Can a microwave be placed on a washing machine?

Many people are interested in the answer to the following question: is it allowed to put a microwave on a washing machine? After all, there is often not enough space in the kitchen to accommodate all the household appliances, which means its owners need to look for solutions that will help arrange all the items safely and correctly. A microwave is often installed on a washing machine, as they usually perfectly match each other in color and material. But is it worth doing this, and how safe is this “neighborhood” of household appliances?

All the pros and cons

The first thing to note is that a microwave oven can only be installed on standard front-loading washing units. Of course, you shouldn’t install anything on a device equipped with vertical loading, since the equipment will interfere with using the device.

Attention! Manufacturers of washing machines warn that it is prohibited to place any objects weighing more than 15 kilograms on them.

Microwave ovens are usually quite heavy, but their weight depends on the type of model. Today, different microwave ovens are produced, weighing from 5 to 18 kilograms. Therefore, we can conclude that too large and heavy appliances have no place on washing machines. It will be much better if you put them on a tabletop or hang them using a special bracket.

Why is it better not to place heavy microwave ovens on a front-facing machine? The fact is that when the laundry is spun and the appliance is heavy, increased inertia occurs, as a result of which the oven will move to the edge of the appliance with each wash.

The second negative aspect for a washing machine is that the microwave oven emits microwaves during operation, which have a negative effect on the electronic unit of the washing machine. The opinion of experts is that radiation from the waves is not capable of harming the internal electrical parts of the washing machine, since it is reliably hidden from the external environment. However, in case of failures, the washing machine may still break down, so professionals do not recommend installing the device on top of the unit.

Also, experts do not recommend placing one device above another due to the fact that inside the microwave oven there is a magnetron, which is similar to a light bulb. And, as you know, frequent and strong vibrations reduce the service life of such lighting devices by several times, which similarly affects the condition of the microwave oven.

Important! Despite all the above negative signs of installing a microwave oven on a washing machine, some people still place the oven on the washing machine, claiming that with this arrangement it can work for more than 5 years. But this can be observed only in some cases, so professionals still advise not to risk it.

Most often, experts do not advise placing a microwave on a washing machine, since in the near future this may lead to the failure of one of the household appliances. It is better to use the top of the washing machine as a tabletop, since it is well protected from moisture.

Is a regular cabinet suitable for a microwave?

This option is the most convenient and beautiful.

There is no clear positive answer. Certain conditions must be met:

Open holes for ventilation;
Free height access;
Easy opening door.

Many people think that you can put it in a closet, but it is better to remove it from there during work. This method is extremely inconvenient, is it suitable for you?

Please note: you cannot place any large appliances, such as a TV, on the microwave itself. The kettle, although not heavy, is also not suitable for placement on top

It heats up, which means there must be a stand between the two devices for thermal insulation. If desired, you can put a bread box or a vase of flowers. These items will definitely not harm the device.

Microwave in the kitchen: where and how to place it? Photo examples:

What criteria must be considered when placing a microwave oven on a washing machine?

If, after much deliberation, you have decided to install a microwave on the washing machine, you must do it correctly. In theory, this could only take a couple of seconds, but in practice it doesn't look easy. What experts advise you to pay attention to first:

The first thing you need to do is compare the sizes of a washing machine and a microwave oven. For a microwave device it should be several centimeters smaller. If you do not pay attention to this, the edges of the appliance will hang down, its legs will not fit on the top surface of the washer, and the stove will wobble - in this case, it will quickly become unusable due to the strong vibration of the machine during the spin cycle. Only small microwaves are allowed to be placed on narrow washing machines, as they are more susceptible to vibration.
To reduce vibration, you can place a thin rubber mat under the microwave oven or put rubber feet on the oven. In this case, it will have less shaking during the spin cycle. Stores sell special rubber tips that can be placed on the legs of the stove. This way it will jump less during vibration, which will also become much quieter.
It is important not to forget about the power source, since microwaves have a short cord. That is why the outlet should be close to the equipment. It should be noted that the washing machine must be connected to a separate electrical outlet that is grounded. The use of an extension cord is prohibited.
And once again, you need to take into account the weight of the stove - it should not exceed 15 kilograms. Otherwise, this will quickly damage the washing machine and will also prevent it from doing its job efficiently.

By taking these tips into account, you will be able to increase the service life of your devices and not harm them during operation.

