1. Sizing
Kitchen layout
There are a few things we recommend you consider if you are designing a new kitchen, which ultimately will complement the way you like to cook and move around your kitchen.
CONSIDER YOUR CABINETRY
When looking to your cabinetry, you need to consider whether you would like to go down a more traditional kitchen design with a cooktop and oven pair one on top of the other or a more modern look with an oven within the cabinetry eye height, paired with another oven or microwave. What you decided could be limited by the space you have to work with.
WORK TRIANGLE OR WORK ZONES
The most significant consideration when thinking about placement of appliances is the size of your working space. However, you will find that a work triangle or work zone layout can work in smaller areas, but some design will work better on a larger scale. When we talk to a work triangle, you would have your appliances configured so that the line drawn between the refrigerator, cooking appliances, and sink/dishwasher creates a triangle which the cook can easily and efficiently move about the space. Whilst work zones will have you breaking everything up into 5 zones, consumables, non-consumables, cleaning, preparation and cooking zones allow the space to work in unison of each other.
PURPOSE OF YOUR ISLAND BENCH
Sinks are the most common element found in a kitchen island with a dishwasher underneath it. However, over recent years, there have been kitchens designed around the island bench becoming the workbench, the place you prepare could cook whilst entertaining guests on keeping an eye on the kids' homework.
Size of Microwaves
When looking at microwave capacity, you will typically find them between 20-40 litres. Generally, the only advantage to a larger one is purely capacity and the ability to place larger dishes in it. If you are purely using it for defrosting and reheating a smaller size would be more than suitable.
20 to 25 litres
25 to 30 litres
35 litres or more
2. Type Of Microwaves
Built-in Microwaves
Microwaves are not like they used to be; they are designed to be advanced in features and fit seamlessly into your kitchen with matching designs to your other appliances.
Ideal for
- Small family - Large family
- Apartment living
- Entertainer
Capacity
Sleek and Stylish
Watts
Full touch control panel
Designed to fit
Take out the guesswork
Versatile cooking
Faster and even cook with 900W
Grill Rack
Freestanding Microwaves
Perfect for any household a freestanding microwave allows you to plug and play. With its simple and modern design, you can place your freestanding microwave in a dedicated microwave spot or wherever you can fit it. With their easy to use control panel and easy to understand features freestanding microwaves don't complicate the simple tasks or reheating and defrosting food.
Ideal for
- Family
- Apartment living
- Student accommodation
Capacity
Easy install
Watts
Class-leading capacity
Get started quickly
Keeping your family safe
3. Design & Other Considerations
CONTRAST OR COMPLEMENT YOUR CABINETRY
When selecting appliances, it is essential to consider complementing or contrasting your splash back, cabinetry and other design accents in your kitchen aesthetic.
CHOOSE FROM ONE BRAND
It might be worth thinking about what brand your other appliances are in the kitchen to design seamless design cues across your kitchen as there are different finishes, handles and controls across competing brands.
WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO INSTALL YOUR MICROWAVE?
Are you going to plug in and use wherever you can find a spot for your microwave or do you have a dedicated area where you would like to place your microwave? It can determine what style you could go with. If you want to plug and play, freestanding is the way to go. Whereas if you have a dedicated spot or want to pair with your oven, you may want to look at a built-in or integrated model which will have a trim kit keeping it flush to the surrounding cabinetry for seamless integration.
DO YOU NEED BASIC OR MORE ADVANCED FUNCTIONS?
Do you want a microwave that is easy to understand and reheat, defrost and cook with a simple touch of a pre-set function, or do you like more to do with setting the temperature, length on time etc.? There are models for both kinds of microwave users; it is important to be clear what you ultimately need your microwave for and whether all the extra advanced functions, will be wasted in your household.
4. Warranty & Service
Subject to terms and conditions our convection microwaves come with 24 months warranty in Australia and New Zealand, following the date of purchase. Click here to view Terms and Conditions.
Subject to terms and conditions our solo microwaves come with 12 months warranty in Australia and New Zealand, following the date of purchase. Click here to view Terms and Conditions.
We have a Customer Care team available to assist you over the phone seven days a week, and a national network of experienced technicians and selected service agents. Offering a fixed price guarantee with no additional hidden labour costs, giving you peace of mind that your appliance is in good hands. Click here to contact customer care. Click here to book a service online.
5. Top FAQs
-
What size is a built-in microwave?
Built-in microwaves are designed to fit standard cabinets widths, which can have different capacities from 25L to 44L, or more.
Enter your space dimension to find a suitable built-in microwave for you. -
What is a built-in microwave oven?
Built-in microwaves are design to fit into cabinetry, which allows for free space on the counter. Built-in microwaves need to be installed permanently and are normally fixed in walls or cabinets. The installation needs to be done by a licensed contractor and you need to be aware of any restrictions around height position from the floor and breathing space around the sides.
Find out more about Westinghouse microwaves.
