Can a microwave oven be built into (or hung under) a cabinet?
Assuming it is a regular microwave and not a convection/microwave combo, the major issues are: * Providing adequate air flow through its ventilation grill which is usually located in the rear. (A convection/microwave can get quite hot and have ventilation in other places. In this case I would suggest contacting the manufacturer of the oven for specific requirements.) * Providing adequate structural support so the microwave doesn’t end up in the soup :-(. These are HEAVY appliances – cabinetry and/or drywall may not be up to the task. Models designed as over-the-range or combined microwave and exhaust fan units mount via a massive plate fastened securely into the wall structure (screwed directly to the studs, not just the sheetrock!). * Local building codes may specify when and if this approach can be used. So, before doing any demolition, check with your friendly township inspector! There are special (likely highly overpriced) models available for this type of mounting. To use a normal
Assuming it is a regular microwave and not a convection/microwave combo, the major issues are: • Providing adequate air flow through its ventilation grill which is usually located in the rear. (A convection/microwave can get quite hot and have ventilation in other places. In this case I would suggest contacting the manufacturer of the oven for specific requirements.) • Providing adequate structural support so the microwave doesn’t end up in the soup. 🙁 These are HEAVY appliances – cabinetry and/or drywall may not be up to the task. Models designed as over-the-range or combined microwave and exhaust fan units mount via a massive plate fastened securely into the wall structure (screwed directly to the studs, not just the sheetrock!). They may additionally be bolted into the cabinet above but this will not (or should not) be the sole means of support. • Local building codes may specify when and if this approach can be used. So, before doing any demolition, check with your friendly towns
