The Secrets of Perfect Microwave Placement!

[@elengstrom]

I had a Sharp 30 inch drawer microwave in the new home we purchased in 2011. It worked very well, but…I quickly learned that reheating liquids or cooking any dish in the microwave that had a fair amount of liquid in the pan required extreme caution as the drawer open and close mechanism would slosh the liquid when the drawer reached the full open position and full closed position. The third time - and I should have known better - that I burned my wrists with hot liquids, I decided that I would replace the drawer unit at some point. I now have a built in speed oven with a drop down drawer where the drawer microwave used to be and a small countertop microwave for simple heat and defrost tasks. Both get used multiple times a day. No more sloshing liquids. I also totally agree with you about OTR microwaves. Before we bought our home, the apartments we lived in had these and the venting, even though it was vented to the outside, never worked very well and below these were cheap builder grade gas ranges. Not good for anyone living in the apartment.

[@MTKDofficial]

Really great advice about microwave drawers. Something to consider for sure

[@candycane1275]

Sometimes a drawer microwave is good for ADA, if you're in a wheelchair, scooter, etc. You can wheel/drive up to it, open the drawer and it's easy to put things down in it or move them up to the countertop. It's also usable from either side.

[@MTKDofficial]

Great point!

[@terriellis3697]

In my house, base cabinet placement would be a disaster because it is just at large dog height! My dog would likely figure out how to hit the door open button and then steal the food from inside! I've lived in houses with several of these configurations and my favorite is the free standing shelf. The one we had was large enough and with enough outlets to contain the microwave, toaster, and toaster oven. It's also way cheaper to replace a freestanding microwave than to try and find one that fits the shape of your old built in one.

[@MilaN-lt2mq]

This microwave placement thing hit the nerve. We had the hardest time deciding what to do with our microwave during the kitchen remodel. We ended up putting it in a top cabinet next to the fridge with a trim kit around. It is a great location as far as proximity to things, but if I had the budget for it, I would get a drawer microwave.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

This video was awesome Mark! I loved the attention to detail and the offering of an unconventional place to put the microwave if you’re low on space. The bar cart is a brilliant idea. For space issues, Whirlpool has the tiniest microwave ever with a rounded design to fit in a corner. Google Whirlpool corner microwave to find it. I bought it for the basement kitchenette. It’s specs are 14x15x13 inches and it has just enough space inside for a standard dinner plate. It’s awesome, and was a great space-saving solution for our needs. The point, I guess, which was well demonstrated by this video, is that there are numerous options out there to make a microwave work in your space if you want one.

[@valeriehowden471]

This sounds super practical. Thanks for sharing the info, Jackie.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks Jackie. That’s a great addition to this video. Finding space saving microwaves is definitely something to consider. Appreciate you!!

[@ellen8996]

I've looked at this one and wondered if it would work on a small shelf under a corner upper cabinet?

[@edwardcasper5231]

I'm old enough to remember when there were no microwaves. When I was a senior in high school, our class took a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and we saw a demonstration of a floor standing 5 foot tall monstrosity that could cook really quickly. The range that was in my current house when I bought it (which has since been replaced) had a microwave inside of the oven.

[@thekirksiffs5285]

I am too. The first time I ever saw one was in a college boyfriend's parent's house and they had a wall one built in. I was very impressed. (This was 50 years ago). And then I remember how it was a HUGE deal when my sister in law bought one, and the entire family came over to OOh and AAAH over it. Our first house had a very small kitchen with very limited counter and cabinet space. At that time OTR was just being introduced and we got that. It really was a perfect solution for us in a small home with a small kitchen, and I've just stuck with that style all these years.

[@scottpowers9367]

We just finished a kitchen remodel and opted for the Sharp drawer microwave. So far it out performs any microwave we’ve ever owned. It cooks and heats so evenly without the extreme hotspots our previous microwaves have all been known for. We like the soften, melt and keep warm features and it heats a mug of water perfectly for tea. We don’t cook with our microwave but reheat stuff and steam veggies, popcorn, melt butter etc and it’s been great. Our contractor has had his without issue for over 8 years without issue so fingers crossed.