Nuances arising from proximity

Despite all its perfection, a microwave oven contains many dangers. You should never forget that this is an electrical appliance that can cause a short circuit due to water getting on its surface and internal parts. The washing machine is always connected to the water supply, and moisture around it becomes commonplace. However, modern models are practically sealed and do not allow leaks.

you need to make sure that the washing machine is positioned perfectly and that spin mode does not cause serious shaking;
you need to make sure that the legs of the microwave oven are in sufficiently firm contact with the lid of the washing machine, and the oven does not slide on the surface;
If possible, the power supply to the microwave should be limited to a separate machine from the washing machine.

What other things can be placed on the washing machine?

Since the height of the washing machine is relatively small, there is still quite a lot of free space above it, which you definitely want to occupy with something, especially in a small room. That is why many people are starting to install various kitchen units on this unit.

In addition to the microwave oven, you can also place other household appliances on the washing machine. For example, electric kettles, toasters, multicookers, and so on. The main thing is that their weight should not be more than 15 kilograms. Professionals also advise installing kitchen accessories on the washing machine, but it is important to keep in mind that they can get damaged due to strong shaking. Therefore, it is better not to clutter the device and place on it a minimum of accessories that will support the design of the room.

Attention! You cannot place fragile things on the device, as they will quickly become unusable after the first vibration. Or they may have to be removed after each wash to maintain their integrity.

Experts say that the washing machine should be the last place to install a microwave oven. This is the only way to preserve the integrity of both devices, as well as extend their service life.

Is a regular cabinet suitable for a microwave?

This option is the most convenient and beautiful.

There is no clear positive answer. Certain conditions must be met:

Open holes for ventilation;
Free height access;
Easy opening door.

Many people think that you can put it in a closet, but it is better to remove it from there during work. This method is extremely inconvenient, is it suitable for you?

Please note: you cannot place any large appliances, such as a TV, on the microwave itself. The kettle, although not heavy, is also not suitable for placement on top

Microwave in the kitchen: where and how to place it? Photo examples:

Let's sum it up

Having considered in detail the most common concerns of equipment owners, such as heavy weight, vibration, electromagnetic radiation, pollution, beauty and convenience, we can say that it is possible to place a microwave on a dishwasher or washing machine.

However, instead it is advisable to use special brackets that are attached to the wall. This option will save kitchen space and prevent equipment from breakdown. If you still have to combine two devices, use a rubber mat to prevent slipping. Be sure to ensure that the legs of the microwave oven do not sink into it and that there is room for ventilation.

Watch this video on YouTube

Windowsill

This option is only suitable if it is large in size for safe installation of the stove, as in the photo. There should also be an electrical outlet nearby. However, there is a problem with operating the device on a windowsill during the cold season. The sharp contrast in air temperature inside and outside the glass can damage it. It is worth noting that this does not threaten plastic windows. And flower lovers can forget about them, since the radiation emanating from the microwave oven negatively affects the condition of the plants.

Best answers

The microwave cannot be placed in the sink; it will interfere with washing dishes and it is not advisable to place it on the refrigerator; if the refrigerator is higher than shoulder level, then when pulling a plate of hot soup out of it there is a danger of knocking the plate over on yourself. The microwave cannot be placed on the TV, nothing at all should be placed on the TV, so as not to disturb the ventilation mode, it is not advisable to place it on the washing machine; if the shock absorber in the machine breaks, the oven may fall or fail due to vibration.

The oven itself will not affect the operation of other appliances during operation. In general, the stove should be placed on a clean, dry, flat surface, so that it is convenient to use; the ventilation holes on the stove body must not be closed; the possibility of liquids and other objects and substances getting into it must be excluded. In my opinion, the dishwasher fully satisfies these requirements.

Well, if there is grounding in the sockets, then whatever you want, dragging the dishwasher into the microwave is of course undesirable and is fraught with all sorts of bad consequences, but it is quite appropriate to place the microwave on the dishwasher, I would even say put it nicely, but through a mat for safety, where the water is, a breakdown on the body is more likely. If not will work simultaneously.

We suggest you read: Is it possible to store garlic cloves?

Other equipment

13. The dishwasher is not built in at all.

Few people know that a built-in dishwasher and just a dishwasher are essentially the same thing. The principle of installing this device is incredibly simple: just put it under the countertop, connect it and screw the decorative facade to the door. All! By the way, the dishwasher should not be located in the corner of the kitchen. You cannot attach a decorative facade to the sides of the device, and you will see the body of the device - not very aesthetically pleasing.

