It may seem brilliant to put appliances on top of an idle microwave on a kitchen counter until you realize it’s not.

As the microwave’s door opens and closes, some items may become damaged or cause difficulty as they wobble on the surface. In addition, there are products that may cause damage to the microwave oven if they are activated while sitting at top of it. Consequently, the obvious question arises: Can I put a toaster oven on top of a microwave? Let’s see.
Putting a Toaster Oven On Top Of a Microwave
Microwaves and toaster ovens are prone to crowding the cooking area. If you’re going to stack a toaster oven on top of a microwave, put down a protective layer beforehand. To protect the toaster oven from sliding across the top of the device and transmitting heat to the microwave, use a rubberized pad or other fire- and heat-resistant material.
Is It Safe to Place a Toaster Oven on Top of a Microwave?
No, placing the toaster oven right on the microwave is not recommended. Most individuals would argue that putting a toaster oven on the microwave is OK. However, this isn’t ideal.
There are several reasons you should not use a toaster oven on top of a microwave. Let’s take a closer look at them.
1. Toaster Ovens Can Be Extremely Hot
When a toaster oven is on, it quickly heats up and is excellent at roasting, cooking, baking, and browning, among other things. Toaster ovens with more power may achieve temperatures up to 500 degrees F. They might also become pretty hot.
Consider using a microwave to heat a toaster oven that can achieve this temperature. If the outside of the microwave is constructed of plastic, the heat will melt it rapidly. Don’t put your toaster oven on top of your microwave if you don’t want to spend the cash for a new one. The reason behind this is as follows.
2. It Also Has the Potential to Affect the Finish of the Microwave Adversely
Because of the exterior of the microwave, you should not put the oven on top of it. The toaster may discolor the microwave over time.
Your toaster oven’s weight isn’t a problem here. It’s the amount of heat generated by the item when it’s turned on. It may stain the microwave, forcing the price of a new one.
By the way, a toaster oven generates more power than a microwave.
3. Damage Due to the Friction
Suppose the toaster’s heat doesn’t kill the microwave. Abrasion and friction might then destroy the equipment. It’s conceivable that the microwave’s top paint will chip.
A bonus tip: Toasters aren’t as well-protected as other household appliances. As a result, you must handle them with caution. They may grow boiling on all sides, posing a severe threat to anyone who comes into touch with them.
Alternative Locations in the Kitchen to Store the Toaster Oven
Don’t want to put the toasting oven in the microwave, where should you put it in the kitchen? Aside from above the microwave, there are various places to position the toaster oven. Below is a list of possible options.
- Countertop
- A shelf that attaches to the wall
- The stand shelf
- Cabinets beneath
- Garage for appliances
- Pull out drawer
Precautions to Take When Using Your Microwave With Your Toaster Oven
If stacking the toaster oven atop the microwave is your only alternative, go ahead and do it. But there are several safeguards you should take beforehand. These measures are in place to ensure that the microwave is not damaged while the toaster is in use.
1. Never Put a Toaster Oven on Top of a Microwave
It’s a bad idea to put a toaster on a microwave. However, if your toaster has extended feet, you can try it. Just make sure there’s adequate room between the toaster and the microwave with the feet.
What to do if your toaster is missing its feet? It’s straightforward. Between the microwave and the toaster oven, place a heat-safe underlay. The heat will not warm the microwave from the toaster because of this insulating sheet.
2. Avoid Using Both Appliances Simultaneously
Using the toaster oven and microwave simultaneously appears to be a good idea on paper. It will assist you in finishing your cooking activity on time. Both appliances have the potential to become quite hot. And the amount of electricity they require may be too much for your socket to manage.
3. Before Putting the Toaster in the Microwave, Consider Its Weight
The extra feet, the insulating layer, and the clearance space between the toaster and the microwave aren’t the only items to think about. Pay attention to the weight of the toaster.
The toaster oven should not be larger or heavier than the microwave because you will place it on top. Otherwise, the microwave may collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space above a toaster oven do I need?
Place your unit on a countertop beneath a cabinet, about 18 inches higher than the counter. Above, measure the distance between the top and the cabinet bottom. This is the estimated minimum clearance within a cabinet with the door open.
What happens if the microwave gets too hot?
The microwave source will turn off when it reaches a specific temperature. However, functions like the timer and clock should continue to work. If you are unlucky enough, it won’t be the case if the microwave went off due to a power outage.
Is putting a toaster oven inside a cabinet safe?
The quick answer is no; putting your toast oven beneath your cabinet under typical conditions is not safe. If you want to put your toaster oven behind a cabinet, you’ll need to look for one built to fit safely beneath a cabinet and has lots of insulation.
Best way to resist my countertop from becoming too hot?
To protect your new countertop from getting burnt or heat marks, you can take some actions. There are some heat protective mats or trivets in the market that are the best solutions to this problem. Usually, these mats are made out of-
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Ceramic
- Silicon etc.
Conclusion
So, is it safe to put a toaster oven on top of a microwave? If you intend to place it immediately, the answer is no. You may only place a toaster on top of a microwave if the microwave is protected.
Because the microwave serves as a supporting surface, ensure the toaster’s extended feet are sitting on it. Between the toast and the microwave, there should be enough space.
Using an insulating layer is also a good idea, whether or not the toaster has extended feet. To avoid fires, make sure the microwave is well-protected, and everything is in working order.
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