How do you remove an over-the-range microwave?

Answer 1

We have a newer 2005 installation of Whirpool microwave, and it was held by a knob or hook. The hook is held by a lever. The lever is inside the hood assembly. Pull the lever , TIP move the oven entirely. as it is easier to slip inside and hold the microwave on your shoulders.

Pull the lever and then the microwave will slide out. Be careful to remove the bolts that hold the microwave to the cabinet

Most over the range microwaves have 2 or 3 bolts through the shelf above it holding it up. Most also have some sort of support bracket behind them that holds the back edge up. A few slide over support brackets that stick out from the wall like a shelf bracket. On this type there should be a screw on the front at each corner.

Many older microwaves that mount under kitchen cabinets and above a range are supported at the back by a large metal plate mounted to the wall in back of the microwave oven and by bolts that extend through the bottom of the cabinet above the microwave. To remove the microwave oven, first unplug the power cord. You must remove two long rods that extend from the front of the microwave and screw into the back plate. These rods are often behind the vent louvers at the top of the microwave. So, remove the louvers and unscrew these rods with a common screwdriver. Support the front of the microwave while you remove the screws that extend through the bottom of the cabinet above the microwave. After all screws are removed lift up the back of the microwave to disengage the lips on the back plate that fit into slots in the back bottom of the microwave. Be careful. Some of the older microwaves are heavy.

Please take note, often times the contractor does not care about replacement.

You will most likely have to expose the venting duct work and lift it out of the way to provide clearance so as to slide the microwave oven out.

Answer 2

I recently had to uninstall a GE Spacemaker OTR microwave model JVM-152K 003. It is particularly important to remove the damper assembly. I tried to slide the oven out while the damper was still attached and it got caught on the cutout in the cabinet above. I believe these instructions should apply to JVM-150, JVM-152, JVM-153, and JVM-172 models.

Behind the top fascia I found an envelope with the uninstall instructions which I reproduce here:

GE Spacesaver OTR microwave JVM-152K-003 uninstall instructions:

Removing oven from wall (2 people required)

Oven is supported by a wall bracket with 2 support arms and 3 cabinet bolts.

CAUTION - Oven weights (sic) 66 lbs. Requires 2 people for removal.

1. Disconnect power. Top vented models - disconnect duct and remove damper assembly.

2. Remove top cabinet bolts.

3. Pull unit forward slowly providing adequate support to prevnt dropping unit when it slides off support arms.

Answer 3

This will require a new circuit, which should be done by an electrician.