14. Built-in microwave – not always cool

Strictly speaking, this is, of course, wonderful and convenient. But in fact, most kitchen cabinet layouts involve an oven at a level of 80 cm from the floor, and above it - a microwave unit. And now imagine: a microwave oven at a level of one and a half meters from the floor. If everyone in your family is tall, this is normal. But for someone of short stature (for example, children), using it at such a height will not be very convenient. And pulling out a bowl of soup will be another test of dexterity.

You can, of course, say that for the last 10 years the microwave has been standing on top of the refrigerator - and nothing, they could reach it. But that’s not why a new kitchen is being made, is it to suffer? If you want to build in a microwave, think about its location.

15. You can embed everything

And finally. A modern kitchen is not limited to built-in hobs, ovens, hoods and refrigerators. You can also build in small household appliances: microwave ovens, coffee machines, steamers, juicers, grills. Even a vacuum cleaner! However, make sure that you really need all these devices. Otherwise, over time, they will literally leave empty space in the closet.

Basic installation rules

The microwave can be installed at a height of at least 90 centimeters from the floor on a flat plane;
In order to provide ventilation, the device should be located at a distance of 10-15 cm from the wall;
To ensure the stability of the oven, it is necessary to place it so that the door is 10 cm from the edge of the plane on which the device is installed;
If there are ventilation holes on the side walls of the oven, do not block them during installation;
The microwave oven should not be placed near any heat sources. The permissible distance between them must be at least 40 centimeters.

In order for your kitchen assistant to serve in the kitchen for many years without breakdowns, you need to follow the operating instructions for the microwave oven. Unfortunately, they begin to study it only when the technology begins to act up.

Is it possible to put a microwave on a refrigerator?

Having purchased a microwave oven, the happy owners begin to think about where and where to install it. And not everyone thinks about whether, according to safety standards, it is possible to place a microwave on a freezer or refrigerator.

The instructions usually do not recommend such settings. But, nevertheless, many families install it on the refrigerator. Is it safe? It turns out - yes, but subject to certain rules.

Interesting. Upon careful study of the instructions for the device, it becomes clear that it cannot be placed on the refrigerator. But the mystery arises of how hundreds of thousands of families put their microwaves on the refrigerator, everything works for them, everything is intact and intact.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with How to clean a frying pan from carbon deposits outside and inside at home

Food for thought. The job of a refrigeration unit is to maintain sufficiently low temperatures inside itself. But the action of a microwave is diametrically opposite - it heats food inside itself at fairly high temperatures. At the same time, to the question whether it is still possible to put a microwave on the refrigerator, the answer is unequivocal - no. But if we consider the features of their installation, taking into account their isolation from each other, it turns out that it is possible...

Let's take a closer look at the situation

First, you need to accept the situation that the refrigerator, as a rule, works constantly, and the microwave oven is usually used from time to time. In this case, there is almost no significant overheating from the combination of these two devices.
Secondly, if the microwave is used for full-fledged cooking with a fairly long turn-on (30 minutes or longer), then it must be placed separately in an open place, away from heat sources, ensuring comprehensive ventilation.

Common Myths

Talk that the top panel of the washing machine can withstand no more than 15 kg is groundless: we are talking about a point application of the load. No microwave oven can create such pressure. Considering microwave radiation dangerous is an even greater misconception. It is reliably isolated from people by a powerful shield made of plastic and metal (for more details, see the article about the dangers of microwave ovens: truth or myth).

With a normal attitude towards technical devices, the only drawback may be traces from the microwave legs on the white surface of the washing machine. This issue can be completely resolved if rubber or other pads are placed under the legs. And yet, the best place for a microwave oven is in well-fixed corners on the wall, which securely secure the device from falling and do not interfere with its operation (for more details, see the article on how to properly hang a microwave oven on the wall). Installation options on a countertop (however, with loss of working space) or in a specially equipped open kitchen cabinet are also possible.

Today's kitchen is filled with a lot of appliances. It makes life easier and reduces the time spent doing daily work. But smart units don’t only help. They give their owners a difficult task.

You need to look for options to accommodate different devices with maximum ease of use.

And at the same time, we have to take care that their work does not have a negative impact on each other.