Should Microwave Be Above or Below Oven? Practical Placement Tips for Your Kitchen

Deciding where to put your microwave—above or below the oven—really depends on how your kitchen is set up and what feels safest for your family.

If you’ve got enough clearance and don’t mind reaching up, putting the microwave above the oven or range can save counter space and keep things tidy. This setup keeps everything within easy reach, at least for most adults.

If you’re short on space or worried about safety, you might want to install the microwave below the oven. Lower cabinets or under-counter spots can work, especially for kids or anyone who doesn’t want to reach over hot surfaces.

Getting the height and distance right matters. It helps you avoid accidents and keeps your microwave running longer.

If you’re curious about specifics, here are some tips on microwave height above an electric stove.

Comparing Microwave Placement: Above vs Below Oven

Where you put the microwave changes how your kitchen looks and feels. It also affects how safe and easy it is to use in your daily routine.

You’ll want to think about reach, comfort, and how the placement fits with your kitchen’s style.

Kitchen Design Considerations

Mounting your microwave above the oven saves counter space and gives a built-in look. That’s a win if you hate clutter or have a small kitchen.

You might need a taller cabinet or a microwave designed for this setup, though.

Putting the microwave below the oven—maybe in a drawer or under the counter—can help balance the kitchen visually. It also lets you design cabinets more freely, but you do give up some lower storage.

Look at your kitchen’s size and layout. In tight spaces, above-oven might be the only way to go.

If you want easier access or care about storage, a below-oven microwave could make more sense.

You can find some real-world opinions in this microwave placement discussion.

Safety and Accessibility Factors

Microwaves above the oven can be tough to reach, especially if you’re not tall. You might end up stretching over hot surfaces, which just isn’t safe.

Kids and people with limited mobility will probably have a hard time with this setup.

Putting the microwave below means you can slide out hot food at waist or hip level. That’s just easier and safer for most people.

You won’t have to lift heavy dishes overhead or risk burns. Think about who actually uses the microwave most—if it’s not just tall adults, a below-oven placement is probably smarter.

Ease of Use and Ergonomics

When you put the microwave above the oven, you might have to stretch or tilt awkwardly to reach food. That’s not fun, especially with hot soup or heavy plates.

You also can’t really see inside as easily.

A microwave below the oven sits at or below eye level, so you can check on your food and stir without reaching up.

If you reheat leftovers or cook with the microwave a lot, comfort matters. Drawer microwaves or those set under the oven usually make things easier.

Here’s more on that in this microwave buying and placement guide.

Impact on Cooking Workflow and Appliance Performance

Where you put your microwave changes how you use your space and how well your appliances work together.

You need to think about what actually fits your daily routine and installation needs.

Space Optimization in Modern Kitchens

An above-oven microwave gives you more counter space, which makes the kitchen look cleaner and gives you extra room to prep meals.

That’s a big deal in small kitchens.

But if you stack appliances too high, getting food in and out of the microwave can be a pain. It’s not always the safest move, especially with hot dishes.

A microwave below the oven or under the counter is easier to reach, but you’ll lose some lower cabinet or counter space.

Think about how you cook every day. If you’re juggling multiple dishes, having the microwave at a comfortable height can speed things up and cut down on accidents.

Installation Requirements and Ventilation

Microwaves really need some breathing room to avoid overheating. Most of the time, you’ll want about 3 inches of space at the top and sides and at least 1 inch at the back for ventilation.

This goes for whether you’re putting the microwave above or below the oven. If you skip the clearance, you might notice your microwave struggling, or it just might not last as long as you’d hope.

If you stick the microwave above an oven, the heat from below can mess with its efficiency. Heat’s always looking for a way up, so the microwave ends up needing even more ventilation to keep cool.

Put the microwave under the oven or tuck it under a counter, and you won’t have as much heat to worry about. Still, don’t forget to leave enough space behind and around it for air to move.

Always double-check the installation guides for both your microwave and oven. It’s a bit of a hassle, but getting the fit and ventilation right helps your appliances last and keeps your kitchen safer.

For more on space and clearance needs, check out microwave space requirements.