I am struggling with the same issue. I just do not know what the best choice is especially since I would give up prep space to have a wall oven/micro. I have never had or cooked with a wall oven/cooktop, but my inner voice keeps telling me that it would be an okay trade-off.

I will not get the combo if I take the plunge. I think it makes more sense to have separate units in the cabinet. I have seen some really nice looking countertop models built in above a wall oven which is the least expensive way to add a microwave in a wall cabinet.

If you rarely use one oven, get a range with an oven. Then buy a small microwave that sits on the countertop - those under cabinet ones are very pricey and don't look all that great. I ended up putting the $100 one I bought at Best Buy right up against the side of the refrigerator cabinet. It's not intrusive and looks just fine. And when it dies all I need to do is go buy a new one.

Thanks for the quick replies. I have little counter space so I really want to keep my counters free of any appliances. The range with the oven seems practical but I'm afraid it may not be good for resale (if we were to sell the house). I read most buyers look for wall ovens rather than ranges.

If you have a large kitchen a wall oven is nice; if your kitchen is small/average size I think a range/oven is better, as you will gain countertop space. jmho

If you have very little counterspace, then you would be better off with a full range and an undercounter MW drawer. You will gain the amount of counterspace that your wall ovens originally took up.

Will that counterspace be useful? It depends on where it is...and what's near it (e.g., sink?)

Buyers will not be happy with minimal counterspace - so I would first look at counterspace. If, however, the counterspace isn't where it's useful, then think about a Snack Center with a MW drawer in that space.

Do you have a drawing of your planned layout? Perhaps we can help you get a better/more functional layout.

If you're open to layout help, here's our Layout Help FAQ:

How do I ask for Layout Help and what information should I include?

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2767033/how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-and-what-information-should-i-include

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Bheul, i looked at microwave drawers. I do a lot of steaming in the microwave and I read that the drawer microwave does not vent well so the steam tends to damage the cabinets. That makes me a little apprehensive. I will def put up the floor plan on the page for layout ideas, that's a great idea. Thanks

Thanks mdln, that looks good :)

Just remember that different counter-top microwaves have different requirements about space for ventilation around them; some require quite a to so won't look this nice. And if you steam a lot, this will be a problem.

Thanks for all the input. We are going with a cooktop and separate microwave and oven units in a wall - hopefully it will turn out ok. Will post pics in about once done.

If you steam a lot in the MW, then any MW placed in an alcove or on a shelf hanging from an upper cabinet is going to have the same issues - i.e., if the MW is near any cabinets.

I have a MW drawer and while I don't steam everything, my veggies are often steamed and we have had no damage to our cabinets in 7 years. My MW drawer vents out the front - away from the cabinets, but it's an older model, so perhaps they've changed the design.

I was looking at a sharp drawer microwave and came across this issue while reading reviews. Maybe the vents are different on this one?

We have an oven/microwave combo (KitchenAid). If I could redo my kitchen I might do that part differently. I did not know when I designed my kitchen last year that microwave drawers were a thing. If I had known I might have chosen that with a built in oven instead.

I do not dislike our oven/microwave however I do have concerns about the microwave breaking. The fan was actually broken when we installed it, and we had to get it repaired. So if something happens to it, I know we will have to pull the entire unit out to get it fixed which is more of a pain than just fixing a microwave.

The other issue I have with it is that microwave is a little higher than I would like. We installed the unit 1.5" higher than they recommend (so I could have a 15" drawer below) and since I'm only 5'3" the microwave is a little bit high for me. Even installing it at suggested height would still leave it higher than the ideal. A drawer would be a nicer height most likely.

I definitely like having a separate gas rangetop and built in oven. There are many reasons I want them separate, so a range was never an option for me. But I probably won't combine the oven and microwave again if I did another kitchen.

We did a wall oven with a countertop microwave above it. Originally we were going to get a trim kit for the microwave to make it look like a built in unit but then we opted to have an appliance garage door put on the cabinet that houses the microwave.

what should be depth of cabinet if we plan to use OTC microwave in an upper cabinet shelv?