Install a Microwave

Mounting your microwave under a cabinet or on a shelf can save a lot of counter space if you follow the instructions correctly. For a microwave hood combo, refer to Install an Over The Range Microwave. For the specific GE model, see Install a Ge Built in Microwave Oven.

Steps

Mount an Under Cabinet Microwave

  1. Use an appropriate microwave. A recirculating or front-venting microwave can be installed beneath a counter without any further effort. Other types may require more advanced ventilation installation. Be aware of the requirements of your model before you begin installation.
  2. Locate the wall studs. Follow these methods for finding and marking these vertical wall supports. Your microwave will need to be fastened to at least one of them.
    • If you have one, use an electronic or magnetic stud finder to search for nails.
    • Alternately, tap lightly on the wall with a hammer. When you hear a solid "thunk" instead of a hollow sound, you've likely found a wall stud.
    • If you're not certain whether you've found a stud, drill a test hole and use a bent wire or coat hanger to search for solid objects in your wall.[1]
    • Once you've located the center of one wall stud, its closest neighbors are usually located either 16 inches or 24 inches to each side.[1]
    • Use a small nail to probe the wall stud(s) and determine the width.[2]
    • Draw a vertical line down the center of the wall studs once you've found them.
  3. Place the mounting plate. This flat metal plate should be level and the top tabs should butt against the base of the cabinet or cabinet frame.
    • If your microwave came with a wall template, tape that instead as a drilling guide before you attach the plate.
    • Use a level to ensure your microwave isn't installed at a slant.
    • Remove any decorative trimming from the cabinet preventing you from placing the mounting plate correctly.
    • If the front of the cabinet has an overhang, place the mounting plate below the back of the cabinet by an equal amount. Otherwise the overhang will block access to the microwave. For a microwave that requires base-of-cabinet attachments, you may need to saw off the overhang instead.
  4. Locate and drill the correct attachment holes. Follow these steps to determine which size holes to drill and where.
    • The bottom edge of the plate should have an area covered in holes. Use a marker to draw circles in at least two holes. At least one should be completely over a wall stud to support the microwave's weight.
    • Locate the two or more holes along the upper edge of the microwave. Fill in these with a marker as well.
    • Remove the mounting plate. Use the circles you drew as a guide, not the mounting plate.
    • Drill a 3/16" (5mm) hole through any circle located on a wall stud.[3]
    • Drill a 3/8" (10mm) hole through any other circle.[2]
    • If your microwave came with a top template, tape it to the base of the cabinet above and drill 3/8"(10mm) holes through attachment points where directed to fasten the microwave to the cabinet base.
  5. Drill a 1.5" – 2" (4-5cm) hole for the power cord. If your microwave came with a base of cabinet template, tape this where the microwave top will be located and drill where instructed for the power cord. Otherwise, select a spot easily accessible by the power cord and out of the way of normal cabinet function.
    • If there are no electrical outlets within reach of the cord, you will need to Install-an-Electrical-Outlet-from-Scratch. Do not use an extension cord.
  6. Secure the mounting plate. Have an assistant hold the mounting plate securely in the correct position as you fasten it to the wall.
    • Use lag screws (lag bolts) in the 3/16"(5mm) holes. These will bear most of the microwave's weight, which is why they are used over the wall studs.
    • Use toggle screws (toggle bolts) in the 3/8"(10mm) holes. The "wings" of the toggle screw go through the hole and pull against the wall as the screw is tightened. Pull the mounting plate toward you while tightening toggle screws.[2]
  7. Mount the microwave. With an assistant's help, hang the microwave onto the support tabs on the mounting plate's base.
    • Snake the power cable through the hole drilled for this purpose before attaching the microwave.
    • Fasten the microwave to the base of the cabinet above using screws where directed on the top template. Tighten until the top of the microwave and the base of the cabinet are flush.

Installing a Countertop Microwave on a Cabinet or Shelf

  1. Check every surface of your microwave for vents. You don't need a special model of microwave to place it on a shelf, but you do need to know where the vents are for proper installation
    • Countertop models usually have vents on the sides and top of the microwave, but back panel vents are common as well.[4]
    • If you are having trouble finding the vents, place the microwave on a table, plug it in, and heat food or liquid inside. Place your hand near each side of the microwave to feel for blowing air.
  2. Remove the turntable and any other loose objects from inside the microwave. This is especially wise if your cabinet is high up, since the table can easily fall out of the microwave during lifting.
  3. Place the microwave in a recessed cabinet or on a shelf. Make sure the vents are not flush against any surfaces or objects. There should be at least an inch of space next to each vent.[4]
  4. Replace the turntable and plug the microwave in. If the cord will not reach or is in an inconvenient location, temporarily remove the microwave and drill a small hole in the cabinet or shelf to snake the cord through.
  5. Clean the microwave vents every three months or so. Because the cabinet does not allow as much air movement around the vents, dust will gradually build up and increase the risk of fire.[4]
    • Wipe the vents with a damp cloth while the microwave is turned off.

Tips

  • For high cabinet spaces, have an assistant hold the electrical cable out of the way or snake it through a hole in the cabinet while you lift the microwave.
  • If in any doubt, refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual or call the retail store you purchased the microwave from for more help.
  • Proper ventilation is especially important for microwaves installed in an RV or other vehicle. Consider using a front-venting microwave or a kit for venting the cabinet to the outside.
  • Microwaves use a lot of electricity when they are turned on. If using your microwave causes a power outage in part of your home, plug it into an outlet on a different circuit or reduce your electrical load. (To restore your power see Find the Fuse Box or Circuit Breaker Box and Change an Electric Fuse.)

Warnings

  • Do not use a microwave manufactured in a region with a different electrical standard than your present location. This risks permanently destroying your microwave and starting a fire.
  • Placing a microwave's vents against the cabinet walls or failing to clean them regularly increases the risk of fire from dust buildup.

Things You'll Need

  • Microwave

For Under Cabinet Microwaves:

  • Microwave's Mounting Plate
  • Drill
  • Stud Finder or Hammer
  • Pen or Marker
  • Level
  • Tape (if you have the paper template)
  • 3/16" (5mm) Lag screws (1-4)
  • 3/8" (10mm) Toggle screws (2-4)

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2012/12/01/how-to-find-a-wall-stud-without-a-stud-finder/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://products.geappliances.com/MarketingObjectRetrieval/Dispatcher?RequestType=PDF&Name=003675895.PDF
  3. ↑ http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-install-an-under-cabinet-microwave/index.html
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://www.ehow.com/info_10055186_can-put-countertop-microwave-builtin-microwave-hole.html
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