The answer really depends on how much counter space you have and how you plan to use it. I've had a microwave on the counter and it was great for access. If you use it as much as any other cooking appliance then it's worth the space it takes up. You really shouldn't be concerned about a built in looking too contemporary if you are doing a remodel because your whole kitchen is getting an update. You can also just put the microwave on a shelf and not use the trim kit.

We rebuilt our existing pantry to include a space for our microwave. It's just a shallow closet (about 18-inches deep), not walk-in. We pulled out the old pantry and drywall above to create a space that went nearly to the 9-foot ceiling. We replaced the original door (a standard 36-inch-wide, 7-foot-tall door) with three sets of double doors. Below the second set of doors -- just slightly lower than counter height -- we have an open shelf: that's where the micrrowave is. It's a bit out of the main traffic path of the kitchen but only a few steps away from the main activity zones. We debated putting the MW behind some kind of doors (either swing up or down) but decided we use it often enough -- probably 3-4 times a day, mostly for reheating -- that having to open doors each time would be irritating. So far I'm loving not having the MW on the counter (where it was before). And access and usability have not been a problem.

Thank you all for your input. @Anglophilia, I saw the Neochef 0.9cf by LG and it is so nice looking. It was a strong contender. Then I kept going back to the Panasonic options at either the 0.9 or 1.2 cf with inverter tech. Some out of stock. I wanted to buy from Best Buy as they are near me. @Scottie mom, the Whirlpool one you mention was interesting, but I really want a bit more style and function. I saw a working unit at the car dealership waiting room where I get my car serviced. In the end I went with the Breville Smooth Wave BM0850 and have been very happy. It fits the small space well enough. The room it is located in, is an office/additional kitchen storage room next to the kitchen. Outfitted in the 15" IKEA base cabinets and soapstone counters that I fabricated from salvaged scrape from a local stone shop. The area is located out of the way of traffic, yet very close to the cooking area in the kitchen near the stove. I should qualify my comment about "being out of the way of traffic" as in my small kitchen nothing is really out of the way of traffic, as I have 4 doors in the 7.5x12' kitchen. The 17" depth counter over the IKEA bases holds the unit, with an inch of the appliance overhang at the door. The front feet are well back from the edge of the counter and are probably at the 15.5" spot on the counter. I have the requested 4" clearance, easily around the sides. the top clearance request 8", I have only 6" with my 18" above the counter, uppers. The back vents are 4" from the wall, though the "bump out" area (typically on the back of microwaves) is close to the back wall. The unit cost $350 and then I got a 4year warranty with Best Buy for another $40 or 50. Not cheap, and more than I initially wanted to spend. The Breville size is just fine for our use, and significantly smaller than the very large old Kenmore Elite microwave we have, which is still working at 10 years old. With the old microwave we had to keep it on the enclosed porch with the refrigerator because my kitchen is too small to hold these appliances. When I redid the office 3 years ago I had planned to have our microwave on the counter, and finally got around to it several months ago. The unit was way too big for the space, but VERY convenient and the location was such an improvement compared with the porch. Now I think the Breville is just right! small kitchen next to the office/kitchen storage. The stove is on the right of the door and the microwave is just inside the door in next room, on the left: This is the porch where the microwave did sit, just to the right of the door. This porch is also my refrigerator, pantry, coat room, and access to the basement: Still need the backsplash, lol:

This seems to have disappeared into the ether. I'm trying to see if it will actually show up now in postings.