If you are looking to free some space in your kitchen, then you can think about installing the microwave over the cooking range. This can be do it by yourself and there is no need to waste money hiring over the range microwave handyman or technicians.

  1. Preparation Work

  • You need to make sure that the microwave is secure over the range. If you have an open space over the range, then you need to ensure that there are clamps or metal mounting plate and the studs to attach the microwave to the wall.
  • You need to also ensure that there is a plug point close to the range where you can plug the microwave for it to work. If not, you can always use a high-quality extension box.
  • The tools you need to have ready to install the over the range microwave are screwdriver set, pencil, carpenter’s square, measuring tape, saw, driller, plier, wire cutter, safety goggles, gloves, level, duct tape, etc.

  1. Lookout for Studs

  • It is very important to fix the over the range microwave on to the studs and not on the wallboard. The studs are very strong and hold the microwave in a secure manner.
  • The wallboard will not be strong enough to hold the cooking appliance and there is a chance for the unit to fall down while working. The studs can be located easily with the help of an electronic stud finder.

  1. Fixing the Paper Templates

  • The microwave will be coming with a paper template that can be fixed on to the wall and this will help in easy installation of the unit. The paper template suited for the wall must be fixed in its position using the masking tape.
  • After this, you should take the other paper template that has the drawings to apply it at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet that lies over the cooking range.
  • Once the cabinet template is in position, fix it in place using the masking tape. There are markings on this paper where you need to drill the holes for the vent and the power. Use the right tools to make the required holes.

  1. Installing the Mounting Plate

  • The mounting plate is the one that will bear the weight of the microwave oven. Hence, it needs to be fix it properly and screwed tightly so that it can hold the unit in place.
  • It is very important that you screw the metal mounting plate on the studs to offer strong support for the oven.

  1. Bringing the Microwave to its Place 

  • It is now time that you seek someone’s help as well in moving the microwave oven to the new position that you have created for it. When you are mounting the oven on the studs, you should first make certain that the cord is on the top.
  • Ask the person helping you out to bear as much of weight of the microwave so that you properly hook the oven to the prepared metal mounting plate. You should push the electrical cord of the oven through the hole that you had made earlier.

  1. Bolting the Unit

  • Make the helper to hold the microwave in position so that you can bolt it to the upper cabinet. The unit has the right ailing screws that can be used to fix the microwave securely on the upper cabinet.
  • After you have tightened the screws a bit, you can ask the partner to let the microwave hang freely and then tighten up the screws properly in its position using the screwdriver and the wrench.

  1. Installing the Fan

  • The exhaust fan is a very important component of the over the range microwave oven. It needs to be place in the right position so that it can vent out the air outside of the machine. You need to slide the exhaust fan in its position from the outside.
  • It is very important to make certain that the fan is perfectly in line with the back of the microwave. You can use a strong sealant to hold the fan in its place and to make it water resistant. It is important to screw it properly in the right place.

Can you install an over-the-range microwave yourself?

Installing an over-the-range microwave oven is often easier than you think. If you are simply replacing an existing vent hood or older microwave with a new oven, you can install it easily enough with common tools. You will, though, probably need a helper, as an extra set of hands is essential.

Does a over-the-range microwave need to be vented?

If you are replacing an existing microwave or a range hood, the best option will likely be to use the existing venting route for the new microwave. If you are mounting the microwave on an exterior wall, then you can use a wall vent; otherwise, a roof vent will be needed.

How do you install an over the range microwave without a vent?

  1. Step 1: Remove the Existing Over the Range Microwave.
  2. Step 2: Check the Microwave Specification.
  3. Step 3: Check Over the Range Microwave Venting Options.
  4. Step 4: Prepare to Wall Mount Microwave.
  5. Step 5: Drill the Holes.
  6. Step 6: Mount the Microwave.
  7. Step 7: Turn on the Microwave.

How much does it cost to install an over the range microwave?

An over the range microwave installation cost is $50-$100 per hour with average being $83 per hour. A homeowner can hire an electrician or a handyman to fix the microwave. A handyman will charge the labor on the lower side while an electrician will charge on the higher side.

How much does Home Depot charge to install an over-the-range microwave?

Home Depot microwave installation cost

Over-the-range microwave installation from Home Depot costs $100 for replacements. Replacing an old range hood with an over-the-range microwave costs $400.

Does Best Buy install over-the-range microwaves?

Sit back and let our professionals install your replacement over-the-range microwave. After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that contains a redemption code. You can then schedule your appointment by calling 1-888-BEST BUY (1-800-433-5778).

What is the standard height of an over-the-range microwave?

Most OTR microwaves are just under 30 in. wide; heights vary from about 10 to 18 inches and depths vary from 12 to about 18 inches. You need to choose a model that allows adequate clearance above the range but can be installed at a comfortable height.

How do I know what size over the range microwave to buy?

When measuring for over-the-range ovens, you need at least 66 inches from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet for easy access. You also need at least 30 inches between the cooktop surface and the bottom of the cabinet. Capacity refers to the interior cooking area.

What is the best height for a microwave?

For safety, as well as ease of use, the microwave should be placed no higher than the shoulder height of the primary user. Six inches below shoulder height is better for older users. The most convenient height, according to ergonomic studies, is between 2 inches below and 10 inches above the user’s elbow height.

How do I fill the gap between two cabinets?

Are there any over the range microwaves less than 16 inches high?

With a height of 16 inches, the JVM1665DNWW ranks among GE’s shortest over-the-range microwaves.

How do you fill the gap between cabinets and microwaves?

How do you fill large gaps in wood cabinets? If you plan on refinishing the cabinets, you can also use wood putty that dries hard to fill gaps or breaks. If the cabinets do not need finishing, apply color-matched caulking to the gaps. Force it deep into the breaks and finish it smooth with a wet fingertip.

How do you cover gap between stove and countertop?

Find a gap cover online or in hardware stores.

Gap covers are long pieces of T-shaped plastic or silicone. The bottom part of the T fits into the space between the oven and the counter, while the top of the T sits flat on your stove and counter. They are available at most hardware stores or online retailers.

How do you fill a gap in a slide in range?

How do I fill the gap between the wall and range?

Fortunately, there are such things called stovetop extenders. These are made of vinyl or stainless steel and can be easily installed to fill this unsightly gap between the stove and the back wall.

How close can range be to wall?

A freestanding range (gas or electric) requires no space between it and the back wall. There should be at least twelve inches between any style range and the closest sidewall. There are still a few additional factors to consider regarding spacing between the kitchen range and adjacent walls.

How much space is needed behind a stove?

The counter space on the stove or stovetop should be at least 12 to 18 inches on one side and at least 24 on the other side. Allow 24 to 36 inches of counter top on one side of the sink and 18 to 30 on the other side.

Does a slide-in range go all the way to the wall?

Once again, it comes down to installation. Slide-in ranges are not installed directly against a wall, sitting a few inches away from it. Because of this, there is usually a few inches of countertop space that wraps around the back of the cooktop.