An over-the-range microwave is the perfect dual-appliance for your kitchen because it can heat and defrost food while also serving as a venting system for your range stovetop. To ensure successful installation, you first need to measure the proposed spot and prepare it for the microwave’s installation. Keep reading to learn how to measure for an over-the-range microwave so you can start enjoying the convenience of fast, versatile cooking!

1. Measure the Space

Getting the proper measurements can make or break whether you choose the correct size for your over-the-range microwave, and it also can impact how easy your microwave is to install. Still have your old over-the-range microwave installed? Use it as a guide for your measurements to ensure you pick the perfect microwave size.

Determine Clearance Space

When determining how to measure for an over-the-range microwave, keep in mind, you usually need a total of 30" of space from the cooktop surface to the bottom of the upper cabinets and 13"–13 ½" of space between the bottom of the microwave and the cooktop surface (for safety and space reasons). Measure from the cooktop surface to the bottom edge of the cabinet (or the bottom of your current microwave) to determine how much clearance space your next microwave will need.

Determine the Proper Width of the Microwave

Next, measure the width of the spot (or your current over-the-range microwave). Microwaves range in size but usually have a width of about 30" for reference. If you don't have a microwave to reference, measure the width from the edge of the adjacent cabinet across the open space to the cabinet edge on the opposite side. Subtract ½" from the total measurement to ensure there's at least ¼" of space between the microwave and the cabinets on both sides. This ensures you can easily slide the microwave into the space between the cabinets. Don't have cabinets to worry about? Use the width of your kitchen range to determine which microwave size would match the space. Matching your microwave width to your kitchen range is not only aesthetically-pleasing, but it also ensures that the microwave covers enough overhead space to properly vent smoke and steam from your range stovetop (more on vent options in step two).

Measure the Height of the Microwave

Measure from the bottom edge of the adjacent overhead cabinet to the top edge of the cabinet to determine the maximum height of an over-the-range microwave. If you still have a microwave installed above the range, use it as the guide for your height measurements.

Measure the Depth

Measure from the outer edge of the cabinet to the wall within the empty microwave space to determine the proper depth of an over-the-range microwave. Still have your old over-the-range microwave installed? Measure the depth with ease by placing your measuring tape underneath the microwave along the bottom portion to where it meets the wall. If your current microwave juts out a bit from your cabinets, measure and record how far it juts out. Subtract this measurement from the total depth if you want your next microwave to line up perfectly with your cabinets.

2. Consider Ventilation Needs

Now that you've learned how to measure for an over-the-range microwave, it's time to discuss ventilation options. Over-the-range microwaves take the place of range hoods by filtering smoke and odor particles that can pop up while cooking on your range stovetop. When preparing to install an over-the-range microwave, you have three ventilation options to consider. Over-the-range microwaves with recirculating ventilation have built-in vents that draw air in, through a filter, and push it back out into the room as clean air. This is the easiest ventilation option because it doesn't require any ductwork or external vents (so there’s no extensive renovation to your kitchen required!). However, recirculating vents don't completely clean the air like external ventilation does. Over-the-range microwaves with external ventilation connect to air ducts in the wall to draw air in, through the ducts, and to the outside of the house. Although this option requires ductwork and potential renovating, it guarantees that your kitchen's air will stay clean and odor-free as there is no recirculation.

Undecided on either of these ventilation options? Consider an over-the-range microwave with a convertible ventilation system. This option typically comes with a built-in recirculating ventilation system along with components to turn it into an external-venting model if you want to change up the venting option in the future.

3. Prepare for Delivery & Installation

Once you've determined how to measure for an over-the-range microwave and picked out your over-the-range microwave model, it's time to get ready for its delivery. If you have an old model still installed above your kitchen range, you can remove it yourself before delivery or opt in for Wayfair’s haul-away service. With haul-away you don’t need to worry about the disposal of your old model. It will be removed and disposed of on the day of delivery.

To get your new over-the-range microwave up and running, it’s crucial that you get it correctly installed. While it is possible to DIY installation, it can be complicated. Take away the stress of installation by opting in for Wayfair’s installation service. This way, the process will be entirely taken care of by professionals on the day of delivery!

Tip!

You can determine if an over-the-range microwave comes with installation and haul-away services by reviewing the options under the "What We Offer" tab on a product's page. Then at checkout, you confirm you want the installation and haul-away services. In no time, you'll have a brand new microwave!

Considering installing an over-the-range microwave yourself? Read through How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave to get prepared.

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