It's basically their CYA in case you either wrench your back removing the casserole or get a face full of steam when you open it. I mounted my Advantium in a base cabinet that I put up on legs to make it 6" higher. I really would have trouble operating the controls were it at regular base cabinet height. If I'd had any other place to put it, I would enjoy it at normal wall-oven height.
Casey

Thanks.
While I agree that for convenience sake it would be better higher, I just don't have that option. I'm glad to know it isn't going to burn my house down. :)

When I was considering getting an Advantum, I called GE to find out what was the issue with putting it under the counter. And what they told me was "all microwave ovens are supposed to be above the counter for safety reasons". I asked what those reasons were, and he wouldn't specify, but stated that is a requirement for microwave ovens in general.

While it probably won't burn down your house, it MIGHT give them an excuse to invalidate your warranty if you have a problem. Also, if you need to have an inspection, some inspectors in some locations look at the installation specs to see if things meet code. Just something to think about.

microwaves ovens have a metal mesh in the door to prevent the microwave energy from escaping. I wonder if the reason for keeping them closer to eye level is that if you put it too low you will not be able to see inside while it is active.

Yes it's technically safer. If we could, it would be safest to put all heating appliances with the bottom no lower than counter height and the top no higher than shoulder height. It is also safer because small children can't reach counter height as easily as they could below counter height. I definitely think it is a case of CYA for the manufacturers. You need to decide for yourself and your household what is okay. I have small children and we still installed our convection microwave below counter. Why? Because we have only so much space and we needed the counter space...and the best reason of all: Because they are huge! In my experience, in use it gets no hotter than the oven in my range gets, which extends even lower toward the floor.

- Jim

Beachbum,

Did you end up installing the electrolux icon microwave under counter? We are in a similar position to you and would like to do the same. If so, any problems? Electrolux just says too heavy to put under counter which i find hard to believe if you know that ahead of time. The GE advantium microwave now says ok for undercounter as well.

Any one else do this???

Thanks!

scubasteve,

we are trying to do same thing, but GE says only 30" is ok under counter but not 27"?!?!? WTF :)

Anyway does anyone have any issues with an under the counter, functionally or otherwise.

Do they regret that?

we will have double wall ovens 30" at least 1 w convection anyway just want the advantium for microwave & speedcooking & dont need ANOTHER 30" the plan is this would replace our microwave & just figured everyone liked the speed cook so much

Adam I got the same response about the 27 and the 30 and was told that it had to do with the difference in the insulation in the two units.

Because of this I decided to do Miele instead of GE. Miele said it is OK under the counter.

And thats why all of these co.'s have microwave drawers. Where are they supposed to be installed above the counter and still be useful or even accessible?

I believe it had more to do with the residual heat from the advantium lamp and kids touching it. Since they are the only ones with it they stand alone in any civil action. They can't claim it's just like every other oven/ range that has a traditional broil element that everyone for centuries has known not to touch. This is shear speculation though.

I have the same issue, I know this thread is old but is there any more information on the subject? I like the ELux Icon speed oven but it say it must be a 36 inch min from the floor.

Has anyone installed under the counter?

I am WAY behind on this conversation but it's relevant to me now so I'm hoping maybe some of you can comment on how this has worked out for you. We purchased the Electrolux ICON microwave a couple years ago for our kitchen remodel. We had planned for it to go under counter. Installation day came and the installer saw the 36" above ground spec and even though could not come up with any reason as to why did not feel comfortable installing. So, we ended up getting a Sharp microwave drawer instead which was fine but I had really wanted the "2nd oven" since we were taking out wall ovens and replacing with a single stand alone range. Anyway, we were unable to return the ICON which was a pretty painful mistake at $1600+ !! I've tried to sell it on OfferUp, NextDoor but no luck. Now we are in a different house and undertaking another complete kitchen remodel. We made plans to install another microwave drawer in the island but we've discussed the situation of the Electrolux to see if there's any way we can use it instead. It's still in the box on the pallet it arrived on. Our kitchen designer and installers could not figure it out either and the designer even called Electrolux and the person he spoke to couldn't figure it out and said they didn't see any problem with it but that it wouldn't be covered under warranty if we installed it there. I'm not thinking this is a big deal because we're already out of the warranty period anyway. I just called Electrolux myself to see if I got the same answer. She didn't say anything about the warranty but said that it was an ergonomic or burn issue. Personally, I don't see how bending down to get something out of the microwave at this height is any different to getting something out of a regular oven (which is actually even lower and deeper!). Any new comments?

I posted here 12 years ago (Jim Peschke) above. I installed my Sharp Convection microwave oven below the counter and I can see no reason why you can't do yours there too. As you point out, it's not really different than having a range or oven below a cooktop. I will admit I have to squat to put things in and out and especially to access the controls (If it were a range they'd be on top), but I don't see any different safety issue than a range or other low oven. As someone who has used it in this position for years I agree with you 100%: Bending down to get something out is no different than a range or a bottom double oven. Now there will come an age where this might be a problem. I may find it too difficult at 70 years old. Good height for a wheelchair though maybe... (Mine was installed in a permitted and inspected kitchen by a licensed contractor and no had any issues with it.)