How To Replace A Built-in Microwave

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Twin Cities Appliance
January 6, 2022
Microwave Repair

To save space in a small kitchen some households have a built-in microwave located above the stove. Just like any other household appliance the microwave will inevitably break down and need to be replaced.

Thankfully, removing an old built-in microwave and installing a new one isn’t a difficult task – most of the time you can do it yourself without needing to call a professional.

In this guide, we give you step-by-step instructions for how to remove the old microwave and install your new one. To make the task easier, it’s a good idea to get a friend or family member to help you as lifting out the old microwave and installing the new one can be quite difficult.

How to remove your old microwave

Removing the old microwave is usually a pretty simple task that just involves removing the mounting brackets and lifting the microwave out of its position. Simply follow the steps below to remove the old appliance quickly and safely.

  1. Start by turning the power off to your microwave. The best way to do this is to turn the circuit breaker off that is responsible for supplying power to your microwave.
  2. Once the power is turned off, unplug the microwave. You may need to pull the stove out slightly to be able to access the power socket depending on where it’s located.
  3. Open the microwave door and remove the turntable and any other loose parts inside. This will ensure they don’t move around while you’re removing the microwave.
  4. Locate the screws that are securing the microwave in its position and remove them. You’ll probably have to remove multiple securing brackets so make sure you work your way around the whole appliance to find them all. To avoid the microwave falling out of its position, it’s a good idea to get a friend or family member to hold the microwave while you’re removing the brackets.
  5. Once all of the securing brackets are removed, lift the microwave out of its position and set it aside. Make sure that the microwave cord doesn’t get stuck when moving the microwave.

How to install your new microwave

Now that the old built-in microwave has been successfully removed, the next step is to install your new appliance. Simply follow these steps and you’ll have your new microwave installed in no time.

  1. The first step is to make sure there are charcoal filters in the hood louver. These are there so you don’t need a duct. If the charcoal filters are there you can proceed to install your new microwave.
  2. Next, get a friend or family member to lift the microwave close to the mounting plate and thread the power cord through the hole in the cabinet if you have one. If not, thread it to the power socket and then plug it in. Don’t turn the power on at the circuit breaker yet.
  3. Once the microwave is plugged in, place it onto the mounting plate in its correct position. Be careful that the power cord doesn’t get pressed up against the wall as this can cause it to become defective over time.
  4. Now that the microwave is in the correct position, you can install all the mounting brackets that hold it in place. Hopefully, the brackets fit your new microwave so it’s just a case of putting them in place and securing them with the screws. If the old brackets don’t fit, you’ll need to install new ones.
  5. Once the microwave is in place, you can now put the turntable and other components inside.
  6. After everything is in place and all set up, you can turn the microwave power on at the circuit breaker. Once the power is on, check that your microwave is working.
  7. You can now test that your new microwave works. If so – you’re good to go.

What to do with your old microwave

Now that your new microwave is installed you’re probably wondering what to do with the old one. Here are a few options:

  • Check if your regular garbage collection service has an e-waste drop-off location you can take it to.
  • Check if the manufacturer has a take-back program for e-waste. Sometimes manufacturers take old appliances and dispose of them for you.
  • Check if any local big-box retailers have an e-waste service. Sometimes they provide drop-off boxes for old appliances that they then dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner.
  • If your microwave can be repaired, check if any local appliance repair shops are willing to take it.
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