How to change the location of my microwave?
by
Chris
+9
We had our kitchen remodeled about two years ago. We had a microwave/convection oven installed above a smooth top glass range. Because of the regulations of having a set amount of space between the range top and microwave we find it to be too high. How can we move this microwave to another cabinet--maybe a drawer type microwave? Because we've spent a lot of money on the remodel we'd like to do this for as little as possible. Any ideas please? Thank you!
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A picture would help us a lot. Sort of difficult to give an answer without knowing what the kitchen looks like and how it is set up.
If you want a drawer type, you will need to buy a new microwave intended for this purpose.
Can you post a photo?
While I get you want to control costs, it can't hurt to call your contractor back for a quote or some ideas.
The simplest solution is to take down the microwave and sit it on the countertop. There should be two bolts through the cabinet above it that need removed and then it will need lifted off of the plate attaching it to the wall. The wall behind the microwave will need redone as it will have a metal plate/bracket screwed into the studs and your cabinet bottom will have 3 holes. (2 for bolts and a large one for the power cord.) You will also need to add a vent fan over your stove.
or
You could leave the microwave there and use it as a vent fan and storage space. Then you could purchase a drawer microwave and install it without all the costs associated with removing the other one.
I hope that helps
😊
Your contractor who remodeled the kitchen should’ve been aware of this kind of a foobar.
I had an electrician put our microwave above our backless stove.
when he showed us where it was suppose to go......it was too high for us. He installed the microwave where we wanted....
then I just replaced the cupboards above to go perfectly with
the surroundings. We could get away with us because there was no higher back to the stove. I would send a pic but we sold our place 4 months ago. Will try to find one for you!!?
Hers the pic of my lower microwave install
Have you thought of shopping for a small-height microwave, and installing it beneath the cabinets, but still not sitting on the counter? (A friend's kitchen is arranged this way, and it's quite functional). Then you could replace the over-the-stove microwave with a vent hood and exhaust.
Microwaves over the stove are a pet peeve. They make your cooking zone cramped because they are above the stove, and you risk dropping a hot dish onto the stove, often with hot pots on it, which is a real hazard. On a ceramic stovetop, a dropped dish would be a disaster. In addition, older kids can't use it easily, though they may be old enough to know how. You'll be making your kitchen safer!