Over the range microwaves are a great way to both save space and have a convenient cooking appliance right at your fingertips. However, when it comes to installing your over the range microwave, it is important to know exactly how far it should be from your stove. This is so that you can ensure that your microwave is both safe and efficient.
The first thing to consider when figuring out how far your over the range microwave should be from your stove is the manufacturers guidelines. Most manufacturers will specify the required distance between the two appliances in the installation instructions. This can usually be found in the manual that comes with the microwave or on the manufacturers website. It is important to follow these guidelines as it is usually based on the specific model of microwave you have and the safety requirements for the product.
In general, it is recommended that your over the range microwave should be at least 18 inches away from your stove. This will ensure that the heat from the stove does not affect the microwave and that the microwave will be able to perform efficiently. It is also important to make sure that the microwave is at least 15 inches away from any combustible materials, such as wood or plastic.
In addition to the manufacturers guidelines, it is also important to consider the size of the microwave when figuring out how far it should be from the stove. Larger microwaves, such as those that are 1.5-2.0 cubic feet, should be at least 24 inches away from the stove. This will ensure that the heat from the stove does not affect the microwave and that it can perform efficiently. Smaller microwaves, such as those that are 0.5-1.0 cubic feet, should be at least 18 inches away from the stove.
Finally, it is important to make sure that your over the range microwave is installed properly and securely. This will help ensure that it is both safe and efficient. It is important to make sure that the microwave is level, as an uneven microwave can be a safety hazard and can affect the performance of the appliance. It is also important to make sure that the microwave is securely mounted to the wall and that all the necessary wiring is properly connected.
Overall, when it comes to installing your over the range microwave, it is important to make sure that it is at least 18 inches away from your stove and at least 15 inches away from any combustible materials. It is also important to consider the size of the microwave and to make sure that it is installed properly and securely. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your over the range microwave is both safe and efficient.