Installing a Microwave Over a Stove
- 1). Turn the power off at the breaker box for the kitchen circuit. Pull the stove out of the way. Turn off the gas if the stove is a gas range. Disconnect the gas line using an adjustable wrench. If the stove is electric, unplug the power cord from the wall. Ensure you have plenty of space in which to work.
- 2). Locate the studs in the mounting area using a stud finder. Mark the locations of each stud using a pencil. Place the template for the microwave bracket on the wall. Use a level to line the template up and tape the template to the wall. Be sure to center the template under the cabinet.
- 3). Mark the locations of the hole that you will need to drill using the pencil. Try to line up the template so that you hit studs for all mounting screws if possible. If you cannot get into studs for all of the mounting hardware, you will need to use toggle anchors. Drill holes for the mounting screws using a drill and drill bit. Drill the holes large enough for toggle anchors where there is no stud.
- 4). Install the mounting bracket on the wall using the hardware that came with the microwave. Tighten all fasteners using a Phillips screwdriver. Install the toggle anchors, if any, and tighten them using a Phillips screwdriver. Drill holes into the bottom of the cabinet to allow installation of the top screws using a drill and drill bit.
- 5). Drill a hole in the bottom of the cabinet where you will mount the microwave using a drill and drill bit large enough to accommodate the electrical wire. Connect the electrical wire to the microwave. Red or black is hot, white or gray are neutral and the ground wire will be bare or green. Connect the wires accordingly and install wire nuts on the splices.
- 6). Install the cover on the wire box on the microwave using a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the microwave into place under the cabinet. As you maneuver the microwave in place, insert the electrical wire through the hole you drilled in the cabinet. Place the microwave onto the mounting bracket with someone helping you lift it.
- 7). Install the screws through the cabinet bottom into the top of the microwave using a Phillips screwdriver while your helper balances the microwave. Do not over tighten the screws. Connect the electrical wires to the kitchen circuit. Install wire nuts on the wire splices. Install the louver at the top of the microwave and snap it into place.
- 8). Install the charcoal filter and screen into the bottom of the microwave. Turn the power on for the kitchen circuit. Program the microwave according to manufacturer's instructions for the brand you have.
