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Glam Journal

What clearance does a microwave need?

Author

James Austin

Updated on April 07, 2026

What clearance does a microwave need?

1″ clearance in the rear. The front edge of the microwave (measured at door) should sit at least 3″ or more back on the counter or shelf to avoid accidental tipping. If located on the counter near a range, we recommend locating it at least 2 ft away. Do not place near or over a heat source.

How high should a microwave be above a gas stove?

Proper Placement of Your Microwave Most microwaves set above a stove top require a total clearance of 66 inches from the floor to the top of the microwave. This can leave as little as 13 inches from the top of the burners to the bottom of the microwave, depending on the size of the microwave.

Where should an outlet be above a range microwave?

Most microwaves are configured so the power cord extends up through the floor of the upper cabinet above the microwave, so the best place for this wall outlet is inside the upper cabinet.

Can I plug my microwave into my stove?

If it’s a constantly live outlet, then yes, you can plug any 15A device into it. If the outlet runs on the stove’s timer, you need to check the current limit in the manual, if you have it. I have my microwave plugged into the stove, and it works fine. I live in an old apartment, where outlets are few.

How big of a clearance do you need for a microwave over a stove?

Some manufacturers allow smaller clearances. General Electric, for example, requires that its microwaves be mounted with a minimum of 66 inches between the floor and the top of the microwave, which results in a clearance of between 13 and 16 inches from the microwave to the cooktop.

How tall is the top of a microwave?

Majority of manufacturers state that the top of the microwave/bottom of the cabinet is to be 30 inches off the stove top. Typical microwave is between 15-17 inches in height.

How tall does a GE over the range microwave need to be?

Hanging Microwaves (mounted under a cabinet with an optional hanging kit, not over the range): 2 inches on each side. 2 inches underneath. Over the Range Microwaves and Advantium Ovens: Over the range microwaves and Advantium ovens require a minimum 66″ mounting height from the floor to top of the unit.

What is the proper distance to separate a microwave and a range top?

What Is the Proper Distance to Separate a Microwave & a Range Top? 1 Countertop Microwaves. If you plan to use a countertop microwave near a cooktop, the microwave should be far enough away from the range to avoid any danger of fire or 2 Over-the-Range Mounting. 3 Range Output Limits. 4 Microwave Landing Areas. …

What is the minimum clearance for an over the range microwave?

  • 3-inches on sides and top.
  • 1-inch in back.
  • which includes a faceplate surround (shown below).
  • 2-inches on each side and underneath.
  • which allows 13″ to 16″ clearance below microwave to cooktop.

    How far above stove is needed for clearance?

    As with most home furnishings, stove tops are set at a more or less standard height of 3 feet . In order to leave enough room for tall pots, a microwave set above the stove will leave at least another 2 feet of clearance between the top of the stove and the bottom of the microwave.

    What is clearance required for over the range microwaves?

    The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches.

    Can you put a microwave over gas stove?

    Installing a microwave over a gas stove top is perfectly safe, but the type of gas stove top, ventilation options and needs and accessibility concerns may not make this the best choice for you. Microwave ovens save cooking time, and when mounted above your stove top, they also save space.