7 Ideas for Your Microwave After Replacing it with a Range Hood
It might be tempting to settle for a microwave’s cooking fan feature in order to save space in your kitchen. However, doing so also means sacrificing proper kitchen ventilation and missing out on helpful, modern functions that come with a range hood. Plus, a dedicated range hood is much more effective at venting smoke, steam, and odors—especially for high-heat cooking.
By adding a range hood to your space, you can get the most from each appliance and create a more user-friendly kitchen. Here are 7 creative ways to keep both a microwave and range hood while maintaining a sleek, functional design:
1. Install a Microwave Drawer
A microwave drawer is a great way to free up counter space while keeping your microwave tucked away below the countertop. These sleek, pull-out microwaves offer a modern look and easy access when needed. Installing a microwave drawer keeps your kitchen open and clutter-free while maintaining a clean design.
For ventilation, pair the microwave drawer with a wall-mounted or under-cabinet range hood. Wall-mounted hoods provide powerful ventilation above the stove, while under-cabinet hoods offer a more discreet option that fits neatly beneath upper cabinets. This ensures optimal performance from your range hood while keeping your microwave easily accessible and out of sight.
2. Countertop Microwave with Wall-Mounted Range Hood
If you have the counter space to spare, consider placing your countertop microwave on a dedicated shelf or counter. That way it is in easy reach and you have the flexibility to choose the right range hood for your kitchen. Pair your countertop microwave with a wall-mounted range hood that extends above the stove. These hoods are powerful, effective, and come in a variety of styles and finishes to complement your kitchen.
3. Freestanding Microwave and Downdraft Range Hood
Looking for a modern, open design? Place your freestanding microwave on a separate counter or island and pair it with a downdraft range hood. These range hoods rise up from the countertop to pull air downward, providing effective ventilation without the bulk of traditional overhead hoods.
You won’t need any overhead cabinetry with this setup. You can keep the microwave and rangehood separate, which will make your kitchen airy and spacious. The downdraft range hood handles smoke and steam without taking up valuable overhead space.
4. Microwave on Shelf with a Powerful Range Hood
If your kitchen has the space for both a cooktop and a microwave, you might consider installing the microwave above the counter on a dedicated shelf or in a cabinet. You can use a powerful range hood above the cooktop to ensure effective ventilation, especially if you often cook with high heat. The range hood can handle grease, smoke, and steam and the microwave is accessible but out of the way.
For a truly personalized set up, go for custom cabinetry. You can create a separate space for your microwave and range hood. Design a layout that places the microwave in a lower cabinet or integrated into the wall, with the range hood above the stove. You can add drawers or pull-out shelves for extra storage too.
5. Built-In Microwave with a Separate Wall Hood
For a minimalist style, consider installing a built-in microwave in a lower cabinet or under-counter space. This seamlessly integrates the microwave into your kitchen’s cabinetry, creating a clean design. A separate wall-mounted range hood works well to handle ventilation in this scenario. (P.S. Need to remove a built-in over-the-range microwave? We’ve got the DIY guide you need.)
6. Microwave and Range Hood in Separate Kitchen Zones
If you have a larger kitchen or an open floor plan, you can place the microwave in a completely separate zone from the cooking area. To keep the kitchen organized, consider a microwave station on an island, breakfast bar, or dedicated counter space.
From there, install the range hood above your cooking area. That may look like an island range hood if your stove is on an island or a wall mounted hood if the stove is along the wall. This set-up is ideal for keeping both appliances functional without overcrowding your kitchen.
Selecting the Right Range Hood
Finally, make sure you select a range hood that not only fits your kitchen’s style and setup, but also your cooking needs. At Hauslane, we offer professional-quality range hoods for everything from light, everyday to heavy-duty cooking. Take our quiz to find the ideal model for your space.
Powerful Range Hoods
From HAUSLANE
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