[@user-rse-se]

I'm so glad I saw this before redoing (i.e. somewhere between redecorating and renovating) our kitchen. We can't afford entirely new cabinets, but might be able to alter some. Good points about accessibility/safety for us old gits! Thanks.

[@MTKDofficial]

Awesome. Glad the video was helpful.

[@itsthepens]

OTR microwaves simply don’t exist in the UK, and they look absolutely bizarre to us. You get no set-down space, youre lifting hot items down from a high height for no reason, you’re probably already cooking underneath it, and it’s combined with a totally ineffective extractor hood unless all you do is boil vegetables or pasta which only create a little steam and no real cooking fumes and vaporised fat. It’s just total madness unless you live in like a tiny RV or something. My vote is absolutely for just on the counter, or if you can afford it a pull-down door in a fitted cabinet. I cook extensively but I also do a huge amount of meal prep as I live alone and need to keep myself on the straight and narrow with my diet, so the microwave gets a ton of use. For this reason I’ve spent the extra money on a really good built-in microwave housed in an appliance stack, with a pull-down door which gives the set down space to take hot items out of it. It was definitely the right solution for me functionally and it looks great.

[@MTKDofficial]

Answer me this. All the good ideas for kitchen come out of Europe right? So where in the world did this invention of the OTR come from? The one thing we tried to do on our own and we messed up. lol.

[@darlene19668]

Wonderful tidbits...lil humor😂, lil info🤔,& a lil opinion🤓...keep it up although i dont have a microwave dont want a microwave...did i say i dont like a microwave 😅...great video for thoes who do...thumbs up all day everyday👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻have wonderful weekend with your family🎉🎉🎉& ofcourse Gammy too⚘️⚘️⚘️

[@JackieofAllTrades]

We love Gammy!

[@darlene19668]

@@JackieofAllTrades we love you too Jackie💐

[@trinaroe5132]

My issue with under counter locations is being able to read the controls/buttons. And in my small kitchen I cannot afford to give up that space. I’m probably going to go with OTR when I remodel just to save counter space. But time will tell.

[@teresev1435]

Great video 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 So many options on microwave placement ❤ 9:46 probably be placed 🤣🤣🤣

[@lisaanderson3549]

LOVE the lower wall cabinet or microwave shelf ideas!

[@NicolaasBurgers]

Everyone outside of USA and Canada: why would you ever think of having a microwave above a stovetop? 🙂

[@MTKDofficial]

Someone listen to this man.

[@jenjoy4353]

YES

[@Goldsteinphoto]

It is very handy above the stovetop. At eye level you can watch the food in the microwave while cooking on the stove. My microwave is also a convection oven, exhaust fan and light for the stove. The way I designed my kitchen the microwave above the stove enhances the look.

[@NicolaasBurgers]

@@Goldsteinphoto Is being able to watch your food important though? I would place the ergonomics of putting food in, and especially taking hot food out, as more important than eyeballing food while it's microwaving.

[@Goldsteinphoto]

@@NicolaasBurgers We reach for all kinds of things at that height. Microwave exhausts above the range are very popular. People like them. I far prefer it at that level than on a counter.

[@Caeric77]

I've been on a binge on your channel recently, thanks in part to having to think about renovation design for my own kitchen and dining area (oven recently gave up the ghost, discovered bad wiring, and have always disliked the non-standard counter heights from previous owners). I'm finding your videos to be very informative, and am thankful I discovered you. My kitchen is small, and microwave placement is one of the decisions I'll have to make. Unfortunately, I'll probably end up with OTR due to needing more storage and countertop space. I don't hate the look (not like you do!), but I do worry about replacement issues should it break in the future. Not sure when this will happen because the quotes I've gotten seem outrageous for the size, but I suppose I need to spend a little more on higher quality materials to do it correctly so as not to be disappointed later. At least that gives more time to consider the design!

