Can you put a microwave on top of the fridge? I have seen this in many homes and done it myself many times during my life, but is it ok or safe to have your microwave oven seated on top of your refrigerator?
You will need to be mindful of a few things if you are going to do it, and, in this article, we will walk you through some of the concerns that may arise due to it.
Is It Okay To Put A Microwave On Top of A Fridge?
Yes. Generally, it is okay to put your microwave on top of the refrigerator. A microwave generally tends to be placed on the kitchen counter in most cases, but not all of us have the luxury of kitchen space. I usually have other kitchen appliances competing for counter space, so the only other reasonable alternative is putting the microwave on top of the refrigerator.
But before doing this, you need to understand several safety precautions. Are there any technical reasons why you should not place your microwave oven atop the fridge? Other considerations include factors like wattage, weight, height, and ventilation of the microwave.
Can the fridge handle the weight of the microwave oven? Is it safe to use a microwave oven that is on top of the fridge?
How Much Weight Can You Put on Top of a Refrigerator?
This is the question that needs to be looked at in the first place. How much weight can you put on top of the refrigerator without causing it any strain? That all depends on the build of the outer casing of the fridge.
I have encountered situations where people have put weights over 30kgs on top of a fridge without any issues. I don’t think you can give a generalized weight that a refrigerator can sustain, but I would estimate that anything between 15 to 20kgs should be a safe range.
The average weight for most microwave ovens is 17.7kg, and I feel that as far as weight is concerned, there shouldn’t be any issues there.
However, I really would recommend that you use a microwave stand. Instead, it makes the kitchen much more organized and also protects your appliance. The one I personally use and recommend is Soges 3-Tier Kitchen Baker’s Rack Utility Microwave Oven Stand (check current price on Amazon)
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Safety Concerns
There are some safety concerns that you do need to take into account, though. The first has to do with the height and weight of your fridge.
There is a danger of hot food and liquids spilling over you. This risk increases the higher up you have to reach. If you are tall enough or the fridge height is low enough to put things in and take things out comfortably, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Because of the positioning of the 2 appliances, it will most likely mean that they are plugged into the same socket. A microwave can pull anywhere from 500watts to 1800watts, with most modern microwaves using around 1200watts.
Most fridges use around 725 watts, and that figure can briefly go up to 1000watts during startup. Make sure that the power rating of the particular socket you are using can handle the combined load of the 2 appliances.
Can You Put Things on Top of a Mini Refrigerator?
Do the same rules apply for a mini-refrigerator, though? Can you put a microwave oven on top of that? Well, the same basic rules do apply.
Are the outer build and materials used strong enough to support an additional weight? If so, there shouldn’t be a problem.
You will need to be mindful that the vents at the back of the fridge are not blocked off in any way, and that air is circulating freely around the rear of the refrigerator.
This means that you will need to leave a space of at least 6 inches from the wall and around the refrigerator.
FAQs
Is it okay to put other things on top of a fridge?
Yes. It is okay to place other things on top of your fridge. But, you have to make sure not to overstuff it. Putting too much stuff on top of the fridge may prevent heat from escaping, affecting the unit’s performance.
Where should I put my microwave aside from the top of the fridge?
You can put your microwave on top of the kitchen counter or wall oven tower. Just make sure that it’s at the right height so you won’t have difficulty reaching it.
Final Thoughts
So, to conclude, it is generally safe to put your microwave on top of your fridge. Just be aware of the risk elements, especially if you or smaller members of your family who use the microwave oven have challenges reaching it on top of the fridge.
I hope this article has helped answer your questions. If you have any thoughts to contribute to this article, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.