How to Install a KitchenAid Microhood

Hire a certified electrician to run an electrical line from the main circuit box to an electrical outlet in the kitchen cabinet above the intended location for the KitchenAid microhood. For kitchens with range hoods already installed, unplug the existing hood from the existing outlet.

Remove the plastic clips connecting the vent tube to the hood. Take out the screws that hold the range hood to the wall and cabinet with a Phillips screwdriver. Hold the old unit up while taking out the screws so it won't fall, and set the hood aside once it's loose.

Place the mounting template that shipped with the KitchenAid microhood against the bottom of the cabinet and use tape to hold it in place. Draw an outline of the holes in the paper that designate where to drill the holes up through the cabinet bottom. Insert a 3/16-inch wood bit into the power drill, and create the pilot holes.

Measure the length of the upper cabinet with a tape measure and mark the center point on the wall just below the cabinet. Use a level to draw a straight line down from this point 3 1/2 inches long. Hold the level horizontally and position on the wall just below the end of the line. Draw a straight line across the top of the level on the wall.

Slide a stud sensor over the wall and make a small mark 1 1/2-inches above the horizontal line to indicate the center of each wooden stud. Position the KitchenAid microhood's mounting plate so that the line on the wall is visible through the holes and is directly in the center of the line.

Move the plate slightly to the left or right to get at least two of the mounting holes to line up with the stud marks. Outline these holes, and place a small mark in the center to denote the stud holes. Outline the remaining holes, and remove the plate from the wall.

Drill holes through all the marks with the 3/16-inch drill bit. Insert toggle anchors into the wall at all holes that don't have studs. Place the mounting plate over the holes, and insert the screws that came with the microhood. Tighten the screws down by hand with a Phillips screwdriver.

Lift the unit into position and place the small metal lip down over the mounting plate so that the weight rests on the wall. Have an assistant hold it in place while you connect the vent tube to the opening in the top of the microhood and clip it with the attached clips. Turn the small dial next to the vent to set the motor to blow exhaust out instead of recycling.

Insert the end of the microhood's power cord into the hole at the bottom of the cabinet and leave it unplugged inside.

Raise the unit so it is tight against the bottom of the cabinet. Align the holes in the cabinet with those in the top of the microhood. Shift the placement of the unit from left to right until the holes align. Place the mounting screws down through the two front corner holes, and tighten them with the screwdriver. The microhood will now stay in place on its own, and you can insert the rest of the screws.

Insert the power cord into the outlet in the cabinet and verify that the unit has power. Test its operation, running both the microwave and the fan according to the instructions that came with the unit.