Over-the-Range Microwave Height Problem
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Like so many people online, we replaced a broken over-the-range microwave years ago, only to discover that the new ones are about three inches taller than the older models. Let me save you a ton of time and tell you that there does not exist an over-range microwave that is less than 15.5" tall, and good luck finding that, because I think there's only one that I located a couple of years ago. Almost all of them are at least 16". GE's new Spacemaker model (we replaced an old Spacemaker that I believe was 12-13") is almost 17" tall.
There is a minimum clearance between the bottom of the microwave and the burners of a stovetop. If your cabinet was cut for the old style, you will not meet that clearance with a new microwave by any stretch of the imagination. I can't really use my back burners for anything other than pans, because I can't see into pots or stir their contents. And you need gymnastics skills to see into a stockpot of soup or chili. Most importantly though, the short distance is a fire hazard, because heat and grease build up over the stove.
SO...
There are a couple of choices:
1. You can replace your over-range microwave with a hood and put a new microwave on the counter, install under-counter, etc. We may replace our double oven with a microwave/oven combo. I will miss that double oven though.
2. You can have your cabinetry adjusted to accommodate the new, taller microwaves. That can be done by either cutting or remaking the cabinet above the range, or by removing the existing cabinet and simply raising it up a few inches. It makes a bump in the cabinetry at the top, but that is common in kitchen design today.
The best advice I can give anyone is to check and recheck the measurements above their stove before replacing a microwave. If the new clearance won't work, and it is possible to repair the microwave, just do that and save yourself a lot of money.
Hope this helps someone out there Googling short microwaves!
UPDATE: See our fix here...
http://talkingforfree.blogspot.com/2016/07/kitchen-remodel-before-and-after-photos.html
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58 comments:
I stumbled on this article today as a person looking to replace a 15.5" microwave with no extra clearance above my stove. THANKS for the summary, it saved me a ton of time.
If some microwave manufacturer produced a shorter OTR model, they'd make out like bandits.
Yes, thanks! I think we may be raising the cabinet!
I am having the same problem of looking for a replacement microwave that is shorter than 16.5". I'm not going to raise the cabinet, and I don't have enough counter space for a counter model. Right now I'm considering having someone install a shelf over the range, and buying a counter model. That's the only solution I can think of now. Any other suggestions?
TRY microwave Model # JEM25DMWW 11.5 inches tall
FROM DANNY MR. 850
Sadly, that is a countertop model without the exhaust fan required to install over a stove. Thanks though!
I found this by accident. I need a shorter microwave too and also found that my 24" double oven is taller than the ones made today...but that's another story. Thanks for saving me time as well. The closest I have found is the GE 1.7 cu ft. at 15.88 inches high at Sears.com and Amana at 15.5 at Amazon.
Thanks for the post! I too had a spacesaver microwave, but i remember it was Frigadare. i could be wrong. Wish I had taken from the old house but it was attached below a cabinet. Where I moved we replaced our microwave over the range w/ a tall one. I am sure it is not to code and I don't like the 3" hang over the cabinets. I thought about cutting the cabinet above, but there are pipes to cut. Don't want to do that and my husband is lazy. I saw a Sharp 1.8 at Target not sure of the height. Since I am putting this over the range, must I have that vent??
Thanks, Linda
Hi Linda! Yes, a vent is required over the range. I wish it weren't, because there are many smaller counter microwaves that would install over our range, but they lack that vent.
We're still working on a solution for our kitchen. I'm very close to having a cabinet company come out and give me their ideas. Because of the way it is constructed, our cabinet can't be raised, but it may be able to be cut a bit higher at the bottom, maybe turned into open shelves or something.
