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Anyone put built in Microwave in the …

| Posted in General Discussion on May 18, 2001 10:27am

*
We have no room for a counter top oven on the countertop. But we have one place where we can put either a counter top MW or a built in MW in the bottem area of the upper cabinets. Below this will be normal backsplash nd normal counter top. We have some room to cut into the wall and framing to allow the MW to be shoved back so that its flush with the upper cabinet doors.

Question 1: Has anyone had a built-in MW with the drop down door (like a regular oven) installed in their or a customer’s upper cabinets? pros and cons of this idea?

The reason we are shying away from a counter top oven in the upper cabinets, is because it will be located in a corner where the MW will be in front of me in the upper cabinets, and the wall at the 90 degree angle to it will be on my right and it has a window in it. Since MWaves hinge only on the left, we’d have to reach up and around the door, while we are kind of leaning into the corner of the countertops, to get at the contents. Thus our idea of using a built in MW with a drop down door.

We have a 44″ wide upper cabinet; we were planning on using the 27″ wide model. However, in looking at one at the store, I found that most of it is framing; the MW interior is a lot smaller than many countertop MWaves.

Question: Anyone who has these feel these built in mwaves are too small inside?

Thanks!!!!

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Replies

  1. Jeff_Clarke_ | May 16, 2001 02:28pm | #1

    *
    Diane - This is the one we've had the most luck with. I haven't seen one with a drop-down door.

    They are basically all too small inside.

    Jeff

    1. John_Tessaro | May 16, 2001 02:57pm | #2

      *Diane: I'm not sure this will be all that helpful, since I'm mostly writing to say "find a way" rather than offer a specific solution. What I mean is that I think it's worth finding a way to get the microwave elevated SOMEHOW rather than give up and put it on the counter. First, you obviously want a good-sized unit, which means it will hog plenty of counter space, not just for its huge self, but also for the door to swing. Second, microwave cooking requires attention, and having the door near eye-level makes that much easier. And yes, it's frustrating that the manufacturers assume that a left-hinged design is OK for all. I guess I'd just ask if it's too late to consider a range-hood model? They tend to be big and, because it is literally in your face as you do other cooking tasks, easy to monitor. Disadvantages include the usual downside of multipurpose products--if one part breaks, you'll have to replace both--and the traffic issues of cook #2 needing to push the stove cook aside to use the microwave, etc. But everyone I know with a microwave/rangehood combo loves it. Whatever you do, FIND A WAY. John

      1. FredB | May 16, 2001 07:11pm | #3

        *Several manufacturers make microwaves that replace the hood over your range and mate to your existing exhaust fan. They are decent size and have all the gee-whiz features. From experience they are very easy to install. Although due to weight and bulk it is a bit easier for two people to acutally lift the things into place. You do have to mount flush or proud of the cabinet face so the door can open.I have never seen a drop door that was at all satisfactory for a normal kitchen.

        1. Jim_Hassberger | May 16, 2001 08:19pm | #4

          *One caveat re using any counter top MW in a cabinet:MW's require substantial airflow to cool the klystron (the guts of the MW power supply). Many manufacturers offer optional "built-in" kits for their units that ensure sufficient cooling. This usually requires more than "just" providing enough clearance. Most of these kits incorporate baffles to duct the airflow to where its needed. If you decide on using a counter top MW as a built in, first check with the manufacturer for recommendations and/or requirements.

          1. Luka_ | May 16, 2001 09:53pm | #5

            *A further caveat to Jim's caveat.Heat is not the only problem. There is also moisture.I have inherited many MW's that were shot. (Made a couple work again, and used them for a while.) The number one reason I have found for these MW's to fail is moisture. When you cook something it releases moisture. If you don't have enough air flow, the moisture is trapped inside the MW. The insides of the MW rust and worse.If you absolutely must install a MW without extemely good airflow, then leave the door open after you use it, for at least a half hour. Less than this, and the whole inside of the MW will not dry out. Seriously.

          2. jim_l | May 16, 2001 11:09pm | #6

            *Diane,I'm in the process of designing a new kitchen for our home. I've never heard or read anything in reference to this concern, but I've told my wife that I refuse to put a MW, or any other oven (she wants a double oven) above the height of the counter top. All I see in my mind is the catastrophic disaster of someone spilling or just slopping scalding hot liquid down their front in the process of removing a hot dish. A beef stew with plenty of liqiud, spaghetti sauce, etc. For a shorter person, my wife is only 5', my daughter 4'11". Removing food from over head means rotating their hands after lifting a very hot vessel. Just a thought of caution. In a second of haste or slipperyness a life can irrevacably change for ever.jim l

          3. Gunner_1750 | May 17, 2001 12:18am | #7

            *Jim makes a very good point one that I hadn't thought of before. But if you insist on having a hanging one do it over the stove. They all have vents built in to exhaust the stove. Mind you they are not cheap but it's the only way to go. If at all possible do not tap into the present exhaust fan circuit. The reason is most of these are tapped off of the kitchen lighting circuit,which is usualy fifteen amp. Self contained microwaves (meaning those with exhaust and internal cooling fans) are supposed to be on a 20 amp circuit by themselves. People do hook them up with the old exhaust fan wire,but I wouldn't recomend it as down the road you'll have problems and eventualy have to run a new circuit anyway.Hope this helps it's one of my first real contributions.

