Over-the-range microwaves (also called OTR microwaves) are great space-savers, but note that in general they do not vent quite as well as a stand-alone hood. The OTR also takes up most of the space above your stove so it's hard to have a special tile feature right above your range.
So as a general rule, you should be OK with mounting a microwave oven (or almost anything else) above a conventional wall oven.
You can put a countertop microwave in a cabinet instead of a built-in type, as long as you follow the necessary safety precautions (ensuring adequate ventilation, the shelf is strong enough to hold it, and proper wire management) to ensure your cabinet and microwave don't get damaged.
The most convenient height, according to ergonomic studies, is between 2 inches below and 10 inches above the user's elbow height. If that user is about 5-foot-6, countertop height is probably fine, keeping in mind that the interior of the oven will be a couple of inches higher than the surface it's placed on.
There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.
Installing an over-the-range microwave oven is often easier than you think. If you are simply replacing an existing vent hood or older microwave with a new oven, you can install it easily enough with common tools. You will need a helper for this one, as an extra set of hands is essential.
Yes, microwave ovens need ventilation. However, the venting needs differ according to the model and design. Proper clearance and ventilation are necessary for efficient operation and safety reasons. Adequate external ventilation is a must for microwave ovens without built-in ventilation systems.
1" clearance in the rear. The front edge of the microwave (measured at door) should sit at least 3" or more back on the counter or shelf to avoid accidental tipping. If located on the counter near a range, we recommend locating it at least 2 ft away.
Since a countertop microwave is designed to rest on a countertop, the vents are often placed on the sides or top to ensure the vents have proper air space to clean out dust and expel hot air during operation. These vents cannot be covered in the built-in hole, as it may cause the microwave to overheat or malfunction.
A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of microwave. If installed into a cabinet, these vents will be blocked and unable to release steam from the microwave,. Talk about a fire hazard for your kitchen.
The thing is if you don't have a lot of room in the kitchen, is it possible to put a microwave in a cupboard? The simple answer is yes. It can fit just fine, like a built-in oven. However, this must be done with caution to avoid any difficulties because of the enclosed space.
Most microwaves don't require venting. However, if yours does, venting it from an inside wall is a simple matter of running the duct pipe to the nearest external wall. Alternatively, you can choose to run the duct pipe through the wall to the central ventilation.
Home Depot microwave installation cost
Over-the-range microwave installation from Home Depot costs $100 for replacements. Replacing an old range hood with an over-the-range microwave costs $400. Hauling away and disposing of the old microwave costs $25. Delivery costs $60* or is free with purchases over $400.
$125 – $500 Installed
The labor cost to install a microwave above the stove is $125 to $500 plus the cost of the microwave oven. When the cost of the microwave unit is added, the total project cost ranges from $300 to $1,100. Custom cabinet work, adding an outlet and replacing the vent hood are extra costs.
A ductless recirculating vent pulls air through a filter and exhausts the air back into the kitchen. Some units are equipped with a charcoal filter that traps some particulate matter and odors, but most of the heat and moisture, along with some types of particles, stay in the house.
Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuitry, but this isn't always a necessity. The National Electrical Code requires it for all fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven. Small or older countertop models draw less power than modern full-size units.
A microwave is self-venting if it doesn't use or need ductwork to vent, instead of using a recirculating venting system to vent out the heat and smells back to the kitchen.
You can put a countertop microwave in the cabinet, but you must do so cautiously. This is because installing a microwave in a cabinet puts the device in an enclosed space, which can cause some complications. Therefore, it is vital to know the proper way of installing the appliance before actually doing it.
When shopping for a new microwave oven, you have the option of a mountable or a counter-top model, but it is possible to turn a counter-top model into a mountable model by using a microwave oven mounting kit.
Built-in microwaves can be installed into a wall or cabinet for convenient operation. With a similar capacity to other microwave styles, the built-in design has the advantages of saving counter space and being able to be installed away from the range, allowing multiple people more space to cook together.