I never advise this combo unless really taxed for space, they do not work well they are awkward to use while cooking so I would go with proper hood fan.

I have a microwave over my range. The compromise in my mind is giving up a real venting source as the fan doesn't really accomplish anything. I guess there could be an instance when you're using your range and the microwave/convection oven at the same time. If so, it could be awkward to reach over whatever you're cooking on the range to use the oven.

We don't care for them. We have removed several over the years that are starting to melt on the bottom. They are also generally mounted low so it is both difficult and dangerous to see and tend to anything cooking on a back burner. I have been burned several times trying to see into pots at our friend's house. If they are mounted higher to eliminate those two issues, then they don't have enough fan power to actually work.

I am working on a kitchen facelift with some configurations, one of which is to get rid of the micro over the cooktop and add a vent hood. Mine is now located high enough to avoid the problems Deborah mentioned, but the fan is weak and the reach in and out of micro is awkward. If you have space to build the micro in someplace else, that's the best way to go.

If you;re quite short, then I could see it being awkward. Both myself and my partner are over 5'8" and we do not find it awkward. The only awkward thing would be if one person is cooking and another person wants to microwave something, but it only takes a second to pop whatever in the microwave, set the time and walk away. Ours also has a light, so it helps illuminate the whole cook top which is nice. That being said, I prefer the look of a hood vs microwave.

I've had both and will never again have an over the range micro. BTW a good counter micro can be had for well under $100.00 and a very good hood is in the $400.00-600.00 range.