How to Build a Microwave Cart

Lawrence Bonk Profile image

Written by:

Updated August 18, 2022

If you have recently purchased a countertop microwave, you may wonder how to build a microwave cart. Even the best microwaves, like the Sunbeam or Black+Decker microwaves, need somewhere sturdy to rest when not in use or when it’s being used to cook food. Keep reading to learn about DIY microwave carts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • A roaming microwave cart or kitchen cart can be the perfect place to install a countertop microwave.
  • There are many ways to go about making a DIY kitchen microwave cart, including by using pre-existing furniture items, such as cabinets, a desk, a table, or even a bookshelf.
  • Another option is to buy and arrange stand-alone kitchen cabinets of a similar height, affixing a countertop for counter space.

What is a Microwave Cart?

Insider Tip

Be sure any kitchen cart you make can adequately handle the weight of your microwave.

Simply put, a kitchen microwave cart, otherwise known as a kitchen cart or kitchen island, is a standalone table of sorts that has been purpose-built to house a microwave oven. These carts tend to include multiple levels, one for the microwave and another one or two for accessories and the like. These lower partitions can come in handy, for instance, when you learn how to make a microwave bowl holder and other types of accessories.

How to Make a Kitchen Microwave Cart

There are many ways to make one of these kitchen carts, all of which can come in handy once you learn how to remove a built-in microwave to turn it into a countertop model. Here are a few options.

Use a Bookshelf

With some construction know-how and some ingenuity, you can turn a pre-existing bookshelf into a kitchen microwave cart. You will typically need to purchase or make a countertop to affix to the top of the bookshelf, so make sure this countertop can easily fit your microwave oven with room to spare. Once you drill in the countertop, you are essentially finished. Feel free to use any of the actual bookshelves for microwave oven cooking accessories and other kitchen appliances.

Use a Desk or Table

A simple way to get a DIY kitchen microwave cart is to use a desk or table of some kind, as the item can already act as a countertop. Feel free to laminate the top of the table or desk to protect it from grease and food debris. You’ll also want to keep it protected when you clean the microwave with bleach. Plus, don’t forget to place cabinets underneath the cart for accessories, other appliances, food items, and whatever else you desire. These cabinets should be affixed to the table via screws or hinge pins.

Use Standalone Kitchen Cabinets

You can even use pre-existing stand-alone kitchen cabinets, as they can easily transform into a kitchen cart or kitchen island. Simply buy multiple cabinets of the same height and place them next to one another and then affix a countertop for counter space. The cabinet areas are great for accessories and the like, but feel free to experiment. But, make sure the cabinet is big enough for a 1.6 cubic feet microwave.

F.A.Q.S

Are kitchen carts durable?

Kitchen carts are extremely durable, though this will vary depending on what they are made out of.


What types of microwaves can go on a microwave cart?

Generally speaking, a countertop microwave should be placed on a microwave cart. The rest of the space can be used for meal prep or to house other accessories, such as a microwave shelf, a wine rack, hooks for kitchen use, a bakers rack, and more.


How long do microwave carts last?

Microwave carts can last decades if properly maintained, eventually transforming from a new cart to a kitchen utility cart vintage style.



STAT: In 1947, Raytheon built the “Radarange”, the first commercially available microwave oven. (source)

Lawrence Bonk Profile image