
The official answer is yes; you can put your regular microwave over the stove without any problems. However, I recommend you install it in a tight place. You need to put your microwave at a minimum safe distance for mounting other types of products.
How do you install an above - stove microwave?
Instructions
- Install an Electrical Outlet. ...
- Cut Holes for the Ductwork and Vent Cover. ...
- Install the Duct and Vent Cap. ...
- Mount the Wall Bracket. ...
- Drill Holes in the Cabinet. ...
- Prepare the Microwave Vent. ...
- Mount the Microwave. ...
- Connect the Ductwork. ...
- Finish the Project. ...
How to install microwave on brackets abover stove?
Instructions:
- Determine the location of the microwave. Make sure it’s centered over the range and that the bottom of the microwave is...
- Draw a line where you want the bottom of the microwave to be. Make sure it’s level, and find where the studs are located...
- Using a stud finder to confirm your placement, attach the brackets into the studs. Use a drill and 2.5” screws.
How do you install an overhead microwave?
Over-the-range microwave installation instructions include templates to help position the mounting brackets. Start with the wall template. Line it up on the center line on the wall and tape it in place. Check that the template is level. Mark the screw holes. Use the mark of your stud location to mark a screw hole over the stud.
How to install an over the counter microwave?
- Use an appropriate microwave.
- Locate the wall studs.
- Place the mounting plate.
- Locate and drill the correct attachment holes.
- Drill a 1.5" – 2" (4-5cm) hole for the power cord.
- Secure the mounting plate.
- Mount the microwave.

How far should a microwave be above a stove?
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.
Why do people put microwaves above the stove?
Pro: Over-the-Range Placement Keeps All Your Cooking in One Zone. The ideal kitchen layout has cooking appliances, the fridge, and the sink in a triangular formation. If your microwave is not above the stove, you may lose some of that highly sought-after triangle shape.
Can you put a microwave above a stove without vent?
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.
Are microwaves over the stove outdated?
Over-the-range microwave While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.
Can you put a countertop microwave over-the-range?
Built-in microwaves can either stand alone or you can pair them with a wall oven. Some over-the-range microwaves can be installed next to a wall oven, but not all. You'll want to double check with the manufacturer before you try and install an over-the-range or countertop microwave as built-in.
Is it necessary to vent a microwave?
While you cook food inside the microwave, lots of heat, odor, steam, and smoke is generated. All these elements need to be vented. Otherwise, odors & steam can create a stinky smell inside the still-sitting oven. This smell can gradually spread inside your kitchen too.
How much ventilation does a microwave need?
3"Countertop Models: 3" of clearance on both sides and the top. 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.
How much clearance do you need between stove and microwave?
In general, countertop microwaves should be at least 2 feet away from the cooktop, and because these models are not designed for over-the-range use, they should never be mounted above a cooktop.
Is it OK to have a microwave above a gas stove?
Can you put a microwave above a gas range? Yes. In fact, you can put a microwave over a gas range or electric range. Microwaves are also commonly placed on countertops, stored inside cabinets, or on shelves.
Where should a microwave be placed in a kitchen?
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.
Where should you not put a microwave?
The 5 Worst Places to Put a Microwave in Your KitchenNever Place a Microwave Too Close to the Window. ... Keep a Microwave Out of a Corner Cabinet. ... A Microwave Against a Wall Is a Bad Idea. ... Don't Put a Microwave Next to a Refrigerator. ... A Microwave Next to a Sink Is Asking for Trouble.
What is the difference between over the range and countertop microwave?
Built-in and countertop microwaves function only as a microwave, while over-the-range models double as a hood vent for kitchen stoves. Each configuration offers different advantages based on your kitchen and cooking style, and understanding these advantages can help you find the right option for your home.
How to put a microwave over a stove?
I move the stove and put a 4′ ladder under the cabinet with a folded furniture pad on top. I get the microwave on top of the ladder and from there lift it onto the wall bracket.
What tool do I need to install a microwave over a stove?
One tool that I have found to be very helpful for installing an outlet for a microwave oven over the stove is the Oscillating Multifunction Tool . It seems to be the perfect tool for cutting clean precise holes in woodwork. This is a tool that I always kept on my truck because it came in handy often.
Where is the microwave oven mounted?
Microwave oven mounting template mounted to the wall under the kitchen cabinet. Every over-the-stove microwave oven has a mounting bracket that gets attached to the wall. There are also holes that need to be drilled in the bottom of the cabinet for the power cord, and for screws to hold the microwave oven up.
Where does the power cord come from in a microwave?
The power cord from the microwave oven will come through a hole that you make for it in the bottom of the cabinet and plug into that outlet . It may not always be possible to use the old hood electrical feed to power the new microwave oven. It might not be a 20 amp appliance circuit.
Where is the finished microwave outlet?
The finished microwave oven outlet installed inside of the kitchen cabinet over the stove.
Can I use a microwave oven over a stove?
Answer: If you already have a hood with fan and light mounted on the underside of the cabinet, you can possibly use that circuit to power your new microwave oven over the stove. You should determine first what circuit is powering the hood. NOTE: Some text links below go to applicable products on Amazon, EBay, and Northern Tool and Equipment . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Can you install a microwave oven with two people?
It is much easier to install the microwave oven with two people. Over-the-range microwave oven mounted under the kitchen cabinet above the stove. If an air duct was connected to the above microwave oven, the work would be a little more difficult and require the skills and tools of another trade.
