How High Should a Microwave Be Above a Gas Stove?

Placing a microwave above your gas stove looks neat and saves space in the kitchen. But if you put it too low, heat and steam can damage it fast. In this simple guide, you will learn the exact safe height, easy rules, and tips to keep everything safe and working for years.

Key Takeaways Follow the maker’s instructions first because every microwave is different, keep at least 66 cm (26 inches) from the stove burners to the bottom of the microwave if no exact rule is given, make sure the space above the stove is at least 75 cm (30 inches) total for good airflow, choose a microwave made for over-the-range use with strong vents, install a metal heat shield if the gap is smaller than recommended, always use the mounting template that comes in the box, check that the microwave is level and fixed tight to the wall, and turn on the vent fan every time you cook on the gas stove.

Why the Height Above a Gas Stove Really Matters

Heat rises fast from gas flames, and that hot air can hurt your microwave in many ways. When the microwave sits too close, the outside gets too hot and the paint or plastic can melt over time. Inside parts like the magnetron can overheat and stop working sooner than normal. Steam from pots also goes straight up and gets inside the microwave vents.

Moisture inside the electronics can make rust or short circuits later. Many people think only fire is dangerous, but everyday cooking slowly kills low microwaves. Brands say most units break early when placed under 60 cm above the burners. Good height keeps the microwave cool and safe every day.

Smoke from frying or burning food goes up too. Without enough space, the vent system cannot catch everything and grease builds up inside. That grease can catch fire one day if it gets too hot. Tall height gives the built-in fan room to pull air properly.

Children and short adults also stay safer with correct height. Nobody wants to bump their head or touch a hot bottom while cooking. The right distance stops many small accidents in busy kitchens. Even the door feels cooler when you open it after cooking.

The Official Safe Height Most Experts Recommend

Most big brands like GE, Samsung, and Whirlpool say the bottom of the microwave must be at least 66 cm (26 inches) above the cooking surface. Some models ask for 71 cm (28 inches) or even 76 cm (30 inches). Always read the paper that comes with your new microwave first. That paper knows your model best.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) likes 75 cm (30 inches) from burners to microwave bottom for perfect safety. This extra space helps when you cook big pots or use the back burners a lot. Builders in new homes follow this rule most of the time. It gives room for tall stock pots too.

Measure from the top of the stove grate, not the flat top. Gas burner grates sit a few centimeters high, so start counting from there. Use a long ruler or tape measure and check both front and back because walls are not always straight. Write the number down before you drill any holes.

If your kitchen cabinet is already low, you may need a small microwave or a different place. Never push the microwave lower just to fit. It is cheaper to buy the right size than to buy a new microwave every two years. Good planning saves money and worry.

• Bottom of microwave at least 66 cm above burners
• Best distance is 75 cm for extra safety
• Always measure from the top of the burner grates
• Check the manual for your exact model

How Heat and Steam Damage Low Microwaves Fast

Gas flames can reach 500 °C at the blue tip, and hot air rises straight up. When the gap is small, that heat hits the microwave bottom every time you boil water or fry eggs. Plastic parts get soft and bend after many months. Metal parts expand and contract until screws get loose.

Steam carries tiny drops of oil and water. Those drops go inside the vent holes and stick to circuit boards. After some time, the boards get dirty and can spark. Repair shops see this problem every week from kitchens with low microwaves. Good height stops almost all of this trouble.

Grease in the air turns yellow and sticky on the microwave bottom. It looks ugly and smells when it gets hot again. Cleaning is hard because you cannot reach well. Fire fighters say many small kitchen fires start from grease that built up under low microwaves.

Big pots with boiling pasta send extra steam up. On special cooking days like holidays, the microwave works harder than normal. Extra space keeps the temperature inside normal even when the kitchen feels like a sauna. Your food stays safe and the machine lasts longer.

• Heat melts plastic and loosens screws
• Steam brings grease inside electronics
• Grease buildup can start fires
• Big pots need extra clearance

Easy Step-by-Step Way to Measure Correct Height

Turn off the gas and make the kitchen empty before you start. Take away everything from the stove top. Find the mounting template paper that came in the microwave box. Tape it to the wall exactly where you want the microwave.

Use a good tape measure and measure from the burner grates up to the line on the template. The bottom edge line must be at least 66 cm high. Move the template up or down until the number is right. Mark the wall with a soft pencil.

Ask a friend to hold the microwave while you check the gap again. Look from the side to see if tall pots will fit under. Stand at the stove like you are cooking and make sure you can see the controls easy. Comfort matters as much as safety.

Check that the power cord reaches the plug without pulling tight. Look above for cabinets or shelves that might block opening the door all the way. Small details now stop big problems later. Take your time and measure two times.

• Empty stove and tape template to wall
• Measure 66 cm minimum from grates
• Check with real pots and people
• Make sure cord and door open freely

Best Microwave Types for Above Gas Stove Use

Over-the-range microwaves are made specially for this job. They have strong vents on the bottom that pull smoke down and out. Normal countertop microwaves do not have good vents and get damaged fast above stoves. Always buy the over-the-range kind.

