Microwave Cooking Appliance Placement in Residential Kitchens

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to determine recommendations for placement of a microwave cooking appliance in residential kitchens. In the first study, 30 sub jects completed tasks using microwave ovens located at heights typically used in kitchens and evaluated the safety and convenience of the tasks on a five‐point rating scale. The ratings at the varied microwave oven heights differed signifi cantly for both safety and convenience evaluations. In the second study, 24 par ticipants prepared a dinner meal. Data collected included the number, purpose, and sequence of trips between the work centers during the meal preparation. The utilization of a microwave oven did significantly change work‐center rela tionships. Based on these studies, for safe use, the microwave oven should be located so that the interior food shelf or rack is no higher than the user's shoulder; for most convenient use, the interior shelf or rack should be located from between 2 in. (5 cm) below the elbow to 10 in. (25 cm) above the elbow. The microwave oven center should be placed so that it is close to the mix center. When the microwave oven and range are combined in one center, this center should also be convenient to the sink center.