Are you uninterested in struggling to suit your meals in your microwave, or having to crouch right down to see inside? Putting in an over-the-range microwave is an effective way to unlock counter area and make cooking extra handy. However earlier than you begin, it is essential to ensure you select the suitable measurement microwave to your wants.
The very first thing to contemplate is the width of your vary. Most over-the-range microwaves are designed to suit normal 30-inch or 36-inch ranges. Nevertheless, if in case you have a wider vary, you may want to decide on a microwave that’s particularly designed for that measurement. The peak of your vary can be essential. Over-the-range microwaves usually are available two heights: 17 inches and 20 inches. The 17-inch fashions are extra compact, however they could not have as a lot cooking area because the 20-inch fashions.
As soon as you’ve got thought of the width and top of your vary, it’s good to take into consideration how a lot cooking area you want. Over-the-range microwaves are available a wide range of sizes, from 1.0 cubic ft to 2.2 cubic ft. The scale you select will rely upon how typically you utilize your microwave and the way a lot meals you usually prepare dinner. If you happen to’re solely going to make use of your microwave for reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen meals, a smaller mannequin will most likely suffice. Nevertheless, when you plan on utilizing your microwave for cooking complete meals, you may want a bigger mannequin with extra cooking area.
Measuring for the Cupboard Opening
Getting ready for Measurements
Earlier than starting measurements, guarantee your kitchen cupboards have been put in and leveled, and the countertop is in place. Moreover, take away any current microwave or home equipment which will impede measurements.
Measuring the Top and Depth
1. Measure the Top
Find the underside of the cupboard the place the microwave shall be put in and measure the vertical distance to the highest of the cupboard opening. Document this because the “Microwave Top” measurement.
2. Measure the Entrance Depth
Measure the space from the entrance fringe of the cupboard opening to the again wall the place the microwave shall be positioned. Notice that this measurement ought to embody any trim or molding across the cupboard opening. Document this because the “Microwave Entrance Depth” measurement.
3. Measure the Facet Depth
Measure the space from the within fringe of the cupboard opening to the again wall. This measurement ought to account for any obstructions brought on by the cupboard sides or any current electrical shops. Document this because the “Microwave Facet Depth” measurement.
4. Create a Measurement Desk
Summarize your measurements in a desk as follows:
| Measurement | Worth |
|---|---|
| Microwave Top | [Height measurement] |
| Microwave Entrance Depth | [Front depth measurement] |
| Microwave Facet Depth | [Side depth measurement] |
Verifying Electrical Necessities
Previous to commencing the set up course of, it’s crucial to make sure {the electrical} necessities for the over-the-range microwave are suitable with the prevailing electrical system in your kitchen.
Listed below are the important thing steps concerned in verifying electrical necessities:
1. Decide Electrical Load
Decide {the electrical} load (in amps) required by the particular over-the-range microwave you propose to put in. This info is often discovered on the microwave’s product label or within the consumer handbook.
2. Test Current Circuit Capability
Determine the circuit that shall be powering the microwave and decide its amperage ranking. Most house electrical circuits are rated for both 15 amps or 20 amps. Be sure that the circuit capability is adequate to deal with {the electrical} load of the microwave.
3. Confirm Grounding
Correct grounding is essential for the protected operation of the microwave. Confirm that {the electrical} outlet or hardwiring connection has a correct grounding wire linked to the grounding terminal. If there isn’t any grounding wire, seek the advice of a professional electrician to have the outlet or wiring corrected.
| Electrical Load (Amps) | Circuit Capability (Amps) |
|---|---|
| 10.0 | 15 |
| 12.0 | 15 |
| 15.0 | 20 |
Getting ready the Set up Area
Earlier than you begin putting in your over-the-range microwave, it is essential to ensure you have the suitable area for it. Listed below are the steps on the right way to put together the set up area:
1. Select the Proper Location
Step one is to decide on the suitable location to your microwave. It must be positioned over a spread or cooktop, and there must be at the very least 18 inches of clearance between the highest of the microwave and the underside of any cupboards above it.
2. Make Positive You Have the Proper Electrical Outlet
You will have a 120-volt, 20-amp electrical outlet to your microwave. The outlet must be situated behind the microwave, and it must be inside attain of the microwave’s energy twine.
3. Take away Any Obstructions
After you have chosen the situation to your microwave, it’s good to take away any obstructions from the world. This consists of eradicating any cupboards or cabinets which are in the way in which.
4. Set up the Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is what’s going to maintain your microwave in place. It’s usually connected to the wall behind the microwave. The mounting bracket ought to include directions on the right way to set up it.
Listed below are the detailed steps on the right way to set up the mounting bracket:
- Measure the space between the highest of the microwave and the underside of the cupboards above it. Subtract 18 inches from this measurement.
- Mark the situation of the mounting bracket on the wall. The bracket must be centered over the vary or cooktop.
- Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. The screws must be spaced 16 inches aside.
- Screw the mounting bracket into the wall.
Securing the Microwave
As soon as the cupboard work is full, the microwave may be put in. Step one is to find out the right placement of the microwave. The microwave must be positioned so that there’s at the very least 1 inch of clearance on all sides of the unit. The microwave also needs to be positioned in order that the underside of the unit is at the very least 18 inches above the counter prime. This may make sure that the microwave is straightforward to make use of and that there’s sufficient area for airflow across the unit.
