I'd choose #3 at whatever height suits you, with 2' deep cabinets below it and shallower wall cabinets above it, with no space in between. That's sort of what we did (we actually raised the base cab, put a countertop on it, put the MW on the counter, and have the upper 12" deep cabs about 2" above the MW), and I really like it. It's great having the MW at a more comfortable height than in a base cab or over the range, and I like it close to the fridge.

Anne

Can you do #3, with still building the pantry cab storage around it?

We chose to mount ours under the countertop near the frig. We decided against a microwave drawer (too expensive) and purchased a microwave trim kit to make our plain off-the-shelf microwave look custom. It hasn't all come yet - but I think it will be a good compromise. Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: microwave trim kits for any manufacturer

We went with a small GE Spacesaver that fit into an upper cabinet. It only has 1 cu foot of space but works well for plates, coffee, etc.
Pic:
{{!gwi}}

I have a really small kitchen with an L shaped base layout that is about 9 on one leg and 4.5 on the other. I have a GE Spacesaver on the countertop in the corner of the L. Its not counterspace that is used for much else, the microwave is not eating up storage space, and if I really needed that extra oounterspace temporarily, for some reason, I can remove the microwave. I know people don't like them just on the counter, but sometimes that is the most flexible option in a small space.

Mine is in the wall oven cabinet. If I didn't already have a built-in to re-use I would have had a nice shelf for it. Eoren's looks pretty good!

Remember if you have small children, they will soon be using the microwave and a high location will mean a chair left out all the time.

Another vote for #3 or what Palimpsest suggested.

We opted for #3 - on upper cabinet shelf, although ours isn't right next to the fridge. Nixed #1 for the reasons you stated - visibility, poor venting - and also didn't like the idea of reaching above a working range to use the microwave. DH nixed #2 since he's tall and thought that the low controls would be a pain. We have young kids and use the MW quite a bit.

eoren1 - What size cabinet is the microwave in?

If I'm reading our plans right, i think it is 24" wide by 18" high? Listed as W2418 in the plans.
The microwave is listed as:
APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS (WxHxD)
23 25/32 in x 11 3/16 in x 12 9/32 in
link below

Here is a link that might be useful: GE Spacesaver

Another vote for #3 or what Palimpsest suggested.

IMO, the worst choice is the OTR. It's too high & therefore dangerous for the height-challenged, & the venting isn't good enough.

We wired our pantry to have the option for a small MW there.

#3 or Palimpsest's suggestion...but in #3, on a shelf that's a little lower than the upper cabinets.

While Eoren1's looks nice, it looks too high for most people to operate safely...you have to reach up and in and when taking something out (or putting in), you have to be careful not to spill it b/c it will spill on your face or upper body, depending on your height. It looks higher than 18" off the counter. If it's not, then maybe it's OK.

I like Jsweenc's location the best, I think (see your other thread Where is your microwave located?)

Note that MW drawers have controls angled up so there's no stooping to operate the controls. It's also nice b/c all I have to do to stir something is open it and reach down...I don't have to take it out, stir, and put back in. At counter height, you can probably just reach in to stir, but if it's too far above the counter (like an OTR or mounted too high), you have to take it out to see what you're doing. We're a tall family (5'10" to 6'5" and still growing) and none of has a problem w/our MW drawer.

As to cost...it cost exactly the same as the MW + trim kit I was originally going to get.

I'd also go with #3. Our microwave got moved around quite a bit and for us, being located next to the fridge and cooking zone was important. We often pull something out of the fridge to heat up while something else is cooking on the stove. (I have a freezer full of home froze veggies). Now I can monitor what is in the MW while tending to what is on teh cooktop.

Cathy

# 3 no questions asked.

I put mine in my pantry bc my kitchen is super small. Works like a charm. I just try and stay organized. It really is not bad. I would much rather have ALL of my counterspace to use and for appearance as well.

Good luck!!
Amy

Hi buehl
Ours is exactly 18" above the countertops. The ceiling is only 7' which makes the room appear taller than it actually is (if that makes any sense).
E

I have mine on a shelf in an upper cabinet, just like eoren's. It's also a GE Spacemaker and it's been working out fine for our needs. I have a counter below as a landing space.