skip to main content

Appliances Design Dilemma Kitchens

Looking for 30'' wide OTR Microwave with 12'' deep cabinets

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I'm renovating my kitchen and didn't think this would've been as big of an issue as it is.

My cabinets are 12'' deep and I don't like to have 4'' of the microwave protruding out. My stove is 30'' wide so I figured I need a 30'' otr microwave.

I've heard of people cutting out the drywall for more room but I imagine it won't give much room. I like a certain GE microwave https://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/FGBM15WCVF.html that is 30'' wide but 16'' deep. I'm okay with 1'' or 2'' coming out but I find 4'' ridiculous.

One other problem, my kitchen will be all white and so are my appliances. The microwave I've linked only comes in stainless steel. There is really no where else to put the microwave other than leaving it on the counter and getting a range hood. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

PRO
JAN MOYER
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Show the kitchen plan. In a perfect world, no microwave over a range, : ) Venting via a hood is far better. Show the plan.

PS....... A 30 inch microwave is usually a built in microwave.
wdccruise
3 years ago
I have standard, 12"-deep (13"-deep with the door) IKEA cabinets with a GE over-the-range microwave oven. Yes, the handle extends 4" beyond the cabinet front as all OTR microwaves are about 16" deep but it does not look stupid, it's standard. Plus remember that the oven must extend beyond the adjacent cabinet on the hinge side so the door does not hit the cabinet when opened.

The well-rated Whirlpool WMH53521HW is available in white. Want to spend less? The GE JVM3160DFWW is $250.
Related Discussions
replacing otr microwave for 24" wide space
Q
Comments (9)
INFO FOR THOSE CONCERNED ABOUT CLEARANCE BETW, OTR BOTTOM + RANGETOP: Over the Range Microwaves and Advantiums: Over the range microwaves require a minimum 66" mounting height from floor to top of the micro. The 66" from the floor dimension will allow approximately 13"-16" between the cooktop and the bottom front of the microwave. All current over the range microwaves can be installed over gas cooking products up to and including 5 burner stoves. As long as the 66" minimum from the floor to the top of the microwave is followed there will be no performance or warranty problem. This includes Advantium ovens and convection microwaves. Note: Over-the-range microwaves and Advantiums should not be installed above any range or cooktop that has a combined BTU rating over 60,000 BTUS, not including the oven/broiler BTUs.
...See More
For those with a 30'' OTR microwave but a larger cooktop:
Q
Comments (19)
An otr for me, too. I could use a good vent for the broiler part of the double oven as often that would smoke and even flame. To my knowledge, a vent is not available in the U.S for wall ovens. But I don't need a vent over the cooktop. I hardly ever fry. If I make fish, I use the gas grill outside. Lots of chicken breasts and no bacon. Deli stuff. Well trimmed meat. We just don't have cooktop generated smoke, smells, grease, etc. No greasy cabs. We have a 10 x9 foot cooking area with very small counter space(5feet and adding 4 feet). Why wouldn't I have an otr? Some styles of cooking may scream for a counter/builtin mw, but some don't. If I or other otr fans had a 20 x22 foot kitchen, you can bet we'd have a very nice place for a microwave. But we don't. P.S. I have an otr in our beach house kitchen and it's perfectly fine. Just hip bump a co-cook. - Works well with lots of cooks cooking! Good question Adrienne. No fillers.
...See More
Recommendations for OTR microwaves with a height in the 12-14" range?
Q
Comments (1)
I was not able to find one while helping a friend search a couple of months ago. Since this question gets asked pretty regularly here and at Chowhound, etc. over the last decade, one might think that some manufacturer somewhere would have discovered this market niche by now. Apparently not.
...See More
OTR microwave for 15" wall cabinets
Q
Comments (9)
I don't know. I've been wondering if the cabinet would interfere with opening the door at 15", but I don't know anyone who's tried them yet. You might ask in this thread, where several people have posted since getting one: [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/is-there-a-small-over-the-range-microwave-dsvw-vd~2696070?n=195[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/is-there-a-small-over-the-range-microwave-dsvw-vd~2696070?n=195) ETA Have you seen the videos of those microwaves? They do stick out pretty far. I think HD has videos on its site, IIRC.
...See More
Shannon_WI
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
^^I agree. First of all, you can’t swing open the MW door unless the MW sticks out. Second of all, the OTR MW is supposed to act as an exhaust - feeble though it might be. Therefore it needs to cover the front burners as best as it can, which means it needs to stick out from your 12” deep upper cabinets.

It doesn’t matter if your OTR MW is SS and your other appliances are white. A hood is preferable anyway. Once you‘ve decided on an OTR MW, it doesn’t matter that it’s SS.
rebasheba
3 years ago
lol that is a bit harsh! They are not the most attractive, but sometimes it is the only good option in a small kitchen. Some of them really are uglier than others, so I understand being particular about it.

But, as far as matching finishes, keep in mind that most of the face is glass, so it might be less critical to match the other appliances.
lornaqdkitchendesigner
3 years ago
I have found that OTR MW Specs often limit how deep the cabinets can be around it. I have planned deeper cabinets with this in mind. If you can recess the MW, I would not expect more than 2" back but this may also create ducting issues. MW specs are needed to plan this correctly, if at all.

Related Stories

SMALL KITCHENS 12 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look and Feel Bigger

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Try these clever design moves to get more storage and create a roomier feel

KITCHEN MAKEOVERS Kitchen of the Week: Deep Green Cabinets Star in 136 Square Feet

By Jeannie Matteucci

Two designers update a Kentucky kitchen with bold cabinets and a more user-friendly layout fit for entertaining

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Designer Details for Your Kitchen Cabinets and Island

Take your kitchen to the next level with these special touches

BEFORE AND AFTERS Refaced Cabinets Give This Kitchen a Whole New Look

By Erin Carlyle

Homeowners buck the white trend and choose warm, earthy neutrals for their kitchen makeover

KITCHEN DESIGN Dream Spaces: 12 Beautiful White Kitchens

By Lisa Higgins

Snowy cabinets and walls speak to a certain elegance, while marble counters whisper of luxury

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Top Hardware Styles for Shaker Kitchen Cabinets

By KitchenLab Interiors

Simple Shaker style opens itself to a wide range of knobs and pulls. See which is right for your own kitchen

SMALL KITCHENS 12 Genius Design Moves for Small Kitchens

By Natasha Saroca

These space-enhancing tricks can make compact cooking zones look and feel larger

STORAGE 12 Built-In Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

By VORBILD Architecture

Check out an architect’s guide to some inspiring ways to build in extra cabinets, shelves and cubbyholes at the start of a project

KITCHEN CABINETS New This Week: 3 Modern Kitchens That Rock Warm Wood Cabinets

By Mitchell Parker

Looking for an alternative to bright white? Walnut cabinetry offers the perfect tone to warm things up

KITCHEN CABINETS 11 New Kitchen Cabinet Ideas You’ll See More of This Year

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Black, high-gloss, embossed and other new cabinet looks are popping up in homes

Sponsored

More Discussions

36” Induction Range — Wolf, Thermador, Bosch, or ???

2

Bosch Benchmark Wall Oven not baking center of cakes

16

Conventional or Convection Oven?

13

Induction stove

11

Appliance Recommendations

5