It is designed to be built in to a cabinet. Technically, you can put an over-oven microwave in an island IF the ventilation comes out the top front. You'd need to build a base for it to sit on, add brackets for it to rest on, and make sure it is ventilating properly. Do NOT put it behind a closed door.
It can be placed below a kitchen island or in any type of standard cabinetry and will give you both an easier cooking and cleanup experience, who wouldn't want that? It is better to be safe than sorry in our book, so we recommend leaving your countertop microwave where it belongs.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.
Proper ventilation allows the appliance to function correctly. So, yes, countertop microwave requires ventilation, but not external ventilation. The primary thing you need to do is ensure proper clearance at the sides, rear, and top of the microwave.
Designers are increasingly installing microwave ovens in the kitchen island. Microwave ovens can be problematic against a wall where upper cabinets a) may not make sense ergonomically, and b) don't fit in a standard 12″ deep cabinet. The island turns out to be a logical and convenient location for a microwave oven.
For a discrete look, consider a drawer-style microwave built into an island or elsewhere below the countertop. When tucked below the counter, a drawer-style microwave offers easy access, readily available landing space for food going into or coming out of the microwave, and no demands on counter space.
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.
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.
Examine the countertop microwave to locate all vents on the two sides, top and back panels. 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.
From countertop to built-in
You can install the microwave into your cabinetry alone, or above a wall oven. Built-in installation with a trim kit maximizes counter space and achieves a custom, seamless look for your kitchen.
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.
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.
They do a better job of extracting toxins and smoke (although not at the same level as a range hood). A vented option will remove these fumes and vent them to the exterior of your home. A recirculating OTR microwave uses charcoal filters to neutralize air before it is pumped back into your kitchen.
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the microwave's bottom should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor if it's a countertop model. This translates to 18 inches of clearance from the typical cooktop height of 36 inches and the microwave.
A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear. In other words, if you are asking 'does a microwave need space around it? ' the answer is yes. It ensures the right level of airflow and protects the appliance.
Kitchen Islands With Microwaves, Grills And Ovens
Then build your grill or oven inside your kitchen island, it will fit perfectly and will ease your cooking. You can also accommodate a whole baking station in a kitchen island: hide all the necessary appliances inside its drawers and compartments.
Many people love the modern, sleek design of having a microwave in their island.
Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.