Over-the-range microwave oven installation

Although the project seems a little intimidating, an over-the-range microwave oven comes packaged with mounting brackets, templates, and instructions to make it relatively easy to install your appliance. If the available space is the right size—with properly spaced adjoining cabinets and an overhead cabinet to contain the ductwork connections—then installing an over-the-range microwave requires just a few hours of work. In its simplest form, the project involves installing a mounting bracket on the back wall, drilling access holes in the upper cabinet through which to feed the electrical cord and vent duct, hooking the oven onto the mounting bracket, and then bolting the oven in place through the bottom of the upper cabinet.

Attach the ductwork and plug in the oven, and you're done. But, as with many home improvement projects, it is sometimes more complicated than that. The mounting strip that supports the back of the microwave needs to be secured to wall studs, not simply the wallboard. Begin by using a stud finder to locate the studs in the space below the upper cabinet. Then, use a level to extend the lines downward on the wall, marking them with a pencil. Your microwave should have two paper templates: one to apply against the back wall and another to tape to the bottom of the upper cabinet.

Apply the wall template to the wall with masking tape. After the second template to the bottom of the upper cabinet. This template will show you where to drill holes for power cords and venting.

Drill these holes at the indicated locations with a spade bit. You will also drill holes for the oven's mounting bolts at the indicated locations. The location for your vent will depend on if the existing vent runs up through the roof, or through the back wall behind the oven. Use a jigsaw to cut an opening in either the back wall template or the bottom of the upper cabinet, depending on how the vent and ductwork are configured. You may need to add a vent collar, transition fitting, or make other adjustments to the oven's venting feature before lifting the oven up into place.

Position and mount the metal mounting bracket on the back wall, following the manufacturer's directions. Ideally, the strip should be anchored at stud locations.

It's vitally important to anchor it to at least one. Where it is not possible to anchor to at least two studs, the manufacturer may provide instructions for using alternate wall anchors to attach the bracket. With the assistance of a helper, lift the microwave into place, feeding the electrical cord up through the drilled hole in the upper cabinet. Have your helper hold the bulk of the weight while you reach around back and hook the oven's slots over the tabs on the metal mounting bracket.

Have your helper hold the oven up against the upper cabinet as you quickly move to the next step. Your microwave's installation kit should come with self-aligning mounting bolts. With your partner still steadying the microwave, go above into the upper cabinet and thread the bolts down through the drilled holes and into the chassis of the oven. As soon as they are threaded, your helper can let go. Tighten screws the rest of the way with a wrench. As you tighten, use a level to make sure the oven is perfectly horizontal.

If your microwave is being vented through ductwork, connect the oven's vent outlet to the ductwork. Some form of transition fitting may be needed; if necessary, use tin snips and metal screws to shape and secure the pieces together.

Seal all joints with metal tape. Do not use standard duct tape for this. If the materials are less robust, reframe the area where you will install the microwave with two by fours. Some experts recommend reframing in all cases. Place it where you want the microwave to sit, and follow the guidelines to cut through the drywall. Remove the drywall and pull out the insulation from the area inside the wall. Secure two by fours between the wall studs.

Check the instructions provided with your microwave for the exact dimensions. Fill in any empty space with new insulation. Part 2. See if your microwave has an installation template or wall plate. Your model should come with a template to help guide you when installing mounting hardware. Place this on the wall, and the template should tell you where to place the hardware. Some models also come with a mounting bracket that will have pre-drilled holes so you can easily screw it in place.

Find at least one stud. Use an electronic stud finder, or gently tap on the wall with a hammer. When the taps sound dull instead of hollow, you have located a stud. Mark the site on the wall. Once you find one, measure 16 inches to the either side to mark others. Using your template, make sure that the hardware will be mounted on at least one of the studs.

If not, reframe the site or contact a contractor for help. Drill holes in the template or attach the wall plate. Usually, over the range microwaves will be installed using toggle bolts. Predrilling holes for these bolts will make installation easier--just follow the guidelines on your template. Set microwave into position or onto the wall plate.

It will help to have another person to help you hold up the microwave. Push it up and bring it up to the bottom of the cabinet. If your model has a wall plate, fit it into the bracket that will help hold it in place. Make sure that someone keeps holding the microwave in place for now. Plug in the microwave. Thread bolts through the bottom of the cabinet. Feed the bolts or screws supplied with your microwave or recommended by its instructions into the holes you previously drilled in the bottom of the cabinet.

They should slip into slots in the top of the microwave. Tighten them using a wrench or screwdriver until the microwave is securely held in place. Connect the blower. Slide the exhaust fan supplied with your microwave into place at the ventilation site.

Specifications will vary from model to model, so read the instructions provided with yours. Test the microwave. Verify that your microwave is getting power, and test it by heating something to make sure that the appliance is working properly.

If your appliance does not seem to work properly, read the troubleshooting section of the manual, if it has one, or contact the manufacturer. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article?

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You Might Also Like How to. How to. Appliance Repair Expert. Expert Interview. More References 8. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: Updated: November 27, Categories: Microwave Ovens. Article Summary X Before you install an over-the-range microwave, make sure it will be 20 to 24 inches above the stovetop so they are both easy to use.