Need a small over-the-range microwave that fits a 60's kitchen.

May 11, 2013 11:00 PM

I have a kitchen with cabinets colored and shaped like these and a layout like this. - I'm looking for a over-the-stove microwave that will work with the decor.

I'm very handy with appliances, and willing to sink some money into getting this right, but I've got no idea how to get there from here. Most of what you can walk into the store and buy is either White, Black or Stainless Steel., and 15"x15"x30" in size, or larger.

The open space in the cabinets where the microwave would sit is 12"h x 12"d x30"w. and 60" off the floor.- The height dimension is not critical, but since the stove has it's controls against the backstop, something that didn't obscure them would be helpful.

posted by Orb2069 to Home & Garden (8 answers total)

I think what you want is a spacemaker microwave. If your counters are stainless, a stainless microwave will go perfectly. Am I missing something?
posted by DarlingBri at 11:44 PM on May 11, 2013

DarlingBri, I think that most microwaves would kind of ruin the look of a 60s themed kitchen, especially if they're lucky enough to have vintage counters and cupboards.

Orb, I don't suppose that there's any way you could make the cabinet deeper, could you? Knock out a tiny bit of wall and put in a wee extension or something? Even compact microwaves tend to be at least 13" deep, because the manufacturers assume that people want to be able to fit in a dinner plate, which is usually 9-10".

Neither of the microwaves that I've found are perfect, but on the off-chance that you can find an extra inch, somehow:

This would look right and is almost the right size--it's 14" instead of 12" deep. Nostalgia Electrics products seem to get mixed reviews, though--that one's black counterpart is running 3.5 stars on Amazon right now.

This is gorgeous, and Sharp products tend to be really well-reviewed. The dimensions are close, but not quite.

Also, I leave this link here in case they, at some point, develop a compact microwave that might help future searchers, because oh god I love their stuff: Big Chill Retro Microwave. Way too big for what you're looking for, but aspirational microwaves, ahoy. And if you decide to go with a countertop microwave, this is 100% what you want.
posted by MeghanC at 12:17 AM on May 12, 2013 [2 favorites]

DarlingBri's Spacemaker looks like it would fit, and you might look into taking the oven to a paint or powercoating shop to get the color you want.
posted by Marky at 1:49 AM on May 12, 2013

Here's one that's a smidge over 12" deep (which should be okay, since it needs to poke out a bit to open the door anyway?) and a little over 11" tall. There are aspects of the design that seem to me to have a bit of retro flavor, and if your counters are stainless steel it might fit with the look... or the white or bisque version might blend with the wall color. The optional built-in trim kit could take care of the extra space on either side.

Google's irritating geolocation function is making it difficult for me to find out if this kind of cute one is available in the US, but it has the retro look, and the dimensions (in centimeters: L:29.70 W:45.00 H:25.60) would fit into the space for height and depth, though I suppose the rounded edges would mean that you couldn't really do a trim kit thing for the too-short width (just under 18", so ~ 6" extra on either side), but there might be something decorative and/or useful you could do with that space. Or probably someone could customize trim for it.
posted by taz at 3:58 AM on May 12, 2013

Best answer: The height is absolutely essential. You'll only have 2 feet between the top of the stove and the cabinet. You need a microwave with a very short height dimension. There might be room for a range hood, but not enough for a microwave. If it's too close to the cooktop (or steam from the pasta pot) it will damage the microwave.

Ask me how I know.
posted by 26.2 at 11:25 AM on May 12, 2013

Best answer: That Sharp oven that MeghanC mentioned is probably closest to the Amana Radarange, which is the canonical late 60's - early 70's microwave oven. (I have fond memories of cleaning the open metal screen with a toothpick.) I think your over-the-stove options are going to be pretty limited for something that looks retro.
posted by overleaf at 1:28 PM on May 12, 2013

Due to a limitation of space we moved our microwave into our pantry/laundry room. It is out of the way and that makes life so much easier.
posted by SuzySmith at 8:36 PM on May 12, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: For anybody looking to retrofit older kitchens to new tech, I'd like to introduce Northstar appliances. Their microwaves are so-so, but the ranges and fridges are really impressive.
posted by Orb2069 at 4:01 AM on June 10, 2013