Maximize your kitchen area and improve its performance by studying how you can hold a microwave below a cupboard. This good answer is right for small kitchens or these with restricted countertop area. Nonetheless, earlier than embarking on this mission, it’s essential to evaluate the suitability of your cupboard and microwave to make sure a protected and profitable set up.
Step one is to find out the compatibility of your cupboard. Be sure that the cupboard is securely hooked up to the wall and its backside floor is flat and durable sufficient to help the load of the microwave. Moreover, confirm that the cupboard is positioned excessive sufficient to offer ample clearance for the microwave’s door and air flow.
Subsequent, you will have to mount the supplied bracket or template to the underside of the cupboard, aligning it with the middle of the equipment. Use a degree to make sure the bracket is completely horizontal, as any misalignment may jeopardize the soundness of the microwave. As soon as the bracket is securely fixed, you possibly can proceed to hold the microwave. Fastidiously carry the equipment and align it with the bracket. Gently slide it into place, guaranteeing it’s firmly seated and securely held. Keep in mind to attach the microwave to the ability outlet and benefit from the comfort of your newly elevated equipment.
Choosing the Proper Microwave
Selecting the perfect microwave in your under-cabinet set up requires cautious consideration of a number of key elements:
1. Wattage and Energy
Wattage instantly influences the ability of the microwave. Greater wattage signifies quicker cooking and reheating occasions. For typical family wants, a microwave with 1000 to 1200 watts of energy is ample. Nonetheless, take into account a better wattage (1500 to 1800 watts) if you happen to plan on utilizing the microwave for heavy-duty duties, comparable to defrosting massive objects or cooking a number of dishes concurrently.
To find out the suitable wattage in your wants, take into account the next desk:
| Wattage | Advisable Use |
|---|---|
| 700 – 1000 watts | Mild heating and reheating |
| 1000 – 1200 watts | Common family use |
| 1300 – 1500 watts | Heavy-duty use, massive households |
| 1500+ watts | Skilled-grade, business use |
2. Inside Capability
The inside capability determines the amount of meals you possibly can prepare dinner or reheat without delay. Measure the peak and depth of the out there area below your cupboard to make sure the microwave will match comfortably. Commonplace sizes vary from 0.5 to 1.5 cubic ft. Think about the next tips:
- 0.5 – 0.9 cubic ft: Appropriate for small households or restricted counter area
- 1.0 – 1.3 cubic ft: Preferrred for many family wants and households
- 1.4 – 1.5 cubic ft: Accommodates massive cookware and a number of dishes
3. Options and Equipment
Think about further options and equipment that improve comfort and flexibility:
- Sensor cooking: Routinely adjusts cooking time and temp based mostly on meals kind and amount
- Convection cooking: Circulates scorching air for even browning and crispy outcomes
- Turntable: Rotates meals throughout cooking for uniform heating
- Youngster lock: Prevents unintended activation by kids
Gathering Obligatory Instruments and Supplies
Instruments:
– Measuring tape
– Pencil
– Stud finder
– Degree
– Drill
– Screwdriver
– Socket wrench (elective)
Supplies:
– Microwave mounting bracket
– Microwave shelf or cupboard
– Wooden screws
– Lag bolts
– Washers (elective)
– Toggle bolts (for drywall purposes)
– Drywall anchors (for drywall purposes)
Detailed Information for Choosing Microwave Shelf or Cupboard:
The kind of microwave shelf or cupboard you want depends upon the dimensions of your microwave and the out there area below your cupboard. Think about the next elements when deciding on:
| Microwave Measurement | Cupboard or Shelf Necessities |
|---|---|
| Small (0.7-1.1 cubic ft) | Shelf or cupboard that accommodates the microwave’s base dimension |
| Medium (1.2-1.7 cubic ft) | Shelf or cupboard with prolonged depth to help the microwave’s bigger dimension |
| Massive (1.8 cubic ft or extra) | Full-sized cupboard or a heavy-duty shelf with a bolstered base |
Be sure that the cupboard or shelf has sufficient clearance across the microwave to permit for correct air flow and entry to the controls. Moreover, test that the cupboard or shelf is robust sufficient to help the load of the microwave.
Making ready the Below-Cupboard Space
Previous to mounting the microwave, it’s essential to organize the under-cabinet space to make sure a safe and environment friendly set up. Listed here are detailed steps to information you thru this course of:
1. Decide the Set up Location
Establish the perfect location below the cupboard that meets the next necessities:
2. Take away Obstructions
Take away any obstructions that will hinder the microwave’s set up, comparable to brackets, screws, wires, or pipes.