I, too, have not been able to find an over the oven microwave less than 16" high. I contacted a cabinet maker to help resolve this dilemma, and he quoted me $1000 to shorten the cabinet. Unfortunately, I am unable to raise the cabinet due to a bulkhead. This is unacceptable. Microwave manufacturers, please listen to your customers! We need a more viable solution. \
I am finding only tall microwaves when replacing a replacement I made 7 years ago. I thought the microwave was too tall because it was designed to use ventless or not, and I got it for cheap so I installed it. Didn't realize that's all that's available. Shocking and short-sighted for manufacturers to put most consumers in this dangerous and expensive position.
Ditto the blogger who said microwave manufacturers would do well to make a shorter over-the-range microwave. I too went down this road, getting quotes from electricians for doing the wiring only to find out that I could not find an OTR microwave short enough to give sufficient clearance between the stove top and the bottom of the microwave. Now looking at other options and trying to save counter-top space.
Jennifer
Im not restructuring cabinets that run to ceiling, just for a microwave. Oh the cabinet makers love the fact the microwaves are getting bigger. I am sure they pay off some corporation to not let someone manufacture a slim microwave
Thanks so much for the idea to move the cabinet up! Great solution to the problem!!
WOW, I'm reading many comments here (and just left houzz.com that goes as far back as 2008) and the same problem STILL exists--the companies are making OTR microwaves too big for the one's they are replacing. I guess they don't care to cater to (potential) customers. My microwave is 14 1/2" high and is only 17" from the burner. I can't afford to add to the height. I only have an inch under the cupboard so if I had to lose a shelf, I would have to get the doors replaced too (not an option). I can't raise the cupboard because it's already ceiling height. I have seen a post at houzz re smaller micro but a Google search shows it's only in the US (I'm in Canada). There's only 2 others in Canada and both are over $700, whereas the others I'm looking at (that don't fit) are around $249. I agree with a couple of others here...if co's would make them smaller, they would get a lot of business! I'm hoping there's a way to convert a 12" high over the counter model to an over the range but I know venting is the main problem. My biggest gripe is that my Quasar as 26 yrs. old and even the top rated micros I've been researching don't last longer than 2-3 yrs, for some buyers. SAD. Appliances are currently man-dated to work for 10 yrs. How is that advanced technology? My stove and freezer are 36 years old. According to today's specs, I should have replaced them 3 or 4 tines already???
You just helped me! Just removed our over the range GE spacemaker microwave, and intended to install a new over the counter microwave there. I'm 1.5" short on cabinet to counter clearance based on manufacturer's recommendations, and our OLD one was hung low too, so I'm thinking this one will be ridiculously low and render my cooktop almost useless. I'm thinking a $99 hood and countertop microwave is the smarter way to go - Thanks!!
Glad you saved time and trouble reading through the posts here. I really miss my OTR convenience. My old non-working OTR is still useful as an exhaust fan (vented outside) and also extra storage space. LOL
I have an over the range microwave. However, I do not have a cabinet above the stove. My over the range microwave is built into the wall and vents out the back to outside the house. For those with the height issue, maybe just remove that one cabinet over the stove. I have 25.5" from the cook top to the bottom of my microwave.
Also, I had a microwave issue recently. Even though it was plugged in, it wouldn't go on. $7.50 later, a new fuse fixed the problem. It was easy enough and I saved the cost of buying a new microwave. Just be sure the unplug the microwave when working on it.
We have a 20 year old home with a vent hood over the range. We wanted to put in an over the range microwave to free up counter space. Our current cabinets are 15 inches tall and after shopping for microwaves we found that the clearance under the microwave would be unsafe. Our solution was to take one of our doors to a local cabinet sales store and order new unfinished 12 inch tall cabinets in the same style. We took the door to get a stain match at our local paint store and finished the new cabinets. The extra 3 inches allows us to buy a microwave and use it safely. Hope this helps!
