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Can I put an over the range microwave in a cabinet?

9 years ago

I need to replace a microwave that is built-into my kitchen cabinet above the oven, and in looking for replacements the model I like the most happens to be an over the range model (Whirlpool gold). Can I use this sort of microwave in a cabinet and just not use or disable the vent/fan?

Comments (3)

User
9 years ago
No. It has to be open at the bottom for proper ventilation.
Mrs_Nyefnyef
9 years ago
This same question was just asked a few days ago - I'll link the thread. Not only does an OTR MW need to be open at the bottom like Hollysprings said, but an OTR MW would need (if it were even possible) a cabinet larger than 30" wide to house it. Also, the lights and fan of an OTR MW means it does not have a flat smooth surface to rest on - it must be suspended.

What is it about the Whirlpool Gold OTR MW that you like? I am certain you can find all the same features in a countertop model that has a matching trim kit.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about an OTR MW in a Cabinet
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If you want a MW installed in a cabinet above your wall oven, buy any countertop microwave whose manufacturer makes a trim kit to go with it. I do not know why you don't like that idea. In any case, Panasonic and Sharp are the two leading names of MWs with trim kits. An OTR MW is constructed to be hung over a cooktop; it cannot be installed inside a cabinet - even setting aside that the lights and fan cannot be blocked off, the lights and fan do not provide a flat smooth surface to lay on a cabinet floor - the OTR MW must be suspended. Furthermore, an OTR MW is 30" wide; therefore your cabinet to house it (if this sort of installation were even possible) would have to be several inches wider than that I cannot imagine why you "like the look of an OTR MW better" than a non-OTR MW that is designed to allow for wall cabinet installation and trim kit. I think what HVTech means by alcove is simply an open shelf in your cabinetry that you set the MW in. That way, you are not paying for an expensive trim kit, and, when the MW breaks (they are not built these days to last more than a few years unfortunately), it is an easy switch to install a new one - simply unplug broken one, remove, and plug in new one. This post was edited by Mrs_Nyefnyef on Thu, Nov 27, 14 at 11:13
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Oh wait....you are talking about putting a wood shelf over your range to set your microwave on?? No....that would be a very bad idea. BIG fire hazard. Microwaves that are made to go over ranges do not sit on shelves, they are suspended from cabinets above them. You should never put anything combustible over a range. Also I think your microwave's electronics would probably be exposed to way too much heat since it is not insulated for over the range use.
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nmasone
9 months ago
I have a wide 33”, high 72” cabinet that formerly housed a washer dryer unit. Can I use this space to move my OTR microwave? id like to put it in the cabinet space lower than the counter top height and close the doors to keep it out of site when not in use. i am extending the adjacent countertop and topsection of doors.

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