How To Remove An Over-The-Range Microwave (Do This!)

Over the range microwaves are great if you’re looking to save space to keep the countertop free for your extra kitchen appliances. It hangs above your stove or counter, secured into a little cabinet nook. But what happens if it needs maintenance or repairs? How do you remove it?

To remove your over the range microwave, first, prepare your workspace by disconnecting and/or removing your stove. Then, unplug your microwave. Afterward, remove the top screws that secure your microwave, and slide it out of its place until the tabs pop off the bracket.

If you’re looking to replace your old over the range microwave, it’s essential you know how to do this on your own. You can always hire a professional, but it’s better to save on money and follow the instructions we’ve included for you below.

If you have a microwave that sits above your electric range or your gas stove, you will need to take extra precaution by disconnecting your stove. For an electric cooker, simply unplug the range from the wall.

However, if you have a gas stove, then you will need to turn the gas off and disconnect the hose. Also, disconnect the power supply to ensure no mistakes happen. From there, you can either pull the range out and replace it with a step ladder or place the step ladder in front of the stove.

If you have your microwave over countertop space instead of your stove, then take this time to clear off any appliances that might get in your way.

Now that you’ve got the screws off and the cord disconnected, it’s time to remove the microwave. Tilt the microwave towards you while holding it so that it doesn’t fall. Make sure while you’re tilting that the tabs on the back bracket come loose.

Once the tabs come loose, then the microwave will slide out of the mounting bracket. Have your partner help you. If you don’t have someone to help, then make sure you use both hands during this phase so that you don’t drop and damage your appliance.

Lift your microwave to slide it off the wall. Then, set your microwave on the countertop, out of your way, so that you don’t knock it down by accident.

If you are getting a new microwave, you will need to figure out what to do with your old one. You can recycle it if your local regulations and laws allow you to. Since this is electronic waste, then it needs to be recycled at a unique recycling center.

You can check online by searching for different electronic recycling centers. Check their website or call to make sure that microwaves are allowed at their recycling facility. Each policy is different depending on the company that you choose, so call around to find the best choice for you.

Also, take the time to ask about any fees to make sure you have the amount to pay for your microwave disposal. First, to avoid the costs, check with your municipal government. They usually have free recycling and waste programs for those that reside within city limits.

Check with the manufacturer as they might have a take-back program in place so their consumers can recycle the products. For example, Hamilton Beach has a take-back program, although you’ll have to pay the shipping fees. However, other manufacturers have dropoff locations as microwaves tend to be expensive to ship due to their heavy weight.

You can also check with any major retail store as some of them accept electronic waste. Before you do this, though, you will need to call them to ensure they take microwaves. Some stores will have exceptions, such as Best Buy, where they only accept certain electronic waste types.