We had one if those...I built one into our pantry cabinet instead when we remodeled. I didn't like reaching up to stir or get things out if the microwave, and hated pulling hit things out over the glass top.

zennifer - That's what I feel will happen, having to reach up to stir/remove is going to be a pain. But there just isn't room for a pantry in this new design. I at least will have a coiled electric range, not a glass top that could potentially break if something slips and hits.

Over the range is not always the safest location; perhaps you can install under the counter? a base cabinet with an open shelf

HI -- For the simple answer -- No !

We have an over the stove microwave and I am NOT short and still have a hard time getting hot things out. These are NOT safe. We are going to change ours out later this year. I would go with an open cabinet even if you have to lose a little storage area.

I had one in my last house. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. You have to be careful using it but I lived with it for 10 years without any trips to the emergency room. When I remodeled the kitchen in my current house I ran into the same dilemma you're facing and I opted to live without a microwave. It's been five months now and most of the time I don't miss it, except when I forget to defrost a chicken breast and have to make a mad dash to the store. I'd opt for an over-the-stove microwave before I'd give up precious counter space in a small kitchen. It's all about compromises, no?

I have over the range microwave. It is a vented one. I love it. I am short - 5'2" and I have no problem reaching in to stir, remove items. I also have a glass top range. I am not worried at all about it breaking if something from the mic is dropped. You don't use metal pans. Of course you could make a royal mess if anything drops but you could also drop a pan from the range. This is my second OTR mic and I wouldn't have it any other way. It certainly saves space and I like the look. My sister has a non vented one and she likes hers as well.

Am also short (sub-5') and have no issue with using my vented micro over electric range. But then, I'm pretty much used to reaching for everything at this point. After having mine for a number of years, the face frame developed a crack in it, I believe from the stove heat, even though it is installed at the recommended height from stove. If you are getting one with a metal door surround, this probably won't be an issue, but thought it would mention it FYI.

I'm also short (just a hair over 5' tall) and wouldn't trade my over-the-range microwave for a counter model. I have a gas range and made the switch to the over-the-counter microwave almost four years ago. It was a little difficult getting used to reaching up to get food out of the microwave at first, but the additional counter space I have now is worth a little reaching! Good luck with your decision!

If I had a choice between countertop and over stove I'd choose over stove; however, I'd be thinking of all the ways to avoid it (microwave drawer, under cabinet, in the bottom of an upper cabinet, etc)