wrote in message
om...
ScratchMonkey wrote in message
...
I've got a microwave on my xmas list, for deployment in a relatively
small
kitchen. I'd like something with lots of volume, but that will probably
eat
a lot of counter space. (My current one is on top of the fridge, but I'm
tall and I have a utility step to look in the window.) I'm considering
getting one integrated into a range hood. There's a couple like that at
Sears in the $250-400 range.

So what do you think? What should I get?

If you're tall, you might consider very carefully what that combo
microwave/hood is going to do to your cooktop clearance. I'm 6'3", and
just did exactly the opposite -- ripped out the combo unit and
installed a very good quality range hood -- best thing I've ever done
for my kitchen, and much, much quieter than any combo I've seen.

I wish I could use your refrigerator top solution, but my 5'9" wife
wouldn't accept that.

The days of the fantastic quality Amana RadarRanges are long gone --
these days they're pretty much all alike if you only want basic
defrosting and heating capability. I just bought a throw-away 1 cf,
1100 watt unit and put it on a top corner of a work table.

-- Larry

Yeah, this 5'4" person sure wouldn't want the microwave on top of the
fridge! LOL! I can barely reach on top of my fridge as it is!

I like my Sharp, but it's a countertop version.

Dawn