How To Install Microwave Oven Under Cabinet

Dan is a licensed electrician and has been a homeowner for 40 years. He has almost always done his own repair and comeback tasks.

How to install a microwave over your stove or oven range

JOSBRA design via Unsplash

Do You Desire to Put a Microwave Over the Stove?

Most of the time, installing an over-the-range microwave oven is not hard, only each house is different, and bug can be encountered. This article is designed to cover some of the potential problems that may exist found as well as give basic instructions on how to install an over-the-range microwave oven.

The descriptions and photos are from the third over-the-range microwave oven I've installed in recent months, with the piece of work being done this time in an older dwelling. Older homes oftentimes nowadays the most problems, from electrical to cabinetry, and some of those issues and the solutions to them are presented hither.

Fifty-fifty with the problems encountered, the chore of installing the over-the-range microwave was not difficult and took about two hours to accomplish. All three of the units I've installed came with proficient descriptive instructions, and all three were very similar in installation procedures. The work is well within the capabilities of most homeowners.

The range fan above the range must be removed.

Pace-by-Step Over-the-Stove Microwave Installation Guide

1. Make sure you accept plenty space. Microwaves are usually thirty" broad, and you'll need at to the lowest degree 15" clearance from the bottom of the microwave to the range.
2. Remove the former fan, assuming there was ane. Turn off the power before you practice any electrical work.
3. Determine what electric piece of work you might demand to practice. (Is there a plug? Come across instructions below.) Once more, make sure the ability is off earlier y'all practise any electrical work.
4. Install a support or shelf for the microwave.
5. Install the microwave.
6. Accommodate the blower motor.

Read on for detailed instructions and tips for each of these steps.

Bug Yous May Encounter: Incomplete or Missing Electric Connections

The chore began with the removal of the old range fan unit, mounted in the place the over-the-range microwave oven was to occupy. The domicile I worked in is about 40 years old, and construction methods were somewhat different then.

Although the normal 30" wide microwave fit easily into the infinite provided by the range and cabinetry and the necessary 15" clearance from the bottom of the microwave to the range was more than adequate it didn't take long to find that there was no reasonable power source for installing the new microwave oven.

The erstwhile business firm had the range fan hardwired without a plug-in for the microwave, and while information technology is possible to wire the new microwave during the installation procedure, it is not the optimal solution. In such cases, the power for the range fan simply pokes through the wall backside the fan, is run into the fan and hooked up. A new receptacle is needed in the cabinet higher up.

Plow the ability off before continuing whatever further! The all-time method to make sure the power is off is to utilize a non-contact voltage detector, simply the fan light could be turned on and the breakers turned off until the lite goes off. Whatsoever method is used, make sure the power is off before disconnecting the fan.

The area where the power cablevision comes through the wall will be subconscious by the microwave, so even fairly large holes in the wall won't be of any particular business organization. I found that the hole where the wire came through the wall was quite large, perhaps ii" Ten 4"—plenty large plenty to work through, and the wire was hands long enough to run college, inside the wall, and exit through the back of the cabinet just above. Information technology only needed to go up a few inches, and in that location was plenty of wire to do that.

A new hole was cut through the back of the chiffonier but big enough for an "old piece of work" electric box, and the wire easily fished into that hole. Earlier cut the hole, the general area where the plug was to go was investigated from the original hole beneath, and I constitute that there were 2 other wires in the area.

The plan had been to cut the hole through the cabinet and sheetrock wall behind it with a sabre saw, but that would probably cutting the wires buried in the wall, so a sheetrock saw was very advisedly used to cut the hole. A little more work, but it prevented damaging the wires behind the wall.

If you are not familiar with the installation or wiring of outlets, instructions are bachelor in the link here; be sure to read and empathize them. In particular, brand sure the power is turned off before whatever work is washed.

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With the new plug-in installed and the fan removed, the work of actually installing the over-the-range microwave was ready to go along.

Installing the Microwave Supports

The mounting bracket is installed. The big pigsty in the back is for the fan exhaust, and was already there.

Installing the Microwave

The first footstep in installing the new microwave is to attach the mounting bracket to the wall. The verbal heart of the area is measured (in my case xv 1/xvi" from each side) and a line fatigued downwardly the wall. The bracket is centered on the line and attached to the wall.

Attachment is achieved by either using toggle bolts or woods screws. The instructions indicated that at least one woods screw is to be used, so the studs must be located for that spiral, as well equally any others that might be used.