3. Strengthen the Cabinetry
If the cupboard shouldn’t be sturdy sufficient to help the load of the microwave, further reinforcement is important. Listed here are choices to think about:
a) Set up Help Brackets
Set up L-shaped help brackets inside the cupboard to offer further help. Be sure that the brackets are securely hooked up to the studs or framing of the cupboard.
b) Reinforce the Cupboard Backside
If the cupboard backside is skinny or flimsy, add a chunk of ¾-inch plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to strengthen it. This may stop the cupboard from sagging or collapsing below the microwave’s weight.
c) Use a Mounting Plate
Set up a mounting plate, sometimes manufactured from steel or wooden, between the cupboard and the microwave. This gives a steady and safe mounting floor, particularly for heavier microwaves.
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Help Brackets: L-shaped, put in inside the cupboard, hooked up to studs or framing. |
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Strengthened Cupboard Backside: ¾-inch plywood or MDF added to the cupboard backside to reinforce energy. |
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Mounting Plate: Metallic or wooden plate put in between the cupboard and the microwave for stability. |
Mounting the Microwave Bracket
The microwave bracket is probably the most vital element for hanging your microwave below the cupboard. It should be securely hooked up to each the cupboard and the microwave to forestall the microwave from falling. Listed here are the steps for mounting the microwave bracket:
- Find the studs within the wall. Studs are vertical helps that run behind the drywall. They supply the strongest help for the microwave bracket.
- Mark the situation of the studs on the wall. You need to use a stud finder to search out the studs or you possibly can merely faucet on the wall till you hear a stable sound as a substitute of a hole sound.
- Maintain the microwave bracket as much as the wall and align it with the studs. Be sure that the bracket is degree.
- Drill pilot holes via the bracket and into the studs. Use a drill bit that’s barely smaller than the screws that you may be utilizing to connect the bracket.
- Screw the bracket into the studs. Use screws which can be lengthy sufficient to penetrate the studs by no less than 1 inch.
Putting in the Mounting Body
As soon as the microwave bracket is put in, you possibly can set up the mounting body. The mounting body is a steel body that attaches to the microwave bracket and gives a help for the microwave.
- Connect the mounting body to the microwave bracket. The mounting body will sometimes connect to the bracket with screws or bolts.
- Carry the microwave onto the mounting body. Be sure that the microwave is degree and that it’s securely hooked up to the mounting body.
- Tighten the screws or bolts that connect the microwave to the mounting body.
Accessing the Plug
Earlier than you should use the microwave, you have to plug it into an influence outlet. Most microwaves have a twine that’s lengthy sufficient to succeed in an outlet beneath the cupboard. Nonetheless, in case your microwave’s twine shouldn’t be lengthy sufficient, you will have to put in an extension twine.
To put in an extension twine, observe these steps:
- Buy an extension twine that’s rated for the wattage of your microwave.
- Plug the extension twine into an outlet.
- Plug the microwave into the extension twine.
| Microwave Mannequin | Energy Wattage |
|---|---|
| Panasonic NN-SN651B | 1250W |
| LG LMV2031ST | 1100W |
| Samsung ME18H3115FS | 1000W |
Putting in the Microwave
1. Select the Proper Location
Earlier than you begin, choose the appropriate spot to put your microwave. Guarantee it is at a cushty top to be used and take into account the dimensions and form of the equipment. Correct air flow is essential, so permit sufficient area across the microwave.
2. Mark the Mounting Holes
Use a degree to find out the exact location of the mounting holes. Mark these spots on the underside of the cupboard. Drill pilot holes to information the screws later.
3. Connect the Mounting Bracket
Place the mounting bracket over the pilot holes and safe it with the supplied screws. Make sure the bracket is degree and firmly hooked up.
4. Set up the Template
Align the template supplied with the equipment over the mounting bracket. Mark the screw positions on the bracket utilizing the template as a information.
5. Cling the Microwave
Fastidiously carry the microwave and align it with the markings on the bracket. Insert the screws into the holes and tighten them progressively to safe the equipment. Sometimes, 4 screws will maintain the microwave in place. Guarantee they’re equally tightened to distribute the load evenly.
6. Join the Electrical Outlet
Plug the microwave’s energy twine into a close-by grounded outlet. Confirm that the outlet is supplying ample energy and that {the electrical} connections are safe.
