What You Need to Do Before You Start

Replacing a microwave above your stove is a job you can do yourself if you have basic tools and are comfortable working at height. The hardest part is usually getting the old unit down safely—microwaves are heavy, and they're mounted in a tight space. You'll need a helper, a stud finder, a drill, a level, and the mounting hardware that comes with your new microwave. Before you touch anything, turn off the power at your circuit breaker and unplug the unit from the outlet.

Read your new microwave's installation manual before you buy it. Some models need more clearance above them than others, and some require a vent duct that runs to the outside of your house. If your old microwave vented through the wall and your new one doesn't, or vice versa, you may need to hire an HVAC technician to reroute or cap off the ductwork. This can add several hundred dollars to the job, so check the specs now.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn off power at the circuit breaker and unplug the microwave before you remove anything, even if you think the outlet is already off.
  • You will need a helper to support the old microwave while you unscrew the mounting bracket—trying to hold it alone risks dropping it on your stove or yourself.
  • The mounting bracket bolts to the wall studs, not to drywall, so use a stud finder to locate them and drill pilot holes before you install the new bracket.
  • Most over-the-stove microwaves need 13 to 16 inches of clearance above the cooktop, so measure your space before you order a replacement.
  • If your old microwave vented outside and your new one recirculates air (or the reverse), you will need to modify the ductwork or hire someone to do it.

Removing the Old Microwave Safely

Start by removing the filter and any removable parts from inside the microwave. Open the door and look for screws that hold the trim ring (the frame around the microwave) to the unit itself. Remove those screws and set them aside. Next, look underneath the microwave for the mounting bracket—it's usually a metal frame bolted to the wall studs above your stove.

Have your helper stand on a sturdy step stool on one side of the microwave while you stand on the other. Locate the bolts that hold the mounting bracket to the wall and loosen them with a wrench or socket. Do not remove them completely yet. Once all bolts are loose, remove them one at a time while your helper supports the weight of the microwave. Lower it slowly and carefully onto the stovetop (make sure the stove is off and cool). Disconnect the power cord and any ductwork attached to the back.

Preparing the Space and Installing the New Bracket

Before you install the new bracket, check that the wall studs are still in good condition and that the space is level. Use a level to check both the top and bottom of where the bracket will sit. If the wall is not level, shim the bracket with metal shims until it is. This matters because a crooked microwave will look wrong and may not close properly.

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs in the space where your new bracket will go. Mark the center of each stud with a pencil. Drill pilot holes through the mounting bracket into the studs—pilot holes are smaller than the bolts and keep the wood from splitting. Insert the bolts through the bracket into the studs and tighten them firmly with a wrench. Do not overtighten, or you may strip the threads. The bracket should not move when you push on it.

Connecting Power and Ductwork

Before you lift the new microwave into place, check that the outlet above your stove is still live. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the outlet with a lamp or phone charger. If it doesn't work, turn the breaker off again and call an electrician—do not proceed until you have power. Once you confirm the outlet works, turn the breaker off again.

Examine the ductwork on the back of the new microwave. If it's a vented model, it will have a duct collar that connects to the ductwork in your wall. If it's a recirculating model, it will have a charcoal filter instead. If your old microwave was vented and your new one recirculates, you'll need to cap off the duct in the wall or have an HVAC technician seal it. If your old microwave recirculated and your new one vents, you'll need to run new ductwork to the outside—this is a job for a professional unless you have experience with HVAC work.

Lifting and Securing the New Microwave

Have your helper support the new microwave from below while you guide it onto the mounting bracket. Align the screw holes on the trim ring with the holes on the bracket. Insert the bolts and tighten them by hand first, then use a wrench to snug them down. Again, do not overtighten. The microwave should sit flush against the wall with no gaps.

Plug the power cord into the outlet. If the outlet is behind the microwave, you may need to run the cord through a hole in the back of the cabinet or along the side. Do not pinch or crimp the cord. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the microwave by running it on high for 30 seconds with nothing inside. If it runs without sparking or smoking, you're done with the electrical part.

Checking Clearance and Finishing

Measure the distance from the top of your cooktop to the bottom of the microwave. Most building codes require at least 13 inches of clearance, though some manufacturers recommend 16 inches. If your clearance is less than 13 inches, the microwave is too low and may be damaged by heat from the stove. You'll need to raise the bracket and remount it higher on the wall.

Check that the microwave door opens and closes smoothly and that it doesn't hit the countertop or cabinets on either side. Open the door fully and make sure nothing blocks it. If the door hits something, you may need to adjust the bracket slightly or choose a narrower microwave model. Once everything clears and the microwave runs, reinstall the filter and any trim pieces you removed at the start.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is mounting the bracket to drywall instead of studs. Drywall anchors are not strong enough to hold a microwave, which can weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Always use a stud finder and bolt directly into the wood studs. Another mistake is not measuring clearance before you buy the new microwave. If your space is tight, a larger model may not fit, even if it's the same size as your old one.

A third mistake is forgetting to turn off the power before you start. Even if the microwave is unplugged, the outlet may still be live, and you could get shocked. Always turn off the circuit breaker and test the outlet with a lamp to confirm it's off. Finally, do not try to remove the old microwave alone. It's heavy, it's in a tight space, and dropping it can cause serious injury or damage to your stove. Always have a helper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a microwave above my stove if I don't have a stud finder?

You can locate studs by tapping along the wall and listening for a solid sound instead of a hollow one, but a stud finder is more reliable and costs about $15 to $30. If you don't have one, borrow or rent one from a hardware store. Do not mount the bracket to drywall alone—it will fail.

What if the new microwave is wider than the old one?

Measure the width of your cabinet opening before you order a replacement. If the new microwave is wider, it may not fit between the cabinets on either side. You may need to choose a narrower model or have a carpenter adjust the cabinet opening, which is expensive. Always check dimensions before you buy.

Do I need to hire someone to install the new microwave?

If you're comfortable using basic tools and working at height, you can do it yourself. If you need to modify ductwork or run new electrical circuits, hire a professional for those parts. Many appliance stores offer installation for a fee, usually $100 to $300, which may be worth it if you're unsure.

What should I do with the old microwave?

Many appliance stores will haul away your old microwave when they deliver the new one, sometimes for a fee. You can also contact your local waste management to learn about they accept microwaves at the landfill or if there's a recycling program. Do not throw it in the trash—microwaves contain materials that should be recycled.

How long does the whole job take?

Removing the old microwave usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Installing the new one takes another 45 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you need to modify ductwork. If everything goes smoothly and you don't run into surprises, plan on two to three hours total.