In the case here, the studs were visible through either the exhaust vent hole or the smaller hole where the wire originally came through the wall, merely in most cases, a stud finder from your homeowner's toolset is very useful.

In my example, at that place were wooden blocks installed on the underside of the cabinet to back up the fan, and these blocks extended from the front end to the dorsum under the cabinet. The blocks resulted in the bracket existence installed just barely too loftier and it had to shifted but slightly downwardly by loosening the screws and pushing down.

The instructions indicate that the bracket should bear on the bottom of the cabinet; I advise that it be installed perhaps 1/16" or 1/32" lower down. It will make installation of the microwave easier if this bracket is just below the cabinet instead of touching it.

Holes need to be drilled through the wall for the toggle bolts; 5/eight" is the perfect size for most toggle bolts, and a spade bit makes quick piece of work of the sheetrock. The stud(due south) to receive wood screws should also exist predrilled as the big screws may split up the forest and are difficult to drive without predrilling the one/16" hole recommended.

In my case, I establish an boosted stud that could exist used and and so used iii toggle bolts and 2 wood screws instead of the three toggle bolts and one wood screw. It doesn't affect the installation of the oven and provides a more secure support.

The cabinet bottom needs preparing also; holes must be drilled in verbal locations for screws to pass through and screw into the microwave. A paper template is provided to locate these holes; tape it to the bottom of the cabinet and drill where indicated.

Holes that are 3/eight" in diameter are the preferred size for the screws, while a ane 3/8" spade flake provided the pigsty necessary for the electrical cord to pass through that was merely right for that cord end. The instructions indicated a 2" pigsty for the cord, just that is overly large; the smaller 1 3/eight" pigsty was perfect.

The sides of the cabinet generally project downwardly by the lesser of the chiffonier, and in this case, a wooden block needs to be fabricated and so that when it is placed under the cabinet, it is the aforementioned height equally the sides are. The installed microwave will touch the bottom at the lowest point (i.eastward., the protruding cabinet sides), and the screws volition deform the top of the microwave as they are tightened if there is no surface to stop the canvass metal of the microwave from being drawn upwards.

Drill the aforementioned three/8" pigsty in the blocks so the screw volition pass through the lesser of the chiffonier and the block into the microwave. In my own case, the block needed to be 1 1/4" thick; a typical ¾" pieced of wood coupled with a piece of ½" plywood would take been perfect, merely blocks were already in identify to back up the now removed fan.

Unfortunately, the holes in the bottom of the cabinet and the blocks were almost, merely not quite, in the correct spot. An boosted 1/2 hole needed to exist drilled; this was done by working the drill bit up and downwards with side pressure level practical until the holes were in the correct place only elongated. The screw head virtually fell through the elongated hole, which is, of course, unacceptable.

I chose to use some large "fender" washers on top to cover the hole; these washers are over an inch across with merely a 1/4" hole for the spiral to go through and thus covered the overly big hole in the cabinet bottom and spread the weight out. Alternatively, a new faux bottom could exist placed in the chiffonier, fabricated from hardboard.

Adjusting the Blower Motor

Airtight off exhaust holes in back of the microwave.

How to Conform the Blower

Every bit it came from the factory, the exhaust blower in the microwave was installed to recirculate air back into the room. The duct work to exhaust it exterior was already in the wall, then information technology only made sense to use that duct, which the microwave is designed to do with a piddling modification.

The photo shows how the frazzle expanse in the microwave is closed off from the manufacturing plant; the blower associates is removed from the microwave, turned to the orientation shown in the second photo and reinstalled. Information technology sounds much more complicated than information technology is; the entire procedure took less than v minutes and was very like shooting fish in a barrel.

The duct in the erstwhile house was not in real good condition and was considerably larger than the exhaust from the microwave, and then foam insulation of the type used effectually doors or windows with a gummy side was used on the wall to seal the area.

In this manner, the back of the microwave is sealed confronting the wall except for the ducting, and air must become up the duct instead of effectually small cracks behind the installed microwave and dorsum into the room.

This tin exist seen in the photo above that also shows the bolts passing through the cabinet bottom. Information technology is the gray expanse effectually the duct. The insulation on manus was wide just quite sparse at about ¼" thick, so two layers were used.

