Instructions for How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

Open the cabinets over the range to look for a vertical vent near the back wall for hooking up the microwave. If you do not have a vent, the microwave also comes with a recirculating filter for vent-free operation.

Screw on the damper to the rectangular opening on top of the microwave if you will use a cabinet vent. If not, fasten the filter to the same opening on the appliance. These parts are supplied in the hardware package that comes with the microwave.

Locate the wall studs over the range using a stud finder. Mark the locations with a pencil.

Hold the microwave wall bracket against the wall and align the holes in the bracket over the marks for the wall studs. Slide the bracket up against the bottom edge of the cabinet, and make pencil marks in the bracket screw holes as well as on the underside of the cabinet.

Match a drill bit to the size of the screws supplied with the microwave. Use the bit to drill a hole at each pencil mark. Use a 1 1/2-inch borer drill bit to open a hole below the cabinet under the electrical outlet inside.

Screw the wall bracket to the wall using the bolts or wall anchors packaged with the microwave.

Hang the microwave on the wall bracket with a friend's help. The slots on the microwave fit onto the metal channels on the bracket. If you are using a vent, the damper on the microwave lifts to fit inside the vent opening. Have your friend hold the appliance against the wall, even though it is now on the bracket, while you finish the final steps.

Push the cabinet mounting screws that come with the microwave through the interior bottom of the cabinet into the mounting holes on top of the appliance. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Push the power cord through the 1 1/2-inch hole in the cabinet bottom and insert the plug into the socket.