Can Over The Range Microwave Be Used As Built In

Question 1

In almost all cases you can practise this. The difference between the microwave models is more about the mounting and how the front looks. There are basically 3 general types. Your typical countertop microwave which some people just stick in cabinets - which is fine given that the electrical is done correct. The y'all accept your over the range which normally have two extra functions - an undercarriage with range venting and lighting, and simple mounting brackets on the acme. So you lot have your chiffonier or born models. These are the least sold and ordinarily toll a chip more because they take a dainty mounting plate in front.

Any ventilation space that you lot currently have should be adequate for whatever yous become. In your particular case my "problem" would be the undercarriage. These microwaves are by and large not made for sitting on their bottoms which have a fan and lights and usually a plastic casing. This casing may intermission or crack over time. I don't come across an "issue" with doing this - although I would but double check by calling Whirlpool - but I wouldn't do this unless I was 100% certain that the bottom of that microwave wouldn't be damaged because of movement and rubbing. Also I tin't see how this aesthetically looks the best of the three options.

Question 2

Microwaves do require ventilation - at that place are typically cooling fans and airflow is required for them. Many "countertop" models include specifications for required ventilation when mounted in a cabinet.

If the "over the range" model you are considering also has a "range hood" part that might call for more than ventilation, just even if not using that function some ventilation is required. I would suggest calling the manufacturer's technical back up line and asking questions - I'd also suggest at least considering another model more suited to your actual use scheme, if information technology is one that includes a "range hood" function that would be of no employ in your desired location.

EcnerwalEcnerwal 136k 7 gold badges 155 silver badges 324 bronze badges · Answer · 2014-12-01 16:43:46Z

Microwaves do require ventilation - at that place are typically cooling fans and airflow is required for them. Many "countertop" models include specifications for required ventilation when mounted in a cabinet.

If the "over the range" model you are considering also has a "range hood" part that might call for more than ventilation, just even if not using that function some ventilation is required. I would suggest calling the manufacturer's technical back up line and asking questions - I'd also suggest at least considering another model more suited to your actual use scheme, if information technology is one that includes a "range hood" function that would be of no employ in your desired location.

DMooreDMoore 46.2k 15 gold badges 74 silverish badges 182 bronze badges · Accepted Answer · 2014-12-01 17:29:36Z

In almost all cases you can practise this. The difference between the microwave models is more about the mounting and how the front looks. There are basically 3 general types. Your typical countertop microwave which some people just stick in cabinets - which is fine given that the electrical is done correct. The y'all accept your over the range which normally have two extra functions - an undercarriage with range venting and lighting, and simple mounting brackets on the acme. So you lot have your chiffonier or born models. These are the least sold and ordinarily toll a chip more because they take a dainty mounting plate in front.

Any ventilation space that you lot currently have should be adequate for whatever yous become. In your particular case my "problem" would be the undercarriage. These microwaves are by and large not made for sitting on their bottoms which have a fan and lights and usually a plastic casing. This casing may intermission or crack over time. I don't come across an "issue" with doing this - although I would but double check by calling Whirlpool - but I wouldn't do this unless I was 100% certain that the bottom of that microwave wouldn't be damaged because of movement and rubbing. Also I tin't see how this aesthetically looks the best of the three options.

The goal, aesthetically, is basically to keep the microwave matching the rest of our appliances (Whirlpool gold, white ice color). The countertop models that Whirlpool and other offer only don't lucifer. — Dec i, 2014 at 18:28
I would do two things. #1 - Put a piece of trim across bottom if your microwave has anything below door level - I know some do and some don't. #2 I would secure the microwave to the cabinet. I don't know what is above it simply since y'all have an over the range you can apply the mounting screws. By creating a faux ceiling (1/ii" plywood) over it and with a front piece of trim you could get it looking close to a congenital in. — Dec 1, 2014 at 19:24

lyndalynda 21 i bronze badge · Answer 3 · 2016-06-11 04:10:50Z

We only did this with a GE Artistry microwave we had over our daughter'due south range. We bought the GE Artistry fan/hood to install over the range. We used the Ikea Sektion cabinets. We installed a 36" wide "over the fridge" cabinet and installed the plug within the cabinet. (cut a hole for the plug to be threaded through lesser of cabinet) We and then mounted 2 x 4'southward on the wall under the cabinet and then the bracket that came with the microwave. (this was done since the Sektion cabinets are xv" deep) The microwave was installed to the bottom of the acme chiffonier, just like you would if it were over the range. We then customized some other 36" "over the fridge" cabinet effectually the microwave. We placed the 30" broad microwave to one side and left a small infinite on one side for cook books. We cutting out squares on the lesser of the second cabinet for the fan and the lite just in case someone turned them on. Nosotros put a piece of trim just under the microwave and on lesser of cabinet and then you cannot see under the microwave in the chiffonier. The door sticks out but across the fifteen" deep cabinet. We used Ikea side panels to cover the seam of the two cabinets. Other side had the wall covering the cabinets. I called GE about the installation and she said this was a fine manner to install the microwave, although they did not recommend alterations to their directions in installation booklet. The microwave has air circulation when installed this style. It looks very prissy. I don't think this could accept been done with a 12" deep cabinet. It would not exist deep plenty for microwave.