Are you bored with struggling to suit your meals in your microwave, or having to crouch all the way down to see inside? Putting in an over-the-range microwave is a good way to liberate counter house and make cooking extra handy. However earlier than you begin, it is essential to be sure you select the best measurement microwave in your wants.
The very first thing to contemplate is the width of your vary. Most over-the-range microwaves are designed to suit customary 30-inch or 36-inch ranges. Nonetheless, if in case you have a wider vary, you will 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 sometimes are available two heights: 17 inches and 20 inches. The 17-inch fashions are extra compact, however they might not have as a lot cooking house because the 20-inch fashions.
As soon as you’ve got thought-about the width and top of your vary, you could take into consideration how a lot cooking house you want. Over-the-range microwaves are available quite a lot 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 sometimes cook dinner. When you’re solely going to make use of your microwave for reheating leftovers and defrosting frozen meals, a smaller mannequin will most likely suffice. Nonetheless, if you happen to plan on utilizing your microwave for cooking total meals, you will want a bigger mannequin with extra cooking house.
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 can be put in and measure the vertical distance to the highest of the cupboard opening. File this because the “Microwave Top” measurement.
2. Measure the Entrance Depth
Measure the gap from the entrance fringe of the cupboard opening to the again wall the place the microwave can be positioned. Be aware that this measurement ought to embrace any trim or molding across the cupboard opening. File this because the “Microwave Entrance Depth” measurement.
3. Measure the Facet Depth
Measure the gap from the within fringe of the cupboard opening to the again wall. This measurement ought to account for any obstructions attributable to the cupboard sides or any current electrical shops. File 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 appropriate 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 precise over-the-range microwave you plan to put in. This data is often discovered on the microwave’s product label or within the person handbook.
2. Examine Present Circuit Capability
Determine the circuit that can be powering the microwave and decide its amperage score. Most house electrical circuits are rated for both 15 amps or 20 amps. Make sure that the circuit capability is enough to deal with {the electrical} load of the microwave.
3. Confirm Grounding
Correct grounding is essential for the secure operation of the microwave. Confirm that {the electrical} outlet or hardwiring connection has a correct grounding wire related to the grounding terminal. If there is no such thing as a 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 House
Earlier than you begin putting in your over-the-range microwave, it is essential to be sure you have the best house for it. Listed below are the steps on methods to put together the set up house:
1. Select the Proper Location
Step one is to decide on the best location in your microwave. It must be positioned over a variety or cooktop, and there must be a minimum of 18 inches of clearance between the highest of the microwave and the underside of any cupboards above it.
2. Make Certain You Have the Proper Electrical Outlet
You will have a 120-volt, 20-amp electrical outlet in 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 getting chosen the situation in your microwave, you could take away any obstructions from the world. This contains eradicating any cupboards or cabinets which are in the best way.
4. Set up the Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is what is going to maintain your microwave in place. It’s sometimes hooked up to the wall behind the microwave. The mounting bracket ought to include directions on methods to set up it.
Listed below are the detailed steps on methods to set up the mounting bracket:
- Measure the gap 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 might be put in. Step one is to find out the right placement of the microwave. The microwave must be positioned so that there’s a minimum of 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 a minimum of 18 inches above the counter prime. This can be sure that the microwave is simple to make use of and that there’s sufficient house for airflow across the unit.
Putting in the Mounting Bracket
The subsequent step is to put in the mounting bracket. This bracket will safe the microwave to the cupboard. The mounting bracket must be put in based on the producer’s directions. The directions will sometimes embrace 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 particular person could also be required that can assist you raise 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. Be sure that the microwave is stage. The microwave might be leveled through the use of a stage or through the use of the adjustable ft on the underside of the microwave.
Connecting the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is safe, the facility twine might be plugged right into a grounded outlet. Make sure that the outlet shouldn’t be overloaded. The microwave also needs to be related 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 related, it’s time to check the unit. Place a cup of water within the microwave and set the microwave to cook dinner on excessive for 1 minute. The water ought to warmth up shortly and the microwave ought to perform correctly. If the microwave doesn’t perform correctly, seek the advice of the producer’s directions.
Non-obligatory Options
Some over-the-range microwaves include optionally available options, corresponding to a built-in exhaust fan or a light-weight. In case your microwave has optionally available options, be sure you learn the producer’s directions earlier than utilizing them. The directions will present data on methods to set up and use the optionally available options.
| Function | 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 heart of the microwave.
4. Set the Microwave Time: Set the microwave to run for a short while, corresponding to 30 seconds or 1 minute.
5. Begin the Take a look at: Press the “Begin” button on the microwave to start heating the water.
6. Look ahead to Boiling: Permit the water to warmth till it begins to boil or visibly bubble.
7. Examine the Boiling Time: Be aware how lengthy it takes for the water to succeed in a boil. This could offer you an approximate thought of the microwave’s energy stage.
8. Observe the Water Stage: After the water has boiled, test if any of it has evaporated. Extreme evaporation might point out an issue with the microwave’s door seal.
9. Study the Microwave’s Inside: Open the microwave door and examine the inside for any injury, corresponding to burns, scratches, or dents. Additionally, test the turntable or carousel to make sure it rotates easily.
If all the pieces goes easily, your microwave has been efficiently put in and is working accurately. When you encounter any points in the course of the check, corresponding to extreme evaporation or poor heating, it is really useful to contact the producer or a professional electrician for additional help.
Tips on how to Set up a Right Dimension Over-the-Vary Microwave
Putting in an over-the-range microwave might be a good way to avoid wasting house and enhance the performance of your kitchen. Nonetheless, it is essential to decide on the right measurement microwave in your house and to put in it correctly. Right here are some things to remember when putting in an over-the-range microwave:
- **Measure the house the place you intend to put in the microwave.** This contains measuring the width, top, and depth of the house. You may additionally have to make it possible for there may be sufficient clearance above the microwave for it to function correctly.
- **Select a microwave that’s the right measurement for the house.** The microwave must be extensive sufficient to suit the house, however not so extensive that it protrudes too removed from the cupboards. It also needs to be excessive sufficient to help you attain the controls simply, however not so excessive that it is tough to make use of.
- **Comply with the producer’s directions for putting in the microwave.** This can sometimes 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 Tips on how to Set up a Right Dimension Over-the-Vary Microwave
How do I do know if my microwave is the right measurement for the house?
To find out in case your microwave is the right measurement for the house, you will have to measure the width, top, and depth of the house the place you intend to put in it. You may additionally have to make it possible for there may be sufficient clearance above the microwave for it to function correctly. The producer’s directions ought to offer you the precise clearance necessities in 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:
- **House saving:** An over-the-range microwave can prevent invaluable counter house.
- **Improved performance:** An over-the-range microwave could make it simpler to cook dinner and reheat meals, as it’s situated proper above the stovetop.
- **Air flow:** Many over-the-range microwaves include built-in air flow techniques 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 can sometimes 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.