[@jayburris6252]

OTR microwaves are of a fairly standard size. Sometimes their heights vary somewhat which could cause an issue with a backsplash. A way around that would be to install the backsplash behind the OTR this future proofing your placement. I would not worry about replacement of an OTR. I would think twice about one of you are planning to age in your home. Lifting things up high could become an issue for most of us.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

I love the slim line OTR from Whirlpool. That’s the one I have in my space. KitchenAid also has one. They are gorgeous, and the design is sleek and modern. Definitely a top-tier choice if you’re in the market for an OTR.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey. Thanks so much for taking an interest in my content. As far as the OTR goes, they are not hard to replace. I’ve even used the same bracket once from the old one. My advice is for the design is to make sure you see a few options for the space. This will help confirm choices and decisions that you’re making.

[@Caeric77]

Thanks for the advice and input! @JackieofAllTrades - I'll certainly look at the slimline microwaves. I've been considering GE for my appliances, but I trust Whirlpool and KitchenAid as well, so delving into their options will be my next hour (or two, or more...). @MTKDofficial - I've really enjoyed the content, and it's been very helpful. I'm glad that you and @jayburris6252 mentioned that OTR microwaves aren't problematic to replace, and the backsplash suggestion is good to know. I must have looked at hundreds of kitchens over the past couple of weeks, and thankfully one design I'm currently considering meets many of the best practices I've seen in your videos - refrigerator at edge, garbage-sink-dishwasher in line, door opening guidelines, landing spaces, etc. I've also seen some neat ideas and gadgets that will increase the cost should I be able to afford them :)

[@tealkerberus748]

I do get very tired of people positioning kitchen tools based on whether they're pretty to look at. The kitchen is a work space. Plan it to work! Analyse the microwave in terms of how you use it, just as we analyse the other tools in our kitchens. The microwave has functions of stovetop and oven, it may be used in food preparation to melt a bit of butter while baking, or it could be used by another family member coming into the kitchen to heat up a snack. Place it appropriately for how you use it and stop fretting about whether a work space looks pretty!

[@fuzzylon]

Another great video, thanks!! Full of really good ideas and things to consider. I was thinking about an OTR microwave because they seem so popular and it seems like a good use of space. But since you mentioned safety just now it seems like a really bad idea - imagine dropping something out of the microwave on to the stove while you've got the heat on and pans full of boiling water. I daren't think how that would turn out !!!

[@planesandbikes7353]

Being 6 foot 4, below the counter or even on the counter are absolutely terrible choices for me. OTR is about perfect height but I prefer the old school open microwave shelf in the uppers, allowing wider selection of ovens and better prices than OTR or the 'built in style'.

[@Toni_Snark]

All very good points! The only things I use a microwave for is reheating/thawing and melting. I think the absolute worst placement is a microwave over a gas range. At one point I had a higher-end drawer microwave that was handy and looked really good, but sounded clunky opening/closing and the "ceiling" of it was hard to clean. The best for me, is a built-in over a wall oven. The kitchen I'm currently remodeling has a few different options. It doesn't have to be in the work triangle so I may put it on a shelf in the custom pantry which can also hold other small electrical appliances. Wiring in the pantry, if it's large enough, can be extremely useful!

[@MTKDofficial]

Appreciate you watching. Thanks so much for the comment.

[@cahenglish]

Mark THANK YOU!! I totally agree with you on a countertop microwave. Safer, IMO, and much more convenient. Re: safety - I have no desire to try and grab a bowl of boiling soup or whatever at shoulder height. I keep mine in a corner and my countertop is deep enough that I can set a receiving plate on the counter and drag a hot item out of the microwave onto the plate. Great video. Btw, if you're looking for elocution lessons on how the pronounce "garage," I'm available. LOL Sorry, JK.

[@MTKDofficial]

Listen, I'm on the East Coast of Canada ok! That's how we say it. 🤣 Thanks so much for watching and the light hearted comment!!

[@lifeinhd4053]

I guess I'm the only one who likes the OTR. I actually replaced my range hood with one shortly after I bought the house. I think it looks good and purposeful built in up there (looks like it belongs there the way a dishwasher belongs where it goes, rather than looking like an afterthought the way a countertop dishwasher does), and it's efficient to have all the cooking going on in a single vertical space. I use it daily and have never dropped anything-- the built-in functions ensure food never gets superheated, and a quick touch before removing the plate from the "safety" of the unit ensures the plate isn't too hot and I won't let go due to it burning me. I don't like to waste space and create clutter with countertop appliances unless really necessary, so OTR really cleans everything up.

