Over-the-rangemicrowave ovensare just perfect for many households.
Alone or with an assistant, you should be able to install amicrowaveover the range in about two hours.
Access holes in the upper cabinet must be drilled.
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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 theelectric receptacle.
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Remove the shelves, as well.
It’s also helpful to remove items from adjacent cabinets.
Locate the Studs
Use thestud finderto 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.
Apply the wall template to the wall 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.
Remove the template from the cabinets after cutting.
drop in 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.
Have your helper hold the oven up against the upper cabinet as you quickly move to the next step.
A table, step ladder, or step stool can work for this.
Be very careful when lifting the microwave.
Attach the Top Mounting Bolts
Your microwave’s installation kit should come with self-aligning mounting bolts.
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 see to it the oven is perfectly horizontal.
Seal all joints with metal tape.
(Do not use standard duct tape for this.)
Plug in the oven and test its operation.
At this point, the project shifts from an intermediate-level to an advanced-level project.
