Can I put a microwave in alcove?

[Choccybaby]

It's a standard small microwave and just fits into an alcove with a wooden shelf above it. There's a few cm gap either side but only 5mm above.
DH is afraid it'll set on fire, but I thought it was common to put them in alcoves.
Any words of wisdom much appreciated, thanks

What does the microwave manual say about how much space should be around it?

Thanks, never thought of actually reading the instructions
Needs 30cm clearance above it so I'll have to find somewhere else.

You could always put it on brackets if you're looking to free up worktop space.

We've got ours in an alcove, on a shelf, but it's got sufficient space above. Could you take the shelf out, or raise it, or is that going to defeat the object?