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, though, probably need a helper, as an extra set of hands is essential.

Here are seven places you can put it that won’t take up precious prep space:

1. 1) Over the range. This is a classic choice, especially in smaller kitchens.
2. 2) On an upper shelf.
3. 3) On a lower shelf.
4. 4) Built in with a trim kit.
5. 5) In combination with a wall oven.
6. 6) In a drawer.
7. 7) HIDDEN In a cabinet.

Pros: Leaves the counter clear and the sightline open, especially when paired with airy upper shelving. Cons: If the microwave is too low, moving dishes in and out of it can be a nuisance. Plus, if you have curious small children, this could be a dangerous option.

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 microwave. Talk about a fire hazard for your kitchen.

As nearly all building codes require a ventilation system, it usually has a light to brighten the stovetop and a fan removing steam and smoke from the air. Microwaves that go on top of the range usually have a fan and light built into the underside of the microwave.

Over the range microwaves and Advantium ovens require a minimum 66″ mounting height from the floor to top of the unit. The 66″ from the floor dimension will allow approximately 13″ between the cooktop surface below and the bottom, front of the microwave.

Different venting options: External venting sends the smoke through an outside exhaust vent, whereas a recirculating venting microwave pulls air through a charcoal filter then vents it back into the house.

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.

A special appliance pantry is the most appealing idea, with doors that retract into the cabinet so they can sit inside while the appliance is in use. Creating a cubby with hinged panels or doors that swing up is another option. Below the counter is yet another alternative, either exposed or hidden behind doors.

The difference between a countertop microwave and built-in microwave is that the countertop microwave can be placed on top of the kitchen counter while the built-in microwave is installed into a wall or a corner of the cabinet.

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. Do not place cookbooks, small appliances, or other items on top of the microwave. …

Place the countertop microwave in the built-in hole. Adjust it so each vent area has at least 1 inch of space in front of it. Do not push the microwave all the way against the back panel of the cabinet, and do not force the microwave into the cabinet space if the side panels do not provide enough space for the vents.

If you have ample counter space and do not want to spend all the extra money on custom-built microwaves, then a countertop microwave would work best for you. However, if you have an extremely small kitchen and need to utilize all the available space, a built-in microwave works best for you.

Built-in microwave ovens are known for being slightly more expensive because of the installation cost, which should always be completed by a professional.

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.

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.

Over-the-range microwaves and Advantium ovens cannot be used on a counter or shelf and are not UL approved for this purpose. Keep in mind the underside is not flat on over-the range microwaves and would not provide a stable surface.

How to Fill the Gap Between the Oven and the Countertop

1. Use a pre-made cover. There are purpose-built covers to fill the gap between your counter and your oven.
2. Use silicone. If your freestanding oven is a very tight fit in the space and a pre-made cover is too big for the gap, you can use silicone.
3. Using plastic tubing.

GE Profile Spacemaker® XL 1800 36″ Microwave Oven – JVM3670SK – GE Appliances.

For a seamless look in your kitchen, find a gap cover that is clear or closely resembles the color of your countertop.

1. Use a silicone material if there is any height difference between your stovetop and the counter.
2. Use stainless steel gap covers to match a metal stove-top seamlessly.

Ideally, your kitchen will allow for at least 48″ space in between the front of your stove and the cabinets’ fronts on the opposite wall. This amount of space is enough for you to freely prepare food and cook while others might be doing other chores in the kitchen.

1. Make sure the dishwasher is centered between the two cabinets.
2. Purchase filler strips at a home improvement store that are wide enough to cover the space.
3. Cut the filler strips so they are the same height as the cabinet front.
4. Stain the filler strips and let them dry completely, about 24 hours.