How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave

Kitchen
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Project Overview
  • Working Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Yield: Install one microwave over the range
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $300 to $500

Over-the-range microwave ovens are just perfect for many households. They tuck out of the way, freeing up countertop space, and they're positioned at eye level for most users. But installing a microwave over the range can seem a little intimidating, especially compared to the simplicity of countertop microwaves. Alone or with an assistant, you should be able to install a microwave over the range in about two hours.

Before You Begin

A few things make installing a microwave over the range easier than it looks, so make sure that your product comes with these items:

  • Template: Over-the-range microwaves come with paper or cardboard templates that help you properly place the holes for the microwave's mounting brackets. That's why it's important to hold onto the box that the microwave came in. Often, the template is printed on the box. One template is for the wall and the other template is for the bottom of the kitchen cabinet.
  • Mounting brackets: Horizontal metal mounting brackets are first securely attached to the wall, ideally to studs (you can use drywall anchors if no studs are not available). With the mounting brackets in place, this makes it easier to attach the microwave to the wall. The microwave simply hooks onto the mounting brackets.

How It's Done

In its simplest form, over-the-range microwave installation starts by installing a mounting bracket on the back wall. Access holes in the upper cabinet must be drilled. The electrical cord and vent duct will run through those access holes. Then the microwave oven is hooked onto the mounting bracket. The microwave oven is bolted in place through the bottom of the upper cabinet. Finally, the ductwork is attached and the oven is plugged into the electric receptacle.

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What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Electric drill and bits
  • Tape measure
  • Stud finder
  • Carpenter's pencil
  • Level
  • Jigsaw
  • Eye protection
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Ratchet wrench and sockets
  • Tin snips (optional if installing a vent)

Materials

  • Over-the-range microwave oven
  • Masking tape
  • Vent collar or other vent fittings (as needed)
  • Metal foil tape
  • Sheet metal screws (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Remove Items From the Cabinet

    Remove all items from the cabinet above the intended microwave location. Remove the shelves, as well. It's also helpful to remove items from adjacent cabinets.

  2. Locate the Studs

    Use the stud finder to locate the studs in the space below the upper cabinet. Then, use a level to extend the lines down on the wall, marking them with a pencil.

    The mounting strip that supports the back of the microwave needs to be secured to wall studs, not simply to the drywall. Manufacturers generally will allow the mounting plate to be secured with one drywall anchor, as long it is also secured to at least one stud.


  3. Apply the Paper Template to the Wall

    The microwave may come with two paper or cardboard 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.

  4. Drill Pilot Holes

    Using the template as a guide, find at least two stud locations, if possible, that correspond to attachment points on the template. Use the electric drill to drill pilot holes at these locations with a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the mounting bolts or screws.


  5. Apply the Paper Template to the Cabinets and Drill Holes

    Apply the second template to the bottom of the upper cabinet with masking tape. 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.

  6. Cut Openings for the Vent

    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. Remove the template from the cabinets after cutting.

    Tip

    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.

  7. Install the Mounting Bracket

    Remove the template from the wall. Position and mount the metal mounting bracket on the back wall. Use your pilot holes and follow 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.

    .

  8. Position the Microwave Oven

    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.

    Tip

    If you do decide to lift the microwave into place by yourself, place a supporting item below the microwave. A table, step ladder, or step stool can work for this. Be very careful when lifting the microwave.

  9. Attach the Top Mounting Bolts

    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 carefully 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.

  10. Connect the Duct

    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.)

    Plug in the oven and test its operation.

When to Call a Professional

The installation will be relatively easy if there is access to an electrical outlet in the space above the microwave, and if there is an existing vent duct running through the sidewall or up through the roof. If that's not the case, then you may find the project complicated by the need to install a new electrical circuit and run new ductwork and an exterior vent.

At this point, the project shifts from an intermediate-level to an advanced-level project. If your skills are not up to it, it might be best to call in a professional for the electrical work, the vent work, or both.

Another possible complication is if substantial kitchen cabinetry work is needed, such as installing an upper cabinet to mount the oven and run the ductwork and the electrical cord. Again, this turns an intermediate project into a more advanced one, and it can turn a few hours of work into a weekend project.