7. Check the Microwave
Activate the microwave and carry out a brief take a look at run to make sure correct performance. Warmth a cup of water for 30-60 seconds and test if it operates appropriately.
Securing the Microwave
6. Mounting Plate Set up
As soon as the microwave is secured to the mounting bracket, it is time to set up the mounting plate inside the cupboard. Observe these steps to make sure correct set up:
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Maintain the Mounting Plate in Place: Take the mounting plate and place it inside the cupboard the place the microwave will likely be situated. Guarantee it is centered and aligned with the mounting bracket.
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Mark Screw Positions: Use a pencil to mark the positions the place the screws will likely be pushed into the cupboard.
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Drill Pilot Holes: Utilizing a drill, create small pilot holes at every marked location. This may make sure the screws go in straight with out inflicting harm.
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Drive Screws: Take the screws included within the mounting equipment and drive them into the pilot holes. Tighten them securely, however keep away from overtightening.
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Examine Alignment: As soon as the screws are in place, test if the mounting plate is degree and aligned with the mounting bracket. Alter as crucial.
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Check Help: Fastidiously carry the microwave and place it onto the mounting plate. The microwave must be firmly supported and mustn’t wobble or transfer excessively.
| Device | Required |
|---|---|
| Electrical Drill | Sure |
| Drill Bit (Measurement: 1/8 inch or as really useful by the producer) | Sure |
| Phillips Head Screwdriver | Sure |
| Pencil | Sure |
Drilling Pilot Holes
After you have marked the situation of the holes for the mounting screws, it is time to drill pilot holes. Use a drill bit that’s barely smaller than the diameter of the screws. Drilling pilot holes helps stop the wooden from splitting whenever you insert the screws.
Putting in the Mounting Bracket
The mounting bracket is the steel bracket that the microwave will hold from. To put in the mounting bracket, merely line it up with the pilot holes and drive within the screws. Make certain to tighten the screws securely, however do not overtighten them.
Hanging the Microwave
Now it is time to hold the microwave on the mounting bracket. To do that, carry the microwave up and align the slots behind the microwave with the mounting bracket. Slowly decrease the microwave down onto the bracket till it’s securely in place.
Connecting Electrical and Fuel Traces (if relevant)
In case your microwave is gas-powered, you will have to attach it to a fuel line. To do that, flip off the fuel provide and join the microwave to the fuel line utilizing a versatile fuel line. Make certain to tighten the connection securely.
In case your microwave is electric-powered, you will have to attach it to {an electrical} outlet. To do that, merely plug the microwave into an outlet.
Connecting the Vent
In case your microwave has a vent, you will have to attach it to a air flow duct. To do that, connect the vent hose to the again of the microwave and run the hose to the air flow duct. Make certain to seal all connections with duct tape.
Securing the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is related, you will have to safe it to the cupboard. To do that, insert the screws via the holes within the high of the microwave and into the cupboard. Tighten the screws securely, however do not overtighten them.
Checking for Degree
As soon as the microwave is secured, test to be sure that it’s degree. To do that, place a degree on high of the microwave. If the microwave shouldn’t be degree, modify the screws till it’s.
Leveling and Aligning the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is in place, it is necessary to degree and align it to make sure correct operation and forestall any harm. Here is a step-by-step information to take action:
1. Use a Degree to Examine for Levelness
Place a degree on high of the microwave and modify the adjustable ft or mounting brackets till the bubble is centered, indicating that the microwave is degree from entrance to again.
2. Examine for Alignment with the Cupboard
Use a tape measure to measure the space between the microwave and the underside of the cupboard above it. Alter the microwave’s place till it’s evenly spaced from either side of the cupboard.
3. Examine for Alignment with the Countertop
Use a tape measure to measure the space between the microwave and the countertop. Alter the microwave’s top till it’s aligned with the countertop.
4. Tighten All Screws and Brackets
As soon as the microwave is degree and aligned, tighten all of the screws and brackets that safe it to the mounting brackets and the cupboard.
5. Use a Pencil or Marker to Hint the Location
Mark the spots the place the bracket holes will likely be drilled on the underside of the cupboard and on the wall. Use a pencil or a marker to clarify and visual marks.
6. Drill Pilot Holes
Drill small pilot holes on the marked spots for the screws. This may make it simpler to drive the screws in with out splitting the wooden.
7. Safe the Mounting Brackets
Place the mounting brackets over the pilot holes and safe them with screws. Tighten the screws till they’re cosy however not overtightened.
