How To Install A Microwave [Over-The-Range Style]

Here is a video showing how to vent your microwave outside :

Here is my video showing you how to remove a hanging microwave:

If you have questions about your home improvement projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.

[TheMargo]

You are awesome. NO loud music. NO goofy lines or unneeded rhetoric. Thanks.

[jasonwislowski]

TWO big-ass thumbs up! I was hired yesterday to mount a TV and microwave. Although I’ve mounted tons of TVs, I’ve never done a microwave before in my life. After watching this incredibly descriptive video, I not only sounded like I’d done this before, but the job came out perfectly! Thank you so much!!!

[ADDIDASSSSSSSSSSSSSS]

I bought a 56 lb. microwave that I was trying to install above my stove underneath a cabinet. I never would never have figured out how to angle it to get it on the track without watching your video. I cannot thank you enough for going to the trouble of posting this video. God bless you.

[KenG....]

Almost 4 years later, this is the BEST install video. If you follow his instructions, especially with the tile backsplash, your install will be flawless. An actual installer couldn't have installed mine any better. Thank you HouseImprovements, from a new subscriber!!!

[zHumanfactor]

I love the real-time problem-solving at the beginning.

[LaukSmith]

Believe it or not I bought the very same microwave, and the same cabinets. I have read the installation instructions several times without understanding, everything was as clear as mud. Your video is clear and concise to the point and easily understood, made installation crystal clear. Thanks to you this job was without headache. I can not say Thank You enough, keep up the good work.

[tannerc]

This is the video that saved me a year or two ago. My wife just bought a new house a month before we met, when we weren’t super serious she bought a new microwave/range to exhaust through the roof and she hired “professionals” to install it. Two years later the microwave/exhaust gave out and completely quit working. I found a new unit on Kijiji for $50 CAD that worked perfectly and this video helped me figure out how to take the old one out/down and put the “new” one up. We now bought a new house which doesn’t have any over the range exhaust and my wife misses the microwave/over the range exhaust and this video helped me graciously to understand how to start one from scratch, thanks!!

[garyhahn]

I've watched dozens of Shannon's one does a better job of explaining DIY projects than this guy! Excellent video!!

[Andreyatl]

Great video as always ! The only one tip from my MW installation experience with all that kitchen cabinets quality that could be a good idea to use large diameter washers for those upper bolts or sometimes plates if the upper shelf had a bunch of holes from previous installations . After few years of usage the smoke and steam from MW vent makes top shelf "wood " softer and bolts start sinking thru the wood in cheap cabinets (seen it many times in last 20 years installing MWs)

[joeybaltz]

we just bought a house and this is one of the main updates the wife wants me to do ASAP after we move in.. i knew this task was simple but man you made it look like a no brainer. awesome video!

[hendrxx_]

Guy that installed mine a few years ago never changed the flow of the exhaust and I never noticed until I had to redo the vent to outside. Didn’t think it was this easy, thanks

[brendanmckenna]

I watched both the removal and installation videos and I now feel that I can absolutely do this myself. I honestly appreciate the fact that you leave in the parts where you have to refer to the manual. We all do. These videos are very well done and please keep them coming! You have a subscriber for life!

[davea]

I had just finished the install of my new microwave after watching this and it went so smooth without any cursing, lol. I also ran into the same issue where the hanging bracket would be halfway on the backsplash tile. I had to use a piece of 3/8" plywood to "build it out" as you say. Also, great tip on having to move the upper cabinet template out to compensate for the 3/8" being built out. That little tid bit of info right there probably saved me from having to make swiss cheese out of the cabinet and most likely cursing out loud. Thanks Shannon!

[daveaddison]

Super helpful video, Shannon. Thanks so much. The challenging part for me was working with walls that were not square which was going to effect the ability for the door to fully open. I figured out a slightly off-centre position for the back plate on the wall, drilled an oversized hole for the power cord then "dry" mounted the microwave. My son held it in place and by tipping it down a bit, I could see the line where the two top screws had to be. We then removed the microwave, put up the top template and lined up the screw holes we marked with the template which gave us the depth. We drilled the top holes and they lined up perfectly. As desired, the microwave was positioned a bit off centre so the door could swing fully open without hitting the adjoining wall.

[SinnerSince]

When drilling the holes in the shelf, drill a small pilot hole and then drill the larger one from the top down. It keeps you from splintering the inside of the cabinet where it might be seen.

[giovanninicolaucich]

As a master craftsman and a perfectionist of 50 yrs, I commend you on your work! It's rare today to see someone do something right! Thank you for taking the time and sharing!

[MitchellBumgarner]

I really enjoyed that you had to read the instructions. Shows that you're human too! 😁 Great videos! Keep em coming.

[Broosie]

This is the second video I've viewed for help with appliance installation from the Houseimprovements channel (the first was for built-in dishwashers installations). Thank you! Your videos are a breath of fresh air for us non-professional DIY-ers!

[keithsmith]

"At this point I may have to actually read the instructions". Classic. Thanks for reading them for me.😀

[ironhorsegladiator]

I have had contractors tell me I need to run a dedicated line for my existing microwave, two of them so far, so this video saved me a lot of money - Thanks so much. There are hardly anymore honest contractors left these days, most want to rip you off.