3 Issues to Consider Before Placing Microwave on Top of a Fridge

A photo collage of microwaves placed on top of a fridge
A photo collage of microwaves placed on top of a fridge
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A microwave is a common electrical appliance among urbanites. In most houses, it is placed on top of the fridge for various reasons.

The common reasons are limited space and sharing of power sockets between the fridge and the microwave.

While there is generally no significant harm in placing your microwave on top of a fridge, Kenyans.co.ke compiled three key issues to consider before doing so.

A photo of a Kenyan using a fridge
A photo of a woman using a fridge at night.
Photo
Well + Good

Circuit

According to the National Electrical Code (2020), it is advisable that both have a dedicated circuit instead of a shared one.

Most people use one circuit because of limited ports in the kitchen space but electricians strongly discourage.

Microwaves depending on design use between 500 and 1800 watts and a fridge also consumes an average of 400 watts.

Using the same outlet for both appliances could cause a circuit to trip according to National Electrical Code.

Vibration

According to Wholesome Gear, an electrical journal, it is not advisable to place a microwave on a fridge that vibrates during its active phase.

For the microwave, such vibration is fraught with reduced life of internal parts, and for fridges, scratches that the microwave from its displacement will leave,” the journal warns.

Ventilation

Microwaves have vents built into the side or back of the appliance to expel hot air while warming your food.

Make sure that the vents are placed in a way that they are not blocked. Blocking them would reduce life of the appliance. 

Food being heated using a microwave
Food being heated using a microwave
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