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Why Can't We Install a GE Speedcook Microwave Oven in Kitchen Island

Steele Construction

6 years ago

We are at the very end of our new construction house project, and we just found out that the GE Monogram Advantium Speedcook Microwave Oven states that it cannot be installed in an island, which is what we had the custom kitchen cabinets designed for. We are freaking out a bit about this.

A call to G.E. didn't help; they basically said that all their microwaves cannot be installed below a countertop/in an island, and they didn't give any specific reason for that.

I can't find much on the subject except for an old GardenWeb post about this subject that states it's just a CYA for G.E.

Does anyone know why G.E. and other appliance manufacturers have this requirement? Is it just to cover themselves for liability issues for injures to small children, or steam hitting someone in the face? Or is there a fire hazard associated with putting a microwave in a kitchen island?

Thanks for your help.

Featured Answer

DrB477

6 years ago

I think its a heat issue.

My understanding is the 240V GEs are not approved for undercounter installation but at least some of the 120V are.

Miele and bosch benchmark are OK for under counter installs.

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Comments (8)

ifoco
6 years ago
I can't answer your question. There could be a valid reason. However, sometimes it's just because that's the way things are done. In the late 70's we built a new home. The KA designer told me I could not put a wall oven

under the counter. She said there would be no room for the gas cook top (not true) and I would have to bend down too low. I was quite young and very much in great shape. It really was not her decision and I told her to just do it.

Inga
seb225
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Check the specifications for the different models. Some approve the installation, some don't. I asked about the difference from the salesperson, who explained some models are UL tested for installation undercounter but some aren't. It is likely due to the time and expense of testing, and possibly some models haven't made it out of the lengthy testing cycle yet. I'm not sure if this is accurate or not, but it's worth asking. Specifically, I was looking at a model that was one size, but the other size was undercounter approved...same internal workings, voltage, wattage, etc but a slightly different sized housing. It was confusing why, but there are models that are approved for your installation location.
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plllog
6 years ago
I wonder if it's a heat venting issue? In my limited experience, counters trap heat that appliances put out, even when they're designed for under counter use and vent heat to the front. Could it be that some models are better at disposing of their waste heat?
kfpwvt
6 years ago
Miele speed oven can go under a counter if you are looking for an alternative micro/convection option.
Jerry Krug
6 years ago
Flavia S - what ever ended up with the speedcook oven under counter? I have the same dilemma
Bill Purcell
6 years ago
We are hopefully installing a Miele speed oven undercounter in a month or two. I will report back.
kooks kooky
2 years ago
@Bill Purcell here for your report! looking to install an advantium in our island,...thank you!

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