How do I replace the space above my microwave above range ?
by
Sally
+9
I dislike reaching overhead to use microwave. I want to replace my stove with a slide in, add a creative backsplash and remove microwave and cabinets above it. I’ve looked and looked for ideas but can’t find a DIY that would work and not look like I took out cabinet.
Is there any reason you want to take out the cabinet above the microwave? You could leave it and then you'd have less wall space to figure out what to do with. Do you have a back splash? If not, you could add that under the cabinet where the microwave is and under all of the cabinets. Then you could hang a wreath or frame in the spot where the microwave was to fill in that open space. Plus, the back splash is always nice for splatters, etc. from cooking on the oven. Not sure if this helps. ;)
Hello Sally
They just addressed this situation on Todays Homeowner. Season 21 episode 2.
Consider placing an exhaust fan over your stove and cooktop leave the cabinets —and either mount the microwave elsewhere or use the countertop microwave. Hope this helps.
If you remove an over the stove microwave that provides your fan, you need to replace it with a separate fan to properly vent the cooking area.
You could get a realy ice stainless steel hood that goes up past the cabinets
You can add shelves between the two cabinets. One thing to consider is you still need a vent hood.
This was a solution that another Hometalker gave someone with the same question you have. I would not advise putting any wood behind the stove top, and this is a good alternative. Hope this helps.
https://kelleysdiy.com/2017/06/18/stainless-backsplash/
Get a nice-looking range hood. If you can't exhaust it outside, many have a filter and exhaust indoors. I have had one like that, and it worked fine.
I'm assuming you have a vent, perhaps? Here's one Hometalker's idea: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/diy-range-hood-vent-pipe-cover-17767554
DIY Range Hood Vent Pipe Cover
The need for a vent makes sense. If there is room beneath it, some pretty Mexican tiles or other eye candy tiles would add some nice interest.
You can buy a nice stainless steel vent hood from Lowes or Home Depot for only $64.99. I have just bought one and love it. It has a light and two fan speeds. (It got 5 star reviews). It was not hard to install, either, just four screws through the cabinet above, as it hangs down and is not heavy. Have you thought about some open shelving instead of cabinets if you really don't like them? You could put some gaily colored contact paper on the wall behind your crockery. They make some super contact paper now, and you can order it on Amazon.