I am WAY behind on this conversation but it's relevant to me now so I'm hoping maybe some of you can comment on how this has worked out for you. We purchased the Electrolux ICON microwave a couple years ago for our kitchen remodel. We had planned for it to go under counter. Installation day came and the installer saw the 36" above ground spec and even though could not come up with any reason as to why did not feel comfortable installing. So, we ended up getting a Sharp microwave drawer instead which was fine but I had really wanted the "2nd oven" since we were taking out wall ovens and replacing with a single stand alone range. Anyway, we were unable to return the ICON which was a pretty painful mistake at $1600+ !! I've tried to sell it on OfferUp, NextDoor but no luck. Now we are in a different house and undertaking another complete kitchen remodel. We made plans to install another microwave drawer in the island but we've discussed the situation of the Electrolux to see if there's any way we can use it instead. It's still in the box on the pallet it arrived on. Our kitchen designer and installers could not figure it out either and the designer even called Electrolux and the person he spoke to couldn't figure it out and said they didn't see any problem with it but that it wouldn't be covered under warranty if we installed it there. I'm not thinking this is a big deal because we're already out of the warranty period anyway. I just called Electrolux myself to see if I got the same answer. She didn't say anything about the warranty but said that it was an ergonomic or burn issue. Personally, I don't see how bending down to get something out of the microwave at this height is any different to getting something out of a regular oven (which is actually even lower and deeper!). Any new comments?

I just had to post here...OMG...the lady that wrote Laminate and luxurious in the same sentence.."NO". I hope I never have to meet someone like you in my lifetime. What a bunch of snobby, snarky..people! I am sorry..I think you can have a beautiful, luxurious kitchen without paying for granite, quartz, soapstone...etc. My goodness. I am building a house now and get to hear from our subs about all of the snooty women that they have to deal with...literally walking out of a house because the closets aren't big enough... What kind of country have we become? I say..if you want to buy high end appliances...beautiful cabinets..and put it all in a laminate kitchen. I think it can be stunning! Don't listen to all of these snooty fruities.....do what YOU want..and the people that matter...won't walk into your kitchen and take a mental note of your laminate..I would think it was beautiful! And for those of you who think that I must be some low life...my husband is a doctor! There....rant over! :-)

Oh wait....you are talking about putting a wood shelf over your range to set your microwave on?? No....that would be a very bad idea. BIG fire hazard. Microwaves that are made to go over ranges do not sit on shelves, they are suspended from cabinets above them. You should never put anything combustible over a range. Also I think your microwave's electronics would probably be exposed to way too much heat since it is not insulated for over the range use.

The testing thing makes the most sense. I used to be involved in patient-based clinical research and the parameters of study were sometimes quite narrow, to limit the number of variables. Then, when the new drug application was filed with the FDA and the "labeled use" was determined, the indications of the drug could be interpreted rather narrowly. Using the drug or device outside these parameters often made sense, but it could not be promoted for such. Its probably a similar thing...it was tested on a standard height kitchen counter so it is "labeled for use" at standard kitchen counter height, when in reality, its use at other heights is not contraindicated. I recently saw a kitchen where the OTR microwave was 60" off the floor. I think it is much more dangerous to be removing a steaming dish at eye level than below waist level, but it was mounted OTR as tested, so it was not in violation. I have also seen them on top of refrigerators: again, removing something from over the head or while standing on a stool is more dangerous,,,but it is above the 3' height--so its in an okay spot according to the specs. But not in practice.