The ideal clearance between a gas stove and an over-the-range (OTR) microwave is 18 to 30 inches, depending heavily on the specific appliance.
For an over-the-range microwave above a gas stove, the standard vertical clearance is 18 to 30 inches between the stove's cooking surface and the bottom of the microwave. Most manufacturers require a minimum of 30 inches of space to combustible materials or metal cabinets, meaning the absolute bottom of the microwave must clear this threshold.
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The minimum distance is typically 18”; some professional style ranges require 30” Also to be considered is the recommendation that the bottom of your microwave be no more than 54” above the floor. Go to your state building codes for the right answer.
To install an over-the-range (OTR) microwave above a gas stove, you must strictly follow manufacturer instructions and meet national safety codes:
People are ditching their microwaves to reclaim counter space, upgrade food quality, and embrace holistic lifestyles. Modern alternatives like air fryers and toaster ovens, coupled with a shift toward intentional cooking, have made microwaves feel obsolete.
All current Over-the-Range microwaves, Advantium ovens, and vent hoods, can be installed over gas ranges and cooktops* with a combined surface burner BTU rating of approximately 65,000 BTUs or less.
"Check specs for the cooktop and hood. They will tell you the dimensions recommended for clearance." "Household cooking appliances shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to combustible material or metal cabinets."
National building and fire codes (like the IRC) require a minimum 30-inch vertical clearance between the top of your cooking surface and any unprotected combustible materials, such as standard wood cabinets. However, specific installation clearances vary depending on the model.
Yes, it is generally safe, but only if you maintain proper clearance. Stoves emit intense heat, steam, and grease that can damage or degrade your microwave over time.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating. This will avoid harm from any possible leaks.
Here are seven places you can put it that won't take up precious prep space:
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Yes, in general. Check the installation details for the gas stove. They generally recommend minimum distances to anything below. The microwave oven shouldn't be an issue.
For an over-the-range (OTR) microwave, you should leave 18 to 30 inches of vertical clearance between the top of your stove's cooking surface and the bottom of the microwave. The industry standard for most kitchens is 18 to 20 inches, which provides ample room to stir large pots without bumping your head.
What is the Code for Installing a Microwave Above a Stove? The NEC (National Electrical Code) requires that OTR microwaves have a dedicated 15- or 20-amp circuit and a clearance of at least 30 inches above the cooktop (some local codes may differ).
If your cabinet is too shallow, your microwave will need to protrude slightly past the cabinet face. To accommodate this, our custom trim kits are offered in a standard 3/4-inch depth or a deeper 1-1/4 inch profile.
Yes. All of our over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for use over a gas range.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches. Some manufacturers allow smaller clearances.
To install an over-the-range (OTR) microwave above a gas stove, you must strictly follow manufacturer instructions and meet national safety codes:
For an over-the-range microwave above a gas stove, maintain a minimum of 30 inches of vertical clearance from the top of the cooking grate to the bottom of the upper cabinet (or the microwave's top frame). This typically provides about 18 to 20 inches of usable space between the stovetop and the bottom of the microwave.
Installed above the cooktop, it serves two main purposes: cooking and ventilation. This versatile unit helps remove smoke, steam, and odors while also working as a microwave. Many models also include stovetop lighting to help illuminate cooking tasks.
Yes, a gas stove can absolutely make you dizzy. This is typically caused by poor ventilation or a malfunctioning appliance, which can lead to indoor air pollution, a gas leak, or dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.