I have a KA low profile OTR that is 18 inches deep. My cabinets above and to the side of it are 12 inches deep. There are vents at the top of the OTR that I think you would not want to cover with a cabinet.

As is stated above, I don't think you can cover the air vents.

Thanks so much. I have not actually seen one. Do you think 12" is as deep as you can go without covering those vents? I was planning on 15" for my uppers. LAO are you liking the unit? Do you have it vented to the outside?

I would check with KA. For the whirlpool version of this microwave there's a special metal extension plate you can install behind the microwave to bring it out so it works with cabinets up to 15" deep. KA may have something similar.

Is there a design option placing the micro at a different location and installing a hood vented to the outside? I'd consider that setup a big plus(upgrade) in a new kitchen design.

My thought exactly OTR microwaves are a poor choice for venting .

If you want to create a better look there, pick a flat panel door with touch openings and stainless clad for your cabinet over the hood. It will look almost like a stainless hood, just with a MW in the lower part.

Or, you could just not do a MW hood if you really are concerned about looks and function both

No, if you extended the cabinet 18" deep, you'd have to pull the microwave oven out 22" to prevent covering the top vents. Per the installation manual, the cabinet depth should be no more than 15" deep even when used with the bumpout kit.

Does anyone have information on the buildout kit that will work with the KA? Having trouble finding.

Bumpout Kit part # W11185746: https://www.sears.com/whirlpool-w11185746-bump-out-mou-genuine-original/p-A028001695