Mtn, you're a good egg.

Quick show of hands: did anyone faint at the sight of the microwave on the counter? Or did you have to enlarge the picture 10x to even see it? I think the color is your best bet. A white MW on that new counter will look like an Arctic fox in the snow.

And if the color and the contact paper camo and the basket fail you can always depend on this old reliable …….

This is way more fun than it should be—- and Mtn is def a very good egg to play along🥚

LOL KSWL!

I'm more concerned that in the mock-up picture... It appears Catty corner,!

I just took another look at your photos of the actual kitchen and I guess I didn't realize that opposite your range ( currently with the microwave above ) faces the window. The line of sight then from other rooms is really the sink/faucet ? Well, now I vote to really leave it and if you must get a counter one, I would put it by the range as I think someone else suggested (to the left of the range when you are facing it) and you'd just see the side of it which if white will likely blend into your new countertop. Is that where the notion of contact cover came in ? I wouldn't have it facing the other room . I am not bothered by appliances on the counter but I don't think it has to be highlighted by facing the room.

I did try looking up microwave dresses for you, but they only have dresses for people with microwaves on them. This is a fun topic.

Cute dress, salonva! I think e should form a club, or a band, called The Hidden Microwave, and all wear that dress for meetings and performances. Yes, Pal and Lars, you two too. I reserve the right to wear a light cardigan with mine.

adding…. Mr. Mtn should also be a member, and by all that’s holy the men should wear the wildly attractive facial disguises Gigtn will provide.

Could have a microwave blankie custom made to match your pillows…

I'm surprised at how nice the basket looks. Yes, of course it looks like what it is, but to MTN, that is preferable to the OTR look. Plus, the basket matches the cabinets well. Just keep in mind that the basket idea limits counter space for things like that lamp (if it goes to the spot in the second photo.)

For sure, I’m going to be banned from the band; excommunicated from the Church of Baskets; and generally fail the assignment for this, but Mtn, have you thought about replacing the behemoth of a OTRMW with a shelf and putting the cutie-patootie microwave there? It will be off the counter and out of the way. If you felt called to do so, you could even have your cabinet guys put a lift up door in front of it.

I feel like I’m missing something. Why does the MW have to face out? Why can’t it be next to the range, facing the window? Then you’d only see the side of it unless you’re actually in the kitchen.

Dear friends: This thread is more than a little ridiculous, I know. Please feel free to skip! I know that almost everyone thinks this is a non-issue, and that is normal. If you find it amusing to continue pondering this with me, YAY. If not, I am sure you have better things to do.

Sue and SalonV, No, you are not missing anything. In the mock up I did for KSWL I realized that no matter the color or size of the MW. I objected to seeing the black mass that is the window, from my living area. Turning it 90 degrees may be all I need to do, depending on how the sides are finished. Will try that.

BBSTX, the shelf won't be deep enough, plus that shelf is for cuteness!

Jojo, at last, a kindred spirit (sorta). I have tons of baskets and I have always used them in decor, esp in K. BTW I found one that should fit the middle MW in my photo, from WS. Can return it if I dont like it!

Another idea is to put two baskets on the counter —one on either side of the sink. matching high quality baskets would (possibly) look like custom storage and seem almost built in

I know I am different from most, lol. I cannot see why it is bad to see a microwave, wherever it is in a kitchen, and not bad to see a sink, range, and refrigerator? Toasters are cute and microwaves are not? What about the coffee pot? It is a kitchen. They are appliances. It is a work space.

Ok, the MW used for testing here is the first MW pictured in my list of three; it is the largest one and it is "apricot". Based on this, I think I will return it for a slightly smaller white one or maybe a taupe (https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/haden-microwave/?catalogId=79&sku=43360&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Electrics%20%3E%20Microwaves&region_id=658780&cm_ite=43360_14571727833&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9ewhREm9_peZ3ZFKue43tt7RhRXF4L0yyTCMLl_yzctAcnSyuJhZhyRoCS5IQAvD_BwE)

I don't like this:

This is not awful, esp if it is a tad smaller and white on white (counters and BS will be white quartz with subtle veining).

This bugs me a little:

Most excited about the area over my range looking more like this:

I haven't seen anyone mention the condensation issue that arises with an over the stove mounted microwave. My SIL HAD one installed that way at her beach house. Cleaning clams requires a couple of pots of heated water to begin. We've also cooked a whole lot of pasta in that kitchen, and the microwave even with the fan on would be all but dripping - it can't contribute to the longevity of the appliance. Third kitchen remodel there just recently completed and the microwave is now built in and a proper range hood (cook top was always on an outside wall of a single story small house) has been added.