How deep is a microwave fan?
Advertisement. Most microwaves are only about 15 inches deep and their fans aren't all that powerful as compared to a range hood, which is generally 18 to 24 inches deep with a fan designed to suck up the air and cooking particles and release them outside of your home.
Why vent a stove?
Venting is necessary to remove heat, smoke and cooking odors from your kitchen. A powerful vent also helps keep grease and oils from mixing with moisture and dust, which can coat the area around your cooktop with a thin layer of grime.
What is the difference between an electric stove and an electric stove?
The main difference between types of stove tops lies in how they heat your food. An electric stove has ring-shaped burners that are heated by electricity. The hotter they are, the more brightly they glow, with a red burner indicating that it's set on its highest setting. These burners don't cool down immediately.
How tall should a stove top be?
Advertisement. Another is the issue of height. As with most home furnishings, stove tops are set at a more or less standard height of 3 feet.
How does a gas stove work?
Gas stoves are fueled by natural gas or propane that's mixed with air and ignited by a small spark when you turn the burners on. Most home gas ranges vary in power from about 12,000 to 50,000 British thermal units (BTUs), which measure how much heat the burners put out.
Can a microwave go above a stove top?
Advertisement. Not all microwaves are designed to go above a stove top. Microwaves that are designed to fit beneath or between cabinets or over a wall oven don't have vents built into the bottom.
Can you put a microwave above a stove?
Putting your microwave above your stove top saves space on your counters without eating up your cabinet space. It also means that you can't have a range hood above your stove top. This isn't a huge concern with a standard electric or induction oven, but it can cause problems with a gas stove top, especially if yours has more powerful pro-strength ...
What is an over the range microwave?
Over-the-range microwave are mounted above the stove, acting as both a hood vent and a microwave. They are known for being extreme space savers, but they aren’t ideal for all kitchen designs. If you’re debating whether or not to mount your microwave, check out the pros and cons of over-the-range microwaves.
How high should a microwave be mounted?
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. If you have young children that need to use the microwave, they may need a stool to reach it until they grow taller.
Why do people use OTR microwaves?
The main reason why many homeowners choose OTR microwaves is because they save counterspace. If you have a small kitchen with limited prep space, a mounted microwave can open vital square footage. Even if you have a decent amount of counterspace, a bulky microwave may not fit the look you want in your kitchen.
Can you vent a microwave outside?
Over-the-range microwaves offer the cooking functions of a microwave and the venting functions of a traditional hood vent. Most over-the-range microwaves can be set to vent outside or circulate air through a filter back into the kitchen. The circulating option is useful in kitchens where venting outside is difficult, costly, or not an option at all.
Can you put tall pots under a microwave?
Some tall pots may not sit well under an OTR microwave, depending on how low the microwave sits. If you want a pasta arm above the stove, placement may be difficult or impossible with a microwave above. This is why it is important to consider the kitchen as a whole when planning your remodel. Every decision has a ripple effect for other elements in the kitchen.
Should I Get an Over-the-Range Microwaves for My Kitchen?
Now that you know the pros and cons of over-the-range microwaves, you can decide if you’d like one in your kitchen. The space-saving perks are undeniable, but that may not matter much in your kitchen. If you have room to put the microwave elsewhere and get a gorgeous statement hood vent, go for it! If maximizing prep space is your top priority, an OTR microwave may be perfect for you.
Where to put microwave that won't take up prep space?
Here are seven places you can put it that won’t take up precious prep space: 1) Over the range. This is a classic choice, especially in smaller kitchens. Tucked away neatly over your stove, the microwave does double duty as a hood vent. Over-the-range microwaves (also called OTR microwaves) are great space-savers, ...
How deep is a microwave?
If you do place the microwave on a shelf in your lower cabinets, there will be some wasted space behind the appliance (microwaves are not 24″ deep).
Can you hide a microwave?
Finally, why not hide your microwave completely? Just like some folks would rather not showcase their TV, some folks would rather not see their microwave, especially if they don’t use it all that often. You can tuck it inside your pantry, or inside one of your cupboards. Just make sure you choose a model that will fit once plugged in, and be sure to let the electrician know your plans so they can put the plug where it needs to go and make any safety accommodations needed by code.
Do I need a microwave for a kitchen remodel?
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel one of the things you’ll need a home for is the microwave (unless you’re going microwave-free, which is, of course, an option – that’s what my hubby and I did!). Since counter space is usually at a premium you’ll want somewhere else to tuck that appliance. Here are seven places you can put it that won’t take up precious prep space:
Do you need a shelf for a microwave?
Depending on the model you choose you may find that you need the shelf the microwave sits on to protrude out a little further than your upper cabinets, and you’ll want to plan ahead so that your electrician puts the required outlet on the wall in the space where the microwave will live.
Can you stack a microwave over a wall oven?
If you have the room in your kitchen, stacking your microwave over a wall oven can be not only a wonderful, streamlined look, but also puts the microwave at an easy-to-use height. Note that there are units that are sold as microwave-oven combos (these are often convection-style microwaves) or you can install a wall oven with a separate microwave ...
Can you use a drawer microwave in a cabinet?
Okay, not *in* a drawer, but actually a drawer microwave! They now make drawer-style microwaves (usually 24-30″ wide) that install discreetly in your lower cabinets or island. Just slide it open, set in your food, and use as normal. They are spendier than the other styles of microwave, but look fantastic!
