Is it alright to mount a counter top microwave over my range?
As for venting of the range, my exhaust fan is actually in the wall next to the range as opposed to overhead. My question/concern is whether/if an over the range microwave has some other attribute that a counter top microwave doesn't have.
Hi,
OTR microwaves have at least one safety thermostat on the bottom so if the cooking temps below the mirowave or the microwave bottom gets too hot the thermostat will close and turn on the exhaust fan by itself.
jeff. Appliance Repair Aid
Some counter top microwaves can be converted, but they usually need a kit (more $$$) from the manufacturer.
I would hesitate to mount any microwave over a range unless you seldom used either.
My guess is those designed to mount over a range are designed to handle the heat that they are likely to be exposed to where a counter top unit is not. This could result in overheated components and damage to the microwave. Likewise I would expect such a microwave to be designed to handle the additional grease it is likely to encounter.
I wonder how well a vent on the wall next to the range would work as compared to above?
Personally I would try to avoid having any microwave above my range, even one designed to go there. It is just not a good environment for that kind of appliance and I would think that it is not the most convenient location. I often use my microwave when I am also using the range which means things would be getting crowded and I would be reaching over a hot range to access the microwave. If I have a very small kitchen I might try it.
I beg to differ. Unless you have a large, newer kitchen where you can mount a conventional microwave at eye-level, the OTR configuration is very handy. We installed one 2 years ago and I like it much better than on-the-counter. I installed one for my Mom last summer and she is similarly pleased with it. Freeing up the extra counter space is a nice bonus.
-Tim
No. It may be seriously damaged and it is not rated for hte high temperature application.
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