What is the difference between right-handed and left-handed microwaves?

A right-handed microwave is hinged on the left, making it easier for right-handed people to open the door, while a left-handed model is just the opposite. The idea is for the user to open the door with the submissive hand and handle the food with the dominant hand.

Right-handed microwaves are much easier to find, since most manufacturers cater to the majority of the population. One exception is Bosch, which does manufacture both left- and right-handed models. In both of these configurations, the control panel and the door-open button is on the right. Before installing the standalone or built-in models, the user must make sure there is adequate clearance for the open door.

Bosch has gone one step further by creating the flap-door microwave. These are built-in models in which the entire cooking area is pulled out from the front, like a drawer. The user reaches down into the microwave to add or remove food. The controls are along the top of the microwave. These microwaves are equally accessible by both right- and left-handed people.

As of March 2015, Bosch is the only manufacturer selling the left-handed option in the United States. However, SHARP does offer the microwave drawer models.