I just did a quick Google search to see what comes up, some people are saying to tile first then install microwave. In case you change models down the road... Make sure to mark out stud locations first.

A few say to install microwave first to have a more level surface and to locate studs easier, to reduce the amount microwave sticks out from cabinets....

Hopefully you get more responses :)

Most likely your OTR micro will have a backplate which will need to be attached to your wall. If you put up your backsplash first, you'd have to drill through your tiles to mount that backplate. Put up the micro first, and tile up to it.

You might want to consider getting extra tile, so if a little further down the road you decide to put in a hood instead, you'd be able to take down the micro and add the tile to the backsplash.

Helene

Hi Max, hope you don't mind my jumping in. Like Helene, I'd install the microwave first too, especially because of that backplate. It is a lot stabler when attached directly to the wall.

Doing this also helps streamline the work. Install all fixtures first, and then tile the walls. Hope this helps.

My microwave was installed first, I purchased extra BS incase I need it in the future.

Just be sure you do not grout against the MW, easy to happen when tiling. Put some tape around it to minimize the possibility during grouting.

How much clearance do you suggest from bottom.edge of microwave mounting plate and tile? About to tile under my new microwave and I can imagine I need some gap so I can rotate microwave down and out if it needs.to be replaced ... maybe I am worrying about nothing