Move That Microwave
Personally, I'm less than thrilled with microwave ovens
installed above a cooking surface (Figure 2).
Figure 2.
For easy access, the
bottom of a microwave oven should be between 24 and 48 inches
above the floor. Provide a minimum 15x16-inch landing area
immediately above, next to, or below the appliance. Although
it's often done, placing the microwave over a range risks
injury to small users (see photo).
While the NKBA guidelines clearly show that the microwave is
too high in this location for comfortable use, there are also
safety concerns. For example, a child climbing up on a chair to
make microwave popcorn might rest a hand or knee on a hot
burner.