How close can I place my microwave to my refridgerator?

Question

...there is a recommeded distance between them so you don't damage the efficiency of the fridge - but I can't find the manual!....any engineers out there?!

Oh, and I can't fit it on top!....only at the side....

It's not the microwaves escaping I'm worried about - I'm not an idiot! It's the amount of heat that escapes!
Thank-you to the man who answered about 6 inches - that's all I wanted to know.....

Answer 1

you can put them as close as you want, it will work fine

Answer 2

your question makes no sense, as your microwavw will not damage your fridge.
the only problems that could arise are if your microwave is a combination one (microwave, grill or double grill and convection oven) then you would need to keep a minimum distance of at least 6 inches and preferably around 10 or 12 inches.
this is so the heat does not affect the efficiency of your fridge.

however most normal microwaves need an average of 6 inches clearance on all sides except at the bottom.to allow proper ventilation and prevent over heating or other problems that may arise.


I'm no engineer just a guy who use a combination microwave as my only form of cooking (due to space limitations in my kitchen). so i made a point of making sure i knew the correct details for my machine.
you can sit your oven on your refridgerator as others have suggested however this will have a detrimental effect on your fridge and your bank balance as the fridge is forced to work harder to chill your food your electricty bill will go up as a result.

so if money is no object then fine sit your oven on the fridge.

another vital point on keeping your fridge operating at peak efficiency as outlined in the operating instructions you should keep all forms of heat radiators, electric heaters and other forms of heat at least 12 to 24 inches away depending on the heater you have. preferably no heat other than your oven within 5 feet of the fridge and the heater should point away from the fridge.

just a couple of points i thought anyone should know.

Answer 3

wouldn't the material of the fridge stop the mirowaves?..

Wel some microwaves are different so if you reali wanna know same microwaves label the safe distance on it or in the manual.
The safe distance should be the ideal 'close place'. And if you reali picky and smart you can calculate the penatration levels that enter the fridge.

Hahaha but yuh i would just put it any where ay.

Gudluck positioning your microwave.

Answer 4

Microwaves should be well shielded and not bother your fridge at all. If there was enough microwave energy escaping to compromise your fridge I'd be more worried about the people standing in your kitchen getting brain tumours. As long as you allow enough room for air circulation to avoid any appliance overheating all should be OK - I'm guessing about an inch

Answer 5

If you place the microwave oven right next to your refrigerator you may have to plug them into the same electrical outlet. It is often not recommended to place two major electrical components on the same circuit. I can not even run my toaster and microwave oven at the same time because the combined load will trip the circuit breaker. Frequently tripping a circuit breaker may shorten the life of wiring insulation leading to possible fires.

Answer 6

My microwave sits on top of the fridge. Its worked fine for years!

Strange question!

Answer 7

You can put your microwave on top of the fridge if you wish. There won't be a problem.

Answer 8

next to each other. As long as the microwave isn't IN the refrigerator.