We were planning to get one from the Whirlpool Velos Gold series, but it seems they aren't available in Canada/Ontario? Anyway, we decided on the Panasonic Genius Prestige (the pompous name still makes me laugh). We will be venting it to outside (not done yet due to snow on the roof and very low temps) so I'm hoping it will do a good job of that. It does go up to 420 CFM which is better than many of them. So far we have only used the microwave function and while we don't microwave much, I'm happy with it. I have heard much about the safety issues with lifting things up and out of it, etc. Perhaps it's because I'm tall, but I can see right into the dishes that are cooking in there, so this is not an issue for me at all. Actually, I'm finding it much easier, ergonomically, to use than the countertop one that required me to bed down and lean on the counter!

Tammy, I personally think your idea is a good one. I lived in a custom home-3900 sq. ft. and had my microwave put over the cook top with intention. Loved it!!! Made cooking a breeze. I entertain a lot and have tons of company frequently. It worked well. We're currently building another custom home and I'm putting my microwave back over the stove again. This will be my 3rd microwave over the stove. It is vented outside our home. I have never had problems with this and I've had it for 16 yrs. I think you're a smart cookie making use of the space you have and dressing it up a bit too. I like unusual things and really don't like being like anyone else or having my home look like anyone else's. It's easy to go with the crowd but more fun to stand out and do what you love and what suits you and your style.

dbear -- is the idea to use that OTR convection-MW model over the counter (suspended from the upper cabinets) somewhere other than over your range/cooktop? That can be done. However, what I found when I looked into this some year ago was that GE's OTR models were three to four inches taller than the freestanding ones, and about three inches deeper (front to back). Basically, the freestanding version was a better match to the upper cabinets and left more usable counter space below it. Also, it was much less expensive than the OTR version. When I bought my GE Profile, it came with a kit for hanging it from the upper cabinets. GE may include that kit or may offer it as an accessory for current models. Worth checking on.. Like HB, I've also never gotten around to using the convection feature, so cannot comment on how well it does or does not work. (I just happened to find a deal on an open-box-return that made it less expensive than the non-convection models I looked at.) Sorry, that I do not have any first hand experience with the PVM9179EKES model you are looking at but maybe somebody else here can comment on how well it work as an oven and a MW?

"The national Kitchen and bath association states bottom of microwave should br no higher than 54” above the floor" If the minimum required distance between the floor and the bottom of the cabinet is 66", then it is not possible for the bottom of the oven to be 54" above the floor unless the oven is only 12" high...which is isn't. @Stax "I am 67" Tall (Like the OP), my stove is 36" Tall (Like the OP), and my microwave is 18" over the stove (An inch lower than the OP's.)" Well, 36" + 16"* + 18" = 70" which is greater than the 66" minimum height above the floor! 16" + 18" = 34" which is greater than the minimum 30" height above the cooktop. So you hung your microwave 4" above the standard. Big deal. Lol! *Assumed oven height