What Is the Difference Between Countertop & Over-the-Oven Microwaves?

Design

• The most significant distinction between a countertop and an over-the-over microwave is in their design. Though both countertop and over-the-oven microwaves come in a range of styles, wattage and finishes, countertop microwaves are designed to rest on your counter or microwave cart while over-the-oven microwaves are intended to be mounted and installed over your range. Over-the-oven microwaves have dimensions that are standardized to match the width of most ranges and the depth of most cabinets, while countertop microwaves offer a much wider variety of sizes to accommodated limited countertop space.

Installation

• Countertop microwaves are simple, do-it-yourself projects when it comes to installation. All you need is clear counter space or a microwave cart and an electrical outlet for the microwave's plug. Over-the-oven microwaves require more extensive installation expertise and are generally not regarded as do-it-yourself projects. Oven mounted microwaves typically require a licensed electrician or general contractor for proper installation to ensure that the microwave is securely bracketed into a space in the existing cabinetry and that both the microwave and oven are still properly vented to prevent a potential fire hazard.

Space Considerations

• The size and layout of your existing kitchen is a major consideration when choosing between a countertop or over-the-over microwave. If you have limited counter space, a countertop microwave may take up valuable kitchen real estate that you aren't willing to give up. Adding a microwave cart in your kitchen can alleviate a counter space issue, but if you don't have the square footage, a cart will only create additional space problems. Over-the-oven microwaves do not take up counter space, but you will need to sacrifice cabinet storage space, instead.

Access

• One of the advantages of countertop microwaves is that you can place them in a space that is convenient for you. If you ever need to reorganize or redecorate, countertop microwaves offer you portability limited only by access to an electrical outlet. Over-the-oven microwaves are not portable, and once they are installed, they are permanently in place unless you opt for a major kitchen remodel. Over-the-oven models are also mounted at cabinet height and may not be accessible to people who aren't tall enough to reach past the oven and into the microwave.

Cost

• Cost of microwaves varies considerably due to brand, size, wattage and design, but countertop microwaves tend to be significantly less expensive than over-the-oven models. Over-the-oven microwaves tend to be larger than more moderately sized countertop microwaves, which increases the price. They also require professional installation and may need maintenance whereas countertop microwaves require only the initial cost.