Installed over the counter microwave

How to Install the Microwave

1. The bodily installation of the microwave is quite simple: the lesser rear of the microwave is gear up onto the small-scale hooks on the rear bracket screwed to the wall, the plug and string fed up inside the cabinet, and the unit tipped up into place.
2. The long screws need to exist placed through the holes in the bottom of the chiffonier and screwed into the microwave and the cord plugged in. My unit of measurement had 3 screws into the summit of the microwave, with a annotation that the center one is not to be tightened too much.
3. In my case, the grease screens needed to be installed into the lesser of the microwave and the drinking glass turntable set into identify. The clear plastic film over the keypad needed to be removed, and voila!—the unit of measurement is ready for supper.

Tools Needed

Well-nigh of the tools I used are mutual around the firm, although I did use an bear on driver for driving the wood screws. A cordless drill volition work nearly besides, and even a screwdriver would do the job with a skillful deal of endeavour (the screws provided are quite big).

Is It Easy to Install a Microwave Over a Range? How Difficult Is It?

Probably the biggest obstacle for most homeowners will be a lack of confidence, but you tin learn to exercise near home repairs yourself. All information technology takes is a little time and a few of the right tools.

My own experience in installing this detail over-the-range microwave would tend to bespeak that they can be installed in virtually whatever home. At accented worst I would expect a new power line to have to be pulled from the circuit panel or nearby plug, and new ducting installed if at that place is none and the owner insists on an outside duct.

On a calibration of 1–x, this task rates about a 3. My full fourth dimension, including mounting the new plug, cleaning up afterward, and taking photos was about two hours.

This commodity is authentic and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does non substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: If at that place is no wall behind the stove, are there brackets to attach to the cabinets to install an over-the-range microwave?

Answer: None that I have seen. Nor is the microwave capable of being hung at that place - it is designed for most of the weight to be on the wall. Most cabinets would not hold information technology anyhow.

Question: What if the existing vent to the outside and the new microwaves vent practice non lucifer upwardly? In that location is an inch betwixt the meridian of the microwave and the bottom of the cupboard.

Answer: Most microwaves must be bolted to that upper cabinet, which means you will take to put in a minor spacer between the cabinet and the microwave. The vent must then be extended down to the microwave with some sail metal; with only an inch or and so to go, I would advise purchasing some roof flashing and cut and angle it to fit.

Question: Does the microwave need its own circuit?

Reply: A microwave should, ideally, have it'south own circuit. It is not admittedly necessary, only you should exist prepared to scout and non overload the excursion. A microwave, an electric skillet and a coffeepot, for case, volition likely pop the billow.

Question: Our existing hood fan does not vent to the exterior. So I need ductwork to the outside for a proper install?

Answer: Only if you want to vent the range fumes and steam outside. Most if not all microwaves come with the ability to either vent exterior through a duct or to filter it and accident back inside.

Question: Are there microwaves that install on the wall only?

Answer: Every bit far equally I know, no. While information technology would be possible to pattern such a system it would certainly require boosted wall forcefulness; sheetrock lone would never hold a microwave oven and information technology'south contents.

Question: Practice y'all accept to install an outlet or can you hardwire a microwave to the wall? I can't seem to detect the answer in the codes.

Answer: I would say that would come downwardly to your local laws and inspector. Not all kitchen equipment has an outlet - almost dishwashers are hardwired, for case, as are range fans. But if the wire is there, information technology isn't difficult to install an outlet, fifty-fifty merely on inside the upper cabinet. I would certainly practise it unless there is a very good reason non to.

Question: Are most cabinets sturdy enough for a Hood microwave?

Answer: Yes. Considering how much can be put in a cabinet, and how much is typically put into cabinets high over a range, in that location should never be a problem.

Plus, of course, the wall is carrying a good bargain of the weight. Tipping i into place and screwing information technology to the cabinet takes some attempt, but a lot of the reason is bulkiness and clumsiness. The actual weight of the cabinet is not great.

Question: Is the existing electrical the correct voltage for the microwave? Are typical exhaust fans less?

Answer: The typical voltage for both is the 110 Volts found throughout the house.

Question: Could yous explicate how these instructions for installing and over-the-range microwave work? I'chiliad certain that the circuit amperage used for the vent hood you lot replaced tin can't power the microwave. The microwave needs to be on 20amp excursion. Most hoods were on less and tied into other kitchen circuits, similar ceiling lights. Do your breakers pop?

Answer: You are correct in that a microwave needs a large circuit, such as the 20 amp circuits that the electrical code requires for kitchen outlets. And you are also right that mine was tied into but such an outlet. Most range fans volition be wired that mode; the only other options are to tie it into another circuit or run a dedicated circuit just for the fan.