I'm glad it worked out for you but for me, that would be an extreme make-over. I'm on disability with a limited income and I'm sure that remodel would cost mega. I saw what my mother went through to cut a cupboard to fit her new fridge into it's space. There was no way to fix this for me other than replacing it with a countertop unit, which is sitting on an unused kitchen table since last summer. At least my non-working over the range still has the vent and light working and I rely on that one as a kitchen timer. Now I consider it extra storage space too. LOL
We ran into the same issue when our Frigidaire Gallery series OTR microwave died. My service guy warned me that none of the newer appliances last as long as the older ones. So inevitably I'll end up replacing the new one sooner than later, which got me to thinking. I built my kitchen cabinets; raising it up to accommodate the new microwave wasn't expensive or impossible. But one of the threads here caused me to rethink the whole thing. We're going to leave the cabinet alone, add a beautiful exhaust hood which will make cooking a joy with additional height we'd gain. We have plenty of counter space for a counter microwave. That way, when they redesign the future generations of microwaves, we won't be so affected and i won't have to spend an entire week reconfiguring a cabinet! I agree that someone wasn't thinking when they decided that all OTR microwaves should be so big!
I'm glad it worked out the for pleasant bay. People who have lots of counter space or have room for a microwave cart would be wise to do the same, since things change so often. My biggest gripe is that I've never needed more height inside my microwave--never even came close to using 2/3 of it, so why do the manufacturers think we need bigger? It's a sham.
I was excited to replace our appliances that came with our home over 20+ years old, but it's turned into a more of a project than ever imagined! The current roadblock is the microwave I bought is too large, since the installation guys at GE told me to remove an inch of backspash tiles for them to install it. They continue to focus on the 30" width, and the 30" from bottom of cupboard to countertop beside range, and not the clearance between the bottom of the microwave to the top of the new range, which is now at 13" with the old GE spacemaker model, and with the newer model installed it would be only be approx. 11 1/2" clearance. It's insane, and like another poster noted, the new appliances are made cheap and not in dimensions friendly for older homes. I am ready to toss in the towel and see if the vent hood would work - I just don't know who to hire (more hidden costs) to fix the wall once the old microwave is removed. On a side note, the displays in the store I purchased all the GE products from do not measure 30" from bottom of cabinet to counter beside range - they were 36 or more, hence my lack of wisdom in better measuring before purchasing. :( I have to pay a restocking free to return the microwave. Why aren't these manufacturers focusing on safety and helpfulness? end of rant.
Sorry for your woes. Many of us have been there (I posted on another site too - Houzz) The micros all look fantastic in the showrooms as they are mounted high (at eye leyel) and that's not how they will be in a real kitchen. No one would think to double check measurements as you'd expect the next one to fit the same way the old one did. Re the restocking fee, I would fight them on the display mis-representation. If they still don't give you the time of day, write head office. Maybe someone will finally listen!
I'm glad I came across this. Thank you for saving me time. I'm discouraged since I have a small kitchen and wanted to free up counter space and the appliance store offered a great deal when you purchase stove, fridge, dishwasher, and OTR microwave. Wonder if a microwave must be a minimum number of inches high to work properly. Please post if anybody finds an OTR microwave 13" or less. I will!
Hi Denise.
The problem is they used to be smaller but for some reason, all companies are making then longer and deeper. For most of us, that's a deal breaker because it either won't fit in the same space, it's a safety issue or it will cost to much to remodel. I have mine sitting on an IKEA Besta box on top of my kitchen table that we don't use for meals. If it wasn't for this, my other option would be to get one of those microwave stands on wheels so I could move it out of the way when not in use.
Thank you for taking the time to save us our time and money!
Another concern is if you have a tile backsplash, your new microwave needs to fit in the exact same spot, meaning the height needs to be the exact same in order for the installation racks to fit into the tile. Otherwise, the installers will not attempt to cut the tile for fear of cracking it.
Yes Renee, there's so many diff problems re the size changes, it's a wonder why they've done it. It's not like they had to make it bigger in height and depth. They are the one's losing out because most of us who can't afford to rip out cupboards, change backsplashes or want to give up more room between the stovetop and micro bottom are opting for countertop models.
