[WiscoDogsDad]

Good afternoon,

It's my guess that many/most units were trimmed this way with the cabinet trim pieces jutting into the space for the microwave and then a trim piece running front to back, beneath the microwave.

Please see my photo.

This means that the microwave cannot be dropped DOWN from it's installed position and the replacement unit cannot be lifted up into place. Rather, the replacement microwave must be INSERTED into the space above the trim.

Am I missing something?

How did your installer replace your original microwave? Did they just slide it in from the front, above the trim? Did they remove and replace the trim, once the microwave was installed? Other?

Thanks, in advance!!!!

[jrref]

That's right. You need to remove that trim piece carefully to remove the microwave then put it back with most installations.

[villagetinker]

OK, the photo attachment showed up this time.
OP, I did not see any attachments, but I have helped a few people replace microwaves. First, they are not all the same size usually the height is different the depth and width need to be the same to fit in the space between the cabinets. The other possible problem is if this is venter outside the vents may not line up between the new Microwave and the existing vent in the wall. Finally, if there are mounting screws in the top cabinet, these may not be in the same location.
I agree the trim, possibly both the side and the front will need to be removed. The microwaves usually tip forward after the front screws in the top cabinet are removed to allow the back of the microwave to be lifted out of the rear mounting strip.
I would strongly suggest getting the same brand and double checking with the store that all of the dimensions on the new one are the same as the old one, this can save a lot of time.

Feel free to send me a PM if you would like to discuss over the phone.

[Topspinmo]

Even if get same brand don’t mean the cord and mount holes will be same. Even back bracket was different. I thought I’d be smart get same brand/size. Nothing aligned up with 20 year old model. The new model came with flimsy thin paper template than was useless working scrunched upside down made it harder for old back IMO. I had make template out of cardboard to get holes aligned.

[WiscoDogsDad]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OK, the photo attachment showed up this time.
OP, I did not see any attachments, but I have helped a few people replace microwaves. First, they are not all the same size usually the height is different the depth and width need to be the same to fit in the space between the cabinets. The other possible problem is if this is venter outside the vents may not line up between the new Microwave and the existing vent in the wall. Finally, if there are mounting screws in the top cabinet, these may not be in the same location.
I agree the trim, possibly both the side and the front will need to be removed. The microwaves usually tip forward after the front screws in the top cabinet are removed to allow the back of the microwave to be lifted out of the rear mounting strip.
I would strongly suggest getting the same brand and double checking with the store that all of the dimensions on the new one are the same as the old one, this can save a lot of time.

Feel free to send me a PM if you would like to discuss over the phone.

First the peppermill, now a microwave...are there NO limits, Tinker? :-)

[WiscoDogsDad]

Originally Posted by jrref

That's right. You need to remove that trim piece carefully to remove the microwave then put it back with most installations.

Many thanks! I'll ensure that the installer is willing to take on the project, with that in mind.

[CarlR33]

Trim pieces are just nailed in should come right out if you carefully and slowly prey out on them at the corner. You might be able to leave them off depending on how much you like them on there as the newer homes do not have them.

[Remembergoldenrule]

For those of you that find that your new microwave was not the same height as your old microwave, you can fix the difference by putting up a piece of cabinet trim or toe molding in the space left between the microwave and backsplash.

[Sgt Ed]

Originally Posted by WiscoDogsDad

Good afternoon,

It's my guess that many/most units were trimmed this way with the cabinet trim pieces jutting into the space for the microwave and then a trim piece running front to back, beneath the microwave.

Please see my photo.

This means that the microwave cannot be dropped DOWN from it's installed position and the replacement unit cannot be lifted up into place. Rather, the replacement microwave must be INSERTED into the space above the trim.

Am I missing something?

How did your installer replace your original microwave? Did they just slide it in from the front, above the trim? Did they remove and replace the trim, once the microwave was installed? Other?pper good and efficient. The mounting system was different an
Thanks, in advance!!!!

. I bought a new one from Home Depot. Paid $125 for the installation. Best 125 i ever spent. They dad to change everything, drill new holes for the front mount to attach with bolts and not wood screws. Removed rear hinge mount and replace with new one slightly different location. The whole ordeal took two guys about 45 minutes. Very well coordinated team. Installed, checked out operation,cleaned up mess, put old one at curb for pickup. Super satisfied.. My 84 year old back would have been a 2 week project and a buddy to help lift in the hole.

[WiscoDogsDad]

Originally Posted by Sgt Ed

. I bought a new one from Home Depot. Paid $125 for the installation. Best 125 i ever spent. They dad to change everything, drill new holes for the front mount to attach with bolts and not wood screws. Removed rear hinge mount and replace with new one slightly different location. The whole ordeal took two guys about 45 minutes. Very well coordinated team. Installed, checked out operation,cleaned up mess, put old one at curb for pickup. Super satisfied.. My 84 year old back would have been a 2 week project and a buddy to help lift in the hole.

Sarge,

Thank you for the reply. Your experience with the installers is JUST what I hope to experience.

My memories of replacing a microwave fifteen years ago, with two experience DIY friends, is resonating unpleasantly in my head. Almost four hours of effort and two trips to the hardware store to procure necessary tools that have never seen use, again, and that bad boy was IN!

I'll TAKE $125 and the professional efforts of the right folks for (45) minutes.

Best regards,

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by WiscoDogsDad

Sarge,

Thank you for the reply. Your experience with the installers is JUST what I hope to experience.

My memories of replacing a microwave fifteen years ago, with two experience DIY friends, is resonating unpleasantly in my head. Almost four hours of effort and two trips to the hardware store to procure necessary tools that have never seen use, again, and that bad boy was IN!

I'll TAKE $125 and the professional efforts of the right folks for (45) minutes.

Best regards,

It could have changed but I think Best Buy has their own microwave installers and they do a good job. I am not certain, but I think Home Depot hires subcontracted installers, not their own employees.