Microwave Oven Gas Clearance Range (Must Know Things)

By - Hs Saini

Updated -

Placing microwave ovens over the gas burner seems to be the new design trend for modern kitchens.

It is best for kitchen-space conservation and helps limit the chef’s movement during cooking. Nonetheless, microwaves cannot just be randomly placed without proper assessment.

And this begs the question of how far apart the microwave and the gas should be from each other.

The space between the bottom of the microwave and the top of the cooker should be no less than 18 inches. Less than this can lead to casualties, especially if your gas has pro-strength burners.

What is a Safe Distance Between a Microwave and a Gas?

Microwave Oven Gas Clearance Range

Eighteen inches is the minimum microwave gas range recommended. Nonetheless, giving them up to 30 inches of clearance would be best.

Placing the microwave over gas should be left to the professionals. But unfortunately, one slight misstep could have deadly consequences.

So first, there are helpful installation tips in the manufacturer installation instructions manual.

Some microwaves are not designed to be placed over gas stoves. Therefore, these do not come with vents, and this information is often stated on the package.

Aside from the damages that may occur from too much closure between these two pieces of equipment, you also risk discoloration.

Grease and other food stains emanating from the gas will quickly get stuck to the microwave base. Most times, these stains are hard to get rid of.

As a rule of thumb, your microwaves should not hang lower than your cabinets. At most, their bases can be on the same line.

Electric shocks, personal injury, fire outbreaks, and oven discolorations are some mishaps from improper placement and grounding of the oven.

Casualties that result from improper microwave placement will often not be covered by your insurance unless there is proof a professional technician did the installation.

In addition, different regions have different codes guarding the microwave gas range.

For proper clarification, you could contact your local planning department to determine the appropriate placement range for your microwaves. 

How Far From the Ground Should a Microwave Be?

Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven, LED Lighting, Pull Handle Design, Child Lock, Bebop Blue, 0.7 cu ft

The ideal height from a floor to the top of your range Microwave is 66inches. You would not want to install it too high. However, do note that microwaves come in varying sizes.

Regardless of the size, the bottom of the microwave should be 54 inches above ground level.

Nevertheless, this is not a static rule. The height of the primary user of the microwave determines its appropriate placement.

For convenience, it is best to place the oven within the shoulder reach of the primary user.

It turns out that the clearance range between the ground level and the oven is not as significant as the microwave gas range.

It is best to leave the installation to professionals. They are learned enough to determine the appropriate spot for your oven after duly considering your height and the height of your gas cooker.

You should also do well to keep a safe distance between the gas, the oven, and other combustible materials.

What to Consider When Placing a Microwave Over a Gas?

When picking the ideal spot for your microwaves, you must go with a plan that will last long-term.

Since ovens cannot be easily dismantled after installation, you should pay close attention to the details before installation.

#1. Wall Compatibility

The material your wall is made of will determine whether you should even go for an over-the-range oven.

Ensure that your wall is sturdy enough to hold the oven long before placing it above the gas.

Else, you would walk into your kitchen one day to find your oven bashed against the top of the cooker.

#2. Easy Access

People vary in height, so installation must be done while considering the height of the users. If there is a significant difference in the heights of the users, technicians would have to compromise. 

#3. Ventilation and Safety

You should pick the type of oven to get based on your kitchen’s ventilation. OTR microwaves do not fan out steam or smoke out of the kitchen because their fan has a small coverage.

So, opt for a microwave range hood with a vent if your kitchen does not have open windows or any system to fan the grease and soot out.

#4. Artistic placement

No static rule confines an oven to the top of a gas cooker. However, this placement may seem visually appealing and the current decor option.

However, there are alternative spots to place your oven to provide an equal amount of aesthetic kitchen appearance. 

Find an alternative spot if your walls cannot hold the microwave or your height does not agree with an over-gas stove oven.

Why Do Gas Stoves And Microwaves Need To Be Vented?

Frigidaire 2-Piece Kitchen Package with FFGF3052TS 30" Freestanding Gas Range and FFMV1645TS 30" Over the Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel

Venting is necessary to rid the kitchen of fumes and spots that can intoxicate the air if compacted.

The importance of kitchen air quality and ventilation cannot be overemphasized. Bad kitchen air not only worsens your current respiratory disorder but will also create new ones for you.

The Microwave range hoods are popular because they extensively ventilate kitchen areas. Plus, they are ideal for both small and spacious kitchens.

An over-the-range oven can’t achieve as much ventilation as a  range hood. So it is a good thing that one can switch from an OTR to a range hood. 

Gas ranges produce a lot of fumes, so when choosing a microwave range hood, pick one that is compatible with your gas’s breadth and length. 

Tips for Installing a Microwave Over a Gas Range

#1. Cut costs by installing yourself.

Hiring professionals is your best shot at safely installing range hoods and vents. Nonetheless, you can easily pull off the installations with the manufacturer installation instructions manual. 

If you’re buying a new microwave range hood, you would not need to spend extra costs on a professional technician.

However, you need some help because it is not a one-person job. Get a buddy to assist you in holding the microwave while you screw and install. 

To avoid impending complications, ensure that you follow all the instructions in the manual to the letter.

In addition, it will help if you join online forums to read complaints from individuals who have already attempted to install themselves. 

Joining these forums will give you an insight into some of the hurdles these people encountered and how they solved them.

#2. Opt for a Microwave Range Hood

It is no news that a range hood is preferable to an over-the-range Microwave. However, you mustn’t settle for OTR microwaves if your gas has pro-burners.

It would require a hooded range microwave to rid the soot that emanates from the gas range efficiently.

You would not need to worry much about the microwave gas range with a range hood. The venting system is enough to divert most of the complications.

However, it cannot divert grease and food stains that may splurge to the microwave base if hanging too low. 

Wrapping Up

A microwave gas range must be at least 18 inches for safety precautions.

If the space between this kitchen equipment goes lower, casualties such as fire outbreaks, electric shocks, and injuries may occur.

Both over-the-range microwaves and range hoods provide ventilation but consider your kitchen layout before you pick which one to buy.

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