          4. DeeVee_ | May 17, 2001 12:58am | #8

            *First of all, Jeff, I tried to figure out what your Latin-like saying is below your name (is it really Latin?) - I even went to some translation websites and couldn't get it translated! So you've got me on that one! BUT! Just before I read this thread, I happened to be at Sharp's website and was very interested in the very MW you mentioned in your post! I already had printed off stuff for similar mw/convection models from GE, Panasonic, and Kitchenaid, and this one from Sharp seems to fit the bill in interior size, features, color (stainless) and it has a trim kit. Thank you for the link....I printed the info. This just may be the one!I happened to see a true built-in GE mw with a drop-down door on display at a store over the weekend, and while the frame and exterior made it look nice an roomy (27" or 30" wide choices), the interior cavity was REALLY small! That had me lean back towards the countertop version with a trim kit. I also can't remember now if it even had a turntable.I do appreciate everyone's contributions. We won't be doing the over-the-range style 'cause we're doing a Viking 6 burner pro range with the Viking pro exhaust hood. I've had the over-the-range type before, and much to most people's surprise, I HATED the ventilation system. The size and features were great, but it vented the steam and smell right back into the kitchen and the moisture went onto the cabinets it hung from. Personally, I wouldn't do one of those again. But, that's just me.Thanks to those of you for the tips on moisture and heat ventilation when using the countertop model as a "built in" with a trim kit. We we will be sure to allow enough space on the sides and the top and the rear. Fortunately, we can knock out some of the wall behind it and make it flush with the upper cabinets.I too was a bit concerned about taking hot things from a higher positioned mw, but, I'm 5'10 and the spouse is 6'2 and no kids (yet). Future buyers of the house can always put this mw or their own mw somewhere else, I figure. Plus, we got used to taking stuff out from a higher mw when it was over the range at our previous house.thanks all.....I love this web site. The contributions and topics are great!

          5. Ralph_Wicklund | May 17, 2001 01:44am | #9

            *I've mentioned this before.... I have installed a full-sized MW as a built-in in the wall space between the countertop and the upper cabinets, mounting it on a set of heavy duty full extension glides so if necessary it can be pulled out from its flush with the wall position to about 6" from the edge of the counter top. (It's never pulled out, but the option is there for cleaning, easier reach or maintenance).Space to do this was available because there was a small linen closet backing that section of the wall. Borrowing space from the adjoining room is always an option too if a ready made space is not there.And, although a lot of units are placed in proximity to the range or oven, (like items, maybe) there are really no hard and fast rules as to placement.

          6. Allyson_Stiles | May 18, 2001 05:02am | #10

            *Diane,"Quidvis Recte Factum Quamvis Humile Praeclarum" (Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble) Billy

          7. Jeff_Clarke_ | May 18, 2001 05:08am | #11

            *Jim - you have a valid point, but keep in mind that the underside of upper cabinets is typically around 48"-49", so not quite 'overhead' even for a 5' tall person. With double ovens (two stacked wall ovens) the bottom one is usually dropped for this very reason.PS - Thanks Billy.Jeff

          8. Allyson_Stiles | May 18, 2001 05:24am | #12

            *Jeff,Vah! Denuone Latine loquebar? Me ineptum. Interdum modo elabitur.Billy

          9. John_Tessaro | May 18, 2001 07:47pm | #13

            *Diane: I had a feeling when I first suggested the range-hood unit that you might be in another league altogether with a commercial range, and lo and behold, that's the case. However, this is your chance to start a new trend, so keep an open mind.First, range-hood microwaves can be either recirculating (which is obviously what you had in that old kitchen) or can be ducted to the outside. So I suggest you take the no-holds-barred school of kitchen design to the next level by installing two units side-by-side over your Viking. Double dishwashers are all the rage, and Sub-Zero has us sticking little fridge drawers in every corner of the kitchen; why not two microwaves? Yes, I know many "serious" cooks who wouldn't stoop to having ONE, but I've had plenty of times when stuff was lined up to go into the microwave like folks at a carwash on the first decent Spring day. So I'm kidding a bit, but not completely. Good luck. John

          10. Jeff_Clarke_ | May 18, 2001 10:26pm | #14

            *Me ineptum tuum! Me confessum - quidvis et al originatum frumum Latinum quotes websitus!Non illegitimi carborundum!

  2. DeeVee_ | May 18, 2001 10:27pm | #15

    *
    We have no room for a counter top oven on the countertop. But we have one place where we can put either a counter top MW or a built in MW in the bottem area of the upper cabinets. Below this will be normal backsplash nd normal counter top. We have some room to cut into the wall and framing to allow the MW to be shoved back so that its flush with the upper cabinet doors.

    Question 1: Has anyone had a built-in MW with the drop down door (like a regular oven) installed in their or a customer's upper cabinets? pros and cons of this idea?

    The reason we are shying away from a counter top oven in the upper cabinets, is because it will be located in a corner where the MW will be in front of me in the upper cabinets, and the wall at the 90 degree angle to it will be on my right and it has a window in it. Since MWaves hinge only on the left, we'd have to reach up and around the door, while we are kind of leaning into the corner of the countertops, to get at the contents. Thus our idea of using a built in MW with a drop down door.

    We have a 44" wide upper cabinet; we were planning on using the 27" wide model. However, in looking at one at the store, I found that most of it is framing; the MW interior is a lot smaller than many countertop MWaves.

    Question: Anyone who has these feel these built in mwaves are too small inside?

    Thanks!!!!

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