What can you place above the microwave without running any particular risks and without overloading the appliance? The best solution, in this case, is to exploit the space above the microwave using specific organizer shelves, designed to optimize the space around and above the appliance without compromising functionality and safety. Since these are a sort of raised shelf (usually with extendable legs), and therefore not in direct contact with the microwave, you can use them to store practically anything, precisely because the shelf is not in direct contact with the wall of the appliance, thus avoiding the risk of damaging items.