appliances
Over-the-range microwave
Microwave mounted above the range, often with built-in vent fan. The default tract-construction spec — saves counter space but mediocre as both microwave and vent hood.
Cost tier
BUDGET
Cost / sqft
$0–$0
Install
trade
Durability
medium
Maintenance
low
Moisture
fair
Cost notes
$200-600 typical. CFM rating typically 250-400 — barely meeting IRC ventilation requirements for gas ranges.
Aesthetic
- Finish: stainless, white, black
- Color range: finish-dependent
- Visual weight: medium
Climate suitability
✓ Hot-humid
✓ Hot-dry
✓ Mixed-humid
✓ Mixed-dry
✓ Cold
✓ Arctic
Code notes
IRC M1502 — minimum 100 CFM venting for gas range. OTR microwave fans range 250-400 CFM but ducting matters more than rated airflow.
Source
Architectural Graphic Standards — Architectural Graphic Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper) — Materials chapter
Tags: microwave, OTR, over-the-range, budget