Move That Microwave
Personally, I’m less than thrilled with microwave ovens installed above a cooking surface (Figure 2).
Figure 2.
For easy access, the bottom of a microwave oven should be between 24 and 48 inches above the floor. Provide a minimum 15×16-inch landing area immediately above, next to, or below the appliance. Although it’s often done, placing the microwave over a range risks injury to small users (see photo). While the NKBA guidelines clearly show that the microwave is too high in this location for comfortable use, there are also safety concerns. For example, a child climbing up on a chair to make microwave popcorn might rest a hand or knee on a hot burner.