The microwave oven is one of the most essential features of a kitchen.
In fact, it is fit to replace the traditional cooking range and conventional oven.
A kitchen can be considered complete if it has a water source, a refrigerator and a microwave oven.
Its convenience cannot be highlighted enough.
But keeping the microwave at a convenient spot in the kitchen is equally important.
This is because it is one appliance which is going to be used all the time and by all members of the family.
Therefore it must be accessible.
Placement of the Microwave Oven The microwave oven has to be placed keeping in mind a number of things and limiting factors like:

• The kitchen layout-this determines the most convenient spot for the microwave oven.
  Ideally the oven should have some counter space on the side to ease placement of bowls taken out from the oven.
  In an L-shaped kitchen, it can be placed at the junction of the tow sides since it will not mean walking all the way to a corner to use it.
  In a U-shaped kitchen, the sink, refrigerator and the microwave must form a triangle, to minimize effort in moving from one to the other.
  
• A new kitchen or an old one.
  If a new kitchen is going to be used, the design and layout can be custom made according to the owner's convenience and a special slot created for the microwave oven.
  If however, the oven has to be placed in an existing kitchen, then it may have to be placed on the counter top depending on its size and where it can fit, that is, the counter depth and that of the microwave must match.
  Ideally the counter being used for the oven must be at least two inches deeper than the microwave since a gap of a couple of inches at least, if not more is recommended from the wall.
  
• In a small kitchen with very limited counter space, a microwave may have to be placed on a table that may have to be added to the kitchen.
  
• If space is scarce, it can be fitted over the cooking range or the refrigerator.
  The only drawback would be accessibility for the children.
  There must also be a gap of at least two feet from the cooking range.
  
• The frequency of use is also to be borne in mind.
  If the microwave is not used so much and the cooking range is used more, then it can be placed on a side as well.
  
• It can be fitted on a microwave drawer under the counter and pulled out when needed.
  This is a great way to save space and yet have it conveniently located.
  
• Built-in microwave are a great space saving alternative for compact kitchens.
  They can fit into a special slot in the wall or cabinet but it must be equipped with a power source.
  They need to be specially installed and cannot be just bought from the store and plugged in.
  

The microwave oven can hold pride of place or have an inconspicuous presence in a corner depending on how important it is for cooking in the kitchen.
But it does complete the kitchen.