Look for the word “ventilation” or “OTR” on the box. Good ones move 300 to 400 CFM of air. More CFM is better for strong cooking smells. Stainless steel outside stays pretty longer than white or black paint.

Some new models have low-profile designs. They are shorter top to bottom but still need the same 66 cm gap. Read the label carefully because slim does not mean you can hang lower. The heat rules stay the same for every size.

Choose a model with easy clean filters. Metal grease filters go in the dishwasher every few months. Charcoal filters need changing once a year. Good filters keep the inside clean and the fan strong. Happy vents mean happy microwave.

• Buy over-the-range (OTR) model only
• Look for 300+ CFM vent power
• Choose stainless steel for long beauty
• Check for dishwasher-safe filters

Simple Safety Rules and Building Codes You Must Know

Local building codes sometimes ask for 76 cm (30 inches) minimum height. Call your city office or check online if you are not sure. New homes and big remodels must follow these rules. Old homes can keep old setups, but new installs need to be correct.

Never block the vent path to outside. The air must go through a real duct to the roof or wall. Recirculating vents that only use charcoal filters work worse above gas stoves. Real duct is safer and quieter too.

Keep a working fire extinguisher close to the kitchen door. Practice how to use it once a year. Teach everyone in the house where it is. Small grease fires happen fast, and quick action saves the whole kitchen.

Put a stove guard or heat shield if you cannot get full height. Metal shields cost little money and protect a lot. They reflect heat down and give extra peace of mind. Many parents use them when kids cook.

• Follow local code (often 30 inches)
• Use real outside duct, not recirculate
• Keep fire extinguisher ready
• Add heat shield if space is tight

Final Thoughts

The safe answer is simple: keep the microwave bottom at least 66 cm (26 inches) above your gas burner grates, or follow your manual if it asks for more. Good height stops heat damage, keeps steam away, and makes cooking safer for years. Measure twice, choose the right over-the-range model, and enjoy a clean, happy kitchen every day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to put any microwave above a gas stove?

No, only special over-the-range microwaves are safe above gas stoves. Regular countertop models do not have strong bottom vents and get too hot fast. Heat from gas flames damages normal microwaves in months. Steam and grease go inside and ruin the electronics. Always choose a model that says OTR or over-the-range on the box. These units cost a little more but last many years in that spot. Your kitchen stays pretty and safe when you pick the right type from the start.

Can I install the microwave lower if I never cook on high flame?

No, even low flames send heat and steam up every day. Small consistent heat still hurts plastic and metal over time. Manufacturers test with real cooking and set the height for worst days. Holidays and big meals use high flame sometimes. Keeping the correct 66 cm gap protects the microwave every single day you cook. It is easy to follow the rule and enjoy peace of mind forever.

Do I need an electrician to install an over-the-range microwave?

Most homes already have a plug above the stove for this job. If your house is older, you might need a new outlet. A simple job takes an electrician one hour. Never use extension cords or adapters. The microwave pulls a lot of power and needs its own safe plug. Good wiring stops fires and keeps the warranty valid. Spend the small money once and feel safe for many years.

Is it okay to use recirculating vent instead of duct to outside?

Real duct to outside works much better above gas stoves. Recirculating only filters air and blows it back in the room. Grease and smells stay longer in the kitchen. Outside duct pulls everything away fast and keeps the house fresh. Many cities ask for real duct in new installs. If you cannot make a hole, choose the strongest recirculating model you can find. Outside vent is always the gold standard for safety and comfort.

Can children safely use a microwave mounted above the stove?

Yes, when you follow the 66 cm to 75 cm height rule, the bottom stays cool enough. Teach kids to stand back when the stove is hot. Use a small safe step stool if they cannot reach well. Many families cook together every day with no problems. Good height stops head bumps and hand touches on hot metal. The kitchen feels open and friendly for everyone when rules are followed.

Do I have to remove the microwave when I use very tall pots?

No, 75 cm space lets you use normal tall stock pots easy. If your pot is extra tall like for lobster, just move it to a front burner. Good planning in height means almost never moving the microwave. Some cooks buy a low-profile microwave to get even more pot space. Everyday cooking stays simple and fast with the right setup from day one.

Is it expensive to fix height mistakes later?

Yes, moving a microwave later costs a lot of time and money. New holes in the wall need paint and patches. You might need a new mounting bracket or longer duct. Sometimes the cabinet gets damaged too. Doing it right the first time saves hundreds of dollars. Measure carefully and ask a friend to check. Happy kitchens start with good planning and simple rules.

Can I add a shelf under the microwave for extra storage?

Never add any shelf that makes the gap smaller than 66 cm. Heat needs open space to rise away. Some pretty metal heat shields let you keep full height and look nice. Always choose safety over extra storage. Clean open space works better than crowded spots full of things. Your microwave and family will thank you every day.