How to Replace an Over-the-Range Microwave

On this page (11 sections)

1. Replace an over the range microwave: measure the opening first
2. Check the vent path before you buy
3. Check the mounting plate and the side gaps
4. Why the wiring and mounting need a qualified installer
5. What the installer will check
6. Photograph the old install before anything comes down
7. Plan the lift and the removal
8. Choose a replacement that matches the opening
9. Recycle the old unit and check for recalls
10. Questions to ask before the installer arrives
11. Plan the replacement in order

Knowing how to replace an over the range microwave comes down to three things that must match: the opening, the vent path and the mounting. Get those right before you order, and the swap comes down to booking the right people.

This guide walks through the checks in order. It stays at planning level, since the wiring and the mounting are work for a licensed electrician or a qualified installer.

Replace an over the range microwave: measure the opening first

Start by writing down the old unit's model number. It's often on a label inside the door frame or on the side of the case.

Then measure the space itself. Record the width of the opening, the height from the cooktop to the cabinet bottom, and the depth from the cabinet front to the wall.

Over the range microwave sizes to compare before you replace it

Standard 30-inch units in our comparisons run about 16 inches tall. Low-profile models run about 10 to 11 inches, so if your opening is short, a slim unit may be the only fit.

The cabinet opening decides the fit more than the old unit's box does. Measure the opening itself, not the old unit.

Read the over-the-range microwave dimensions guide for the full list of measurements.

Check the vent path before you buy

An over-the-range unit either vents air outside through a duct or recirculates it through a filter. The new unit has to match that setup, or a qualified installer has to change it.

Note which setup your kitchen uses and where the duct exits the wall or roof. A recirculating setup uses a charcoal filter, and the GE 1.6 cubic foot unit has a replaceable one.

The venting options guide explains both setups in more detail.

Check the mounting plate and the side gaps

The mounting plate holds the unit to the wall and cabinet. Plates differ by brand and model, so compare the part number on your old plate with the new kit before you order.

If the new unit is narrower than the cabinet opening, gaps show on the sides. A filler kit covers them so the unit looks finished.

Why the wiring and mounting need a qualified installer

A replacement touches three things that shouldn't be guessed at: the power at the outlet, the mount to the wall and cabinet, and the vent path. A licensed electrician should confirm the outlet and the power.

A qualified installer should mount the unit and handle any vent change. The National Electrical Code is the standard most local electrical rules are built on, so a licensed electrician knows what to check.

What the installer will check

A good installer looks at the outlet location, the cabinet and wall for the mount, the vent path and the clearance above the cooktop. Those checks come before the new unit goes up, not after.

Ask for the checks in writing if the job is more than a simple swap. A short written list also helps when you compare quotes from two installers.

Photograph the old install before anything comes down

Take photos of the mounting points, the vent path and the outlet before the old unit comes off the wall. Those pictures help the installer and make the next install faster.

Note how the old unit was held in place, including any screws, brackets and filler pieces. Keep them together in a labeled bag, since the new unit may need the same parts or the same spacing.

Plan the lift and the removal

Over-the-range units are heavy. The 30-inch models we compared weigh from about 40 pounds to about 61 pounds.

Plan for two people on delivery day and a clear floor below the range. The overhead lift belongs to the installer.

Removal is part of the installer's job. Don't start it yourself while the unit is still wired in or vented.

The how to remove an over-the-range microwave guide covers the removal steps at a high level.

Choose a replacement that matches the opening

For a standard kitchen, look first at a same-size 30-inch unit with the same vent setup. The GE 1.6 cubic foot unit is one example, with a 300 CFM fan and a charcoal filter for a recirculating setup.

If your opening is a different size, compare models on the dimensions first and the features second. A unit that fits without gaps is easier to live with than a bigger one that needs an extra kit.

Recycle the old unit and check for recalls

Check your local rules for appliance recycling before you put the old unit out. Many areas handle microwaves through special collection days or drop-off sites, so one call to the city or county can save a trip.

Before you donate or recycle the old model, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission for recall notices on that model number.

Questions to ask before the installer arrives

A short list keeps the visit on track. Write the answers down next to the new model number.

• Is the outlet the right type and in the right place for this unit?
• Does the vent path match the new unit, or does it need a change?
• Which mounting plate and filler parts does the new model need?

Plan the replacement in order

Measure the opening, match the vent and the power, buy the matching unit and parts, then book the installer for the mount and any vent work. Keep the old model number and your measurements in one note, so nothing gets lost between the store and installation day.

Before you shop, read the complete over-the-range microwave guide for the models that fit a standard opening, then the installation planning guide to see what a full install involves. Then compare the GE JVM3160RFSS review for one same-size option, or the over-the-range vs built-in microwave guide if you're still choosing a layout, and the countertop comparison if a countertop model may suit you better.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace an over-the-range microwave myself?

You can measure, plan and order the parts yourself, but the swap itself is a job for a qualified installer. The power, the mounting and any vent change need a licensed electrician or an installer, since the wiring and the weight carry real risk.

What size over-the-range microwave should I buy to replace mine?

Start with the opening, not the old unit. Measure the width, the height from the cooktop to the cabinet and the depth, then compare those numbers with the new model's specs and check your own opening.

Do I need the same vent setup as the old microwave?

Usually yes, or the installer has to change the vent. Note whether your old unit vents outside or recirculates air through a filter, then buy a model and filter that match that setup, and confirm the choice before the new unit arrives.

Why does the mounting plate matter when I replace the unit?

The plate holds the unit to the wall and cabinet, and plates differ by brand and model. Compare the part number on the old plate with the new kit before you order.