I don't consider a otr micro/vent a current quality choice for a custom home. More like a builder grade setup from the last century. It's doubtful one would have the cfms for a gas range anyway. You may want to look at the Bosch induction ranges as another option. The 800 is a good unit. Because of no waste heat they require less vent power. They outperform gas. I mention this because many people have no induction experience to compare to.

It’s definitely old school...I would consider doing a microwave drawer.

Agree with dan. Under cabinet drawer microwave. Really sounds like he spec’d cheap appliance package in an “allowance” that helped keep your overall price down? Yes, you can and should change but this is going to cost you big cash now. I fear for you. This should have been detailed way before now. Your kitchen design is at risk too. So think through right now any big ticket items. Read your contract. Changes usually have a “15%” fee for changes on top of the cost for material and labor involved.

I agree to get a hood rather than an OTR MW. However, I don't agree with the recs for a drawer MW. They are expensive, and if your kitchen is small, use up valuable space that could be an actual drawer. They are a bit difficult to clean, and the drawer door opens slowly (so as contents don't spill) which can be maddening.

If you have a pantry, you can put an inexpensive MW in there. Or on a shelf in your kitchen cabinetry.

As has been discussed many times on this forum, if you haven't started building yet, make sure the builder's plan includes installing an 8" diameter duct for the kitchen exhaust hood. Builders who are keeping costs down will install small ducts out of the kitchen, so small that your hood can't pull air, even if you spent a lot on a hood. Now is the time to put the 8" exhaust duct on the contract.

I hate OTR microwaves with the passion of a thousand suns!! :)

If you are building new, please have a real vent hood put in. And put the microwave anywhere else in the world other than over the range. In a pantry, on a shelf, on the counter - anywhere but over the range.

I bought a vacation home with an OTR microwave and I can't even begin to explain how much I hate it. I'm short and I'm going to dump a scalding hot something or other on me sooner or later...

Heck to the NO. It won’t be anywhere near sufficient to properly vent a gas stove.

I was totally against having a microwave OTR. I put mine over the counter instead. There's an outlet right behind it. If it ever needs replacing all I have to do is unplug it, pull it out and put in a new one.

I chose an OTR micro because I wanted to maximize cabinet space and thought I needed a built-in micro. When it dies, I’ll replace it with an under cabinet hood and put the smallest micro I can find on the counter.

Very nice and in limited space situations i can see why you made that choice.

I just did a kitchen remodel and kept my OTR microwave. I love the look of a hood, but I have limited cabinet space and a very small island that I put trash and pots and pans drawers in. We had an OTR microwave for 12 years, I cook every day and it has worked out fine for us. It only gets used to reheat food. However, we have a gas line in our neighborhood so have to get an electric range. I'm not sure if I would have made the same choice with a high btu gas range. Maybe that's something to think about?

Edit:. We don't have a gas line.... So that wasn't a consideration the hood.

Maximizing cabinet space was the only reason I could think of for an OTR microwave, but that wasn't a concern for me. I understand for some OTR is the only option.

We recently moved into a smaller home with a smaller kitchen that we gutted. I decided to put an OTR microwave in since I didn't want to give up cabinet or counter space. It is over a dual fuel range as well and I would absolutely do it again.

I used an OTR microwave in my remodel, because there was no reasonable way to vent outside. We live in a townhouse, and the range is on a wall shared with our neighbor. Also, the kitchen is on the 2nd floor, with finished space below and above, so no easy way to duct. And the house is in a historic district, with restrictions on penetrations to the exterior. Even if we used a range hood, it would have to be recirculating, so we went with the OTR microwave, and am glad we did for the space saving. Though if I ever live in a single-family house, I'd love to have proper range ventilation to the exterior.