Can't reach my microwave safely
 

Yes, I am vertically challenged! 4'11".

I can't safely use my microwave. Can't see into it at all. I talked to the cabinet guys. They won't lower it. They said it needs to be the appliance guys due to the vent placement. The appliance people won't move it. Period.

Any suggestions? I need it lowered 3". The cabinet guy says that they used to build them lower by using a 15" cabinet overhead, now they use a 12" cabinet, thus the microwave is 3" higher than they used to build it. The Cabinet guy says can trim out the lowered unit if I can get someone to lower it.

If love to have input, suggestions on who to call.

Thanks!!

Why not use a small step stool. My wife has one so she can reach the top cabinets. She is 5'.

The single step stool (not the type that opens) is the safest but if you are not comfortable on a stool then just buy a nice microwave and put it on your counter.

Get a countertop microwave?

I think a step stool is too sketchy to use when handling hot foods. I'm wondering about getting the 15" cabinets put in and lowering the vent. Such a hassle. I don't mind using a step stool for retrieving things from high shelves, cabinets. But not hot food.

Can anyone suggest someone for cabinet work??

Dotti, I'm assuming your microwave is over the stove? For safety, there needs to be a specific amount of clearance between the bottom of the microwave and the top of the range. I believe it varies according to the microwave manufacturer, but my recollection is that it should be at least 16". If not, it may come up as a violation during a home inspection.

When we remodeled our kitchen, we wanted to put a taller cabinet above the microwave but the kitchen designer said we couldn't since the bottom of the microwave would be too close to the stove.

Maybe the home warranty department can assist with more accurate info as to the exact code requirements.

The manufacturer states 18" clearance between cooktop and microwave. I have 21". So lowering it should not be a safety concern.

I did contact home warranty and they referred me to the appliance dealer who refused to move it.

Whatever I do will be on my dime. I really just need to find a sub who will lower it and put filler trim in place.

If anyone has had experience with someone that they could recommend, I would appreciate it!

I am also vertically challenged and will be looking for a solution.

A couple of years ago, Mom and I had a microwave installed over our stove in our St. Augustine Beach condo. The appliance store recommended a carpenter to rework the upper cabinet and trim. We also needed an electrician to install a different outlet for the microwave but that wouldn't be a problem in TV as the microwave is already there. I know they were concerned about the clearance between a large pot and the microwave. it was close but met the requirements.

Maybe you should check with a cabinet installer.

Unless your home is different from most of the homes around here, the microwave vents straight out the wall to the outside. The vent would then have to be lowered all the way through the wall. If you have a Begonia or Gardenia or some other model where the microwave is vented up through an interior wall, you should be able to have it done without any exterior work being done.

This is exactly why I never had a micro under the cabinets before. I don't use this one very often for the exact reason you state...too high, not safe. But whenever I do, I use a small stool I keep close by...the same one I use for the cabinets...hahaha!! I never thought about having it moved so I'll keep my eye on this thread to see what you come up with. Good luck!

If the vent turns out to be an issue you can always replace it with a self venting type. Good luck - biggest part of this project will be finding someone to do it.

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Help! Cabinet/microwave clearance issues - Kitchens Forum - GardenWeb

Hope there are some suggestions in this thread.

Try a handyman.

We put a vent hood where the microwave went and built the microwave into a 4 foot wide wall we added to the kitchen. We actually put in a microwave/oven combination.

We have a Gardenia, and the Microwave vents inside a wall and through the roof. If your house is similar, then you would need to have 3-4 inches added to the existing vent to lower it also, and this may be one of the reasons you are having trouble with a contractor. I have been known to do this work myself as I am very handy, unfortunately, I cannot do the work for you due to insurance concerns, etc. Also, in our house there is a sticker on one of the cabinets with all of the manufacturer information so you should be able to use that to match the wood and finish.
Finally, contact Home Depot and Lowes, and ask them for a contractor that installs cabinets and under cabinet microwaves, and give them a call.
Hope this helps.

Funny, Kitty... and I happen to know you're about 6 feet tall!:wave:

Under the Counter
 

My kids just built a new house in Jacksonville and their microwave is under the countertop...looks and works like a drawer. It is the stainless, as are all their other appliances. It opens up just like a CD changer.....push a button to open, push another button to close. It is vented to the outside.

You might check into seeing if they can do yours like that. I, too, am short and am so envious! Would love to have mine like that:cryin2:

Thx for this link. I also googled and found images of the venting. It is a Sunflower (same kitchen as Gardenia, Begonia). It seems to me that adding an additional vent piece to lengthen it would be easy, then remount and trim. Our construction cabinet installer's warranty guy said he could do the trim, as they used to do it frequently.

