How do I know what size over the range microwave I need?
William Brown
Updated on May 06, 2026
Over the range microwaves require a minimum66"mounting height from floor to top of the micro. The 66" fromthefloor dimension will allow approximately 13"-16" betweenthecooktop and the bottom front of themicrowave.
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Then, how do you know what size over the range microwave to get?
Expect widths of 29 7/8 to 29 15/16 inches ifyoubuy an over-the-range microwave with 1.7 cubicfeetof capacity. These appliances have heights of 16 1/2 to171/4 inches, and depths of 15 1/4 to 17 1/4 inches.
Subsequently, question is, what is a standard size microwave? Over-the-Range Microwaves Most models have a width of between 29 and 30 inches,adepth of between 15 and 16 inches, and a height of between 16and18 inches. Typical capacities range between 1.5 and2.2cubic feet, although compact modelsareavailable.
Subsequently, question is, are all over the range microwaves the same size?
All 30" over-the-range microwavesareapproximately the same width, and are designed to fitinto a30" wide cabinet opening. If you are replacing a36"over-the-range microwave, many current 30"over-the-rangemicrowaves offer an optional 36" filler kit toallow it to beinstalled in a 36" cut-out opening.
How high should a microwave be over a stove?
Over the range microwaves require aminimum66" mounting height from floor to top of the micro. The 66"from thefloor dimension will allow approximately 13"-16" betweenthe cooktopand the bottom front of themicrowave.
Related Question AnswersWhat is the top rated over the range microwave?
The 5 Top-Rated Over the Range Microwaves| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | GE MICROWAVES 1029481 | 4.0 |
| Runner Up | GE JVM7195DKWW | 3.4 |
| Best Budget Buy | LG LMHM2237BD Diamond Collection | 3.2 |
| Best Over the Range Convection Microwave | Sharp R1874T | 3.7 |
How much clearance does a microwave need?
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommendsthatthe bottom of the microwave should be no higher than54inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inchesofclearance between the microwave and thetypicalcooktop height of 36 inches. Some manufacturers allowsmallerclearances.Do Over the range microwaves need to be vented?
Virtually all building codes require a ventilationsysteminstalled over the kitchen stove. Thisventilationsystem has a light that illuminates the stovetopsurface and a fanthat removes smoke and steam from the air.Over-the-rangemicrowaves have a light and fan built intothe bottom of theappliance.How far should your microwave stick out from cabinets?
Most OTR microwave will require you to havethebottom of the counter be at least 30" above the range. Withthatheight, you will have about 14" space from the top ofrangeto the bottom of microwave. Beside not being able toput ina big stock pot, the bottom of the microwavewill getreal hot.What size cabinet goes over a microwave?
Above Your Head Overhead cabinets are typically between 12 and13inches deep, except for microwave cabinets, which are 15to18 inches deep to accommodate most standardmicrowavesizes.How do you measure a microwave?
How to Measure the Size of a Microwave toReplaceIt- Measure the height of your old microwave oven withmeasuringtape.
- Find the microwave oven's depth by measuring from theexteriorof the appliance's front to the exterior of its back.
- Measure the width of the microwave oven, and notethemeasurement on paper.
What does CFM mean for microwaves?
cubic feet per minuteHow long does it take to install an over the range microwave?
You'll need to spend about two hours to hangthemicrowave from the wall and cabinet; longer if ventingandwiring is required. Before you begin, move the range ifit'sin the way, and install amicrowavecabinet.Are all stoves the same size?
Most Common Stove Size The most common stove width is 30 inches,andmost stoves are 36 inches high so they are flush withthestandard kitchen counter height. The standard stove depthis25 inches, but oven door handles often add afewinches.What is the smallest over the range microwave?
The Smallest Over-the-Range Microwaves- GE JVM1665DNWW. With a height of 16 inches, theJVM1665DNWWranks among GE's shortest over-the-rangemicrowaves.
- Whirlpool WMH1164XWS. Another product with limiteddepthmeasurements is the Whirlpool WMH1164XWS.
- Sharp R-1874. One of the microwaves with the lowestmeasurementsfor height and depth comes from Sharp.
What is the difference between over the range and built in microwave?
Over-the-range microwaves installaboveyour range or cooktop in place of a rangehood. Theyfunction like countertop microwaves, but alsoeliminatesmoke, steam and cooking odors through built-inventilationsystem. Built-in light that brightenscookingsurface.How much does it cost to have an over the range microwave installed?
An over the range microwave installation costis$50-$100 per hour with average being $83perhour.How many CFM does a microwave have?
Over-The-Range Microwave (OTR) The CFM (how many cubes of airisexhausted in a minute) is 300-400 on the averageside. Mostrange hoods are 300-695 CFM's for a standardgasrange.How do you remove an old GE Spacemaker microwave?
How to Remove a GE Built in Microwave Oven- Unplug the oven from the wall.
- Open up the cabinet above where the microwave ovenisinstalled.
- Locate the two screws holding the microwave in place onthebottom panel of the cabinet.
- Slowly lower the microwave until it is at a45-degreeangle.
