Can Microwaves Be Mounted? (Everything You Need to Know!)

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So, you’re thinking about purchasing a microwave oven?

Maybe you can mount it on your wall. Maybe to make room for more counter space in your kitchen. Either way, here are some things you might want to consider before making the purchase.

How to mount a microwave under the cabinets

There are a few things to consider when mounting a microwave under the cabinets. The first is the size and weight of the microwave. The second is the type of cabinet you have. And the third is the space you have available.

When it comes to size, most microwaves are too large to fit under standard kitchen cabinets. If you have a small kitchen, or if your cabinets are lower than average, you may be able to get away with a smaller microwave. But for the most part, you’ll need to find a way to mount your microwave on the wall or a shelf.

There are two main types of cabinets: those with solid doors and those with glass doors. If you have solid doors, you’ll need to use screws and brackets to mount the microwave. If you have glass doors, you can use suction cups or adhesive strips.

The space you have available will also dictate how you can mount your microwave. If you have a lot of space, you can simply place the microwave on a shelf. But if you’re tight on space, you may need to get creative and mount the microwave on the wall or under the cabinets.

Here are step-by-step instructions for mounting a microwave under the cabinets:

Measure the width of the microwave and the height from the top of the microwave to the bottom of the cabinet.
Cut a piece of plywood to fit the space. The plywood should be at least 1/2 inch thick.
Attach the plywood to the bottom of the cabinet using screws or nails. Make sure the screws are long enough to go through the plywood and into the cabinet.
Place the microwave on the plywood and mark where the holes need to be drilled for the mounting screws.
Drill the holes and screw the microwave into place.
Attach the power cord to the outlet and plug in the microwave.

The benefits of microwaves mounted under cabinets

There are many benefits to mounting a microwave under the cabinets.

One advantage is that you don’t have to worry about the heat from the microwave heating up your kitchen since the microwave is already high up and the air will rise with the heat.

The microwave will also be able to keep itself cool by venting air through the vents on the backside of the unit. If you create a hole underneath the cabinet, then the heated air will end up inside the cabinet, away from the kitchen. This means that you won’t experience the smell of food all over your house as much.

One of the most obvious benefits is that it saves space. You can fit more items in your kitchen because now there’s much more room for things like coffee makers, air fryers, and electric kettles.

It is also a great alternative for those who have back problems and find it difficult to bend down to microwave their food. This works well for people who are tall and have to bend over to put things in and pull things out of the microwave.

Finally, it looks neater and more organized.

It keeps the counter-tops clear and makes it easier to use the oven when it is mounted in that location. In all honesty, walking into a messy kitchen gives me anxiety, and having counter space that’s clear and clean can help alleviate those feelings.

Do microwaves come with mounting brackets?

Most microwaves do not come with mounting brackets. However, there are a few models that do come with brackets included. If your microwave did not come with brackets, you can purchase them separately. You’ll need to know the make and model of your microwave so you can buy the correct size and type of bracket.

There are many types of brackets available for microwaves, including wall-mounted, under-cabinet, and over-the-range models. Wall-mounted brackets are the most popular type, as they allow you to place your microwave out of the way and free up counter space. Under-cabinet brackets are also popular, as they allow you to keep your microwave off the counter and out of the way. Over-the-range brackets are less common, but they can be a good option if you have limited counter space. Whichever type of bracket you choose, make sure it is rated to support the weight of your particular microwave.

Can you mount a microwave on drywall?

Installing a microwave on drywall is a popular option for many people. If you don’t have the option of installing your microwave behind a cabinet, this is a great way to go.

The mounting kit that you have chosen for your microwave should include a metal bracket. The place for this bracket is directly below the piece of wood that you placed in the step prior. You can use a stud finder to locate the wooden beams behind the drywall. Drill into these beams when setting up your mount. Make sure that the screw holes on the mounting plate line up with the marks you made for the studs.

If you drill into the drywall alone, it may not be strong enough to hold the microwave up. Mounting the brackets into a stud is the best way to provide more stability.

How do you mount a microwave on a tile wall?

You will need to purchase special mounting brackets that are made for attaching a microwave to a tile wall. The brackets will have screws that will go through the tile and into the wall studs. You will need to drill holes in the tile for the screws. It’s best to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screws so the tile doesn’t crack. Detailed below are step-by-step instructions.