[@MTKDofficial]

No, you are certainly not the only one. Many of my viewers love OTR's. We have lots of fun on the live streams joking about it.

[@construxi]

I had my miicrowave in a cabinet over my fridge, but even though it wasn't crazy high up, it was too high and I use it 4-5 times a week. So I decided even though my kitchen is teeny tiny the best place were at the countertop, next to the fridge. Here I can reach it easily, but now I have almost none countertop space, so I always use the range as countertop, because it is the best space in the kitchen.

[@teri-joscott8279]

Great video! I like the look of a 30 x 18 cabinet in the middle of a pantry (counter height), but the microwave may be hinged the wrong way, depending on the final layout of the kitchen remodel. (Full disclosure--I was enlightened about the hinging of the microwave before in one of Michael's Kitchinsider videos.) I am totally fine with it being on the countertop. The one I'm planning to get is a cute little Breville, so it will be all good. Thanks as always for your great content! Really appreciate all you do for us!!

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks Teri-Jo. Always appreciate the comments and participation in my community!!

[@thekirksiffs5285]

Good information Mark! Thank you. We are in the process of doing a first floor remodel that is NOT including the kitchen at this time, other than to replace flooring. Once we get past the living room, dining room, and family room re-do and then take a breather financially and mentally from it all, I'd like to tackle the kitchen. I have owned microwaves since 1982 in 2 different homes, and always have had OTR. Not sure I want to change that as it has been very convenient and functional for us. I do think though, that I'd like to replace our bulkier one with a one of the slim profile ones on the market though.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yeah, you definitely want to be fresh mentally when you tackle a kitchen. Hope my content can help when the time comes! Thanks so much for watching!

[@keradee8742]

Why are all standard microwaves hinged on the left?🙄I never thought about it before. It would be awkward for someone who is right handed to open it and stir what they're heating up if the hinges were on the other side. Great! Now I'm going to think about this for the next few days whenever I use my OTR! THANKS MARK!!😅

[@MTKDofficial]

Hahaha. I’m glad my video triggered you. 🤣

[@tealkerberus748]

soo... just manufacturers discriminating against left-handed people again. Cool, cool, nothing offensive or hateful to be seen here! Refrigerators these days are made so the hinge can be shifted to either side, so we know the technology exists. The manufacturers just prefer to make life more difficult and dangerous for left-handed people because tradition.

[@guillegarciadevaquera3612]

LOve all the detailed explanations in every single of your videos!! and...I did terrible on your design test 🤣🤣🤣but Im not giving up ! Thanks a lot!

[@MTKDofficial]

You're a work in progress!lol.

[@DFBurgermeister]

Great video and very timely for me. I’m in the process of remodeling my kitchen and I am eliminating the OTR microwave. I really dislike it. I want a built in, but there aren’t a lot of options except the drop down or pull out door type and these are a LOT more expensive than a standard countertop or even a OTR type. After watching this, I’m thinking about maybe an appliance garage with a countertop model that I can hide when not in use. However, the left hinge is an issue. The refrigerator is to the left (can’t afford to move it - plumbing), so it will be a bit awkward. The nearest landing counter is either across (island) or on the other side of the corner pantry. Both are almost 5 ft away.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey Darlene. Glad the video was helpful. Glad to hear you’re getting rid of the OTR. Lol. The appliance garage sounds like the best solution.

[@mtncreekdawn]

Full disclosure: I lean heavy towards a form-follows-function kitchen where aesthetics take a back seat towards usability. (Don't get me started; I could rant for pages.) It's a pity that microwave ovens are so controversial, even despised. I realize there are many factors (including cultural) but I've long felt that the lack of standardization is a big one. Not having standard power output means pro chefs & cookbook writers are handicapped when developing recipes, so they mostly don't even try. Over time, microwave ovens have gone from being perceived as "something real cooks don't bother with" to "something no real cook would consider using". The increased availability of inverter tech in microwave ovens may help improve standardization for recipes; being able to select different wattages for different recipes is a huge help. But I suspect that it's going to be a long time before microwave ovens actually become respectable.