Putting in the Mounting Bracket
The following step is to put in the mounting bracket. This bracket will safe the microwave to the cupboard. The mounting bracket must be put in in response to the producer’s directions. The directions will usually embody a template that can be utilized to help with marking the situation of the mounting holes.
Hanging the Microwave
With the mounting bracket put in, the microwave can now be held on the bracket. A second individual could also be required that can assist you elevate the microwave into place. As soon as the microwave is in place, it must be secured to the bracket utilizing the screws supplied by the producer. Guarantee that the microwave is degree. The microwave may be leveled by utilizing a degree or by utilizing the adjustable ft on the underside of the microwave.
Connecting the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is safe, the facility twine may be plugged right into a grounded outlet. Be sure that the outlet is just not overloaded. The microwave also needs to be linked to an exhaust duct. The exhaust duct will take away the cooking fumes from the microwave.
Testing the Microwave
With the microwave put in and linked, it’s time to check the unit. Place a cup of water within the microwave and set the microwave to prepare dinner on excessive for 1 minute. The water ought to warmth up shortly and the microwave ought to operate correctly. If the microwave doesn’t operate correctly, seek the advice of the producer’s directions.
Elective Options
Some over-the-range microwaves include non-compulsory options, reminiscent of a built-in exhaust fan or a light-weight. In case your microwave has non-compulsory options, make sure you learn the producer’s directions earlier than utilizing them. The directions will present info on the right way to set up and use the non-compulsory options.
| Characteristic | Perform |
|---|---|
| Exhaust fan | Removes cooking fumes from the kitchen |
| Gentle | Illuminates the cooktop beneath the microwave |
Testing the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is put in, it is essential to check it to make sure it is functioning accurately. Here is an in depth information that can assist you conduct a radical check:
1. Plug within the Microwave: Join the microwave to an influence outlet and guarantee it is turned on.
2. Fill a Glass Container with Water: Get a glass bowl or measuring cup and fill it with about 1 cup of water.
3. Place the Container within the Microwave: Place the glass container within the middle of the microwave.
4. Set the Microwave Time: Set the microwave to run for a short while, reminiscent of 30 seconds or 1 minute.
5. Begin the Check: Press the “Begin” button on the microwave to start heating the water.
6. Anticipate Boiling: Permit the water to warmth till it begins to boil or visibly bubble.
7. Test the Boiling Time: Notice how lengthy it takes for the water to succeed in a boil. This could offer you an approximate thought of the microwave’s energy degree.
8. Observe the Water Degree: After the water has boiled, verify if any of it has evaporated. Extreme evaporation could point out an issue with the microwave’s door seal.
9. Look at the Microwave’s Inside: Open the microwave door and examine the inside for any injury, reminiscent of burns, scratches, or dents. Additionally, verify the turntable or carousel to make sure it rotates easily.
If every little thing goes easily, your microwave has been efficiently put in and is working accurately. If you happen to encounter any points throughout the check, reminiscent of extreme evaporation or poor heating, it is advisable to contact the producer or a professional electrician for additional help.
The best way to Set up a Right Measurement Over-the-Vary Microwave
Putting in an over-the-range microwave may be an effective way to save lots of area and enhance the performance of your kitchen. Nevertheless, it is essential to decide on the right measurement microwave to your area and to put in it correctly. Right here are some things to bear in mind when putting in an over-the-range microwave:
- **Measure the area the place you propose to put in the microwave.** This consists of measuring the width, top, and depth of the area. You will additionally must guarantee that there may be sufficient clearance above the microwave for it to function correctly.
- **Select a microwave that’s the right measurement for the area.** The microwave must be large sufficient to suit the area, however not so large that it protrudes too removed from the cupboards. It also needs to be excessive sufficient to let you attain the controls simply, however not so excessive that it is troublesome to make use of.
- **Observe the producer’s directions for putting in the microwave.** This may usually contain mounting the microwave to the wall and connecting it to {the electrical} outlet. Make sure to comply with the entire directions rigorously to make sure that the microwave is put in correctly.
Folks Additionally Ask About The best way to Set up a Right Measurement Over-the-Vary Microwave
How do I do know if my microwave is the right measurement for the area?
To find out in case your microwave is the right measurement for the area, you may must measure the width, top, and depth of the area the place you propose to put in it. You will additionally must guarantee that there may be sufficient clearance above the microwave for it to function correctly. The producer’s directions ought to offer you the particular clearance necessities to your mannequin.
What are the advantages of putting in an over-the-range microwave?
There are a number of advantages to putting in an over-the-range microwave, together with:
- **Area saving:** An over-the-range microwave can prevent helpful counter area.
- **Improved performance:** An over-the-range microwave could make it simpler to prepare dinner and reheat meals, as it’s situated proper above the stovetop.
- **Air flow:** Many over-the-range microwaves include built-in air flow methods that may assist to take away smoke and odors from the kitchen.
How do I set up an over-the-range microwave?
To put in an over-the-range microwave, you will have to comply with the producer’s directions rigorously. This may usually contain mounting the microwave to the wall and connecting it to {the electrical} outlet. Make sure to comply with the entire directions rigorously to make sure that the microwave is put in correctly.
