Microwave Hood Combination Installation Instructions

Measure the space you have available for the microwave hood combination to ensure that you have enough room for installation. Most microwave hood combination units are 15 inches tall, 15.375 inches deep and 29.875 inches wide, although it depends on the model. Determine whether the exhaust venting hole is located on the back wall or above where the microwave will be installed. You also need a grounded electrical outlet located inside the cabinet above the microwave installation area.

Unscrew the screws holding the microwave mounting plate to the back of the unit. Set aside the screws and the mounting plate. Make sure that nothing is inside the microwave, including the rotation plate. Tape the microwave door shut.

Remove the screws and damper plate holding the air deflector in place on the back of the microwave hood combination. Pull out the air deflector and replace it so the exhaust hole points toward the vents. If your vents open above the unit, point the air deflector up. If the vents go through the wall behind the microwave, point the air deflector toward the back wall. Keep the air deflector closed if you want ventless installation. Screw the damper plate back into place.

Find the studs in the wall where the microwave will be installed using a stud finder. Mark the center of each stud with a pencil. Although you can install a microwave hood combination on just one stud, the Whirlpool installation manual mentions that two is desired for added sturdiness. Hold the mounting plate against the back wall and draw where the corner holes line up on the wall with a pencil. Draw the extra holes that line up with the studs as well. Depending on where your studs are located, you will need four to eight holes. Set the mounting plate aside.

Drill holes where you placed pencil marks on the back wall. Use 3/4-inch drill holes for holes without studs and 3/16-inch drill holes for holes landing on studs. Screw the mounting plate to the wall using the screws provided with the microwave hood combination unit.

Lift the microwave and place the unit into the support tabs at the bottom of the mounting plate. Since the microwave is very heavy, you will need at least two people to lift the combination unit, and perhaps more.

Tilt the microwave hood combination unit forward to gain access to the power cord while keeping it attached to the support tabs. Reach back and grab the power cord. Thread it through the underside of the upper cabinet through a pre-drilled hold. Push the microwave back until it clicks into place. Open the upper cabinet and plug in the microwave power supply.