Distance from OTR microwave to range?

[bfremgen]

I am replacing a standard range hood with an over the range microwave. I figure I have to move the above cabinet up. Is there a standard or recommended distance from the top of the stove range to the bottom of the microwave?

thanks a bunch

bob

[trader4]

I'd suggest going to the various manufacturer's websites, where there should be spec info.

[tom]

Check the microwave manual. Tom

[Mamba]

A tough question. I know there are standards, 'fraid I don't know them. However, consider the shortest person who might be using the microwave. If they will be removing hot items from the microwave above eye level, that is a dangerous situation. Then again, too close to the stovetop, and the dangers are obvious.

There is a national association of kitchen designers called the NKBA. Perhaps their webiste has some guidelines about this.

[Dottie]

standard range hood with an over the range microwave.

We had a regular vent fan over the stove but we replaced it with a microwave oven when we put in new cabinets ... the new cabinets are made just like the old ones as far as size and distance from bottom of microwave to top of stove.

There was one time when the microwave wouldn't work for about 30 minutes because it got over heated by stuff cooking on the top of the stove. The microwave tech people said it was pre-programmed to turn itself off if it over heated like that...only happened once. We've had it three years. We've had no problems. I am not tall (5'2") but the only time I need to stand on a foot stool is to clean it. I can do ordinary cooking chores with no problems.

[Tom G]

Manufacturers recommend a distance of 30" from the top of the cooktop surface to the underside of the kitchen cabinet (mounting surface for m/w) above . However, some jurisdictions might require slightly more (for example, Winnebago County in Ill. requires 32") to meet code. These m/ws have a builtin thermostat control that will turn on the vent fan if the m/w becomes overheated while your cooking on the cooktop. This is to prevent cooking the electronic controls. Probably would only happen if your cooking surface is gas powered. (my credentials: sold these devices from the date of their invention until a couple of years ago)

Tom G.