How high should that Microwave be?

Lyn: Nice post... It is true.. I have seen low microwaves also...  Best, Gay

One of the intersesting things I have recently discovered about my micro wave is that if i leave the door open the light inside gets really really hot after a while. This may be something others can learn from too as well as positioning the thing

Lyn, Never ran into this one before.

Hi Lyn, my suggestion is to install an under the cabinet microwave in another location in the kitchen, above a work area is best.  The microwave is lower for shorter people and you do not risk the problem in your photo.  Is there a stove hood in the home?

Lyn, I am not a big fan of the microwave over the range.  There are safety issues with kids using them as well as the clearance issues.  I have found that many manufacturerers actually do specify minimum clearances---while some are vague.  Certainly any with plastic components would demand more clearance than ones that are all metal.  There are some new requirements that call for a 1/4" space between the top of the hood and the bottom of the wood cabinet (or 1/4" milboard).  I am not sure whether this includes microwave/hood units or not.  Remember the codes are only a minimum standard----so when the home inspector comes down hard on something like this---there might be a good reason---if not a code reason. :)  This issue generally shows up when a hood is replaced with a microwave/hood.  In that case the cabinet above will need to be remodeled.

I never thought of this -- duhhhhh!  I just went and measured mine and it is only 14" above the stove.  My gracious, I can't imagine 8 inches and how close to a gas flame and electric heat that makes it.

Surely there should be some safety guidance for installers/home owners.  At the very least a big warning!

It would be great if the home inspectors, manufacturers would weigh in on this.

Sue of Robin and Sue

I am with Charlie on this one.

Often people remove what used to be a range hood and slap a microwave in there because, well, because they have seen it somewhere else and thought it convenient and a counter saver.

While the cabinet's size may have been appropriate for an exhaust hood, it is probably too deep for a microwave.  At minimum the cabinet should probably be replaced with one not so deep so the new microwave can fit there without being too close to the range.

All the manufacturer's have a recommended distance from the top of the range.  And those differences can vary depending on gas or electric for the same microwave.  Their manuals MUST be consulted, but, as Charlie says, all these recommendations are MINIMUMS to follow.  The code is like that too!

Certainly microwaves are MADE to go over the range.  They have additional insulation and the like and are dramatically more costly than a counter-top model for that reason.  But convenience is one thing and common sense another.  I am not a fan of units over the range.

Also, I like Dan's recommendation!

Lyn, Just wrote about this same issueyesterday. You mention code and that is where people get misled. With something like a microwave - range hood all most always the installation parameters fall onto the manufacturers specifications...if there are any. Like those other two home inspector guys said above these installations are often retrofits into spaces neverdesigned to accommodate the microwave. I have seen melted units on a few occasions and many more that just seem to be way too close to the cook top. Bottom line the farther away, the better or as I said yesterday keep the hood and have a separate microwave.

Lyn, great post.. this is something I've not paid attention to before. I think the solution with removing the cabinet above the stove may sound like it makes sense, but in terms of practicality.. especially for shorter individuals (like myself) would not be useful. So, I suppose having a stepping stool close by is also better than burning down your house!

Lyn - Great topic and warning!  It's amazing how so many people don't have common sense.