How close can a microwave be to the stovetop?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how close can a microwave be to the stovetop” with an in-depth analysis of the recommended distance between microwave and stovetop.  Moreover, we are going to discuss possible outcomes of improper placement of a microwave in the kitchen.

How close can a microwave be to the stovetop?

Generally, it is recommended that there should be a 13 to 24 inches distance between the lower surface of the microwave and the stovetop.

The differences in the suggested range are due to differences in the type of oven, oven design, such as height, and the materials utilized to make ovens. In this regard, the durable ovens can be kept at a low height, but no lower than 13 inches, as this will not impair the material, operation, or other issues with the ovens.

The distance of the microwave from the floor is suggested to be 66 inches by most of the experts.

It is worth mentioning that over-the-range ovens are generally placed 13-18 inches above the stovetop while when it comes to the countertop microwaves, their distance from the stove should be more as compared to the over-the-range microwave because the difference in heat resistance between countertop microwaves and over-the-range units is significant. You don’t want the gas flames or heated electric coils from the stove to damage your microwave, so keep safe distance standards in mind. It is best to keep a minimum space of 24 inches between the stove and this type of microwave.

Problems associated with improper placement of microwaves

The microwaves that are placed remarkably lower than the recommended spacing may cause problems as the heat emitted from the stoves can damage the heat-proof panels of the oven. Further lowering the microwaves can also reduce the space for freely cooking on the stove.

The microwaves can be fixed as much higher as is convenient for you to reach but to locate them too high to reach may also be problematic for some individuals of the households, particularly with average or short heights, to reach the ovens.

The improper placement of the over the age microwave oven anywhere in the kitchen may be unpleasant as it may cause a hindrance in carrying out your daily activities.

If the ovens are too high, this may also pose the risk of getting burned as while removing the trays, pots, or containers from the oven, you can spill the contents of the food upon yourself.

What is the difference between over-the-range and built-in microwaves?

Over-the-range microwaves provide two functions. These gadgets are not only microwave ovens, but they are also alternatives to stove ventilation hoods.

Built-in microwaves are basically countertop microwaves that have been carefully secured inside a cabinet or fitted in available wall space. While these certainly save a lot of counter space, they might be difficult to install. If you are unfamiliar with electrical work, it is suggested that you hire a licensed professional to complete this task.

You can read gas oven vs electric oven here.

Over-the-range microwave and kitchen

Over-the-range microwaves are modern kitchen equipment that is normally installed over the top of the stove counter, allowing one to preserve counter space for carrying out cooking operations more conveniently and without difficulty.

Furthermore, microwave ovens are typically simple to clean. Over-the-range microwaves are available in a variety of sizes, based on the amount of food to be cooked as well as the average heights of the people in the family so that they can easily reach the ovens.

Over-the-range microwaves provide a wide range of advantages over other conventional ovens that need to be placed on the counters and operate through portable wires.

Microwave ovens are fitted over the countertop which means that they can reduce the excessive use of the counter. This feature of these microwaves enables individuals to deal with their daily activities without any hindrance.

Heavy cooking on the stove also produces a lot of heat, air toxins, strong flavors, oily particles, and steam in the kitchen that can be cleaned by using the over-the-range microwave oven as it can clean the unpleasant and unwanted air and replace this air with fresh, clean, and breathable air.

This ventilation feature can also be operated through the use of reduced energy costs. It may also provide one with a sustainable and clean environment without the use of air conditioners or exhaust fans in the kitchen.

Microwave ovens also impart the proper layout to the kitchen. The microwaves placed on the counter may hinder the activities in the kitchen that can be reduced by placing the oven over the counter and a good flow can be maintained by easily moving the pots or pans from one end of the kitchen to another. It may also enable one to clean the counters easily.

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how close can a microwave be to the stovetop” with an in-depth analysis of the recommended distance between microwave and stovetop.  Moreover, we discussed possible outcomes of improper placement of a microwave in the kitchen.

Citations:

https://homesteady.com/info-8667043-close-can-microwave-over-stove.html
https://www.hunker.com/13402823/what-is-the-proper-distance-to-separate-a-microwave-a-range-top
https://askinglot.com/how-far-away-should-a-microwave-be-from-the-stove

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