Time to pull out your trusty tape measure
Over-the-range microwaves are usually around 17 inches in height.
You can hold a tape measure against the side of your microwave to determine its height.
There should be at least 30 inches of clearance between the range and the cabinet above the microwave.
You should have at least 13 inches of space between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave.
Over-the-range (OTR) microwaves may be a sleeker alternative to traditional countertop models, but they’re also much harder to install. Even if you’re replacing an existing OTR microwave, you’ll need to take a few different measurements to make sure your new unit will fit in your kitchen. So, how do you measure the height of an over-the-range microwave, exactly? Let’s walk through it.
As its name suggests, an over-the-range microwave is mounted above your stove or range. Many people install this type of microwave to save counter space, but it offers other benefits, too. Specifically, OTR microwaves have vents to capture smoke and odors from your cooktop. They have built-in lights as well, which is particularly useful in kitchens with limited natural lighting.
When it comes to OTR microwaves, there are two kinds of height measurements to keep in mind: the height of the microwave itself and the clearance space between the microwave and your cooktop.
Over-the-range microwaves are typically around 17 inches in height, but there are also low-profile models that are about 10 inches tall. To measure yours, hold a tape measure against one of the microwave’s vertical sides.
When installing an OTR microwave, you should maintain at least 30 inches of clearance between the top of the cooking surface and the bottom of the cabinet above the microwave. You can measure this distance by running a tape measure from the tallest point of the cooktop to the underside of the upper cabinet. Be sure to do this before you buy a new microwave so you understand the maximum microwave height for your space.
Once the microwave is in place, there should be at least 13 inches between the cooking surface and the underside of the microwave. This will give you enough room to use your stove comfortably and safely. To determine the height of this area, subtract the height of your new microwave from the total clearance space that you measured previously. If you’re left with 13 inches or more, there’s enough room for the microwave.
Again, make sure to run these calculations before you purchase a microwave; otherwise, you could get stuck with an appliance that’s too tall for your space. If you aren’t confident in your measuring skills, it might be better to call a professional microwave installer near you.
In addition to height, there are a few other size factors to consider when shopping for a new over-the-range microwave.
For starters, you’ll need to know the width of the cutout—which is the area where the microwave will go—in order to buy the right size microwave. To do this, hold a tape measure across the open space of the cutout, stretching it from the vertical edge of one cabinet to the edge of the opposite cabinet.
Fortunately, cutout widths typically align with standard microwave sizes. For reference, OTR microwaves are typically around 30 inches in width, but some models may be bigger or smaller.
It’s also important to measure the depth of the cutout. You can do this by measuring from the wall to the outer edge of the cabinet that will sit above the microwave.
If you want your microwave to fit that space snugly, choose a model with the same depth as the cutout. You can also pick a unit that’s deeper than the cutout, but just be aware that it will jut out from your cabinets. When the microwave door is closed, most over-the-range microwaves are 15 to 18 inches deep.
Over-the-range microwaves are typically around 17 inches in height and 30 inches in width, but you can find models outside of these sizes as well. However, microwave dimensions vary by style. For example, most countertop microwaves range from 14 to 24 inches in width and 10 to 18 inches in height.
No, you don’t necessarily need an electrician to install an over-the-range microwave. If you’re relatively handy and don’t mind some heavy lifting, you can mount your own OTR microwave in a couple of hours. However, you’ll need to be comfortable with things like finding wall studs, drilling holes, cutting vent openings, and connecting ductwork.
