Countertop Microwave Clearance: How Much Space a Combo Needs

Why does a combo need more air?

A combo has heaters as well as the part that does the microwaving. Panasonic's manual warns that the outer surfaces, including the air vents on the cabinet and the door, get hot during air fry, convection, combo and broil. The UK edition of Ninja's guide even has a question about a cabinet above the microwave peeling, warping or changing color. So air around the box is not a nice extra. Blocked vents can make an oven overheat, says Panasonic's manual.

What do the manuals say, model by model?

We list figures only as firmly as we could read them.

The Panasonic manual adds a few rules. Keep the front of the door at least 3 in from the counter edge, to avoid tipping. Use a flat, stable surface more than 36 in above the floor. If one side sits flush to a wall, the other side or the top must not be blocked. Keep it away from a range or a dishwasher. The copy we read has Canadian references in its trim-kit section, so check your own printed manual too.

Will it fit under my cabinet?

A gap of 18 in between counter and wall cabinet is common, though we only found that figure in secondary sources. Measure yours. Our page on what fits under cabinets covers more models. Then add the body height and the top space from the manual.

Going over doesn't automatically rule a model out. Panasonic's manual allows one side flush to a wall if the other side or the top is free. So check your manual and never block the vents.

How do I measure my spot?

1. Measure the height

   Go from the counter to the underside of the wall cabinet, not to the door trim. Do it where the combo will really sit.

2. Measure the depth

   Go from the wall to the counter edge. Subtract any back space your manual asks for, and any distance it wants from the edge.

3. Measure the width

   Measure between the wall, the fridge or the next appliance, then subtract the side space from your manual.

4. Open the door in your mind

   Check where the door swings and whether it hits a wall or a handle. Lowe's lists an older GE 1.0 cu ft model at 31.8 in deep with the door open, seen in a search excerpt. That is well past a 24 in counter, which is normal, but plan for it.

5. Plan a landing spot

   The NKBA kitchen guidelines recommend at least 15 in of landing area above, below or next to the handle side, so a hot dish has somewhere to go.

6. Find the outlet

   Check the plug reaches a grounded outlet and read what your manual says about the circuit.

Then try your numbers. The checker compares stated outside sizes, and adds the space around the unit only where a manual we read gives it.

What about height and power?

The NKBA guidelines recommend placing the bottom of a microwave 3 in below the main user's shoulder, and no more than 54 in above the floor. For most people that favors the counter over a high shelf, especially with hot, greasy food inside.

Panasonic's NN-CD87 manual asks for its own circuit with a 15 A or 20 A, 120 V grounded outlet. Sharp's sheet lists 120 V and 20 A for the SMC0985KS. And 1700 W at 120 V is about 14.2 A (computed), close to the limit of a 15 A circuit. We give no electrical advice beyond the manuals, so ask an electrician if your outlet or circuit is unclear. Our page on circuits and amps has the background.

Which combo suits a tight gap?

Lower bodies leave more room. For most kitchens under cabinets, start with the Toshiba below. Our countertop combos page lines up the alternatives. Very short on counter? See small kitchen combos. The size guide explains how outside size relates to cubic feet.