In my case, the microwave, toaster, coffee pot and electric griddle all ended up on the same circuit - mine is an older home without a lot of circuits. Running three of those at the same fourth dimension does pop the billow, but whatsoever ii, including the microwave, is fine, and that would exist pretty typical.

Question: What is the required top from stovetop to bottom of the microwave?

Answer: The microwave should be no less than 13" above the range. In addition, it should be no more 54" above the flooring - whatever less and it can be hard for shorter people to use.

Question: We are installing the same brand of over-the-range microwave. However, we tin't go it level front to back. Why?

Answer: I would doubtable that the manufacturer changed the specs slightly on the exact placement of the supports on the microwave. Or that some spacers under the cabinet accept fallen off unnoticed.

Either mode, the likely solution is to add a small spacer under the cabinet if the microwave is tipped up in the front. If information technology is already too loftier the subclass on the wall will take to be moved.

© 2022 Dan Harmon

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on December 17, 2022:

Information technology shouldn't - it is made to exist installed in that position. A bigger issue will be adding more holes in the wall behind and the cabinet above - eventually, with multiple installs, these areas could lose the strength necessary to support the microwave. That'south unlikely with merely two installs, though.

Tina on December 17, 2022:

We are going to replace our over the stove microwave convection unit of measurement. Th microwave I picked out is deeper than the present 1 by a couple of inches. Will this create any issues with the cooktop?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on January twenty, 2022:

Connie: Yous accept two issues here. You are wanting to move the microwave only one/four", to a 3" gap on both sides. It may be possible to slide information technology on the bankroll, but it may not, either, and require that the bankroll be moved that 1/iv". It is unlikely that putting lag bolts (or big screws) only i/4" from existing holes will give plenty support, even assuming information technology wasn't put where it was in club to have studs to put the screws into.

But beyond that, you will have to enlarge the spiral holes in the cabinet higher up. If there are blocks used to support the microwave, they can be moved and the existing holes re-used, but it will require a larger hole in the chiffonier itself. If there are no blocks used to distribute the weight in the cabinet y'all volition have to supply some.

Promise that helps.

Connie Clawson on Jan twenty, 2022:

My lg microwave was not centered correctly in a 36 nice infinite above my 30 inch stovetop causing a gap of ii three/four inch on ane side and 3 1/4 gap on the other side. Was supposed to have a 3 inch chiffonier filler on both sides. Tin the microwave exist slid over a little to accommodate this or will it have to exist removed and reinstalled. And what nigh the toggle bolts.

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on April 28, 2022:

Interesting question. It must fasten backside and higher up, and to fabric strong enough to agree it up. I must be able to get within whatever "bulkhead" above and provide stiff supports, although the wall backside needs only something along the lines of sheetrock. Given those requirements tin be met, though, it shouldn't exist too hard - at worst open up the construction above or construct something, and so comprehend the opening after adding structural support.

P Donohue on Apr 28, 2022:

Whatsoever ideas on how to install oven top microwave if there isn't a chiffonier but bulkhead instead?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on April 27, 2022:

I have seen any that shallow. Amazon lists several at or merely over 15" deep, simply that's about it. I suspect information technology will be very hard to find (or incommunicable) because that will sit down it quite a ways dorsum from the forepart of the range and make information technology difficult to load and empty.

thiele on April 27, 2022:

I take a questions/ any idea where I can get an over the stove microwave that is only 14" deep, thanks

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on January 06, 2022:

Coincidentally, I very recently did just that. The last microwave I installed lasted just i twelvemonth and 5 days. Five days past the warranty period.

A new ane was purchased, of a unlike brand, and installed. The brackets were radically different - there was no hazard that the old subclass would fit the new microwave.

Fifty-fifty if I had purchased the same manufacturer, I doubt that the subclass would have fit. The same model - perchance, but fifty-fifty that is in doubt.

Plan on removing and replacing that old bracket. If you don't have to, well and adept, but you should be prepared to exercise so.

amkjud on January 06, 2022:

if i am replacing an older microwave, will the hanging bracket be the aforementioned or will i need to replace information technology?

Dan Harmon (author) from Boise, Idaho on September 23, 2022:

Thanks for the vote of conviction; I attempt to give instructions for someone that has never done the task earlier.

saleheensblog from Dhaka,Bangladesh on November x, 2022:

useful info, voted upwards

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