Replies

1. 
   MSA1 | May 16, 2009 10:52pm | #1

   At least where I usually build the more important rule is 18" of clearance between the upper and lower cabinets.

   But having said that, I usually use a 15" cabinet if i'm doing a microwave and an 18" for range hood only.

    

   Family.....They're always there when they need you.

2. 
   Boats234 | May 16, 2009 10:54pm | #2

   18" min. clearance between stove and microwave on the spec. sheet from one I installed last week.

    

   Assume a 36" stove height. 18" clearance, 16" microwave and a 15" cabinet and your good to go with an 8' ceiling.

   But I also assume your cabinets don't go all the way to the ceiling.

   What's your upper cabinet clearance now?--- mine vary between 15" and 18"

1. 
   mrfixitusa | May 16, 2009 11:39pm | #3

   We have 18 and a quarter between the counter top and the wall cabinetI guess we'll go with the 15" cabinet and the microwave will have 17" above the stoveThanks for the help on this

1. 
   Boats234 | May 16, 2009 11:48pm | #4

   If it's for you and 17" makes you happy then go for it.

    

   I personaly don't like them that low due to splatter from the stove.  My last house I had one at 24" clearance that I thought was great..... until the kids were climbing on top of the stove to nuke their mac & cheese.

    

3. 
   pgproject | May 17, 2009 12:36am | #5

   The Micro mfr. will have a minimum height spec in the install instructions.

   BIll

4. 
   migraine | May 17, 2009 07:43pm | #6

   You have to go with the minimum for the range below and the microwave above.  If you don't, and something happens, the insurance comapny is going to fight you on this and you are not going to win.

   This is from previous client's personal experience.  It was good for me, not for them.  Even after I have told ohter clients about this, some have not wanted to listen.  I don't budge on this because if something did happen, then their insurance company would be coming after me.

1. 
   mrfixitusa | May 17, 2009 08:24pm | #7

   thanks - that's some good advice

1. 
   bcarpentry | May 17, 2009 10:21pm | #8

   Can't remember the height specified but the last one I installed had a minimum height to the top of the microwave (bottom of the cabinet it was hanging under). I had a 9' ceiling to play w/ so it wasn't an issue to raise the cabinet a couple more inches above the minimum to suit the client's preference. However, if you raise the cabinet above the ones next to it you are going to need to pull it out off the wall if you are putting crown up. A microwave is usually about 15" deep anyway and the standard wall cabinet is 12" so doubling 2x4's behind the cabinet would work. Problems - that cabinet needs finished sides and there is a gap behind it that can be covered w/ toe kick or something else color matched. Or you can leave them flush on the face and return the crown - but that look has never sold yet in my limited experience.G'luck

   Edited 5/17/2009 3:38 pm ET by bcarpentry

1. 
   mrfixitusa | May 18, 2009 01:07am | #9

   Thanks - appreciate the infoWe are going to add crown molding It really makes these cabinets look a lot betterI would like to figure out a way to do this with the 15" cabinet as it is what we already have.We need to look at different brands of microwavesOn a side note, what we're doing is flipping this house.It will have a new kitchenWe buy scratched and dented appliances and WE BUY ALL FOUR APPLIANCES AT THE SAME TIME FOR A REDUCED PRICEWe buy the stove, refrig, dishwash, and microwave We've been buying stainless steel and buying all four pieces for $1,500Which is a pretty good dealAnyway, thanks again.

5. 
   mrfixitusa | May 18, 2009 05:34am | #10

   As an inspector, do you measure the distance between the stove top and the microwave?

   Thanks for any input.