In our previous home, we put a free-standing microwave (GE Spacemaker) on a shelf like Annie's, only without the doors. Except for being a tad too high, it was a great decision. This time around, we didn't have room for that (apartment kitchen with only one wall, and all other appliances and sink are on that wall, not be choice), so we went with the drawer microwave. It's an expensive option for heating things up, but it works great, and I love the fact that you look down into it (both the microwave on the shelf, and the OTR microwave we had in our temporary rental, were too high for my DD and for me). As for resale, I think you'd have to hide the on-the-counter microwave, and hope that buyers don't notice you don't have one built in. I do think people expect that.

Try an "over the counter" microwave by sharp rather than over the range microwave. The only place I'd install an over the range microwave is "over the range."Sharpusa.com " is the website..they have pdf files with install dimensions.......the over the counter microwave is a nice piece. Other than that -try ge.com for their ge spacemaker microwave.

I'd probably face the angle outward, to allow the flat back of the 2x4 against the wall. But you should study your bracket and see what would work best. You may need some washers if some bracket screws go through the angle and some don't. Or just get a 1 1/2" flat bar, mount to the bottom with a few screws, and not have to worry about a vertical leg. I don't know if Home Depot will cut metal, but if you get aluminum instead of steel, it's pretty easy to cut with a hacksaw. Be sure to mount your 2x4 into studs, at least 3 1/2" long screws with flush heads so they won't interfere with the bracket lying flat. Also, post some pictures if you get a chance.

Deb, I feel for your situation! It might make you feel better to know that, in my experience anyway, counter depth fridges are much easier to organize than full depth. Even with fewer cubic feet, you may feel like you have much more fridge. Especially if you get one with flat shelves straight across (not divided in the middle, which to me compromises usable space terribly). In my last house, I "downsized" from a huge french door fridge to a smaller Fisher Paykel, my first counter depth, and it felt so much bigger despite a significant loss of cubic feet. If I were in your shoes, I would not be too committed to the 22 cubic foot minimum. Find some options that fit your exterior dimensions then take a look in person. A smaller fridge that has the interior design that works for you will be a lot more useful than a big fridge with a poor design. (Also, running a water line is in many cases very easy. However, water and ice dispensers eat up interior space.)