How to Install a Microwave: 12 Steps

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

The decision to install the microwave inside a shelf or on a shelf in your kitchen is a great space-saving solution. Read on to learn more.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Installing the Built-in Microwave

Step 1. Use an appropriate microwave oven

Microwaves with recirculating hood or ventilation system can be installed effortlessly. The other models require a more complex installation. Be aware of the features of your model before starting the installation.

Other types of microwave ovens may be more suitable for a built-in installation or require a new ventilation hood or may need a new ventilation system

Step 2. Locate the posts in the wall

Follow this method for finding and marking these vertical supports. The oven must be fixed to at least one of them.

If you have one, use a metal detector to locate the nails.
Alternatively, tap the wall lightly with a hammer. When you hear solid noise instead of dull sound, you've probably found a riser in the wall.
If you are not sure if you have located a post, drill the wall and insert a bent wire to look for solid objects inside the wall.
Once you have located the center of one wall stud, the others should be located approximately 40cm away from each side.
Use a small nail to probe the riser and determine its width.
Draw a vertical line along the center of the post once it is located.

Step 3. Place the mounting plate

The latter must be positioned horizontally and the upper tabs must match with the base of the cabinet or with the frame.

If your microwave comes with a wall mount frame, you can use it as a guide for the holes before attaching it.
Use a spirit level to make sure you install the oven straight.
Remove any decoration from the cabinet that may prevent the mounting plate from installing correctly.
If the front of the cabinet has a protrusion, place the mounting plate below the back of the cabinet an equal distance. For microwave ovens that need to be attached to the cabinet base, the ledge may need to be sawn off.

Step 4. Identify and drill the fixing holes correctly

Follow this procedure to determine hole size and location.

The bottom edge of the plate must have a surface covered with holes. Use a marker to draw the circles in at least two holes. At least one should be placed above the wall riser to support the weight of the microwave.
Locate two or more holes along the top edge of the microwave. Mark them with a marker.
Remove the mounting plate. Use the circles you drew as a guide in place of the mounting plate.
Drill a 5mm hole in one of the circles drawn on the wall.
Drill a 10mm hole through any other hole.
If your oven has a mounting frame, glue it to the cabinet base and drill 10mm holes through the indicated attachment points to secure the microwave to the cabinet base.

Step 5. Drill a 4-5cm hole for the power cord

If your oven has a frame for the base, glue it where it will be installed and drill the hole for the power cord. If not, select a spot that is easily accessible from the power cord and does not interfere with the functionality of the cabinet.

If there are no electrical outlets nearby, you will need to install a new outlet. Do not use an extension cable

Step 6. Secure the mounting plate

Ask someone to help you hold the mounting plate in the correct position.

Use wood screws (hex bolts) for the 5mm holes. These are suitable for supporting the weight of the microwave, which is why they are used in the wall pins.
Uses toggle (butterfly) screws for 10mm holes. The wing screw "wings" pass through the hole and pull against the wall to secure the screw. Pull the mounting plate towards you while tightening the butterfly screws.

Step 7. Assemble the microwave

With the help of an assistant, hang the microwave oven on the support tabs on the base of the mounting plate.

Run the power cord through the hole before plugging in the oven.
Secure the oven to the base of the cabinet with screws, as indicated on the model. Tighten until the top of the oven and the base of the cabinet are flush.

Method 2 of 2: Installing a Freestanding Microwave on a Shelf

Step 1. Check the air vents on the microwave

There is no need for a particular model, just know where the ventilation openings are located for correct installation.

Freestanding models usually have air vents on the side and on the top of the oven.
If you have trouble locating the openings, put the microwave on the table, plug it in and some food inside. Turn on and put your hand on each side of the microwave to see where the air comes from.

Step 2. Remove all accessories from inside the microwave

It is used to prevent the accessories from coming out and breaking during installation.

Step 3. Place the microwave in a built-in cabinet or shelf

Check that the openings are not flush with any surfaces or objects. There should be at least 1cm of space between the oven and the wall.

Step 4. Put the accessories back inside and plug the microwave into the electrical outlet

If the cord is not long enough or is in an awkward position, temporarily remove the microwave oven and drill a small hole in the shelf for the cord to pass through.

Step 5. Clean the ventilation fans approximately every three months

Since the shelf does not allow for good air circulation within the openings, dust may gradually build up and clog them, increasing the risk of fire.

Clean the vents with a soft cloth, with the oven off of course

Advice

For installation on high shelves, have an assistant help you pass the electrical cord through the hole as you lift the microwave.
If in doubt, consult the instruction manual or call the retailer from whom you purchased the oven.
Adequate ventilation is important for microwaves installed in RVs or other vehicles. Consider choosing a microwave with front vents or an external vent kit.
Microwaves absorb a lot of electrical energy when they are turned on. If using the microwave oven causes a power outage in your home, connect it to another power source or reduce the electrical load.

Warnings

Placing the microwave with the ventilation areas closed between walls or doors and the lack of regular cleaning increases the risk of fire from dust accumulation.
Do not use the microwave oven in countries with a voltage other than that indicated on the device. You risk causing a short circuit or worse a fire.

Things You Will Need:

Microwave oven

For built-in microwaves

Mounting plate
Drill
Metal detector or hammer
Pen or marker
Level
Masking tape (if you have the paper template for installation)
5mm hex head screws
10mm butterfly screws

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