This article will explain the easy steps…
…to installing an over-the-range microwave in your home.
… with a vent is a good solution for many kitchens.
The footprint of a standard countertop microwave oven is large…
…and in small kitchens with limited counter space…
…this can be a real problem. A vented over-the-range (OTR)…
… microwave oven is an excellent space-saving alternative…
…since it combines the functions of a microwave…
…exhaust fan, and task light. When you choose a microwave oven…
…with convection heating, which can brown foods…
…by circulating hot air, the appliance…
…can become even more of a workhorse than it already is.
Additionally, you can match the microwave…
…to the rest of your kitchen appliances…
…with an over-the-range microwave oven.
A microwave that matches the style of the rest of your kitchen…
…and is topped by an upper cabinet from the same manufacturer…
…will blend in quite seamlessly.
Before we get started, here are a few words from Martin…
Having just installed my new over-the-range microwave, it looks nice and works well.
It’s the second time I’ve bought one after previous ones failed.
You may want to consider getting an extended warranty…
…for above-the-cooktop microwaves, since heat and steam are tough on them.
Installing these can be difficult, but it’s helpful…
…to make a cardboard copy of the template so that it can be used rigidly.
With a strong, sharp drywall screw…
you can also drill through a wall stud even if there is no hole.
They should use one bracket instead of two.
Let’s get started…
How an Over-the-Range Microwave Works
An over-the-range microwave oven can be mounted many ways…
…but most commonly, it is mounted above the cooking surface…
…of a range or cooktop and beneath a short upper wall cabinet…
…that conceals the ductwork that vents the appliance to the outside.
An appliance like this combines a standard microwave…
…and convection/microwave oven in a cabinet…
…that incorporates an exhaust fan with charcoal filters…
…as well as a downward-directed task light to illuminate the cooking surface.
Vents on microwaves can be configured in three ways:
…upward if you plan to direct the vent up the roof…
…backward if you plan to direct the vent out of the kitchen wall…
…behind the cabinet, or closed off entirely…
…if you intend to install the microwave so it vents itself.
The self-venting method of cleaning kitchen air with a charcoal filter…
…in which the air is simply recirculated and cleaned…
…is not a recommended solution…
…because it does nothing to actually expel fumes outdoors.
A self-venting system should never be used for appliances…
…that burn natural gas or liquid propane…
…which produce carbon monoxide and moisture that need to be expelled.
Keep reading…
Choosing a Vented Microwave Oven
If you choose a vented over-the-range microwave oven…
…you have many options, just as with countertop microwaves.
- Standard microwave vs. convection: Most people are familiar with standard microwaves, but if you cook a lot, you might want to consider a convection microwave combination. With convection microwaves, you can brown food by circulating superheated air throughout the oven. In addition to roasting meats, these units are very useful for preparing large meals.
- Capacity: Over-the-range microwaves typically have a smaller interior capacity than countertop models. Most have an interior volume of 1.5 to 1.7 cubic feet. Microwaves with larger capacities allow you to use larger cookware.
- Size: Generally, the height of an OTR microwave is about 16 inches, making it ideal for mounting beneath a short upper wall cabinet. Also available are slimline versions that are shorter and ideal for certain kitchen configurations. There are also taller models, which are typically used with convection microwaves and taller cooking utensils. OTR microwaves are typically 30 inches wide to match most cooktop widths, but some are as narrow as 22 inches.
- Cost: The cost of an OTR microwave is higher than a comparable countertop model. Expect to spend about $200 at the lowest price point, compared to $50 for a bargain countertop microwave. OTR microwaves generally cost between $225 and $450, while models with extra features, such as convection, start around $400. There is only one place to install an OTR microwave, so you may need to install an outlet specifically for that appliance. An electrician will charge $150 to $500 to install the outlet.
- Exhaust fan volume (cfm): Ventilated OTR microwave exhaust fans are rated in cubic feet per minute, or cfm. Cfm is a measurement of how much air the fan can move. The designers of kitchens recommend that vent fans be rated for at least 100 cfm per linear foot of range top, but not more than 400 cfm. This is the best choice if you can find a 400-cfm unit that meets your needs and budget.
- Wattage: Microwave ovens are rated according to their operating wattage. Most OTR models have a power rating of between 900 and 1,000 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster the appliance will cook food.
Also consider the following convenience features:
- Program/shortcut settings: More sophisticated microwaves have more automatic settings to simplify common cooking tasks.
