Smart Microwave Placement Ideas for a Kitchen Remodel in 2025

If you’re remodeling your kitchen in 2025, chances are you’ve thought about cabinets, countertops, and appliances—but have you really thought about where your microwave should go?

It’s one of those little decisions that can make a big difference. The right placement can improve your workflow, free up space, and even elevate your kitchen’s design. The wrong one? You’ll find yourself awkwardly reaching over a stove or digging into a dark corner every time you want to reheat coffee.

Today’s kitchens are smarter, sleeker, and more intentional than ever—and microwave placement is evolving right along with them. Here’s a look at the most popular options homeowners are choosing in 2025, and what to consider before deciding where yours should live.

Over the Range: The Classic Choice

Once the go-to spot in nearly every home, the over-the-range microwave remains a staple in many remodels. It’s efficient, familiar, and makes sense if you’re working with limited space.

By placing the microwave above your stove, you combine two major appliances into one compact zone. It keeps everything within arm’s reach while freeing up your counters. But for all its practicality, this option does come with trade-offs. Shorter family members or kids may struggle to reach it safely, and if you’re chasing a high-end, custom look, the bulky hood-and-microwave combo can feel dated compared to the seamless setups trending today.

Still, for small kitchens or those on a tighter remodel budget, it’s hard to beat the functionality.

Built-In Wall Units: Sleek and Streamlined

If your remodel leans modern or you’re investing in a high-end design, consider a built-in wall microwave—or better yet, a microwave and oven combo. These units blend perfectly into surrounding cabinetry, creating that clean, continuous line designers love in 2025 kitchens.

You’ll often see them installed at chest or eye level, making them easy to access without stooping or stretching. They also pair beautifully with stainless or matte finishes for a cohesive look.

The downside? Built-ins aren’t a quick weekend upgrade. They require precise cabinetry, electrical planning, and a bigger budget. But if you’re already remodeling, this might be the moment to make that investment—it’s the kind of touch that gives your kitchen a truly custom feel.

Microwave Drawers: The Modern Darling

Ask any kitchen designer what’s trending right now, and they’ll likely say: the microwave drawer. This clever design tucks your microwave below the counter—usually in an island or lower cabinet—so you simply pull it out like a drawer, drop in your plate, and push it closed.

It’s not just stylish—it’s ergonomic. You don’t have to lift hot dishes overhead, and it blends seamlessly into cabinetry for that minimalist, built-in aesthetic that defines many 2025 kitchens.

Of course, all that sophistication comes at a price. Microwave drawers are more expensive than traditional models and require precise installation. But for many homeowners, the payoff is worth it: convenience, safety, and a clean, uncluttered look.

Countertop Convenience: Simple and Flexible

Sometimes the old-fashioned approach works best. A countertop microwave remains the easiest option for homeowners who value flexibility or don’t want to commit to a built-in configuration.

You can move it, replace it, or tuck it into an appliance garage to keep the counters tidy. The only real drawback is, well, the counter space it consumes. For open-concept kitchens or smaller layouts, that can feel like a sacrifice. But if you’re after practicality and affordability, it’s a perfectly reasonable choice—especially during a remodel where other expenses are stacking up fast.

Hidden in the Pantry: Minimalist and Quiet

If you love the look of a perfectly streamlined kitchen, hiding the microwave in a pantry or utility area might be your dream move. It keeps your main counters free of clutter and your backsplash uninterrupted by appliances.

The trade-off? Convenience. Walking a few extra steps every time you want to reheat leftovers may not sound ideal, especially in busy households. Still, for homeowners focused on aesthetics—and who use their microwave less frequently—it’s a sleek, space-savvy solution.

The Verdict: What Works Best for 2025 Remodels

When it comes to balancing form, function, and flow, the microwave drawer takes the top spot for 2025. It checks nearly every box: ergonomic, elegant, and designed to blend right into a modern kitchen.

That said, the “best” option really depends on your kitchen and how you use it. Families with kids might prefer a lower placement for safety. Serious cooks may prioritize venting power and keep their microwave out of the main cooking zone altogether.

In the end, think about how you move through your kitchen on a daily basis. Your microwave shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should fit seamlessly into your rhythm. With today’s design options, you don’t have to choose between beauty and practicality. In 2025, you can have both.