I'm glad it worked out for you but for me, that would be an extreme make-over. I'm on disability with a limited income and I'm sure that remodel would cost mega. I saw what my mother went through to cut a cupboard to fit her new fridge into it's space. There was no way to fix this for me other than replacing it with a countertop unit, which is sitting on an unused kitchen table since last summer. At least my non-working over the range still has the vent and light working and I rely on that one as a kitchen timer. Now I consider it extra storage space too. LOL
Not sure what's going on here. I just got notice of a new post. The last one (just above) is my post from March 28th. Not sure why it was reposted under a different name, but my original post is still there (word for word). I don't see a way to notify the site of a problem. Hope they monitor the posts and can explain this.
Google Whirlpool Low Profile WML75011HZ - only bad thing is it's 18" deep, but on the good side only 10" tall
I just measured my '90 Quasar OTR. This one would be 3" deeper than what I have now but not intrude on the space because of the height saved. I just can't get over the price though.
I had bought a countertop microwave when we moved in because there was no option for replacing the over the range one at that time. Only cost $100 but it died after only 4 years. I'm really hoping this one lasts much longer, it is much nicer than my old one. I was initially worried about the depth, but after installing it, it is not a problem and looks great. It is not cheap, but I look at it as getting more usable square footage on my countertop as well as a new microwave.
Happy you have a positive outcome to you problem. :)
I just had my 2004 Sharp 1514 unit lose its magnetron. POW. It is 15.5" tall. But it apparently is still made, as I find them for sale at various outlets. It lasted 14 years.
Wow, it's interesting to see that this has been an issue for years. We are getting 4 new appliances so they all match... well, that was our intention. 3 of them are no problem... the microwave... is. My cabinets must have been custom and are only 12 inches deep, not the standard 14. The microwave currently OTR is from 1994 and is a Spacemaker. The handle has been broken for years but otherwise works. We decided to replace it with the other appliances and now run into issues with how far it will stick out past the cabinet face and also how far down it will go. We are having problems finding one that won't touch the back of the range after installed and will meet the code about distance from the counter/burner to the bottom of the microwave. I'm not sure that altering the cabinets is much of a choice for us so I'm going to look at a range hood... or a really strong glue and attach that broken handle back on! LOL Got to laugh rather than cry.
Thanks for posting this so that I don't feel so alone in my misery. :) ~Paulette
Sorry, I don't have time to read back and see what was posted earlier. Just wanted you to kow that this problem has been going on for over a decade. Many of us reached out to companies and I guess they don't care. In the last few months, Whirlpool and another brand (sorry, forget), came out with one that's probably smaller than the spacemaker. Problem is they are pricey little buggers. I belong to Houzz site and there's a thread there where you can find info.
Hope this link works from here... https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2696070#22796052
You are writing some Amazing tips. This article really helped me a lot. Thanks for sharing this blog.
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There's also a thread about this on the Houzz site. There, there were 2 low profile models that came out months ago. One is from Whirlpool and the other from KitchenAid. Today another one was posted. Not sure if this will take you directly to it. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2696070#23016239
Ok, so I got the whirlpool low profile at Home Depot. It cost more and its only 1000 watts. This solution left me with wall space below the microwave that needs to be filled with tile, or some other creative solution. Lots of clearance over the stove, but I'm only 5'1" and so it's a bit high to reach into, especially leaning over a hot stove. Buttons are just plain weird. Still an imperfect solution.
More and more people are not replacing microwaves. I would be lost without mine. I remember the not so good old days when you had to preheat an oven just to warm up some leftovers. Yesterday they said gas stoves are the next to go. Natural gas releases alot of impurities that affect climate change. I'm hoping to score a good deal on Black Friday for an air fryer OVEN. They are about 10 quart (10 litre) and look like a mini oven that can do multiple functions, but mostly crisp up food. From reheat to rotisserie chicken, it will be a great asset to kitchens.