[@Dee-zg2yo]

I like countertop microwave convenience! I have ample counter space, but still debated this for resale reasons. OTRs break down or need repairs more than you know! A friend at a warranty company totally advised against OTRs; they inconvenience homeowners a lot. You could be constantly repairing or replacing an OTR. Newer models are manufactured more often now making what you have obsolete. When a countertop model breaks, just go pick up another one. Waiting for parts, repairs or replacement can be annoying.

[@Goldsteinphoto]

I have my microwave above the stovetop. It is flanked by 2 brushed chrome frosted glass panel cabinets and looks great. Above those are 3 wooden cabinets that match the rest in the kitchen.

[@jessicaprice3448]

I’m considering the Bosch full size oven with built in microwave function so I can do away with a separate microwave in my small kitchen. Any thoughts about these appliances? Any advice welcomed, thanks 🙏

[@SihAza]

What about venting the cooking fumes, and the heat in Summer? In my remodel, I'm considering using a secondary countertop as an "appliance station" for microwave, air fryer, and toaster. Seems smart to have a vent overhead. Wifey doesn't want a hood vent (in addition to the range hood), so perhaps I'll mount at OTR microwave for fume collection, both itself and the appliances below it. I can vent to outside (existing roof vent from former wall oven) or just a microwave w/ filter. I wonder why nobody worries about the grease fumes coming out of an air fryer (and microwave and toaster). Doesn't it condense on the cabinets and walls to leave them gunky over time? Actually, our current microwave says it has an air fryer function, though wifey still uses a separate one.

[@susanhoover1820]

Recently started shopping for all new appliances before redoing our kitchen. Salesman (in USA) told me all microwave drawers are built by Sharp. Other brands just make the control center brains and touch pads. Also with other brands, you’re buying their name and servicing. So, if you don’t like the actual sliding drawer part, go with another style.

[@richardhay645]

In our recenly remodeled kitchen the microwave is in a -floor-to-ceiling wall cabinet at the szme height that it would be if it were on a countertop. When you face yhe microwave the Refrigerator is on the left and countertop on the right. The 9 foot islad is directly across fo an additional counter space. Perfect.

[@MTKDofficial]

Sounds awesome!

[@betsylatham5023]

Struggled with this when renovating our kitchen. We were supposed to have a wall with two tall cabinets flanking the refrigerator and were going to put an open shelf for the micro in one cabinet. Had an issue with a pipe that couldn’t be moved so ended up with just a base cabinet on one side, so the microwave is on the counter there. There is a peninsula opposite, so enough room for a landing area and it is relatively out of the way. I prefer to be able to keep an eye on what I am warming (amazing how fast oatmeal can start bubbling over), so I don’t like the idea of one below eye level.

[@MTKDofficial]

There’s always something that comes up during a renovation. Glad you found a solution that works. Keep an eye on that oatmeal.

[@chosenideahandle]

I have a big kitchen, but man what an eyesore with it on the counter (in my particular design). It's not even in an immediately noticeable corner, but I hate seeing it. Some of the retro styled ones are pretty cool in the right kitchen, and I do find them less offensive when stacked with a wall oven. I'm selling the place, so just here because I'll inevitably be looking for solutions again. Most builder kitchens are still OTR in downtown TO (yeah, can't stand them lol), and I anticipate at least a partial kitchen reno. I'll probably do the base cabinet thing in an island. Keep up the good work man!

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey! Appreciate you watching and the comments. Yeah, I think the base cabinet is the best way to go. But sometimes like to joke that the yard sale is a pretty good spot too. lol

[@valeriehowden471]

Another disadvantage on an OTR (my apolgies, Jackie). Our exhaust hood has a clearance of about 30 inches above our cooktop. Not going to easily bang my head on it as I'm 5'8'. However, my friend, about 5'4" thought it was great clearance too as she has an OTR. Our microwave is on a shelf below some cabinets but i need a trim kit. Off to go online shopping.