But I have no way to advise disguising a microwave one finds really offensive. My heavy KitchenAid mixer is on rolling cart with locking wheels in the panty and comes out into view when in use only. I'm somewhat certain I wouldn't be any happier with something covered on my countertop no matter what was covering it. I do use my microwave, even if just for heating a mug of broth or soup when I realize I've forgotten to eat lunch yet again. Again beginning the defrost process of something from my freezer (but never for seafoods). Becoming very set in my ways, my habit is to heat two approx 12x12" flax seed pillows on my way to bed. Something about the warmth and weight and I'm instantly asleep alongside DH who sleeps much warmer than I do naturally. Still, I wouldn't like to have it on my counter. This isn't an apartment sized kitchen and microwave had been built in when we bought the house. Finding one that fits correctly when it ages out could be interesting.

Aha! I see now where the shelf is going to be. For some reason, in the first mention of it, I envisioned it above the sink. I was thinking a more cabinet-like shelf for the MW.

@morz8 - Washington Coast, the house DD bought had a built-in microwave that croaked soon after they moved in. It was sized for one microwave only….an expensive one with low power. She can’t wait to re-do the kitchen (probably 5 years off) and get rid of that MW!

The photo showing more of the kitchen makes me not want to put a MW in that small prep area between the sink and stove. The little one shown there takes up more space than it's worth. Also, the existing MW is a behemoth. Do you use a MW much? I don't much care for OTR but if it were smaller, less deep, it would be less obtrusive.

Dh went catty corner while i was in the shower!

BBSTX, there will actually be two shelves, one over the sink and one over the range. I only wanted one over the range, but having a shelf hides a cut. without them, I'd need 3 slabs instead of 2 to do the counters and b/s

I think I would try the smallest microwave placed to the right of the stove, screened from view by a plant. It would also create a nice backdrop for whatever lamp you choose.

Our current house has an OTRMW AND- my countertops look suspiciously similar to the ones you're replacing. I'm feeling really sad about my lot in life right now…

😂🤣😂 j/k Mtn, this thread has been highly entertaining and I can't wait to see how it all ends up. And you are a very good sport! And I still like my kitchen. I think.

Dh went catty corner while i was in the shower!

My kinda guy!!

Gigi, several people have commented they prefer the granite I have. I think it looks nice, it is just a tad too dark for me!

Teeda, I *love* what you did!

I like these because they are only 12-7/8" deep and 12-1/8" high, so they don't really stick out past the depth of the upper cabinets and they are short. They are wide though, at 24". And all white--even the window is grey rather than black.

https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/PEM31DFWW.html

I agree, the current countertops are a little too dark with the cabinets. The white ones you're putting in will look fabulous with the wood. In mine, the darker counters are a good foil to the white cabinets and backsplash.

Pal, The ones I am looking at are basically 17x13 and 10" high, so even smaller.

Thanks, Gigi.

I think teeda for the win.

The little Whirlpool you mentioned looks to be designed for the corner - I get it not your color choice. How about stainless to match the range and fridge? You may have already eliminated that.

Here's one you might consider

Perhaps I missed it in the discussion, but why can’t a microwave (covered or uncovered) go next to the refrigerator, where the Keurig (?) is?

I realized I must have missed the OP disclaimer when I commented before, so I apologize for not following the rules 😔

Teeda has a great suggestion, I agree. If the microwave was in that left-of-the-stove corner, wouldn't it interfere with opening the door all the way - and similarly, if it was to the left of the sink?

After decades without one, I use our relatively new, countertop microwave several times daily. It's perfect for heating up a cup of water for tea, for instance - and it's on a kitchen cart. I have even less counter space than the mtn's kitchen does, because there's a dish drainer next to the sink.

And over 140 replies - this is a topic of great concern, clearly! 😄

Not sure of size but could it or something similar possibly work ?? a very long shot I know.

Thinking about how to functionally achieve this, I might be inclined to take a lid-less basket with a nice looking base, and cut out one of the long sides. That way you can just slide it over the microwave and back off again. If you can get one with a handle like your pantry picture, that might be easier to grasp.

Will it bother you to have to take the basket on and off when you use it? And have to find a place to stash the basket during that time? That's what would bother me the most. That and my husband would never do this and I'd end up re-basketing the microwave anytime he used it.

over 140 replies - this is a topic of great concern, clearly!

Not really, I don't think. Nice friends here are indulging me!

If the microwave was in that left-of-the-stove corner, wouldn't it interfere with opening the door all the way - and similarly, if it was to the left of the sink?

No. Fully operational in all these spots.

perfect for heating up a cup of water for tea

I never use it for that. First, heating up one cup of water on a gas range takes no time at all. Second, whenever I warm a cup of water in the MW, I always get these little bubbles all around the perimeter and it makes me think I am boiling off dish detergent residue (NO idea if that is so). I don't get those bubbles when I pour boiling water into the cup.

I have never expressed this to anyone, but I am wrong. I am the most un-sciencey person you've ever known but here goes:
"Since microwaved water lacks a nucleation point for air bubbles, it tends to make a weird froth on the surface of your cup once a tea bag or sugar is added to the cup"

Perhaps I missed it in the discussion, but why can’t a microwave (covered or uncovered) go next to the refrigerator, where the Keurig (?) is?

It could. But it presents the same issue as when it is to the right of the sink; staring at a black square from the living area.

