I think you need more than 4 inches of space for ventillation and fire safety if you're going to be using that pot frequently. Can you adjust the cabinet on top?

** from the top of the [gas stove] burners there is 17" **

There is 17" to what?

There needs to be at least 30 inches between the stove top and the cupboards where an OTR microwave will be mounted. That would leave at least 13" between cooking surface and hood bottom.

** From the top of my tallest pot there will be 4" **

If you mean only 4" between the pot top and lower surface of a microwave hood, that proximity might cause thermal protectors in the microwave to trip making it non-functional at times. I would think the vent fan should continue to work.

** can I still install my over the stove microwave? **

If you use that large of a pot *uncovered* frequently, I might advise against the installation of an OTR microwave unless its mounting hight can be adjusted higher. If only occasionally used uncovered, it might not cause serious problems.

JMO

Dan O.

www.Appliance411.com/?ref411=Microwave

The Appliance Information Site

=D~~~~~~

ya, I kind of though it wouldn't work, but hubby says it will. so IT will go back to the store, he is the suprvisior here, LOLROF, any way Thank you again. Jeane'