- Finish: As with countertop microwaves, OTR units come in several cabinet finishes: white, black, stainless steel, black or brushed stainless steel, etc.
- Sensors or probes: In a microwave, sensors can measure steam being released from foods or probes can measure the interior temperature. To prevent overcooking, these features allow the oven to shut off power.
- Touchpad location: For shorter users, some OTR microwaves place their touchpad controls along the bottom of the cabinet.
- Turntables and racks: While some microwaves have bare interior cabinets, others have rotating turntables or interior racks.
Take time to consider how you cook…
…and then buy an OTR microwave that includes features you will actually use.
Generally, it does not make sense to pay for features you will never use.
Here’s the main part…
Easy Steps To Installing An Over-The-Range Microwave
Installation procedures for OTR microwaves differ…
…from manufacturer to manufacturer…
…but the basic steps are followed by several major brands.
The following example assumes the over-the-range microwave…
…will be mounted beneath a short upper wall cabinet…
…that conceals the ductwork – the most common situation.
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for information…
…on how to adapt the range microwave installation…
…if your configuration is different.
Things You’ll Need
- Duct adapter (optional)
- Masking tape
- Toggle bolts
- Roof or wall vent cap
- Exterior caulk or roofing cement
- Sheet-metal screws
- Metal-faced tape
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Drill and assorted bits
- Philips screwdriver
- 6-inch hole saw (or appropriately sized for your duct vent)
Verify Over-the-Range Microwave Dimensions
Make sure your microwave oven will fit in the space you have available…
…by reviewing its specifications.
Microwaves installed on an OTR must have a top edge…
…that is at least 66 inches above the floor and a bottom edge…
…that is at least 30 inches above the cooking surface.
Generally, the width of the cabinet should be the same…
…as or slightly less than the width of the cabinet above the microwave.
The adjacent wall cabinets and the top cabinet should be 12 to 14 inches deep.
Plan the Duct Route
Before beginning installation, determine the route for the ductwork.
Whenever possible, route the ductwork directly…
…through the sidewall of the kitchen cabinet above the microwave…
…for the most efficient airflow. If this is not feasible…
…for example if the range and OTR microwave are located…
…on an island or peninsula, then choose a route…
…that is as short and straight as possible.
Ensure there are no wires or pipes in the walls…
…or ceiling spaces that could interfere with duct routing.
It is a good idea to plan your ductwork route before you begin.
Run the Electrical Circuit
The upper wall cabinet above the microwave oven is usually equipped…
…with a receptacle outlet that is connected…
…to a dedicated 20-amp electrical circuit.
Alternatively, the electrical outlet can be located elsewhere…
…but must be easily accessible…
…so that the appliance can be unplugged for service.
Today, most communities require the microwave…
…to have its own dedicated circuit; other outlets…
…or appliances cannot share it. An electrician is normally hired…
…to add a circuit, although skilled DIYers can perform…
…the task if the installation is inspected beforehand.
Be sure to complete this work before installing the microwave…
…and connect the microwave’s power cord to the outlet.
Configure the Over-the-Range Microwave’s Vent Outlet
Be sure the microwave vent outlet matches…
…your installation situation before beginning.
Orienting the vent outlet varies considerably…
….from manufacturer to manufacturer…
…but usually involves adjusting the duct outlet..
…to match your existing ductwork …
…upward or toward the back of the microwave.
You may need to attach a duct adapter…
…to transition a rectangular outlet to a round duct…
…if you are using round ductwork.
“You may need to add a vent collar, transition fitting, or make other adjustments to the oven’s venting feature before lifting the oven up into place.”
LEE WALLENDER Writer at The Spruce
Attach the Templates
The microwave is most commonly mounted…
…from its back lower edge to a mounting bracket anchored…
…to the wall and from the top with bolts that extend down…
…from the inside of the upper cabinet into the microwave’s frame.
The templates are taped to the wall behind the microwave…
…and to the bottom of the cabinet above it to simplify the process.
Using these templates, you can drill holes in the cabinet…
..and attach the mounting plate to the wall.
Tape the templates in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
When uncrating some microwave ovens…
…the templates can be found on the appliance carton…
…so take care not to damage the carton when uncrating.
Mark the holes on the wall and the bottom of the wall cabinet…
…remove the templates, then drill the holes at the marked locations.
Attach the Mounting Plate
The next step is to attach the microwave oven’s mounting plate.
