How to Install a Microhood Unit

Unplug the existing range hood from the outlet in the cabinet above. Hire a qualified and licensed electrician to install an electrical circuit at the main circuit box and place an electrical receptacle into the cabinet above the planned microhood location if there is not one already.

Disconnect the small plastic clips holding the vent tube to the hood. Unscrew the screws holding the existing range hood to the wall and cabinet above. Hold the unit in place while removing the screws so it doesn't fall during removal. Set the range hood aside after removal.

Measure 15 inches down the wall from the bottom of the cabinet and make a pencil mark. Create a horizontal line across the wall with a long level or by making additional marks and connecting them with a straightedge. Locate the center of the wall by measuring the length of the cabinet and dividing it in two. Draw a pencil line where the two lines intersect.

Locate the position of the studs in the wall with a stud finder where the microhood will go. Mark the location of each stud about 2 inches above the line. Place the microhood mounting plate over the line so that the center hole exactly matches the center mark on the wall.

Mark the location of any mounting holes that align with studs, and then mark the other holes in the plate and their location on the wall. Remove the plate and set it aside.

Place a 3/16-inch drill bit into a power drill and drill holes through the wall for all mounting holes. Tap toggle anchors into the holes without a stud behind them with a hammer. Position the mounting plate over the holes and insert screws. Tighten the screws securely by hand with a screwdriver.

Tape the paper mounting template that came with the microhood to the bottom of the cabinet and outline the location of the mounting holes to drill up through the wood. Drill pilot holes up through the bottom into the empty cabinet.

Raise the microhood into place and position the lip on the back of the unit over the mounting plate to hold it partially in place. Have an assistant help with the lifting, to hang it without dropping it. Attach the vent tubing to the vent blower with the clips included with the microhood. Turn the dial on the top rear near the blower so that it indicates it will blow out and not back into the kitchen.

Feed the electrical cord from the microhood up through the electrical access hole in the bottom of the cabinet and leave the end of the cord unplugged.

Lift the microhood up against the bottom of the cabinet and align the holes in the cabinet base with the mounting holes in the unit. Slide the two front corner bolts down through the cabinet and tighten them down securely. Add bolts to the remaining holes and screw them in like the first.

Plug the cord into the electrical outlet and test the operation of the microhood by following the manufacturer's instructions.