We recently replaced our over the stove microwave with a proper hood and relocated the microwave to counter space. We made up for lost counter space by adding a open shelf elsewhere in the kitchen.

Beyond being incredibly more enjoyable to use the stove, it also looks more premium. However, we like to cook a lot and we have a good amount of counter space in our kitchen.

Be sure to have a plan for the open wall space left by the microwave.

Thanks for your feedback!

Using a hood over your stove instead of the microwave is a great idea. The microwave fan is not as effective as the hood. I'd suggest you think about putting the microwave on the counter or trying to locate it in the base cabs. Maybe take off a door and build a shelf? We put our microwave down low so our kids could make popcorn and small snacks. Our kids are out of the house now ( yes!!) and we still have the microwave below the cabinet top.

Nice if possible to have it elsewhere, but it depends whether you have adequate cabinet or counter space to sacrifice for this. When we redid our kitchen we kept the microwave over the stove because of space considerations. It vents outside and works fine for us.

No matter where you build in a microwave, it would never affect resale. If over the stove, be sure there is proper venting...I like mine up high and that close to the stove for convenience and also to be away from small children so they can't access. Visually, they are nice below the counter.

I think a microwave about a range is undesirable functionally and aesthetically.

I absolutely think it will affect resale. It's no big deal to have an older kitchen with the microwave about the range. But if I were looking at a house with a new kitchen with that layout, I would think, "Ugh."

However, to some degree it depends upon your home and the local market. In a small couple's or single's apartment, that set up is fine. In a real estate market where kitchens tend to be quite modest, it is OK.

I see it all the time. I prefer the microwave somewhere else, but it often lands over the range. I don't know if that is a deal breaker or something that affects value. You still have a microwave. That amenity is the same. Perhaps a good range hood is worth more. I haven't noticed it in my area. It seems stainless steel vs. black or white appliances have more impact on sale price.

An over-the-range microwave can save a lot of counter space, but it might be difficult to reach in and out.

I was wondering the same thing. I currently have mine over the stove and like it. I am in The process of putting in a new kitchen and the new plans also have my microwave over the stove. I love the look of a vent and the microwave in the island or another cabinet but it is costly.

I would relocate the microwave since you are renovating the kitchen the overall look in most cases is better. Use a drawer microwave if you can. Photos of your layout and more details of what you are doing like reusing the old cabinets or getting new cabinets in the same space would be helpful to all.

The problem is that i have a brand new microwave. Can a microwave designed for over a stove be installed elseware?

I love the hood, but concerned where i can put my new stainless microwave. I was thinking i could put it in the pantry but that would be very inconvenient. I might put a small coffee bar on bare wall that you can see in overhead diagram so maybe i can incorporate it in there.

Judy, I've read the responses and I have to say, it really depends. If it's a larger, show kitchen, with plenty of counter space, go with the hood. If it's a small kitchen and counter and cabinet space is at a premium, go with it over the range.