The microwave will take up valuable counter space, such as 18 to 24 inches in depth and 12 to 15 inches in width. That footprint would also be able to accommodate a cutting board, utensil crock, or fruit bowl in a small kitchen. A multi-layer microwave rack is an answer to this issue as it will raise the microwave from the counter and provide extra space below it. These racks make kitchen cabinet and countertop organization a breeze. Here is how to choose the right design and what to look for to get the most benefit.
1. Space Efficient Layered Design for Countertop Decongestion
The main concept of a multi-layer microwave rack is to stack vertically. Items on the top shelf (working height) would otherwise occupy space on the counter, bread boxes, cookbooks, spice racks, or even a toaster oven; items on the lower shelf (or shelves) can be put away in a microwave.
Some design elements to consider are:
Two or three tiers: A two tier rack, (microwave above, storage below) works well in most kitchens. A three tier rack will provide an intermediate shelf for smaller appliances such as a coffee maker or knife block.
Slotted or wire shelves: Ensure that heat is able to circulate from the bottom vents of the microwave (refer to the microwave manual for how much clearance is required for some models).
Backstop or lip: Keeps the microwave or stored items from sliding off the back of rack.
A wall mounted microwave shelf (attached to cabinetry or wall stud) will be an alternative for kitchens with very little counter space. Freestanding multi-layer racks are best if you are renting or need non permanent storage, however. Deshunyi's storage rack series features kitchen specific designs that are protected from scratches by the scratch-resistant epoxy coating and rubber feet to prevent damage to the counter.
2. Adjustable Height and Shelf Spacing
The size of the microwave varies. A microwave that's 0.7 cubic feet is a lot shorter than a full size 1.6 cu. ft. microwave. An open rack having a fixed spacing between shelves necessitates leaving too much unused quarter height above the microwave (wasting vertical space) or will not fit at all.
Select an "all layers" rack that:
Adjustable shelf heights: Adjusted shelf heights allow for various microwave heights.
Removable shelves: If it is an unusually tall microwave, you may have to take the bottom shelf completely out of the rack to make use of the rack as a single tier stand.
Expandable width: If you want to tweak your counter depth to accommodate a larger microwave, you may find some of the racks offer expandable width, which requires a standard counter depth of 18” to 24”.
Our wood & metal series features microwave racks that are free of tools and have an adjustable height. Our drying rack series and shoe storage series actually come with adjustable tiers as standard. With an annual production of approximately 3,000 (40-foot) containers and over 1,800 employees, we manufacture adjustable racks for wholesale kitchen supply.
3. Ventilation and Heat Dissipation
A microwave oven produces heat at the bottom, top and back vents. If a microwave is placed in a closed microwave cabinet with no ventilation, it is a fire hazard. But even if it's an open rack, the poor design can obstruct air flow.
Check for racks that have:
Open wire shelves under the bottom vents of the microwave, rather than solid panels.
If the microwave has an upper shelf, the clearance should be at least 2 inches of clearance above the microwave (see your microwave's manual).
Microwave rear gap between back and rack back panel (or no back panel).
If the microwave is to be mounted under a kitchen cabinet (with rack on table), make sure there is no obstruction to the top vents of the microwave. Deshunyi’s storage rack series is designed to take into account the ventilation clearance. Our engineering staff can offer you clearance recommendations according to your particular model of microwave.
4. Material and Finish Durability
Kitchen racks are exposed to heat, steam, grease and are being wiped often with cleaning chemicals. Chipped or corroded paint will look hideous in a few months. Use racks that are constructed from:
Stainless steel: the most durable. Fights and resists rust, it is easy to clean and is compatible with other kitchen appliances.
Powder coated steel: Not as heavy duty as stainless steel, but less costly. Select a smooth, non textured surface (grease sticks will catch in textured surfaces).
Chrome plated steel: This is a basic and traditional material, which can pit with time in humid kitchens. Dry with a clean cloth after cleaning.
Do not use racks with raw steel edges or exposed welds which may rust. High quality steel with rust resistant finish is used in Deshunyi's wood & metal series and storage rack series. Our Vietnam industrial park (100,000 m², opened in the year 2024) is the place to manufacture kitchen racks of uniform finish. We make 500 million RMB value a year and sell in bulk to the kitchenware distributors and hardware retailers.
Summary
The multi-layer microwave rack will actually help you organize storage in your kitchen cabinets and countertops efficiently, thanks to its multi-layer, space-saving design, adjustable height and shelf distances, and high quality materials and finishes that allow for proper ventilation as well as heat dissipation. Shenzhen Deshunyi Household Products Co., Ltd. provides all four.. We are your best manufacturer of furniture with 120,000 m² in Huizhou, 100,000 m² in Vietnam, over 1,800 employees, an annual output value of 500 million RMB and about 3,000(40 foot) containers exported per year. Contact us today about the wholesale price for our multi-layer microwave racks.