Due to a shortage of counter space or the ease of moving a frozen supper from the freezer into the microwave, some individuals choose to keep their microwave on top of the refrigerator. However, is it appropriate to keep a microwave on top of a refrigerator?
Both appliances create a lot of heat and need proper ventilation, in addition to requiring more amperage than is sustainable for a single circuit. In addition to these issues and many more, the appearance of stacked, boxy appliances is just not attractive.
Although it might seem convenient, most microwave instructions recommend against keeping your microwave on top of your refrigerator. There are several reasons not to place your microwave on top of your refrigerator, including efficiency and aesthetics.
Read also: How To Clean a Freezer So It Looks Brand New
Why You Should Never Place Your Microwave on Your Fridge
This could cause your circuit to trip
Electricity use in kitchens is high, but microwaves and refrigerators in particular demand high levels.
An electrical load of that magnitude would result from plugging the microwave into the same wall as your refrigerator. It’s definitely not safe, but I wouldn’t say it would spark a fire.
Since refrigerators can draw up to 20 amps, they frequently need their own dedicated circuit. In a similar vein, full-size microwaves typically consume 15 amps. If you put your microwave and refrigerator in the same place, you’ll probably have to plug them into the same outlet, which will probably cause the circuit to trip.
Stops Appropriate Ventilation
To function correctly, refrigerators require enough ventilation on all sides, including at least 1 to 1.5 inches above the refrigerator. You can’t get enough air circulation if you put your microwave on top of the refrigerator. The compressor in your refrigerator has to work harder as a result, and it can even overheat.
Reduces Efficiency in Energy Use
As everyone knows, microwaves are meant to heat, whereas refrigerators do the exact opposite. Keeping a microwave near your refrigerator can affect its efficiency since it requires more energy to chill, and microwaves release a lot of heat, and refrigerators work hard to remove heat.
This may raise your monthly electricity bills in the near future. Your refrigerator’s lifespan will probably be shortened in the long run.
Poses Fire and Safety Hazards
A lot of intense heat is frequently produced when you store your microwave on top of the refrigerator. The excess heat from both appliances could be a fire hazard in addition to making your refrigerator work harder to cool its contents. Furthermore, there may be a safety risk if you keep the microwave on top of your refrigerator. In addition, if you’re not careful, the microwave itself may fall over.
Could harm your appliances
Refrigerators are designed to chill, but they also release heat since we know that part of the refrigeration process involves moving heat from the refrigerator’s interior to its exterior. Your microwave that is placed on top of the refrigerator may be harmed by the additional heat alone, but refrigerator compressors also vibrate while they operate. Over time, this can also harm other appliances that are kept on top of the refrigerator, including your microwave.
Interferes With Cleaning
You probably can’t see your microwave’s entire interior if you’ve been keeping it on top of the refrigerator. As a result, it could be challenging to identify whether your microwave needs a thorough cleaning. Furthermore, it can be difficult to get to all of the tiny nooks and crannies when you do take the time to clean the microwave.
Creates an Aesthetic Eyesore
Although appliances aren’t the most visually appealing components of a kitchen, placing them adjacent to one another isn’t the best way to address this issue.
The microwave on top of your refrigerator is undoubtedly unsightly from the perspective of interior design.
Instead, think of other places, such as the kitchen countertop or a special cabinet with room for ventilation.
Other Locations Where a Microwave Should Not Be Stored
A lot of open space is needed around microwaves for ventilation, and your kitchen counter is frequently the greatest place to find enough of airflow. There are a few options, though.
Anywhere close to your refrigerator
Not only should you keep your microwave away from your refrigerator, but you should also keep it off of it completely. Because they use a lot of electricity and produce a lot of heat, refrigerators, and microwaves should not be kept next to one another.
Close to a water source
Similar to the refrigerator, you should keep your microwave away from any sources of water in your kitchen. Don’t put your microwave next to the kitchen sink, for example, as it can get wet by accident. For similar reasons, it’s a good idea to keep your microwave away from the dishwasher.
Tight quarters
It’s crucial to avoid packing your microwave in an area that can impede ventilation because microwaves require room for adequate air circulation. Make sure there are a few inches of empty space on all sides of your microwave.
In front of a window
It’s better to avoid placing your microwave in front of a window because it releases a lot of heat. The microwave blocks a possible escape route in the event of a house fire, in addition to the heat potentially damaging the window pane.
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