[@MrKlawUK]

There are good places from access to the microwave (counter top, base unit for me); but they are the opposite with a small kitchen where I want to maximise counter space and base unit storage (wall units often too high so its more secondary storage IMO). Its a difficult balance to make. For that reason I’m tempted to put it in a tall pantry or tall unit with an oven as that area above the oven is already likely to be secondary storage. Just need to check the height for usabilty (can I see if the milk is boiling over?)

[@davidkipper6781]

Last 2 houses I just ran power to where I wanted it. Last house I put it in a pantry. Current house I had a gutted and redone the kitchen. I put in a wall to ceiling wall of cabinets. The cabinets had power run to them. My microwave, toasters, automatic espresso machine, and other stuff all sat inside a cabinet. Open a cabinet and use your appliances…then just close the cabinet and they go away.

[@Candisa]

I have it on a bit of countertop that's 1 cutlery drawer higher than the rest of the kitchen: perfect height and closes the gap between microwave and upper cabinet. OTR isn't a thing here, but I had my microwave on top of a 144cm (57"?) tall fridge for a very long time to know that's too high. Inside a bottom cabinet would definitely be too low for me. My parents have it above the wall oven: microwave slightly too high and wall-oven slightly too low. Next to eachother at perfect height would be ideal, but my parents only had room for 2 columns and the other one has a paneled bridge in it.

[@ryansoo4000]

You can put a microwave into a narrow, deep tall pantry cabinet sideways and pull it out on a sliding shallow drawer tray. I saw that in a short video once but darned f I can find it now.

[@kvcooks814]

Aaargh...we just finished a complete kitchen reno, and the microwave was the biggest bump in the road! Our designer was really dismissive of the issue and basically talked me out of increasing the depth of some upper cabinets to allow me to hide one inside (added cost, ventilation issues, etc). Now I'm stuck with a Whirlpool corner unit- it's funky looking but in a cute way. I'm still determined to figure out where to hide one or, better yet, do without!

[@MTKDofficial]

oh shoot. I hope you get it figured out. A yard sale is always a great place to put one too. lol

[@professorbatty6850]

I have my microwave on a shelf left of the right-hinged fridge, perfect access from the fridge and it still provides counter space under the shelf. While the cabinet above the microwave is a bit high, it is still usable. The shelf is a bit oversized, making it easy to replace the microwave, no fitting needed. A trim kit would be an option, but I've never felt the need for one.

[@Annwutsfar]

We decided to go with under the counter, facing inward on the island like the said. We skipped the drawer style because they felt so clunky to use. Everyone should make sure to try one before they buy one because they're not as easy to open as a regular microwave.

[@larryhb1]

How about putting the microwave in those corner cabinets that you love so much?

[@darlene19668]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MTKDofficial]

Banned from the channel. 🤣

[@patmanley6745]

I’m not a fan of OTR for all the same reasons you stated in the video. Curious to know if anyone is aware of “OTR” style microwaves that can be attached to the bottom of any upper cabinet. I like to get it off the counter top this way. Built in exhaust fan is not required, just a microwave that’s can be hung from the bottom of any upper cabinet. Do they make these?

[@SihAza]

When microwaves were still fairly new (and expensive) in the 1980's, I bought one for wifey and hung it under a wall cabinet, using a mounting bracket (Home Depot?). Might still be able to buy such (Amazon, ebay, Temu). In those days, nobody considered giving up countertop space to a microwave.

[@patmanley6745]

@@SihAza Hey, thanks for your reply. I went with IKEA cabinets and ended up cutting an end panel and using four L brackets to make a custom size shelf for the microwave instead.

[@ellen8996]

I am working on designing kitchen for (I hope) the rest of my life. Have had OTR for the last 8 or so years, some of them in a wheelchair, but I could stand. I have never dropped anything and I have a glass-top electric stove. I am looking forward though to what will happen when I have to return to using a wheelchair. My idea is a variation on your bar cart. One end of the "L" is the refrigerator, next to a low-ish(34 inches from floor) window. I have asked about getting a lower, 24X24X30 free-standing cabinet that I could put a counter-top microwave on when the OTR no longer sounds like a safe alternative. I am thinking I could use it for my water filter until then. Debating whether to have cabinet on casters. All other current solutions take too much valuable storage space or too much money. Would love to hear everyone's comments on this idea.

