Replacing Over-the-Range Microwave?

[poohs_hunny]

Well, my microwave bit the dust tonight. It was here when I bought the house and it has been my first experience with an over-the-range microwave (which I love). My question is, how easy (or difficult) is it to replace one? I have been looking around for a new range and microwave recently since both are 20+ years old. I guess it makes sense to replace both at once, but I'm not completely ready for a new range yet. Since I've never replaced this type of microwave before, what exactly has to be done? When unplugging, I noticed that it looks like the cord runs behind the wall. Will matching the size be easy (are they pretty standard on the exterior)? Is this going to be a huge to-do? I can't live long without my microwave! I am thinking about buying a small, inexpensive microwave to use while I find a good deal on a built-in, but I really don't want to spend the extra, and then what will I do with that one after I get the built-in?

Any advice or experiences would be very welcome - thank you!!

 

[JCJRSmith]

I did mine about a year ago. Measure the width between the cabinets and the depth of your current microwave. You will probably be able to find one that matches.

We got ours at Sears - a Kenmore, and it is terrific. It came with paper templates for sizing/drilling the holes for the mounting hardware. We have cabinets above the microwave, so a long bracket went along the back wall, and two mounting bolts went thru the bottom of the cabinet to secure the front and top. Just make sure you have some help to hold it in plae while securing it.

 

[clutter]

Or you can have it installed for maybe $100. Well worth it when you're the only adult in the house.

 

[OctMtnWoods]

You also want to buy one that won't hang to low or you'll lose space between the stove top and the bottom of the microwave. I think you are supposed to have 18" between the stove top & microwave. It says it in the microwave directions, but that's AFTER you buy it. You can ask at the store or look for the info online. So you'll need to figure out what the maximum height measurement can be for the new microwave.

 

[bicker]

It looked plenty difficult when I watched the two professional installers install our replacement. Glad I didn't think to try that myself!

 

[RachelEllen]

Measure the width. Most come in standard sizes 24, 30, or 36 inches. You'll only have trouble if its 24 inches, as they don't make many of those anymore. It's easy to find the microwaves separate from the range, but you may want to make sure the brand you get has a range you like as well, if you want them to match!

Once you find one you like, get its "spec sheet" It will have the neccesary tolerance measurments on it (minimum distance to stove, ceiling, etc.)

Personally, I paid someone to install. Too much electric and venting work for me! If you do this, I'd give your installer the spec sheet to do a final ok before you purchase.

Good luck!

 

[mjkacmom]

Home Depot wouldn't install ours, because it vented outside (they would've done it if it wasn't vented). We had our friend (an electrician) install it - it took quite a while. Hire someone.

 

[BunsenH]

On a DIY scale of 1-10, I'd rate this a 7.5. You need to be comfortable with carpentry (finding studs in the wall, attaching to cabinets, etc.), electrical, and muscling the micro into place. They aren't extremely heavy, but akward and require two patient people. Practice by removing to old one and evaluate the situation.

 

[Hercules10]

I replaced mine and it was a DIY-PIA. They are much heavier then you think. And getting them secure on the mounting brackets is like trying to pee in soup can 10ft away in pitch black.

Take your measurements to Sears or another appliance shop. Ask if they have the oven and if they'll install it. Or measure, find the appropriate oven and sweet talk some knuckle-head (like one lady did to me) into doing it.

 

[Mom2Nick]

My DH replaced one in our old house and installed a new one in this house(Which we got rid of 2 years later when we tore that wall down) It did not take him a long time at all but he's also very handy and is an Electrical Engineer so I am not sure how long it would have taken a "typical" homeowner to do. It sure looked pretty easy to me though - lol.

 

[Pennykay]

My DH replaced ours recently. He did a good job, but I would agree that if you are the only adult in the home I would pay to have it installed. It was heavy!

 

[RadioNate]

It is a 2 person job. DH and FIL did ours and FIL is a carpenter turned engineer and they were both swearing up a storm. I don't it was necessarily difficult, but it was definitely an awkward job.

 

[clgwli]

We replaced ours a few years ago. The older one we had was just teeny tiny and I didn't like it anymore. It took my DH and father about an hour or so to uninstall and reinstall the new one. Not vented outside though so not sure if that makes a difference. I wouldn't do it myself (ours is 30" wide) but if I had two of us I'd definitely do it again.

 

[johnsontrio]

After reading all these posts I feel pretty lucky.. My 5 year old top of the line GE (generally expensive) microwave died recently. I called to price a replacement. The same model was over $500 While I loved that microwave, I was very unhappy with only getting 5 years service from it. I decided to replace it with a $300 Maytag.

My husband did the installation and the mounting bracket was identical and 2 of the 3 holes were in the same location. The only help he needed was holding it in place while he secured the screws. This was a 30" microwave. Unfortunately, I noticed after it was installed that the glass door is black on an otherwise all white microwave. It's ugly but I am getting used to it.

Hope you have good luck as well...

 

[poohs_hunny]

Thanks, everyone. I am certaonly not planning on replacing the microwave myself. I just wanted to know how involved it would be. The installation prices for Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, etc. are insane! I don't want to spend $150 to install a $200 microwave. I called my handyman that I have to do other things, so we'll see what he says.