Depending on the manufacturer, the mounting plate…
…and attachment method may vary…
…but in general, it must be anchored to at least one wall stud…
…as well as with two or more toggle bolts if there are no wall studs.
For the toggle bolt connections, you will need to drill holes…
…in the wall so that the bolts’ expandable wings can pass through the wall.
When installing the mounting plate, make sure it is level.
Install the Vent Cap
Terminate the ductwork to the outdoors…
….by installing the appropriate vent cap.
Depending on whether ductwork will terminate through a side wall…
…(the preferred method) or through the roof…
…this can either be a wall cap or a roof cap.
It is necessary to cut a round or rectangular hole…
…through the siding and sheathing, or through the roof…
…to insert the tailpiece of the vent cap from the outside.
Seal the vent cap with caulk or roofing cement…
…to prevent leaks around the edges.
In order for water to drain over the flange of the roof vent cap…
…the cap must be integrated with the shingles (or other roofing material).
Run the Ductwork
From the tailpiece of the vent cap to the microwave oven’s vent outlet…
…run lengths of approved, smooth-walled metal ductwork.
Depending on where the ductwork is installed…
…approved ductwork might be rectangular or round.
Elbow fittings are used to create bends in the ductwork.
Joints between ductwork pieces and elbows…
…should be secured with sheet-metal screws…
…and metal-faced tape (not fabric duct tape).
Install the Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
It usually takes two people to hang the microwave oven over the range.
As you hold the microwave near its final position…
…feed the power cord up into the cabinet.
On the mounting plate, hook the microwave’s lower back edge.
Rotate the microwave so the top face is flush with the cabinet.
Another person then screws mounting bolts down…
…through the bottom floor of the cabinet…
…and into the microwave oven’s frame while one holds the microwave in place.
Connect the Ductwork to the Microwave
Attach the ductwork to the vent outlet…
…on the microwave using sheet-metal screws and metal-faced tape.
This may require installing a transition fitting…
…to convert a rectangular outlet to a round outlet if the ductwork is round.
This transition fitting may be easier to install…
…before lifting the microwave into position on some microwave ovens.
Test the Microwave Oven
The microwave should be plugged…
…into a wall outlet and all of its features tested…
…including exhaust fan and task light.
Our Article About Over-the-Range Microwave
Do Over The Range Microwaves Vent Outside? Super 3 Option To Setting Up Your OTR Microwave
Have you ever thought, do over the range microwaves vent outside?
Installing a new Over The Range (OTR) Microwave professionally…
…may be an exciting experience. However, depending on the firm you choose…
…to install your OTR Microwave, you may not get the attention you need.
To guarantee effective care and maintenance…
…of your new OTR Microwave after installation…
…it should be serviced annually by someone who knows how they operate.
This will ensure that your OTR Microwaves continue…
…to operate at peak performance for years to come!
Read the article to find out more about this topic.
Can Any Microwave Go Over The Range? Superb 4 Things That You Need To Consider About It
So, can any microwave go over the range? In general, yes.
Placing your microwave over your stove top conserves counter space…
…without consuming cabinet space.
This also precludes the use of a range hood over the stove top.
This is not a significant issue with a typical electric or induction oven…
…but it may pose issues with a gas stove top…
…particularly if it has more powerful professional-grade burners.
Over the Range Microwaves on Amazon – 3 Best Choices for You!
How is an over the range microwave different from other microwaves?
Does your kitchen have the space for one?
Our guide includes everything you need to know about sizing…
…features, price points, installation pitfalls, programs…
…and the best models on the market today.
You can find the best over the range microwaves on Amazon…
…that fit neatly above your stove.
This space-saving appliance gets rid of grease and odors…
…and saves valuable counter space.
However, it also has a few additional features…
…that make it a great addition to any modern kitchen.
Sum Up!
How did I ever live without one? It’s so convenient!
You can cook almost any food quickly…
…and easily with an over-the-range microwave.
Even if you’re a “Microwave Aficionado”!
But wait… there’s more!
Did you know that a properly installed…
…and maintained over-the-range microwave…
…will last at least 15 years or more and probably much longer?
That’s because it is built to the same high standards of quality…
…as our other major appliances…
…and it comes with a warranty that is double…
…or triple the industry standard.
Conclusion
What we have here is a simple step-by-step process that you can easily follow.
No special skills are needed and there’s very little work required on your part.
All you need to know is the simple stuff I’ve outlined here…
…and you should have an over-the-range microwave mounted…
…on your kitchen counter in no time at all. It really is that easy!
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
