counter heights to above cabinets

swebber542 · 03-09-2011, 11:04 AM

i am putting in a new kitchen and want to know if it is okay to have 16inches clearance between the counter and top cabinets? i am only five feet tall and would like to be able to reach the top cabinets easily..will this leave enough clearance for my microwave above the stove?

JCarsten · 03-09-2011, 02:56 PM

Typical clearance is 18" from top of countertops to bottom of upper cabinets. I have adjusted up and down based on customer desire. Measure your appliances that will go underneath and adjust the height to fit.
Check the range/ stove top manual to see if there is a requirement for clearance from the range to the microwave or cabinet/combustables.

firehawkmph · 03-09-2011, 10:44 PM

Swebby,
I built a house for my mother about 8 years ago. She's 4'-10" tall. I lowered the upper cabinets a couple of inches to make it easier for her. We haven't run into any problems due to that. At a glance, you wouldn't even notice.
Mike Hawkins