How to Hook Up an Over-the-Range Microwave

Set up a folding ladder or step stool to inspect inside the cabinets over the range and look for metal venting. If you do not have a vent inside the cabinet, use the circulating charcoal filter supplied with the microwave.

Attach the supplied steel damper to the port on top of the microwave using two screws if you will connect to a vent overhead. Otherwise, attach the circulating filter to the port using screws.

Use an electronic stud finder to locate two wall studs behind the wall where the microwave will be installed. If you don't have a stud finder, tap the wall gently with a hammer, working left to right until you hear a solid sound, which is the wall stud.

Center the metal mounting plate on the wall under the cabinets. Raise the plate until the top edge rests against the underside of the cabinets. Draw a pencil mark along the lower edge of the mounting plate for alignment reference later. With the edge of the mounting plate against the bottom of the cabinet, the microwave will be level when mounted.

Make a pencil mark through each hole in the mounting plate onto the wall where the studs are located. The pencil marks serve as a guide for drilling. Mark the underside of the cabinet as a reference guide for drilling pilot holes to install the hanging hardware. Finally, draw a circle 1 1/2 inches in diameter with the pencil on the underside of the cabinet below the power outlet. When the circle is removed, the hole should be large enough to insert the microwave electrical cord.

Drill pilot holes at each mark on the wall and under the cabinets. Use a wood-bore bit to cut the hole for the power cord.

Fasten the supplied toggle bolts through the mounting plate into the wall. Tighten each with a screwdriver.

Lift the microwave onto the mounting plate with help from your assistant. Align the top of the appliance with the holes under the cabinet. The damper must be below the cabinet vent unless you are using a filter.

Lower the microwave onto the mounting bracket so the hooks on the back of the appliance engage with the tabs on the mounting plate. Your assistant should continue holding the microwave while it hangs on the plate until you complete the installation.

Insert the power cord into the cabinet through the hole.

Slip washers onto the screws or bolts supplied with the appliance and twist the hardware with a screwdriver through the inside of the cabinet to the mounting holes on the top of the microwave, which now is secure at the top. The microwave also hangs on the mounting plate attached to the back wall for support.

Plug in the power cord to the outlet in the back corner of the cabinet.