I can't see into their microwave since i am only 5 foot 3 so for me my microwave works well with being flush. As far as over-the-range microwaves are concerned, they can be problematic if your cabinets are not as deep as the microwave. It works well for me. Dedicate a 15-amp, 120V circuit for a built-in microwave. It was low enough that accessing tall pans on the back burners was problematic, and it blocked my view of the controls on the back of the stove so that I frequently would turn on the wrong burner, and not realize it until the wrong coil turned red or the empty pot on that wrong burner started smoking. Can a dishwasher be wired to a kitchen counter small appliance receptacle circuit? Your account allows you to track order history and provides for faster, easier purchasing and customer assistance. Best Over The Range Microwave 29.5 Width | Find The Best One In 2022, Best Oven For Baking Sourdough Bread? While supplies last. If youre replacing an existing model, your first step is to take out your current over-the-range or built-in microwave. Link your shopping cart across all your devices! We think that is a sensible maximum installation height, but a higher or lower level should probably be determined by the needs of the occupants of the house. The handle and the door of the oven should stick out from cabinets at least 5 inches. All rights reserved. The instruction manual of over-the-range microwave oven includes a template to help the user position the mounting brackets. Built-in microwaves typically match standard cabinet dimensions and countertop microwaves come in sizes from compact to extra large. It seems like ordering an 18'' cabinet for above the OTR is definitely the way to go. You also run the risk of burning yourself on the cooktop." What are the code requirements for an outdoor dryer vent cover? I think that's an important consideration. If it's on the same circuit as a major kitchen appliance, the performance of the microwave can be affected. For installing the toggle bolts, thread the bolts crossing the bracket and then twist the toggles. 3. Ridiculous, because microwaves have long since grown from toaster-oven size to that of whole-turkey zappers. Many feature drop down drawers that allow them to open like a standard oven, though models with a side swing door are also available. My complete plan is to do it in stages due to budget restraints. I have 30" upper cabinets now, but will have 36" uppers in the new kitchen, with a 18" cabinet above the MW. For 30" high cabinets a 12" cabinet is what I use when designing for an OTR. Widthswill all be roughly 30 inches to match the standard width of the range below and the standard cabinet cutout width where the microwave will be installed. Users who are elderly, disabled or short in stature may have trouble reaching a microwave at this heightor they may not be able to get to it at all. Clear your countertop of any obstructing objects or appliances in the area youd like to place your new microwave. Here I will include a quick flashback for you. Figure 7.If it's got to be one or the other, you can still get both with a combination convection and microwave oven. If an over-the-range location still makes sense for your kitchen, be sure there is plenty of open space on both sides of the range to serve as a landing area for items you take out of the microwave, and bring the unit down as far as you can without it getting in the way of pots. Open-door depthsrange from 40 to 50 inches. Where you choose to place this essential kitchen appliance determines how useful and safe it will be. If your client doesn't require maximum oven capacity, appliances like the Ultima Cook Oven (KitchenAid, 800/422-1230, www.kitchenaid.com; $1,230) and the g2microven (Whirlpool, 800/253-1301, www.whirlpool.com; price not yet available) combine convection, broiling, and microwave functions in a 1.4-cubic-foot, single wall unit (Figure 7). Capacityis usually around 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet. Can I Cook Brownie Mix In The Microwave? Widthsalign with standard cabinet widths, usually 24, 27 or 30 inches. For 36", an 18" cab is the choice. The question of maximum height for an over-the-range microwave came up today at a home inspection where the bottom of the microwave was 62 inches above the floor. Thats not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Secure it using the mounting screws on the upper cabinet. That is, coincidentally, also the standard height of the bottom of a wall cabinet above the range in most kitchens. Ergonomic studies show that the most convenient height for placing items in and removing them from a microwave is somewhere between 2 inches below and 10 inches above the elbow of the primary user (Figure 2). Painting the cabinets is just a bonus now. Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must. "When I bring up this option to people, they're skeptical," says builder Glen Doyle, of Glen Doyle Builders in Princeton, New Jersey, who designed and built the two kitchens shown on this page. Why does venting a clothes dryer into a garage, attic, or crawl space cause problems? A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. What are the most common defects with over-the-range microwaves? Maybe the kitchen's current design won't readily give up space above or below the countertop. We are in Florida and provide plenty of information about hurricanes and sinkholes, for example, but nothing on basements and ice dams. Would the vent (to outside) work better at a closer distance? My spa tub stopped working. Does a refrigerator water supply line require a shutoff valve behind it? Open-door depthsrange from roughly27 to 39 inches. If that something is hot, you have the potential for a hazardous spill and potential burn. The upper kitchen cabinets should install about 12-inch-deep where the microwave is, and over-the-range microwaves are generally 15-16 inches deep. Heres what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. If yes, we can offer you special offers if you sign up, do you want to continue? My OTR MW had very specific instructions - the top of the MW had to be no closer than 34" from the top of the cooktop grates - my MW is 36" above the cooktop. The ideal width for these cabinets is 30 inches and 12-15 inches high. In fact, the average user will have few complaints with a microwave installed in the bottom line of wall cabinets, with its interior shelf or rack about 54 inches above the finished floor. Once your account is created, you will be returned to checkout to complete your purchase. Theyre sometimes called microwave hood combinations since they offer excellent cooking performance and double as a hood vent, capturing smoke, grease and odors coming off the cooking surface below. | Lets Find Yours In 2022. Comment below and give your feedback how did you go with the information in this article. Right now, the micro is lower than the cabinets, only because when our microwave died 2 years ago, we bought a SS one to replace it knowing *someday* we would redo the kitchen and get all SS appliances. I am not sure what the issues might be with stock cabinet sizing. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Now record the measurement from the range top to the cabinet above. Microwaves are masters of convenience and come in different types designed to fit your kitchen and cooking style. Figure 6.Consider sharing a conventional wall-oven cabinet with a built-in microwave oven. It also provides users with quick access to counter space, either right underneath the microwave, above it or nearby. Then I will have the option of going in line or slightly higher. Now remove the template and start drilling the holes. Here's a picture of our old kitchen that ought to be enough to convince you that lower than the adjacent cabinets is not pretty. We use your information in accordance with ourprivacy policy.. Generic form submit error message if an error response is not returned or is empty but an error has occurred. If you have the floor space, you won't have to go to the trouble and expense to alter cabinets. Use this pattern to mark the screw holes. You can simply line up the template on the walls centerline by using the painters tape. Add the shelf under the cabinet over the sink and you can do the same thing over the fridge, this is a great spot for pan and pot storage. Since the microwave is also 15" deep, I am also going to get increased depth cabinets for that wall so it is flush. Use a measuring tape to measure the width of the cutout from cabinet to cabinet. When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? (Query Explained). Figure 5.When other locations prove inconvenient or unavailable, an unused blank wall area can be pressed into service as a stand-alone microwave center. And it's perfect for older children. As an Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. Quite the contrary, I'm not spending tons of money on this project. Bring into line the fan with the exhaust duct. Thanks again for making at least one of these decisions easy! Sign in Most OTR MWs are at least 16" tall, and many are 17" or more. As a primary-use appliance, the microwave should occupy the top slot for convenient access. Over-the-range microwaves are becoming the more common choice for todays kitchens. Dave Holbrook is a freelance carpenter and a JLC contributing editor, in South Orleans, Mass. Wall Microwave - Built in or Shelf Cabinet ? How to Change Power Level on LG Microwave? The NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) recommends that the bottom of the microwave be no more than 54 inches above the floor, which allows 18 inches clearance above the typical range/counter height of 36 inches. This online merchant is located in the United States at 553 Benson Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. How Long To Reheat Mashed Potatoes In Microwave? It