Hey there! So, have you ever found yourself in a bit of a storage predicament in your kitchen? Maybe you’ve got some extra dishes or containers that you’re not quite sure where to put. And then you look over at your trusty microwave and think, “Hey, can I just put these on top of there?”
It’s a pretty common question, and one that we’re here to answer for you today. So grab a snack and let’s chat about whether or not you can use that precious microwave real estate for some extra storage!
Can You Put Things On Top of The Microwave?
It is possible to place objects on the top of a microwave, provided that they are not too heavy and do not obstruct any vents, which may cause overheating. Heavy items may cause the microwave to bend or distort.
Additionally, flammable or easily melting objects should never be placed on a working microwave, as they can be damaged or catch fire due to the heat generated by the microwave.
Small appliances like coffee makers or toaster ovens can be placed on top of a microwave, and microwave grills are safe to store on top since they are compatible with the device and do not cause sparks or fires, nor obstruct ventilation.
However, manufacturers generally advise against placing anything on top of the microwave as it may not be of any value and may cause damage to both the appliance and any objects placed on it.
Why You Shouldn’t Put Things On Top of The Microwave When In Use
If you’ve ever cooked food in a microwave oven for an extended period of time, you may have noticed that the oven itself can get quite hot.
This is due to the fact that microwaves cause heat to transfer from the food to the oven walls and floor, and eventually to the exterior cabinet of the microwave.
As the heat builds up inside the microwave, it will eventually begin to transfer to the outside surface of the cabinet, causing the top of the microwave to become hot.
This is why the instructions on most microwave ovens warn against placing anything on top of the unit while it is in use.
Even though it is less likely to melt your plastic or ceramic plates, certain foods may be melted if placed on top of the microwave during cooking.
Chocolate in a box, for example, can easily melt if it is placed on a hot surface. If you are concerned about your food melting, it is best to remove it from the top of the microwave before starting the cooking cycle.
What You Can or Can’t Put On Top of The Microwave
Your microwave can come in handy as extra storage in a pinch. Just be sure to only put lightweight items on the top of it, such as ceramic or glass plates and cups or mugs.
You can also store magazines or plastic containers up there, as long as they’re not too heavy. Keeping a few things on top of your microwave can help to free up valuable counter space, making your kitchen more functional and organized.
On the other hand, avoid putting heavy items, such as cast iron pots or pans, on top of the microwave. Doing so can damage the casing and potentially cause the appliance to stop working properly.
A liquid item is another no-no for putting on top of the microwave. If you have any liquid-containing items on top of your microwave, like a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup, there’s a chance of spillage.
While it may seem like no big deal to clean up a little spilled water, it can actually be quite dangerous. When water comes into contact with the electrical components of the microwave, it can cause a short circuit. This can lead to serious damage to the appliance, and in some cases, even start a fire.
The third item to avoid placing on the top of your microwave is a plant. Many people believe that putting plants on top of the microwave is a good way to add some extra greenery to their kitchen.
However, this can actually be harmful to the plant’s health. The microwave emits electromagnetic waves that can damage the plants’ cells, causing them to wilt and die. In addition, the heat from the microwave can dry out the plants.
The kitchen can be a tricky place to try and keep plants alive. With all the steam and heat coming from cooking, it’s easy to understand why most plants don’t make it into this room.
Last but not least, you shouldn’t put a toaster or other cooking appliances on top of the microwave. The heat emitted from the appliance can discolor the surface of the microwave, and it can also cause the appliance to overheat.
If you’re looking for a place to store your toaster or other appliances, keep them on a shelf or in a cupboard. By doing this, you’ll be able to prolong the life of your microwave and keep it looking its best.
But what if you have a small kitchen and no other place to put your toaster but on the microwave? Well, you can put a toaster on top of a microwave if you absolutely have to.
However, before doing so, you should make sure to lay down a rubberized mat or other fire- and heat-proof material. This will help to protect your microwave from heat damage and prevent accidents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to use the top of your microwave as extra storage space, but it’s important to be cautious about what you put up there. While lightweight objects such as ceramic plates or a cookbook are generally safe, heavy items like a toaster or coffee maker should be avoided.
It’s also important to ensure that nothing is obstructing the vents or airflow, which could cause the microwave to overheat. Ultimately, using the top of your microwave for storage can be a convenient solution to free up counter space, but it’s essential to use common sense and consider safety first.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common items people ask about putting on top of microwaves:
1. Can I Put a Convection Oven On Top of The Microwave?
The short answer is yes, you can do this, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, be sure that there is adequate ventilation behind the oven. If the oven is blocking the vents, it could cause the microwave to overheat.
Secondly, check the breaker size of the plug socket. If the convection oven is too powerful for the circuit, it could trip the breaker.
2. Can I Put a TV on Top Of The Microwave?
Most people know that microwaves emit radiation, but many don’t realize that this can actually interfere with other electronic devices in your home.
TV reception is particularly susceptible to disruption from microwave radiation, so it’s generally not a good idea to put a television on top of the microwave.
