seeking creative solutions for over microhood storage

3 years ago

This is a long shot, but I hate wasted space (and wasted money!) so wondering if anyone has a cool hack to offer for this scenario:

We bought a low profile OTR microwave that is ~11" tall with the plan to install it under a 24" cabinet (next to 36" cabinets on the sides) to have it at the proper height. We later learned that our cabinets (the line is going out of production, so the stock was limited) was only available in an 18" height (which would be the correct height for a standard height OTR microwave). This would be an unsafe height (above shoulder height) for the low profile microwave, though (even though both primary users are 6'+).

So we're deciding whether to 1) scrap the micro we bought (wasted money, yuck) and reinstall our existing microhood which is the right height to fit, but isn't very aesthetically pleasing for a new kitchen, or 2) install the low profile microwave 6 inches lower.

If we go with option 2, then we have to decide what to do with the space. The simplest is just to install a filler strip to cover the sin. But that's 6" tall, 12" deep, by 30" wide of wasted space! Painful in our small kitchen where we're optimizing every square inch that we can.

We love clever storage solutions--can anyone think of or have you seen a product that could be used in this situation? Some sort of horizontal spice pull out? I don't want to just leave open shelf, (even for cuttingboards etc) because with it being twice as deep as tall, things would inevitably end up lost in the back of the nook.

Thanks for your creative solutions!

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Photo example of our low profile micro-hood

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Comments (4)

wdccruise
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
"This would be an unsafe height..."

While the Whirlpool/KitchenAid low-profile microwaves allow a minimum 24" distance between the cabinet and cooktop (60" above the floor), but the Samsung and GE Profile low-profile models specify the usual 30" distance (66" from the floor) so maybe just install your oven the same way.

"I don't want to just leave open shelf..."

If the oven is vented you can't do this anyway.
E Bluhm thanked wdccruise
herbflavor
3 years ago
what cabinet line is it..is there something unique? you should be able to get a cabinet frame somewhere else..then get a door frame either mdf to paint [ or ]... what is your species??? then insert seeded glass...... [note in above picture to the right is seeded glass] ....... Above the hood location is logical spot to have a different door. I've seen the low profile microwave installed in a display. I think its got positives...its really much more minimal look [sleek and attractive] and a different door above would be logical. what is your door style??
E Bluhm thanked herbflavor
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crcollins1_gw
3 years ago
We removed a standard OTR and put in the exact one in your picture in the hole. It's fine and I'm only 5'2". We are remodeling our kitchen in the next few months so this was never meant to be a long term solution, but even if we weren't, given how small our current kitchen is, it is 100 x better than the low-hanging one it replaced. It doesn't vent outside anyway and I don't think being any closer to the cooktop would make a difference. For actual venting, do what Lomo says and get a real hood (which is what we will do).
E Bluhm thanked crcollins1_gw
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Violetta Valery
2 years ago
For what it is worth, I LOVE the sleek look of that skinny OTR microwave, but think it is because it is between dark cabinets. They appear to stick out more with white cabinets, which I will have. People with large kitchens don't seem to understand the constraints of remodeling a small kitchen, and how efficient and space saving an OTR microwave is.