Find the studs in your tile wall using a stud finder. Mark the position of the studs with a pencil.
Drill pilot holes into the tile at the marked stud locations.
Affix wall brackets to the tile at the pilot holes using screws (length will depend on the thickness of the tile).
Hang the microwave on the wall brackets. Use the screws that come with the microwave to secure it in place.
Reconnect the power cord to the outlet and test the microwave to make sure it works.

Does a microwave need to be vented?

A microwave oven needs proper clearance and ventilation to operate efficiently and safely. The minimum clearance requirements and ventilation needs will be specified in the device’s manual. Failing to provide adequate clearance or ventilation can lead to an unpleasant smell inside the oven, heat-trapping, appliance failure, or even needing repair. So, make sure you give your microwave the space it needs!

A microwave oven needs to be vented to release the hot air it produces. If this is not done, the oven can overheat and cause a fire. The vents should be directed out of the house so that the heat does not build up in the surrounding area.

The microwave can also overheat and potentially become damaged. There are a few ways to ventilate a microwave, including leaving the door open, creating holes in the cabinet above it, installing a ventilation hood, or using a microwave exhaust fan.

Can you install a microwave without a vent?

It is not recommended to install a microwave without a vent. Microwaves produce heat and moisture when in use. If there is no way for the heat and moisture to escape, it can damage the cabinets and cause mold to grow.

Can I use the old mounting plate for a new microwave?

It is not recommended to use the old mounting plate for a new microwave. The old plate may not be compatible with the new microwave. Additionally, the old plate may not fit properly or may be damaged.

Can I put a microwave on a shelf?

A shelf can be a great option for microwaves if there is not enough space to place them on the counter top or mount them underneath a cabinet. Make sure you choose a shelf that is wide enough and sturdy enough to support the weight and size of your microwave before installing it.

When installing your microwave, check that the shelf it’s standing on isn’t bending severely and that the supports are secure. Adding extra supports to ensure that the shelf is sturdy is a good idea if you are making your microwave stand on its own. I also recommend that if it’s a floating shelf, then you should put a few extra floating shelf brackets under the board to make sure it doesn’t bend downward.

Can you install an over-the-range microwave without a back wall?

It is not recommended to install an over-the-range microwave without a back wall. The back wall helps support the weight of the microwave and keeps it from tipping forward. Additionally, the back wall helps protect the cabinets from heat and moisture.

That being said, that doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t be done. Linked here is an article explaining how it can be done, if you should so feel inclined.

Can you mount a microwave without a cabinet above?

Yes, you can mount a microwave without a cabinet above it. You will need to use the mounting bracket to attach it to the wall. The bracket is made of strong metal and comes with installation instructions. Some microwaves will come with these wall mounting brackets, but sometimes, you’ll have to purchase them separately.

You can also consider building a floating shelf on your kitchen wall that can be used to support your microwave. Just make sure you find float supports that are strong enough to hold your microwave’s weight.

Without a cabinet above, you don’t really have to worry about ventilation.

How do you remove a microwave from a wall bracket?

To remove a microwave from a wall bracket, you will need to unscrew the mounting screws. Once the screws are removed, you can lift the microwave off of the bracket. If any adhesive strips or suction cups are holding the microwave in place, you will need to remove those as well.

Things you must consider when mounting a microwave

When you are mounting a microwave, there are a few things you must take into consideration.

The most important factor is the space that the microwave will occupy. It needs at least a 12 inch to 20 inch clearance on all sides. The back can have about 6 inches of clearance so long as the front and sides get an abundance of space. This means that you need to choose a location that has enough space for the microwave to float comfortably.

With that being said, look around your microwave for any vents that might be visible. You don’t want to unintentionally cover these holes up or install them facing too close to the walls.

You also need to keep in mind that you might want to leave enough space for the microwave door to freely open all the way out. It may be bothersome if you suddenly realize that something is blocking the door from fully opening up a full 180 degrees due to something being in the way.

You should also think about the style of your kitchen and how the microwave will look in it. Some microwaves come with their own specific mounting kits, but they can also be purchased separately. Make sure to choose a kit that is compatible with your microwave model.

When mounting a microwave, there are a few things you must take into consideration. The standard dimensions for a regular-sized microwave are height of 20–30 inches, width of 20–30 inches, and depth of 15–18 inches. You must also make sure that the microwave can be properly vented to avoid fires or other hazards.

Each microwave is different, so make sure to read the dimensions carefully before making your purchase decision. Also, keep in mind where you want to mount the oven. Is it higher or lower? Further to the left or right?

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