My sister is 5'2" and has an OTR microwave. I was a bit surprised when she bought it a couple of years ago, but she said she has no problems the height of it.

My sister is not even 5'1" and hers is also over the range. I have never heard her complain about it and when I am at her house I have never seen her struggle with it.

I am 5'3", and used to have an OTR microwave. I switched it out for a proper hood, though unlike you, I do have ducting to the outside. I switched it out for a hood to get better exhaust, and quieter exhaust. And also, because I really disliked pulling hot, sloshing dishes from a height. I see what you are saying about the fact that your exhaust will need to be recirculating anyway, so may as well get an OTR MW. My advice then is to go to any appliance store, or Best Buy, Sears, Home Depot, i.e. anyplace that has ranges on display with OTR MW's on display hanging above them. See how you feel about the height with the actual appliances.

I'm a hair under 5'0" and I have an OTR microwave. Yes, I have to reach, but then I have to reach for everything. I'm used to it. It's the only place we have for a microwave, and it works just fine for me.

I am 5'1" and we had an OTR in our last kitchen. For me it was a pain. I always had to reach up and I truly hated reaching up for things like soup that I knew could get sloshed around. I found it very uncomfortable and we will not be doing an OTR this time around.

I am just under 5'2 and had an OTR micro for a while. I have to admit that it totally bugged me. I worried about the sloshing factor as ptyles said. I also couldn't see into things so had no idea if it was bubbling or cooking. I opted for a drawer micro this time and LOVE it!

I'm just under 5'3" and shrinking and I had one in my last place. I elected NOT to put one in my condo. I hated having to pull hot foods down from over the range especially since in my last place I had gas. Even without gas, I don't want to have to reach up over a stove that might be hot. This time I'm splurging for the drawer microwave. Personally I'd just get a ductless range hood.

Just b/c you cannot vent to the outside does not mean an OTR MW is fine.

(1) An OTR MW does not cover all the burners adequately so it doesn't work well as a vent regardless of the exhaust type (exterior/recirculating). Even a recirculating has a charcoal filter at least...it will help with some odors.

(2) There's the safety factor...and I find it hard to believe that someone 5'2" would find it comfortable and safe to use...I'm 5'10" and even I don't like them! (My sister has one and I've used them in rentals. My sister is 5'4" (I think) and I see her reaching up to use it...not safe, especially over her gas range!)

(3) There's the workflow factor...if someone is working at the range/cooktop, they have to move aside if someone wants the use the MW...and not just once. They have to move when the food is put in, when the food is taken out, and, if necessary, each time the food is checked/stirred.

If you have another place for the MW, I strongly recommend you put it elsewhere. The "ideal" location for most families is to have it on the periphery near the refrigerator so those not working in the kitchen looking for a snack won't get in the way of those who are working.

I'm almost 5'3 and I have one and find it very difficult to use. I need to stand on my toes to be able to reach into it better. It also does not vent very well, mine does duct to the outside. We bought a house back in March and it was already set up with one. We always had ours on the counter before and I liked it much better because it was so much easier for me to reach. DH doesn't like the setup now either and he is 6 ft LOL. Good luck with your choice! :o)

Thank you all. After reading this, I have decided against an OTR micro. It was actually firsthouse_mp who convinced me by saying she couldn't see whether anything was bubbling. That would be a big problem. I don't use the micro often, but when I do, it's usually to heat water, soup, or warm up something. I need to see inside the bowl.

I'm 5'5" and I will be getting wall-mount ovens in the next house for the reasons mentioned.

It's just high enough and far enough forward that I'm not pulling things straight out, and that angle is awkward for controlling the weight of a casserole.

I want to have things right at chest level if they are heavy and bubbling at me.

I'm just shy of 5' 2" (but shrinking with every year!). We had an over the range microwave for the last 15 years an it was okay for me. In our new kitchen we are going with a drawer microwave, but we put it in a taller cabinet which I am hoping will not be a pain. I was really worried about but it seems like it will work okay. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm five feet tall. I fought this one tooth & nail with my husband. He wanted everything off the counter; I told him I wouldn't be able to reach it. He told me to paint the existing cabinetry myself and forget about any other help from him if the microwave was staying on the counter. He asked me to trust him on the microwave height. HE WAS RIGHT; I WAS WRONG. The new OTR microwave is just right even without shoes on (I don't wear shoes while cooking). I have no problem reaching even heavy full dishes. It does not interfere with the pots on the stove (even the biggest meatball pot.) Having the extra area on the counter is a huge plus! Another bonus is that the clock is right by my head all the time (no more squinting to read the one on the stove!) I'm so glad we got the OTR microwave!