inner kitchen base cabinets? I remember a post about a DIY slide-out shelf. In our kitchen, there is a traditional long base cabinet with the slimmer shelf above. At this point in my life, I'm sick and tired of having to get down on my knees to retrieve pots, pans, and having to search for whatever. I'm wondering, in your opinion, Sarah, would it be more cost effective to replace that section of bottom cabinetry with a new base cabinet which already has slide out shelves, or hire someone to install the slide-outs from Home Depot or Lowe's? Our Uppers and some of our Lowers are still in good shape and work well, except for this long base cabinet.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of microwave did you use under the island?Was it a regular Samsung microwave?
ReplyDeleteYep!
Delete