[@MTKDofficial]

I think it's a great idea. Castors would be good too.

[@staceyolder4302]

Microwaves inside appliance garage, does not meet code in every province/ region… but generally it is a wonderful way to hide a microwave.

[@MTKDofficial]

Yes! Always check building codes. Good reminder!

[@karlakay]

The Perfect microwave sits on top of a Raised Dishwasher, at eye level!

[@jcr1382]

We have OTR and we’re happy with it, but to each their own.

[@shellbeach4894]

Is it okay if I only have 4 inch clearance between the top of my microwave to my cabinets above? Because directions say I need 8 inches?

[@MTKDofficial]

I don't see much of a difference between 4" and 8" when it comes to suitable clearance. Does the unit get particularly hot? Generally it's advised to follow the manufacturer's specs, but I do wonder where these numbers come from.

[@shellbeach4894]

@@MTKDofficial I haven't even used it yet. Lol. Just took it out of the box and read the manual. So it should be fine right? It's the retro looking microwave from Walmart.

[@colleenmarin8907]

Empty counter space? That's where the microwave goes. No counter space? Rolling cart

[@anonimushbosh]

If space is tight don't bother with an oven. A microwave is way too useful & versatile to leave out and the good ones have grills, ovens & no annoying turntables.

[@adhiprathama]

Is it safe to store microwave beneath induction cooktop?

[@MTKDofficial]

I'd say probably, but that's a great question.

[@deanej]

Most of the countertop microwave guides say that you need a million inches on either side to allow for ventilation. Is this true? I want a microwave for my cabinet that has a lift up drawer front.

[@MTKDofficial]

Ideally you'd follow the model's specs for the particular microwave. It will need some clearance but if there's room in the cabinet, or even if it's pretty close, you should be fine. Is there a way to add ventilation to the cabinet I wonder?

[@deanej]

Thanks, Mark! Yes there is some quite a lot of clearance on top but only a couple of inches on either side… and of course the front would be open. All of the counter depths I’ve seen asks for clearance so far…

[@j.m.7056]

Whirlpool has one to tuck into a corner. It has a curved back!

[@MTKDofficial]

That sounds interesting.

[@j.m.7056]

@@MTKDofficial Perfect for small kitchens or in an RV.

[@raymondchow8722]

I did this on my last remodel. I have a range hood and a over the range microwave oven. 1. I hung the microwave slightly lower than the cabinet so the access is a bit easier without sacrificing counter space. 2. I think lower cabinet makes better storage so I am against putting the Microwave under the countertop. 3. I also took advantage of the microwave's recirculating carbon filter to cut down the cooking scent by placing the instant pot and and air fryer below the microwave oven.

[@MTKDofficial]

Very cool. I've seen this done before!

[@katjafranczek7714]

Wondering if anyone has come up with an easy way to use a step stool to both see inside the OTR and to get it out of the way when not using the microwave.

[@MTKDofficial]

Good idea

[@HH_The_Great]

We are building a new house. Our countertop microwave will be at counter height on countertop material in a cabinet with five drawers below and a double door cabinet above.

[@mistertwo6113]

In our college dorm we put a TV antenna on top of the (banned) microwave and they never noticed... Yes, college was that long ago.

[@PeloquinDavid]

We've thought about this one a lot... In our new kitchen, we've opted for a combination wall and microwave/convection oven right above it with the control panel for both oven on top (so than the top oven can be lower). The microwave/convection door folds down, offering a first platform. We also have a secondary platform right across a 36" walkway between kitchen and dining room (and also next to the fridge). In particular, both ovens are across from a highly heat-resistant stainless steel counter at roughly 2/3rd the height of the oven and about 25cm below the folded-down microwave door. The microwave oven will actually be a few inches lower than with the old microwave shelf we currently have (better for us as our "reaching-up" joints get older...) and we feel the new design will be a lot safer and more concenient to use than the older one as a result.