can also be a great option for renters who are unable to install appliances. All rights reserved. ft.) are 700 to 800W; larger models (1.5 cu. The 5 Best Solar Generators (2022 Review). So, the question here arises, how far should your microwave stick out from cabinets? In that case, look to adjacent wall areas for usable space. Learn how to install a built-in microwave with our comprehensive guide. This can be a safety issue for the height of a microwave oven. Tunis Kitchens and Baths in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Can I remove a 240-volt range receptacle and hard-wire the range? The Last Word (We Hope) on Vapor Barriers, A Builder's Guide to Breathable Indoor Air, Building a Deck With a Welded Steel Frame, Housing Market Slows as Fed Takes Aggressive Approach to Combat Inflation, When Hidden Defects Complicate a Simple Deck Replacement. Firstly, measure the dimension of your microwave and the extent it is currently placed in with a measuring tape. A microwave can be set up as an independent station, complete with a prep surface and dedicated storage. But before you start wheeling the appliance around, make sure the electric outlet you use can handle the additional load. Now you have to mount the microwave by locking the back of the unit through the mounting bracket. Countertop, over-the-range (also known as microwave hood combinations) and built-in microwaves come in a range of sizes and capacities to choose from. For remodeling and repair services in Metro St. Louis, call Mosby Building Arts at 314.909.1800 or contact them here. Unless your clients actually want the microwave to occupy valuable countertop real estate, many locations in the average kitchen can be designed or modified to accommodate this bulky appliance. Over-the-range microwave dimensions usually include the following: A low-profile microwave hood offers a streamlined design to give you more space above your cooking surface without compromising space inside for the items you normally place in a microwave. (adjacent cabinets would be 18'' from countertop to light rail). JLC Online: Best practices for professional builders and remodelers. Placing the oven on a cart provides flexibility. Figure 3.Whether hung from the underside of a wall cabinet (left) or resting on a shelf (right), the microwave is at a convenient height when inserted among wall cabinets. You can toggle bolts in the holes that are not in line with the stud. The top oven only had about a 14" clearance from range top to bottom of the oven - NOT ENOUGH. To do or not to do: Staggering cabinets for an above range microwave. To get a general idea of whats available, browse through the typical microwave sizes chart below to find the right dimensions and capacity for your kitchens space and cooking style. It sits 2" higher than the bottom of my upper cabinets. I'm wondering what would be the IDEAL distance btw micro and range, both in terms of looks and functionality. "This placement is bad because it's too high for many people," says Rhonda Moritz, spokeswoman for the National Kitchen & Bath Association in Hacketts-town, New Jersey. The International Residential Code (IRC) and Florida Building Code (FBC) defer to the manufacturers installation instructions and do not have a specific code requirement. At the top and bottom, mark the opening center. You can spot the mounting bracket at the back of your microwave, remove it using a drill. Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe? Step 2: Measure the microwave cutout width, Step 3: Measure the microwave cutout depth, Step 4: Measure the microwave cutout height. Youre currently browsing the US version of KitchenAid's site. On the underside of the cabinet, position the template using the painters tape. Capacityis around 1.1 cubic feet of space, a little smaller than a standard over-the-range microwave, but still large enough to fit regular-sized dishes. Considering the above guidelines, dropping the oven below countertop level may not seem like a sensible option. As far as looks are concerned, we like the break there. Thank you for your concern. Why would a home have natural gas appliaces but no gas meter? What height is best for safely getting food out of microwave? Are you thinking about how far should your microwave stick out from cabinets? The ideally installed microwave should be flush with cabinets. 