While many people enjoy the convenience of microwaves, they generally don’t like how they look. “Microwaves have gained a reputation as the eyesore of the kitchen, since the traditional countertop box can feel bulky and disrupt a clean design,” Normandy Designer Bryan Brisky says. “But there are new options available that offer the convenience of a microwave, but in a way that blends more seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen.”

Traditional microwave functionality is now available in a variety of styles, including drawer models or ones with doors that fold down to open like a typical oven. “If you don’t want your microwave to dominate a space, a great option is to incorporate them into the kitchen like you would any other appliance,” Bryan says. “Consider an integrated wall microwave that matches your wall oven, or a microwave drawer that works well below the counter.”

Many manufacturers now offer built-in microwave models that mimic the sleek styling of their full-size ovens. When stacked or installed side-by-side, the appliances appear as a coordinated suite rather than a collection of mismatched pieces. Bryan suggests considering the needs of your household during the design phase and when making selections.

“If you select a wall microwave, it’s important to take into account the height of people in your household and plan your placement accordingly. Lifting a hot liquid out of the microwave from above can risk spilling,” Bryan says. “There is a strong case for mounting your microwave lower, for safety reasons. Microwave drawers placed below the counter either as part of your island design or your lower perimeter cabinetry can be a safer option as well, because you’re lifting hot food items upwards, which can offer better visibility and control.”

If you aren’t sure whether a microwave has a place in your new kitchen, a speed oven, which is a combination microwave and convection oven, may be the right choice for you. “If you want a second oven but are tight on space, a speed oven can be the perfect solution,” notes Bryan. “Most models have a comparable interface to a microwave, with your go-to buttons for things like popcorn, but they are also excellent at crisping up food with the convection function.” Speed ovens are smaller than a typical wall oven, closer in size to a microwave, making it good as a support appliance, but likely not the best option for your primary oven.

For those who want to move away from microwaves altogether, a steam oven is an excellent alternative. “Steam ovens are becoming more popular as a healthier way to prepare food. They’re great for cooking and reheating, by adding more moisture and not drying food out,” Bryan says. “Steam ovens also include a convection function so you can brown, crisp and cook more evenly than a standard microwave, often more effectively than a typical oven. You can even bake bread.”

If none of these options feel right to you, there are other ways to downplay your microwave, like installing it in the pantry or an appliance garage, according to Bryan. “Keeping your microwave in a less prominent place works well if you only use it sparingly, like to reheat coffee or melt butter,” he says. “This is also a good alternative if you don’t want stainless-steel elements as part of your kitchen design.”

Ultimately, whether you choose a traditional microwave, a microwave styled like an oven, a steam oven, or a speed oven, the key is selecting an appliance that contributes to your kitchen’s overall design rather than detracting from it.

Set up a time to talk with Bryan about how to make your next kitchen practical and beautiful all at once. Find more remodeling tips and design inspiration on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Check out our photo gallery of past projects for more design ideas as well.