[@RolanTheBrave]

in both our current kitchen and the new one we're having installed in a couple of months the microwave will be in the utility room. It's not used enough to justify being front and centre on the worktop.

[@MTKDofficial]

That’s a good spot for it!!

[@Bobrogers99]

I'm 84, and taking hot food out at face level would be dangerous for me. Almost surely a trip to the ER for serious burns. Also the built-in venting is weak in OTR microwaves. I suppose one might say that they suck because they don't suck...... ;-)

[@MTKDofficial]

haha. well put!

[@---ey6hj]

I predict one day AI will make a deepfake of Mark as a WWE professional wrestler the way he talks about how kitchen designers like to fight, with his signature move using the OTR instead of a folding chair to knock out his opponent

[@MTKDofficial]

Forget the deepfake. Let’s make this happen for real!!! For charity or something. Haha

[@tamaramartin4015]

1. From this day forward, all microwaves shall be called the nuke box #WootWoot 😛 2. How is the down light on an OTR? My mother has one, and the light from the bottom is terrible; a hood is definitely better for that.

[@MTKDofficial]

The ol’ nuke box. Haha. I never really considered the light. Good thought. I’m sure there’s good and bad ones out there.

[@privateinfo1711]

i don't own a microwave. when i had one, id move it to another room when i had other people over. my son has been known to heat his coffee in a bedroom! the point is that there is more flexibility with a microwave thats not in a cabinet or otr....

[@5610winston]

I viewed this with as open a mind as my derelict soul would allow, but there simply is no place for Chef Mike in my galley other than OTR unless he's on top of the fridge or over the kitchen sink blocking the windows. As a bowlerized bard (can't remember if it was Frank Muir or Michael Flanders, no, Flanders never did that show, not Denis Norden...) of the old BBC radio game _My Word!_ once remarked, "...It is an eel-flavored thing, sir, but by noon!"

[@BrucePotter]

OMG I Hate a microwave under a counter in a base cabinet. Dangerous for toddlers. Can't see the touch buttons. Can't see what is happening in the MW (eg boil-overs). Difficult to centre dishes in the appliance without crouching down. Always stepping back to see what's what or crouching to use it. But for me I'll never have mw in base cabinet again. 60yo mostly use stove top, and airfryer for cooking but mw used to thaw and reheat just about every meal.

[@toxadodo]

OTRs are an absolute no no (I still can't get over the ridiculousness of the idea - only in America of course). For me, the microwave is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, so Function over Form. As a result, preferences will be simply placing it over a countertop, if you are constrained with budget. If not, side by side as a wall unit with an oven. Vertically stacking wall ovens makes no sense to me - you either have to bend to access the main oven or stretch to reach the microwave/speed oven on top defeating the purpose.

[@andeebee2530]

Not many things more dangerous than having to lean over something cooking on the stove top, to get something out the microwave. I don’t think this would be allowed in Australia due to safety.

[@lauriesmith7517]

Microwaves are hinged on the LEFT becausert 90% of the world is right-handed. Which hand is your coffee/food, cooking vessel in? I reeest my case.

[@carloloturco1659]

I Know, In The Garbage

[@hokeypokeypots]

The house I bought came with a huge OTR micro with a built-in exterior vent and lights for the stove. Since I live with only my dog, I only used it to heat coffee. I was heating a cup of coffee one morning and there was a loud bang...and the micro croaked. The lights and fan still worked, but since the fan connected to an outside vent on the windiest side of the house, there was always cold air coming through it. I sealed off the vent and left the broken micro in place until I decided what I wanted to do with that large space over the stove. I wound up getting a small countertop micro...perfect for heating up my coffee or a slice of pizza, but I still have the broken micro over the range because I'm still trying to decide what to do with that space. Add another small cabinet over a range hood? Add an open shelf with a range hood below it? Vent the range hood to the outside and have a drafty kitchen? Discard the range hood altogether and crack a window when I'm cooking? I've had other, more important priorities over the past months...updating old plumbing fixtures, putting a window and a new bathtub in one of my bathrooms, replacing old basement windows that are hard to open, etc. So I just stopped worrying about the damn thing altogether. 🤣🤣