Can You Replace an Over-the-Range Microwave With a Countertop?

Over-the-Range Microwave

• Over-the-range microwaves come with mounting kits to securely support them. They hang suspended and must be installed to the rear wall and under the cabinet. Over-the-range microwaves have an exhaust system; thus, no additional venting is necessary to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen. The microwave has an exhaust fan to recirculate air or you can vent it to an outside wall or the roof.

Countertop Microwave

• Countertop microwaves are free-standing, built to sit on a countertop as opposed to suspending above a range. While this is their primary use, some countertop microwaves come with an optional hanging kit. Even if the microwave does not have a hanging kit, it can sit on a cabinet ledge specifically designed for housing microwaves. This frees up countertop space and gives the microwave a built-in look.

Replacing

• Some countertop microwaves are provided with a hanging kit, thus replacing an over-the-range microwave in its position. However, the mounting kit provided with an over-the-range microwave will not properly fit the countertop model. Certain countertop models also have a duct connection so the microwave can be ventilated, similar to the above-the-range model. If the countertop microwave does not have a ventilation system, it cannot completely replace the over-the-range model unless an additional ventilation system, such as a hood, is installed.

Warnings and Tips

• Before replacing an over-the-range microwave with a duct-equipped countertop model, check with the range manufacturer to ensure the ventilation requirements fit the needs of the stove. When installing a countertop microwave above a range, mount the screws into a stud to ensure it is properly supported.