Over-the-Range Microwave ovens and Advantium/Five in One ovens cannot be used on a counter or shelf and are not UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved for this purpose. Keep in mind the underside is not flat on an Over-the-Range Microwave or Advantium/Five in One oven. This would not provide a stable surface.
Over-the-range microwaves install above your range or cooktop in place of a range hood. They function like countertop microwaves, but also eliminate smoke, steam and cooking odors through a built-in ventilation system.
One of the more common installation errors found in kitchen appliances is that of the clearance between the microwave and stove top. It is recommended that a clearance minimum of 18 inches be provided between the base of the microwave and the stove top.
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.
You'll also need a cabinet above the range to hang the microwave in. The cabinet provides support and contains the wiring for the microwave (you might also need this space to hold part of the venting).
Is a microwave above the stove outdated? No, over-the-range microwaves are a great way to free up counter space and consolidate your appliances. They come in a variety of different sizes and designs, so you can find the perfect style 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.
The microwaves will vibrate all particles, cool air prevents this from affecting the components and ensures it is just the food that is agitated and cooked. A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear.
Never Place a Microwave Too Close to the Window
In case of a fire, this appliance may be the difference between danger and safety at an exit,” says IKD designer Albert. Microwaves do require proper ventilation but putting it in front of the window is not the answer.
Shorter users may have a harder time with over-the-range microwaves because they are mounted a minimum of 13 inches above the cook top. Not only does this make it difficult to cook food, but it can also make cleaning the microwave a task.
Microwaves need adequate air clearance on each side, the rear and the top to function properly. This allows good circulation for the intake and discharge air vents.
Microwaves should be installed in a 12"-13" deep cabinet. In order to install an over-the-range microwave under a deeper cabinet (14",15", or 16") deep cabinet, a Bump Out Kit is required. The Bump Out Kit is a wall bracket that extends the unit forward by 3".
Above microwave ovens, a 15- to 18-inch deep cabinet is common.
Open Countertop Space
Over the range microwaves help to open up this counter space and free you from having to have the big, bulky appliance just sitting there. Instead, installing it over your range gives it a more permanent look in your kitchen.
What is the Difference Between Over-the-Range and Built-in Microwaves? Over-the-range microwaves are almost always installed over your stove or cooktop as they often combine the microwave with a range hood and a stove light, while built-in microwaves can be installed anywhere in your kitchen.
In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600 to 1,200 watts. Larger, more expensive microwaves tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.
Instead of placing food in the center, spread it in a circle around the outer edge of the container or plate. The more you spread it out, the better. This makes it easier for the microwaves to reach in and create enough friction to heat the food evenly. Place a cover over the food to keep water from evaporating.
Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves. 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.
If the microwave is not vented, the excess heat will have nowhere to go but inside your kitchen, and the metal inside the microwave will continue to get hotter.
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.
This is a question we hear time and time again at Sharp. And while many bloggers will advise you to install a microwave in your kitchen cabinets, we strongly advise against it. A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave.
Some over-the-range microwaves have exhaust fans that vent kitchen air out of the house through ductwork in the wall. Some don't and instead filter, then push it back out into the kitchen. Many will come with the ability to do either, so you must choose which one and set it up before installing.
The tissue test below can be used to check for proper draw of the vent: Turn the vent fan on HIGH and hold a tissue or paper towel under the vent area. The suction should hold the tissue or paper towel in place. The draw is equal on both sides.