You will have to measure cabinets and see if any of them are the right width for modifying to hold a micro -- but nearly all will stick out past the upper cabinets and make the space underneath nearly useless for anything other than setting something down on its way into or out of the microwave (what we had). Some people put them in the pantry -- if you have a walk in to the right of the fridge, that could be an option. The other thing to look at would be a microwave drawer if you have a 24 or 30 inch spot below the counter. That is what we did -- really opened up the upper space and is really great top use -- open and stir without lifting, setting down and then having to return to the micro. Pricey, but the functionality of our kitchen was worth it and we have no regrets.

Island. Let's see a picture of the front of the island.

Interesting, I am noticing more and more people suggesting the microwave in a drawer or in an island. I truly don't understand how it is easy to use at that height. I have seen people put under the upper cabinets and maybe if there are other shorter ones that could work or even IN a cabinet? Somehow maybe it's all the years of microwaves at eye level or shoulder level it seems cumbersome to me to have it lower down.

I guess I am a dinosaur ( and I also don't prefer all lower drawers. I like the doors as well). As we say, "sue me". But seriously, I am open to hearing why the microwave is good at the lower height.

the drawer units have smooth fingertip operation....open and close for stirring and removal of item is easy. the controls are at an angle and easy to work. they happen to be a good placement for "younger folks" . they are full featured units means more than the smaller countertop units as far as functions and space. the placement does not interfere with a certain aesthetic one may desire from cabinets at eye height. Ribcage height or 14-18 in up from counter is the other "best" position for most people as far as reach/eyesight ease and so forth. Countertop units are smaller and okay in some instances. A good option for many people with limitations is the ge spacemaker installed with a bracket under the upper cabinet . these are wide but shallow . There is no one best way to go....it really depends on what you desire from mwave use.....the situation you are faced with "retrofit" aspects of this project. The far left of the hood at cabinet wall height or immediate left of fridge at cabinet wall height are options . I would personally work with far left of hood space. I would see if you can source your cabinet and stain color and look at microwave cabs with the open shelf or a built in trim kit for a 27 in cab with open area as part of cabinet. those two cabinets left of hood at 24in wide each would have to be replaced or cut or something but that doesn't seem that bad. It is a fairly long stretch and re-doing two wall cabs will serve you nicely with a good Sharp microwave at 14-18 in above counter position. The mwave drawer has a lot of benefits but it isn't the only way.

I agree with Lisa - try it on the counter for six months and if you don't like it, then change it. You have a good amount of counter space since you have a nice island. (Don't put it on the island though!)

We have our microwave on the counter now, but it's moving to a lower cabinet. I don't particularly want it there but we need the counter space (small kitchen, no island - right now the toaster lives on top of the microwave to save counter space!) and I prefer it in the lowers than the uppers. But the best place from a use point of view is on the counter, in my opinion.

I bought a small $99 microwave and put it right next to the refrigerator. It really is pretty unnoticeable there and easily accessible. Cheap, too!

If you can modify an upper cabinet with trim kit or shelf, that’s the way I would go, and that’s what I did. This is not a popular opinion on Houzz, but if the choice comes down to countertop or OTR, I would keep OTR.