Why is there a gap between the oven or microwave and the door?

It is possible that, when installing an oven or microwave in a kitchen cabinet, there is a gap between the appliance and the upper or lower door

This is especially noticeable when installing non-IKEA appliances in furniture designed for IKEA appliances. This occurs due to two main reasons: oven ventilation and design differences between manufacturers:

1. Oven Ventilation Requirement: Ovens generate heat during operation and require a ventilation space to safely dissipate it. This gap does not affect the performance or overall aesthetics of the kitchen.
2. Differences in Oven Design: While most ovens have standard installation dimensions (60 or 45 cm in height), the design of the front panel can vary between models and brands. Some ovens may be 1 or 2 cm taller or shorter at the front, creating a small visible gap between the appliance and the cabinet.
3. Greater Variability in Microwave Dimensions: Unlike ovens, built-in microwaves do not follow strictly standardized dimensions. Each manufacturer designs its models with unique measurements, which can result in greater variations in installation gaps.

If you notice a small gap between the appliance and the cabinet door when installing an oven or microwave, it is not a defect but a normal effect of ventilation and variable appliance design. To visually minimize these gaps, some users opt for trim kits or select appliance models that better fit the cabinet design.