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Keith,

Do you absolutely need the micro to go over the stove? I'm just wondering because if it's because of the ventilation you could put a micro somewhere else, even inside of a cabinet where it is not visible and get a simple canopy type recirculating exhaust fan to go over your stove. I'm just wondering if you are going to run into problems because micros that are meant to go over stoves are usually equipped for exhaust and that may be why they seem to come in standard sizes only.

I had a similar problem with an over-the-range microwave in my mom's kitchen. It turned out that the cabinet over the refrigerator is shorter in height but otherwise the same dimensions as the cabinet over the stove. As a result, I swapped the two cabinets then installed the microwave. The original refrigerator cabinet created more vertical space over the stove to accommodate the over-the-range microwave, while the taller, original range-top cabinet left just enough room to accommodate the refrigerator.

Assuming you want the microwave in that spot, remove the upper cabinet and install a shelf above the microwave with the same material to cover the sides of the surrounding cabinetry. Pick a color or finish that you have elsewhere in the kitchen, so that it makes a design statement. You'll never match the wood of your existing cabinetry unless it's quite new, and even so, it's not likely.

If you want to store items that are unsightly, then go to the container store, Ikea, west elm, etc. and get some of the many great containers, whether baskets, or canvas wrapped boxes, etc. to put your items in on the shelf above. Waa Laa, you're done! Be careful you don't go too low, though with the microwave.

The above, of course, assumes you're getting a 30" mw. For smaller than that, a smaller mw, I don't really like the idea of 4" of wood being exposed on each side of the MW over the range, unless you get stainless steel 90 degree pieces, you could absolutely do that. Install that on each side of a smaller microwave. Stainless steel shops in factory like locations are sometimes ridiculously cheap to get it made up custom. They do it like overnight in many cases. Or it could be matching tile, if you have tile, as well, but I would make it fire proof material if you're building it in.

Check out GE microwaves. They have a wide range of sizes.

Remember to look at the manufacturers requirements for clearance between the cooktop and the bottom of the mocrowave. You don't want to cook the electronic components of your microwave.

My parents had this same problem when they replaced theirs; they raised the cabinets that went over the microwave so that they ended up about 3" higher than the rest. Then they added a bit of decorative molding to the tops of the other cabinets, it looks a bit like a railing actually. Of course, this only works if you have space between your cabinets and ceilings.

I assume what you have now is a range hood, either vented or recirculating. Chances are very good that the electrical hookup is directly behind it.

If so, a problem you might face in installing a microhood is that the electrical outlet for that needs to be positioned in the cabinet above. So you're already looking at removing the cabinet and having an electrician in. Perhaps at that point it makes sense to have a custom cabinet made.