8. Cling the Microwave
Fastidiously carry the microwave and align it with the mounting brackets. Information the microwave onto the brackets and decrease it into place. Make certain the microwave is securely hanging and doesn’t wobble or transfer.
Ending Touches and Testing
Securing the Microwave
As soon as the microwave is hung, safe it to the cupboard utilizing the supplied screws or bolts. Tighten them securely to forestall any motion or wobbling.
Putting in the Trim Package
If you happen to’re utilizing a trim equipment, observe the producer’s directions to put in it across the microwave. This may present a completed look and conceal any gaps between the microwave and cupboard.
Plugging In and Testing
Join the microwave to a grounded energy supply. Earlier than turning it on, test the microwave settings to make sure they’re right.
Press the “Begin” button to provoke a take a look at run. Observe the microwave throughout this time to ensure it heats evenly and doesn’t produce any uncommon noises or sparks.
| Remark | End result |
|---|---|
| Heats evenly | Microwave is functioning correctly. |
| Produces uncommon noises | Microwave may have servicing. |
| Sparks | Microwave must be unplugged and inspected by a professional technician. |
If the microwave passes the take a look at, it is prepared to be used. Take pleasure in your safely and effectively put in under-cabinet microwave!
Security Issues
Earlier than you begin, there are just a few necessary security concerns to remember:
1. Examine the load capability of your cupboard
Make certain your cupboard is robust sufficient to help the load of the microwave. Most cupboards have a weight capability of round 100 kilos, nevertheless it’s all the time finest to test the producer’s specs to make sure.
2. Select the appropriate mounting screws
The screws you utilize to mount the microwave should be lengthy sufficient to penetrate the cupboard and the microwave’s mounting bracket. The screws must also be the appropriate diameter for the holes within the mounting bracket.
3. Use a degree to make sure the microwave is degree
If the microwave shouldn’t be degree, it may put stress on the mounting bracket and ultimately trigger it to fail. Use a degree to ensure the microwave is degree earlier than you tighten the mounting screws.
4. Watch out to not harm the microwave or the cupboard
Once you’re putting in the microwave, watch out to not harm the microwave or the cupboard. Use a delicate material to guard the end of the microwave and the cupboard.
5. Have somebody assist you
If you happen to’re not snug putting in the microwave by your self, have somebody assist you. Two individuals could make the job simpler and safer.
6. Observe the producer’s directions
You should definitely observe the producer’s directions when putting in the microwave. The directions will present particular details about the kind of screws to make use of and how you can mount the microwave.
7. Guarantee correct air flow
Microwaves want correct air flow to function safely. Make certain there may be no less than 3 inches of clearance across the microwave on all sides.
8. Maintain kids away from the microwave
Microwaves might be harmful for youngsters. Maintain kids away from the microwave when it’s in use or cooling down.
9. Unplug the microwave earlier than cleansing it
All the time unplug the microwave earlier than cleansing it. This may stop you from getting shocked.
10. When you have any doubts about putting in the microwave, contact a professional electrician or equipment restore technician
When you have any doubts about putting in the microwave, do not hesitate to contact a professional electrician or equipment restore technician. They can assist you safely set up the microwave and guarantee it’s working correctly.
| Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Drill | Used to create pilot holes for the mounting screws. |
| Screwdriver | Used to drive the mounting screws into the cupboard and the microwave’s mounting bracket. |
| Degree | Used to make sure the microwave is degree earlier than tightening the mounting screws. |
| Delicate material | Used to guard the end of the microwave and the cupboard. |
How To Cling Microwave Below Cupboard
Hanging a microwave below a cupboard is a good way to avoid wasting counter area and maintain your kitchen organized. It is also a comparatively straightforward mission that may be accomplished in just a few hours.
Here is a step-by-step information on how you can hold a microwave below a cupboard:
- Measure the peak of your microwave and the space between the underside of the cupboard and the countertop. This may assist you decide the size of the mounting bracket you want.
- Buy a mounting bracket that’s the applicable size in your microwave. The bracket ought to be capable of help the load of the microwave and must be manufactured from sturdy materials comparable to steel or wooden.
- Mark the situation of the mounting bracket on the underside of the cupboard. Be sure that the bracket is degree and that it’s centered over the microwave.
- Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. This may assist to forestall the screws from splitting the wooden.
- Screw the mounting bracket into place. Be sure that the screws are tight and that the bracket is securely hooked up to the cupboard.
- Carry the microwave onto the mounting bracket. Be sure that the microwave is degree and that it’s securely hooked up to the bracket.
- Plug the microwave into an outlet.
