We like the U, but my better half liked the sink where the range is better. In the past, the window in our kitchen went to about 10" off the floor, and of course there was no counter there. The fridge was in the same place with a horrible angled pantry cabinet beside it. Then another angled cabinet/DW/sink/corner cabinet wrapping around where the range is now to the old range, which is now where the sink is. We swapped the range and sink to a) make it easier to vent (exterior wall) and b) make it look better. We had also been toying with blowing the entire wall out where the sink is and having a peninsula there. We left the wall and just did a pass through above the sink, like a window. So we always had a decent triangle, but the additional 3 feet of counter and base cabinet is a HUGE improvement. We also went from having 3 drawers in the entire kitchen to almost entirely drawers. Only spot there isn't drawers is the blind corner (LeMans) and under the sink. The counter under the window is now the most used spot in the kitchen.

I suffered through this decision also and designed my kitchen to have a small one on a shelf. After cab install I decided to go with the GE Spacesaver PEM31. It creates a much more finished look and is very versatile for placement as it mounts to the underside of a cabinet. It is compact yet powerful enough. Dimensions are 24w x 11h x 12d, so it is flush with the uppers. You can purchase a built-in kit, and although that adds a more finished look it also requires a wider cabinet. I chose not to go that route. My biggest surprise is how quiet it is-can barely hear it running. Mine is just below eye level for me and I'm 5'8". I really like this placement near the fridge and across from the sink on the island. We are several weeks out from finishing our install so it's not trimmed out yet, but here's a pic of the placement.

I like your attitude and advice, Jancy. I do love my choice of countertop (Silestone Cemento Suede), which I paired with natural cherry shaker cabinets (3" wide rails and stiles) with orb hardware. I was going for a simple, warm modern farmhouse look. The kitchen is around 7' x 12." Three straight sides, no corner cabinets: a pantry wall with fridge (approximately 7'), an island with sink (approximately 7'), and a wall with range and otr microwave in the middle (approximately 7'). So my range wall is of similar length as yours, Jancy (90'). That wall is the only one with a backsplash and like you, I didn't want to deal with grout. I also liked the simplicity of the full-height backsplash... and, as a bonus, I had the extra material available from the countertop slabs, so I only needed to pay a bit extra for installation. Also, another consideration is that the kitchen is part of a great room and is visible as soon as you walk in the door, so it felt as if the stone backsplash would give the cabinet more of the look of furniture. I definitely don't want tile (even though I said earlier that might be an option). I would consider a stainless steel plate with brushed finish because it feels as if that would tie the range and microwave together... as if they were all one unit. However, the wall may be too short and the stainless too industrial for the look I'm going for. I do know however that I will not be happy if the stone gets chipped if I have to replace the microwave. In answer to your question, prosource, I believe the microwave will be fairly level with the bottom of the cabinets. The opening is 18" high and the microwave is 17 1/2" high. Also, I don't want to get off subject, but at some point, Jance, I would be very interested in knowing if you used plug mold and, if so, what kind. Or did you put outlets in backsplash? All thoughts welcome.

Your kitchen sounds nice and big, so you should have room for what you want. If you cook much, I'd do double ovens (where your current oven/microwave is) and a microwave drawer. FWIW, I love my microwave drawer. I was hesitant as they seem so overpriced and prone to break downs. My design with few upper cabinets made me choose it, but now that I have it, I do love it. I *did* get the extended warranty on it (which I never, ever buy), since they are so prone to problems. 6 months in so far, no troubles. The drawer could be on that big island if you don't want it right next to the fridge. Personally, I'd prefer it on the island to avoid cluttering up that busy landing space next to the fridge with any appliance action. It's also nice having on the island as that's where I prep, so all the butter melting/etc I do for prep stuff is right there. I'd put it on the island somewhere near the fridge end of things. HTH