Yes - just have a shelf made for the microwave. That's what we did. Much more economical up front and if you need a replacement assuming the cabinet shelf space isn't too small for newer models.

I have installed a MW drawer in 2 kitchens and really like them. Get the basic Sharp MW drawer with tilting keypad. All of them are made by Sharp and re-badged.

• The 30" Cafe CTS70DP2NS1 wall oven earned a recommended rating from CR. Its matching built-in microwave oven is the Cafe CWB713P2VS1.

Less expensive:

• The 30" GE Profile PTS7000SNSS wall oven earned a recommended rating from CR. Its matching built-in microwave oven is the GE Profile PWB7030SVSS.

I'm in the same situation as you, OP. I only need a single wall oven and I plan to have space above it for a regular microwave that can be easily replaced if/when it breaks. I've read you can purchase a trim kit to give it a built-in look.

If you want a more economical solution and do not want to be tied into a brand or trim kit, you can hide a MW behind an Aventos lift up door. I did this in a wall cabinet and put the TV above it. I like having the extra space around it for pot holders and the splatter shield. My MW recently died and it took a minute to unplug the old one and plug the new one in. Ours is the GE PEM31SFSS which fits in a 15" deep wall cabinet.

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Looks great!

Great solution ... unless you live with people that would complain forever about having to open/close one more door to use the MW!

For aging in place, I would not mount the MW any higher than mid-chest level. As we age, we usually lose strength in our upper arms and having to lift a dish full of food (or liquid) into the MW or removing it from the MW may become an issue. It's not only lifting, it's also keeping it steady so the dish doesn't tilt and food/liquid sloshes out and splashes you in the face or upper body.

A MW drawer or a standard MW mounted b/w counter-height and mid-chest height would be better for aging in place.

I saw it in my 87 yo MIL as she aged and I'm seeing it somewhat in my 89 yo mother right now. (My mother is actually not bad, but she has her MW and toaster oven on the counter, so it's not as obvious; plus, she's in great condition for someone turning 90 this year!)

Yeah, opening a cabinet every time I wanted to use the microwave would drive me nuts. I've never felt the need to hide the appliances in the kitchen though.

The door lifts in about a second. Its better than having to replace a MW and the trim kit which I had to do in my last kitchen when GE changed the trim kit. I didn't want to give up a drawer base and I had room below the TV. Perfect solution for our empty nester household. The extra space around it is a bonus for those things you'd have to stash somewhere else. It gets used once or twice a day for oatmeal or frozen vegetables. That's about it. I'm not standing at the MW doing major cooking. Nice to get it out of sight when it is not used 99% of the day. If you are a major MW user or have young kids, it is probably not the thing to do.

Our microwave is in a cabinet much like Wilson853. i like the convenience & it will be easy to replace when needed.