Hubby wants to attack this himself. But I do worry about dropping (as in "Crash, Bang, Boom") the microwave as it is above a glass cooktop. He will need a "helper" unless we find a handyman to do the.

Good to hear from others that I am not the only shorty that has issues with this!

Love the shoes, Kitty, I should use them for cooking. Oh, wait, I have yet to really cook. But I do plan to honest!!

Well, if you break the stove top, then you will have the perfect reason not to cook ever! As long as the microwave's at a handy height...:wave:

Taltarzac725,

Hubby should be able to do this. Place cardboard, a piece of plywood, see if you can borrow a piece, and finally, a moving blanket or similar over the glass topped stove. A second piece of plywood would really provide protection if placed on top of the blanket. Look at the instruction manual for the existing microwave, it should have mounting instructions so hubby will be prepared. You will probably not be able to measure the duct work until the microwave has been removed, so plan on one trip to the local hardware for the additional duct, and for the microwave to take 2 days. You may want to have an old towel handy to block the vent until ready to re-install the microwave. Also, if possible check to see if the microware plugs in (this is what I would expect) so you should not have the have the receptacle moved.
Also, when you get the wood to fill-in for the gap at the top, you may want 2 additional pieces for the bottom sides of the microwave, as these will now be visible.

Tell Hubby good luck.

ahhh, the perfect house slippers for me! Makes cleaning the bathrooms easier, too...hahaha. Hey, I might even wear them to Publix...because all the stuff I want is on the top shelves it seems!

A cousin of mine recently put in one of the drawer microwaves that you mention. He was looking for an alternative to the over the range microwave and stumbled upon this idea at Home Depot. Only problem with it was that it was rather expensive compared to a regular microwave, but he and his wife love it!

Thanks, Taltarzac725
 

The plywood is a great idea! I appreciate your step by step guide.

Hubby was a builder for 20 yrs. But still likes to play with power tools. I'm sure he can handle it. Of course I have already given him a fairly long "honey do" list. Thus the post looking for a recommendation, to get him out of this little job.

He is currently finishing my closet, then we are bravely going to add a pantry into the nook area of the kitchen. We will NEVER use that as a eating area.

I designed many of the homes we built, so he just hates it when I get a new idea...... Haha! He would rather be on the golf course!!

I think a counter top microwave is much safer for "vertically challenged" folks. Also for those who are losing strength in their arms and shoulders.

You are probably right, but I didn't spend the money on granite countertops, stainless appliances, etc., to put the mirrowave on the counter.

I would pull the stove out before tackling this. When removing the microwave you have to remove the top screws in the upper cabinet, then lean it down and pop it out of the support track. much easier with nothing underneath.
as far as the venting is concerned, you can switch the micro to recirculating mode with a quick turn of the internal fan once you take it down. I have installed about 25 microwaves when renovating houses and different situations had me changing the venting options.

Sometimes looks just have to win out! I can reach my microwave fine, and I don't think you will have much of a safety issue once you can reach it.

I like the idea of a microwave drawer, but I image that would involve a whole lot of cabinet reconfiguration at a pretty high cost.

Your house came with a kitchen? I gotta look into getting one of those.

My friend who hates to cook cal it her resale kitchen.

A friend of mine built a new house a few years ago. His wife (5'-minus") designed the kitchen including counter and cabinet heights. It looked a little strange but it worked beautifully.

Maybe a few more female architects would help.

My wife is also 4' 11" and does not have a problem. Sure, she cannot see into it but has no problem in putting food in or removing it. She also has a small folding foot stool in the kitchen that she uses when necessary.

Dotti,
Phyllis has (almost) the opposite problem. She's 5'3" - no problem with our microwave...BUT... believe it or not - her issue is our new topload washer. It's an LG with a large deep tub. She just can't reach to the very bottom of the tub to retrieve the washed clothes. I would be happy to help (well...) - but our solution is in fact a small step stool. It's the little fold-up variety, bought at BB&Beyond. She folds the sides in and it stores at the side of the washer - also uses it for cabinet-reaching at times. It's very sturdy.

I understand you would love a permanent MW solution, lowering it. I'm certain it could be done, with some Bill-work. I'd be happy to help... Actually I installed our microwave here - and had the elect stove out from the area; because I KNEW if not, I'd drop that sucker on the top - Murphy watches for me to do dumb things...
Dean

I'm 4'9" and shrinking. I have a two step with a handle at the top so I can get up and down safely. Since the microwave is over the stove, I just put the dish on the stove then grab the handle and safely step down. If I'm lucky, my husband is convenient, and he just walks up and takes the dish out.

Good luck. It's a challenge every day being short...especially at the grocery store.