I've always had one so I don't know anything else. I do like that it doesn't take up counter space. Mine is vented though, so I use it a lot for ventilation when I'm cooking.

We don't use over the range microwaves here, but I know them from 20+ vacation homes and never liked them. The ventless ones are totally insufficient even if you change the filters often. I also doubt that the only other way is to put the microwave on the counter. Please consider a microwave drawer or putting one into a cabinet behind closed doors.

Thank you everyone. I am just about ready to give up a microwave. I never use it for cooking much, just re-heating and occasionally defrosting. But, yeah, I would miss it! Currently it is in an open 'cubby hole' of what used to be where a built-in oven was. We did away with the built in oven years ago and I love a regular stove with its much bigger oven. but the kitchen layout is changing and that pantry cubby hole will be gone. If I put it in a cupboard, I lose storage space. Lower cabinets are all going to be those deep drawers. (complete drawers, not door opened then pull out extentions).There is a possibility if I went with a very small one (I have seen a few as narrow as 19" and 14" deep) I could tuck it in somewhere - and just sacrifice the storage. I still need a vent-less hood over the stove. I've had that for years and it has worked well and done the job quite well. We saw this arrangement in a sample kitchen at a store. See photo:

I agree with midmodfan. consider a drawer. I love mine!! it's accident free!! :) yes, it does take up some cabinet space but think of it this way--you will not drop hot dishes or liquids on yourself, you won't hit your head on the door knob, you won't have it in your way over the stove, and you can have a large drawer beneath it for all your food saving boxes and bowls!!! :)
mine fits a large glass cake pan/casserole dish, or two large dinner plates...it has great features I use all the time tht I did not use on any other microwave! go figure!! :)

I've had both built-in microwave / oven unit and over the hood one, and the designer is correct that it's easy to get used to the different situations.

I am always scared I will spill hot things on myself when pulling them out of the above range microwaves. I am short though, 5"5'. They are much better tucked inside a cupboard or on a breakfast nook.

forgot to mention that if you are left-handed it's much easier to use the drawer. that way the door of a microwave doesn't hit you as you are holding hot dishes.

I was undecided between hood and microwave over the range. While I think the hood looks prettier, I am used to the microwave that I currently have and I like it. I also like that it does not take up any counterspace. If $ were no object i would probably go with hood and microwave drawer. Unfortunately i am on a budget!!