Best Buy has a above the range microwave that's 14 inches height and that's what I need
My old one is 16 inches tall and it's to close to my stove top and the handles get very hot pluse the front of the microwave have cracks on them from the heat
Yes best buy has one that is 14 inches in height
Best Buy has one that's 14 inches in height
I'm curious to see if it's one of the 2 already mentioned in earlier posts or a new one. If you can't post a link, would you please give the model and brand and also tell me if it's BB is the US or Canada since both don't always carry the same products.
I had the same problem as the rest of you.
Finally found this one at Best Buy: Whirlpool at 15 5/8 height:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/frigidaire-1-8-cu-ft-over-the-range-microwave-stainless-steel/6398111.p?skuId=6398111
My mistake. it is a Fridgidaire. Still, the link should work.
It is insanely frustrating that microwave manufacturers have decided to make all their microwave's 16-3/4" tall when the previous standard was 15". I have a granite backsplash behind my stove that won't allow a microwave taller than 15.5". The shortest one I could find is 15-5/8" tall (15.625") off by an 1/8". So pissed.
No options available until you go to low-profile which is only 12" tall, which would leave a 3" gap above the granite, and only 1.1 cu.ft. inside. Complete bullshit.
I agree Steve, less space, but more than 2x the price. Here in Canada they are very expensive and would require a great deal of renovating for my area. The kicker is that they aren't better, so why change the design. They stick out more now and that's a nuisance as well. I had to settle on a countertop model to replace my OTR one.
I was so excited to see Becky's link to a microwave that is 15 5/8" tall. Alas, though the Best Buy sites lists this as the height, it is an error and several of the reviewers point out it is actually 16 3/8" tall. Frigidaire confirms this.
I have seen several items on different sites with wrong info and you'd think when you point it out to them, they would want to change it so it's correct. Not sure about Best Buy, but Walmart is as lazy as they come. When I was looking for a slow cooker, there's a Hamilton Beach model that shows a lid that snaps on. I pointed out to not one, but 3 different ways (not the same person) that the lid is only on the model in the US. Each person assured me they'd make a change ASAP. That was 3 yrs ago and the mistake is still there. Bottom line, reviews point out that the lid snap on gadget is missing and "I returned it". They had so many returns over this error but no one cares to fix it. I'm sure potential buyers reading the reviews probably steer clear too. It also bothers me when a co. takes a write-up from one model and uses it for another. I bought an air purifier and it had the wrong write-up which was identical to the upper model which had the feature I needed. You have to be so careful today when buying because you have to check everything yourself.
Bertazzoni KotR30X sku 5890370 is 16.13 in. I have exactly 6 1/8 in. from where my 2007 LG was and had a tile backsplash installed on the wall a couple years ago. I hope to squeak it in. I'll let you know!
I was actually searching the internet for help in the replacement of our OTR microwave. We bought a new one, they took away the old one, and then found the new one was 16.7 in. high and could not replace the original which was 16.25 in high. We searched Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, Menards and none has the height we want. Seems we have to cut the tile, drop the metal holding wall attachment, then install a new one. Heck, that is costly seeing that these units last 4-6 years only. The hood and countertop unit seems like great advice and we might go that way.
Anon
Maytag makes a 10.25" Microwave.
It protrudes the front of the cabinet by 3.5".
It is in the $500 price range.
I hate that even after all these years of people complaining, they are still making them with weird dimensions that don't work for many of us without a renovation (eg. backsplash) or like you said it protrudes and would not be acceptable for some. OUCHY re the price tag and I'm assuming that's in the US. Canada would be so much mmore!
Hi,
Aurgh! Helplessly looking for an over the range microwave...Need 15.5 inch height. I cannot find anything this size. OH! Width is usual, 29 7/8, depth would be 12-16inches. The height thing is a thorn in my side.
THANK YOU ALL for help and suggestions.
Rich
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