How to Install a Fan Microwave Over a Stove

Installing a microwave over the stove not only helps to maximize the amount of counter space you can use for food preparation, but with available lights and exhaust features, it can make your kitchen a safer and more comfortable environment. Some homeowners, however, may be intimidated when it comes to installing one. The job is really quite easy, although due to the weight of the appliance, it does require a helping hand.

Things You'll Need

• A dedicated 20-amp circuit
• Mountable microwave
• Stud finder
• Screwdrivers
• Drill with standard and hole-saw bits
• Level
• Pencil
• Adjustable wrench

Instructions

1. Hire an electrician to run a dedicated 20-amp circuit for the microwave with the outlet located in the cabinet above where the microwave is being installed. Or if you have experience, you can save some money and do it yourself.

2. Hold the mounting bracket up against the wall and use the level to make sure it is square. Mark the available holes to be used for securing the bracket to the wall.

3. Use the stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall. Mark the stud locations.

4. Use the drill with a standard bit to make pilot holes in the mounting holes that are within the area of a wall stud. Due to the weight of the microwave, you have to secure the mounting bracket to the studs in as many places as possible.

5. Hold the bracket back up and secure it to the wall using the provided hardware.

6. Hold the template that came with your microwave up against the bottom of the cabinet. This will tell you where to drill the holes for the top-side bolts. Mark the locations.

7. Using the drill with a bit that matches the dimensions of the supplied bolts, drill out the two locations underneath the cabinet. Then, change the bit to a hole-saw bit and drill a hole in the bottom of the cabinet near the back of the cabinet on the same side as where the microwave's power cord is located. The hole has to be large enough for the plug to fit through.

8. Clean the debris out of the cabinet above so you don't have to do it after the microwave is installed. While you're there, set the mounting bolts and washers inside so they can be quickly installed once you have the microwave in position.

9. Lift the microwave and set its lower half on the bracket's bottom hangars. This will help to take some of the weight off of it.

10. Slide the power cord up into the cabinet through the access hole you made earlier and lift the microwave into position.

11. While someone holds the microwave in place, insert the top mounting bolts through the holes and tighten them down into the microwave using the adjustable wrench or screwdriver.

12. Double check that everything is level and plug the microwave's power cord in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have an exhaust line from an earlier installation, be sure to remove the right vent hole cover (on the back or the top) on the microwave so that it can exhaust through the vent.