Microwave Conundrum

cabinet runner

1st off I'm glad I'm just a sub/installer on this job .
Cabinet designer put the range and microwave right against the wall in a very tight kitchen . Everything seemed to be going great as I finished up the job EXACTLY per kitchen plan .

So we get all the appliances in place but the microwave doesn't show up until the end of the day . Well I hang it and damn if the door won't open even 1 inch before it starts to dig into the drywall.

Silestone tops are already in place and there is no way to move just the uppers without making the microwave off center to the range and the cabinet over the sink off center in relation to the sink as well .
I call the designer and she says OOPS . They tell me the options they have are to make the owner go with a regular range hood and a micro on the counter . I start laughing and say good luck . They call back and say they found a Dacor model that has a frame around the door and can be mounted right against a wall on the left side . Too bad it's $1,100 and the one he paid for was $700 . Not my problem though .

I feel a little bad I didn't question this setup earlier but damn I don't ask them how I should do my job so I shouldn't have to do their job for them should I ? As long as I have been doing cabinets I have never encountered this setup/mistake before . I also haven't seen a undercabinet micro /hood setup with a zero clearance door which they say they can get . Has anyone else ?

mdshunk

Since the electrician (me) typically gets tasked with appliance installation and startup, I have learned to always question any appliance that is installed smack up against a wall without wiggle room. Certain refrigerators have the problem you describe as having with the microwave.

HEAD'S UP.... most every 30" GE range now has the back "console" piece nearly 32" wide. The range will slide in a 30" hole, but if you have anything in the way of the console (like a wall or refrigerator end panel), the range will not fit. The solution? Every GE range made like that is also available in the absolutely identical version under the Hotpoint name, but the only difference is that the console is also exactly 30" wide.

naptown CR

This was a problem I had constantly when I was installing for "kitchen Designers" They never checked to see how things would work or clearances. Things got so bad I had to put a clause in contract that I was not responsible for design errors. At the time I worked directly for the owner but got referred through the designer. I eventually had to verify all the designs to make sure they would fit the kitchen. These were not low end kitchens by the way Cabinets were either Clive Christian or Downsview.

loneframer

Is the range even allowed to abut a side wall? Seems like a possible fire hazard. Just wondering.I took a wall out in my house because it concerned me.

__________________
__________________________________




"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"



__________________________________

naptown CR

unfortunately in many jurisdictions yes. I do nt like it stuck against a wall but have done it before.

loneframer

Oh well, I'll sleep better anyway, besides, it opened up the area nicely.

__________________
__________________________________




"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"



__________________________________

orson

Residential ranges are insulated so as to not be a fire hazard.

Do you have room to cheat the uppers over? I was working on a large apartment complex and the sub doing the overflow kitchens I couldn't handle installed in the manner you're describing.

I took 1/2 inch out of the filler on the other end and rehung the uppers as 1 piece, only took about 20 minutes to fix.

The uppers can be slightly offset from the lowers without it really jumping out and catching the eye. Happens sometimes on stock kitchen installs when one of the walls is out of plumb 1/8 inch per foot and you're already maxed out with a three inch filler against a BCC.

__________________
Lancaster Remodeling Contractor - Lancaster Remodeling
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling PA- Bathroom Remodeling Lancaster PA
Custom Kitchen Remodeling PA - Ruby Construction FaceBook-Lancaster Bathroom Remodeling

loneframer

I was concerned with an open flame rolling out from under a large pot more than anything. Thanks for the information though.

__________________
__________________________________




"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"



__________________________________

orson

Good point, I've only seen it done with electric so far.

__________________
Lancaster Remodeling Contractor - Lancaster Remodeling
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling PA- Bathroom Remodeling Lancaster PA
Custom Kitchen Remodeling PA - Ruby Construction FaceBook-Lancaster Bathroom Remodeling

naptown CR

With that range this will not be a problem. On a professional type range this could be a problem as the burners are much larger.

Mellison

X2
First thing to pop into my head.

__________________
"Enjoy Every Sandwich" Warren Zevon