- 1). Measure the space above your cooktop. Each model will have its own requirements, but in general, there must be at least 30 vertical inches from the cooktop to the bottom of the upper cabinet. The space where the microwave is to go must also be at least 30 inches wide. If your kitchen doesn't have these clearances, you may have to remove some trim or even replace some cabinets.
- 2). Install an electrical outlet in the cabinet above the microwave. If you are replacing an existing combination microwave vent hood or are upgrading from a simple exhaust hood, there may already be a power outlet there. If there isn't, contact an electrician to run a power supply to the cabinet.
- 3). Tape the top-cabinet template to the underside of the cabinet. This template should be included with your combination microwave vent hood.
- 4). Drill holes in the top cabinet according to the template. Most templates will require two or three 1/4-inch holes for the mounting bolts and a 1 1/2-inch hole for the power cord.
- 5). Center the template for the mounting plate on the wall underneath the top cabinet. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how high to place it in relation to the cabinet bottom. Tape the template in place.
- 6). Drill four holes in the wall, using the template as a guide. At least one of the holes--and preferably two--must be into a wall stud.
- 7). Affix the mounting plate to the wall. For holes that go into a stud, use wood screws. For holes in drywall, use toggle bolts. If the proper hardware is not provided with the OTR microwave, the instructions should indicate the proper size.
- 8). Thread the power cord up through the large hole in the upper cabinet. Hold it taut for the next step.
- 9). Lift the microwave into place. There will be several slots on the back of the microwave that correspond to tabs on the mounting plate. Holding the microwave so that it angles slightly forward, fit the tabs into the slots. Then push the microwave so that it is flat against the bottom of the cabinet.
- 10
Insert self-aligning screws--these should be provided with the microwave--through the pre-drilled holes in the bottom of the cabinet and into the holes on the top of the microwave. Tighten all screws. - 11
Plug in the microwave.
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