2. Heighttypically ranges from 17 to 22 inches. Major appliances limited to refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, hoods, freezers, beverage & wine centers, ice makers and compactors. Mounted low under a countertop, a microwave can serve as a teen feeding station or do occasional dirty work in a gourmet's kitchen. A countertop microwave gives you extra flexibility since it can be placed nearly anywhere in your kitchen or installed in cabinetry with a trim kit for ease of access. Heightsoften measure from10 to 12 inches. "The manufacturer's instructions will tell you how much cabinet depth you need to have for a built-in," says Sam Cipiti, vice- president of R.M. Otherwise, a shorter person would be reaching over their head to remove a hot item from the microwavewhich is dangerous. Just raise an existing 24-inch-wide cabinet by a foot (provided ceiling height allows) and hang the oven from its underside. My current OTR MW is 20" above my range top with a 12" cabinet above it. I dont think the space difference between an 18" or a 21" tall upper cabinet above it will matter, even for a very small kitchen. Standard clearance for a microwave-hood combination appliance is 18 above the range top which is 54 above the the finish floor. Only valid for new orders on kitchenaid.com. Yesterday my GC and KD were over for one last measure before I order my cabinets and they both said they prefer to have the OTR MW exactly where I have it. Would you like to go to the Kitchneaid Canada site instead? Now install the mounting bracket on the prepared wall. What are the most common defects with over-the-range microwaves? I like the look of the OTR MW a little higher than the bottom of the upper cabinets. The NKBA's Moritz already sees a trend under way. But we didn't design it purposely that way - it just happened. The vast majority of microwaves are hinged on the left-hand side and so are best placed to the left of the landing area. NKBA does not recommend placement over a cooktop for all the reasons mentioned above. 2. The toggles can easily secure the bolts as they provide perfect grip in drywalls. Then, the micro arrived and it was bigger than the one it replaced Anyhoo, I am planning that the new micro will be in line with the bottom of the cabinets, and since I am doing 36" uppers, I am most likely getting an 18" cabinet above it. Now mark the screw holes keeping the stud location marked earlier in view. Prices range from $100 to $400, depending on. Of course the incremental increase in ugliness due solely to the low OTR microwave is hard to gauge :-). Multitasking. Capacityis often from around1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet. Built-in microwave dimensions usually include the following: If a built-in microwave seems like the right fit for your space, explore our built-in microwave buying guide for more information. You could leave it open, finish the inside with some beadboard like fiberboard, or real beadboard paneling if it is not too thick - The fiberboard can be cut with a utility knife. Microwaves are measured by exterior width, height, depth and interior capacity. Placement of OTR will affect whether cabinet above is 18'' or 21'' high (30'' wide). Why is there a water hose connected to the back of the clothes dryer? Yes!!! So, without any further delay, lets get straight to the point. to your account to save and access your shopping cart on your desktop, tablet, or mobile device. If youre installing an over-the-range microwave, its okay for it to drop below the cabinets as long as you retain 30 inches from the bottom of the microwave to the top of the stove. Next, cut and place the wood filler blocks to fill the space between the over-the-range oven and bottom cabinet. Most manufacturers installation manuals recommend that the top of the microwave be at 66 inches above the floor. I have read about the minimum height required between the range and the microwave - 30'' from range top to top of microwave, which for a 16-17'' microwave would equate to about 13-14'' btw range and bottom of OTR. For space reasons we will be having an OTR microwave in our new kitchen. You will see many configurations - from lower than upper cabinets, to level, to 2 or 3 inches higher. Since its invention in the mid-1950s, the microwave has gone from a futuristic machine to an everyday tool. Although it might be a little tricky to match the stain for decorative trim, I have done so for changes I've made in my own oak cabinetry. If you plan on installing a built-in microwave on your own, our step-by-step guide can help. Front Load Electric Dryer with Extra Power and Quick Dry cycle - 7.3 MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which may differ from actual selling prices in your area. If you are not a Pro and are facing trouble as this might be your first time with installation, I recommend seeking professional help. Why is it bad to have a clothes dryer vent near an air conditioning condenser (outdoor unit)? We are not affiliated with, and do not receive any compensation from, any of the companies or products mentioned in this blog. "It's usually at least 15 in." If you plan to install a new one for the first time, measure the area youd like to install it. ft.), is sometimes listed in the product name. This space-saving strategy is especially convenient for kids, the elderly and the disabled because it allows the microwave to be close to eye level and easy to reach. Trim kits, an option for built-ins you can add at any time, allow at least 1 1/2 in.