I'm surprised by your comment about microwaves with trim kits looking gaudy. I've never seen one that looked terrible. Many companies sell them and they go hand in hand with specific models of microwaves so that it is a custom looking fit made to fit into a standard size opening (24", 28", 30"). GE, LG, Panasonic etc - they all seem to have them. Have a look and see if you can't find one that suits your fancy. They aren't expensive ($70-$120) for most that I've looked at and give a really nice finished appearance. Another option is the microwave drawer - the most common one is made by Sharp. I think they look great and many people like them at the lower level. That way, especially as you age you aren't lifting hot items down towards you, rather up onto counter level from the drawer. They are not an inexpensive item but look and function well and can be quite hidden if you put them on the backside of an island configuration.

Hi Columbus. The cabinet next to the sink is shorter because that was the original location for the MW, well that's what we were planning on when we bought our cabinets. I will look again at the said of the 30x18 (the short cabinet above the DW) to make sure it has enough room for my dishes and stuff. If anything, it will just force me to down size which I need to do anyway going from a 5 bdrm 3 bthrm to a 3 brdm 2 bthrm when we moved from Portland, OR to California. And I agree completely with the suggestion of making the pantry door open the other direction. I don't think I want to sacrifice any pantry space to accommodate the MW. And my plan was to have my contractor build the cabinet box above the fridge to match the depth of the pantry and fridge. Thank you everyone for all of your suggestions.

I have the same problem. Steam being exhausted when food is cooked in the microwave. If i turn the vent fan on while cooking food in the microwave, the steam does not condense on the cabinets. Presumably because the volume of air being vented is many times greater than when only the microwave is venting. The velocity and volume of the microwave vent air stream rivals a fart. There is no way that that provides enough airflow to move any substantial column of air in exterior vented ductwork. The problem is that new microwaves have done away with the front vent grille, and instead they direct the steamy, wafting air vertically, where it can destroy your cabinets. Posted below are photos of my installation, where the top vent is spaced forward of my cabinets with a very healthy dimension. Yet, my cabinets are being destroyed (notice the white residue on the frame and door after only three months of occasional usage.) Although, I do appreciate the sleek look of the microwave face (no nasty grille) as it destroys my kitchen.

@Monique: "They are...terrible microwaves" In CR's tests, as a group over-the-range microwave ovens performed just as well as countertop models. While it didn't achieve a recommended rating, the LG MHEC1737F with air fry (Best Buy, Home Depot) performed reasonably well in its tests. @cpartist: "It's actually dangerous to have an over the stove microwave." There are millions of OTR microwave ovens installed. Provide proof of this statement.