How to Mount a Microwave Over a Stove

Check the location for your microwave oven. See if there is a plug near the chosen location. Usually there is at least one power outlet nearby, but even if there isn’t, the electrical cord from the microwave is usually long enough to reach the nearest one. Measure the microwave oven to see if it can fit between two kitchen cabinet elements. This is usually the case, since microwaves often do not exceed 20 inches in width.

Remove the kitchen cabinet above the stove if there is one. Since a microwave is usually only half the height of a kitchen cabinet, it will be best to saw the cabinet in half, finishing it properly of course, so it can be reinstalled once the microwave is mounted. Remove the kitchen cabinet by removing its screws first, using a flathead or a Phillip head screwdriver.

Use an electric stud finder to find the wall studs. Mark the location of the studs on the wall, using a pencil. However, you can use the holes made for cabinet mounting as well.

Hold the microwave’s mounting plate against the wall to mark its dimension and consequently, the places for mounting screws. Most microwave ovens have either a separate mounting plate or readymade points for wall mounting on their back side. Simply mark the locations for the mounting screws on the wall over your stove. Have in mind that the bottom line of the microwave should not be under the bottom of the surrounding kitchen cabinets. Visually, it would be best if all the elements were in the same line and on the same height.

Drill the holes for the mounting screws using a power drill. Hold the drill perpendicular to the kitchen wall, while making sure you are standing firmly and securely.

Attach the mounting plate from the microwave’s installation kit using mounting screws.

Tighten the screws using a screwdriver to secure the microwave plate on the wall.

Mount the microwave itself onto its mounting plate and over the stove. Each microwave has a different kind of attaching system to the mounting plate and it is usually a simple click-and-hang system that doesn’t require any additional elements.

Finish the installation by adding half of a kitchen cabinet or simply a wooden panel above the microwave. When you fill this gap, the top line will also be uniform and on the same height as the bottom line, therefore making the whole kitchen element assembly harmonious and attractive.