- This is a step-by-step guide on how to mount a microwave oven on the wall in a bid to create enough space in your kitchen for other appliances. In this article, we’ll be taking a deep look at each step you’re to take as we look to help you create your dream kitchen space.
- We’ll also be taking you through the different materials and the right tools you’ll need to make the successful installation of your microwave on the wall.
Sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation that’ll need you to create more space in the kitchen. In some cases too, you might just want to install a microwave oven in a bonus room when the kitchen is filled up and there are no other appliances you can vacate for the microwave to fit in. In both instances, the best solution might be to install the microwave on a wall, leaving you with a little space to accommodate some other things. The good thing about this process is that it is very easy, as long as you have the right materials and tools. Mounting a microwave oven on the wall might not be all that difficult after all.
The difficulty of any installation process largely depends on the type of microwave oven you’re trying to install. Due to some differences in the different types of microwave ovens we have, the installation process might slightly differ but the general process is a whole lot similar. As long as you have the dedicated space properly calculated and the right tools are readily available, the installation process will only require a few hours of proper work and attention.
In some cases, you might need to involve a professional and that’s mostly when an electrical outlet has not been installed near the space you have in mind to install the microwave. You shouldn’t try to fix this yourself if it hasn’t already been fixed. With safety in mind, it’s best to contact an expert in electrical works to help you install the new electric outlet before you begin the process of hanging the microwave on the wall.
Before we get into how you can mount a microwave on the wall; let’s look at the different types of microwave ovens we have so you can know the type you’re dealing with.
This chart shows the average annual expenditure on microwave ovens in owned homes per consumer unit in U.S dollars. The statistics run from 2007 to 2019. 2019 records the highest average expenditure on microwave ovens between 2007 and the year in review. Source: Arne Holst for Statista
THE MOST COMMON MICROWAVE OVEN TYPES
In a modern world, the importance of modern kitchen appliances cannot be overemphasized and that’s why today, a lot of people are investing heavily in quality kitchen appliances. Some of these appliances are microwave ovens and while there are different types of them, let’s take a quick look at the most common types.
OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES
This microwave type is one of the most popular microwave types in this modern era, and that’s because it is one of the easiest to install. Finding space for all your kitchen appliances might be an issue sometimes and this is not one of those appliances you should be worried about when it comes to space. This is because it is usually placed above the cooking range and often in kitchen cabinets.
Will this be an issue? No. This microwave type is designed with amazing ventilation features which are a fan and filter system, both of which help remove harmful substances from your kitchen. It is always highly-priced but for the many great features it is packed with, it’s worth every penny spent on acquiring it.
COUNTERTOP MICROWAVES
Just like over-the-range microwave types, these microwaves are also very popular, perhaps more popular than the other types. There’s no installation process to this other than putting it on a kitchen counter and plugging it into an electric outlet that’s closest to it. This is what most people opt for when it’s time to buy a microwave oven because they know how easy the installation is and also, it is always priced fairly. However, the features might not be as advanced as other microwave types but the fact that it does the basics well and is also affordable makes people opt for it most of the time.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MICROWAVES
In terms of the installation process and look, this microwave type is a lot similar to over-the-range microwave types. It is mostly installed in the cabinets right above the kitchen counters, which is where they got the name ‘over-the-counter’ from. With its built-in design, it’s always the perfect option for most people who always need some extra spaces in their kitchens. When compared to countertop microwaves, these microwave types have more advanced features. Despite the advanced features they come with, they are also priced very fairly.
This chart displays the market share each major manufacturer of microwaves in the United States had in 2008. As shown, LG held the biggest market share in 2008 with 30%, followed by Samsung which held 15% of the microwave oven market in the United States. Source: Statista Research Department.
HOW TO MOUNT A MICROWAVE ON THE WALL
Most people hang their microwave units on the wall to create space for other appliances in the kitchen. Before we get right into how to install your microwave unit on the wall, here are the tools and materials you’ll need to make the successful installation;
TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE INSTALLATION
- Wire cutter
- Nose plier
- Jigsaw
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder
- Metal foil tape
- Metal screws
- Pencil
- Vent collar
- Outlet boxes (if there’s a need for you to create new outlet(s))
Having known the necessary tools and materials to get ready to mount your microwave on the wall, let’s now look at the steps that need to be taken to get this done properly.
FIND THE PERFECT SPOT TO HANG THE MICROWAVE UNIT
First things first, and the first step to take here is to find a spot that seems perfect for the microwave oven. What does perfect mean here? Perfect means that the spot has an electrical outlet nearby and if one isn’t readily available, it should be fixed before you begin the installation process. You also need to put the length of the unit’s power cord into consideration when doing this. To get things right, you might need to measure the height or length from the bottom of the microwave to where the electric outlet is positioned or about to be fixed. Once you’ve done this, it means you’ve laid a foundation for the whole installation process and things are about to get busier.
SET UP THE ACCESSORY BRACKET
After choosing a perfect spot to install your microwave unit, the next thing is to set up the accessory bracket on the wall. However, before you set up the accessory bracket on the wall, ensure to check the size with the size of your microwave to make sure that it fits perfectly.
DRILL THE HOLES
Now that you’ve set up the accessory bracket, you can proceed to start drilling holes that’ll align with the accessory bracket you’ve highlighted on the wall. You need to get this right as any mistake might cause you to repeat the process until you finally get it. To avoid having to repeat the process, it’s always good to use a pencil to mark the spots where the holes can be drilled. This way, you’ll know where exactly to drill without making any mistakes. Drill the holes for as many sides as necessary, depending on the size of the mounting bracket.
PLACE THE MICROWAVE OVEN AGAINST THE WALL
After you must have drilled the holes and set up the mounting bracket, the next thing is to position the microwave oven on the wall, with the help of the mounting bracket. Ensure your microwave sits perfectly on the bracket against the wall and that the bracket is strongly connected to the wall. Once you’re done with this, proceed to plug the microwave into the electrical outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How high should a wall-mounted microwave be?
When determining how high your microwave should be if you’re mounting it on the wall, always put safety first. A wall-mounted microwave should not be installed above the user’s shoulder height. This is for both safety and comfort reasons, and for older users, the recommended height should be about six inches below the shoulder height.
2. Can a countertop microwave be mounted in a cabinet?
Although countertop microwaves are primarily built to be positioned on the counter (which is where they got the name in the first place), they can still be placed in a cabinet.
3. How much clearance do you need between the stove and microwave?
According to an article published by Hunker, a microwave shouldn’t be placed higher than 54 inches above the ground level, leaving about 18 inches of space between your stove which typically has a height of about 36 inches, and the microwave, as recommended by The National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should hang your microwave oven to the wall depends on the type of microwave you’re getting. We have discussed the three most common types and we hope you find them helpful when it’s time to choose which microwave would be perfect for your needs and your kitchen too. Mounting a microwave on the wall is not all that difficult as proved by the steps we have outlined above. As long as you have the right tools and materials, well complemented by the weight of your microwave unit, then you should have the perfect installation process. However, in all you do, always put safety first. Do not place the microwave higher than it should be and always ensure that the mounting brackets you’re using, as well as the screws, are well placed.
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