Arapaho, I noticed the same thing. I think I have to wait until the counters are in. When they are, I think I need to choose between a white MW (to blend in w BS and counters) or stainless (to match the range and fridge) or maybe even a black and copper one (Haden) to pick up on the black lampshade. I like the look of the one in the photos, but the color doesn't work with either.

STATUS UPDATE:

1. Will decide on a color for the MW (white most likely but possibly stainless or black) when the counters are in. In either event it will be a tad smaller than the countertop one in the photos.

2. I have ordered a basket from WS that should fit quite well. I would want to add a leather handle with rivets (already sourced). I will give it a try and if it looks crazy i can easily return to a WS store near me.

3. The MW will not face the LR. It will prob be to the left of the range.

4. Lamp is on the way. Hope I like it.

5. Definitely looking for a plant a la Teeda's mock up!

Re: nucleation...

Sorry, missed 2 comments on my phone.

Arapaho, amazing find! But bigger than what i need

I might be inclined to take a lid-less basket with a nice looking base, and cut out one of the long sides. Good idea, but first I need to see how it looks.

I ordered this from WS (which is smaller than the one i already ordered, and I think/hope a better color for my new counters, now that i want to make it disappear as Pal suggested )

Which should fit under this, also from WS:

Which, if i don't end up thinking looks ridiculous, I would adorn with a fairly long handle like this, centered on the front.

That's very nice! Lovely

Mtn, am no help with the basket/micro issue, but think you should look at a Panasonic with inverter technology if you want a microwave that works well. I'm a research freak and Panasonic seems to be the one who came out with this technology which heats without the hot and cold spots-really a night and day difference from the non-inverter type. If it uses inverter technology it should have it written on the front window. We got ours from Lowes when we redid our kitchen and are quite pleased. They do have stainless, but not sure about cream.

Until reading lizbeth-gardener's post, I'd never heard of inverter tech microwaves. I just googled it and have not read thoroughly, but apparently it interferes with wifi. That could present issues, e.g., streaming tv.

Lizbeth, how interesting, I'd not heard that. However, interferes w WIFI? That's like saying interferes with oxygen levels, LOL.

My criteria for the MW are, in order:

Size

Color

Design

Function

As mentioned, our MW is not used that often, and when it is used, it is for reheating. I've never used a MW that I thought didn't function just fine. Over the years I have had KD and appliance people try to get me to spend big money on MW, but it fell on deaf ears. Just always made sure they were not built in. I built a garage door for one, pocket doors in two different homes, and in Maine it's in the butler's pantry.

I thought you'd like this Mtn : ) Article: How to Hide a Printer

Not to put too fine a point on it, but where does the paper feed from? Mine stands up at the back of the printer.

Ararpaho, I knew I could not be the only person with this thought, LOL.

PS their art dept did a lousy job on the cutout!

When I bought my house in 2011, I wanted to rent it out quickly because my condo was not selling.

The situation was odd, the kitchen had been (cheaply) renovated in 2006, but the DW and the oven had never been used in the five intervening years. There was no microwave.

I don't exactly know who the real estate agent was who showed the tenants the house was, but in addition to telling the tenants we would repaint the entire interior of the house in the colors of their choice, and replace the carpet, he told them we would provide a microwave. The women who rented the house apparently all grew up in houses with OTR microwave hoods, they had never seen a kitchen without a microwave.

The house had just been fully repainted and carpeted for the sale and no one had even walked on it, really. Anyway, we repainted the bedrooms for them, showed them that there was literally brand new rolls of leftover carpet in the closets, and bought them a microwave for the kitchen.

It was cheaper than a month of extra carrying costs.

I bought the cheapest Emerson microwave they had at the local Kmart. I think it was under $100.

We are still using it. It developed rust in the bottom under the turntable, but it works fine. It's not going into the new kitchen. I hope the replacement lasts 13 years.

As for the tenants, they were kind of typical. They moved in demanding the Ritz Carlton, and left it looking like a Motel 6.

It looked like this one. It was a hard sell, even for strangers. I usually want things to look a certain way, and it's not this.

I've never had any problem with WIFI interference and I don't use mine to cook, only to reheat and warm foods.

LOL, Pal, that looks like a Frankenstein MW

There is such a large overhang at the end of the peninsula; will there be a stool there, ever? If not, I might be inclined to have shelves built there or a shallow rolling cart and place the micro there (if you could solve the plug in issue).

FWIW, there are printers that hold the paper in horizontal trays - usually on the top - no vertical feed @ the back.

Forgive, me but the notion sprang to mind that this aversion to seeing an appliance exposed on a counter may be what led to all those flowery cozies of the past 😁

LOL, Carol, we did talk about that up thread. There are quilted cotton ones in plain colors like bone that are not awful!

Forgive, me but the notion sprang to mind this aversion to seeing an appliance exposed on a counter may be what led to all those flowery cozies of the past

That was my poor aunt. Her husband didn't want to see appliances. No wonder she drank.