Over-the-range microwave replacing a range hood
When the old range hood comes down, we cap its wiring, have a plug-in outlet put in the cabinet above and connect the microwave's exhaust to the existing vent where it lines up.
Serving Crystal Lake & nearby Lake Zurich, Elgin
Microwave Installation in Crystal Lake, IL
Over-the-range, drawer and built-in microwaves installed in Crystal Lake: anchored into the wall, bolted to the cabinet and vented the right way.
- Installers working in Crystal Lake ZIP 60014, 60012, 60098
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Microwave installs we take on in Crystal Lake
Most microwave calls we get in Crystal Lake are one of three jobs: a new over-the-range unit replacing an old one or a hood, a drawer model going into an island, or a built-in with a trim kit set into a wall cabinet. Each has its own cutout, power and venting needs, and we sort those out first.
Convection or air-fry microwave on an old circuit
An air-fryer microwave over the range does more work than a basic one. If the outlet shares a circuit with the counter, an electrician separates it.
Microwave that sags, wobbles or pulls away from the wall
If the front of the microwave dips or the unit moves when you open the door, the wall plate is probably held by drywall anchors instead of studs. We remount it into framing.
Microwave above a pro-style or high-output range
Wide professional ranges often need more ventilation than a microwave can offer. We read both installation guides before recommending a setup.
Old microwave swap where the holes don't line up
Even same-width models use different mounting points. The old plate comes off, the new template goes up and fresh holes are drilled into the studs and cabinet.
Should it vent outside or recirculate?
If there's a duct through the wall or roof, we set the blower to exhaust outside, which clears steam and cooking smells better. With no duct, the unit recirculates through a charcoal filter.
Built-in microwave with a trim kit
Built-in microwaves and trim-kit models need a specific opening and airflow around the unit. We frame the cabinet space and fasten the trim.
No outlet in the cabinet above
Over-the-range models plug into a receptacle inside the cabinet overhead. If yours has none, a licensed electrician adds one, often on its own circuit as the maker asks.
Included with the install
- Pre-install checkWe compare the model's guide with your cabinet width, cooktop clearance, outlet location and duct.
- Old unit or hood removedWe unplug or disconnect the old unit and clear the wall and cabinet for the new one.
- Outlet and circuitA receptacle in the cabinet above or behind the drawer, on a dedicated circuit when the maker calls for one, added by a licensed electrician.
- Cabinet drilled to the templateThe upper cabinet is marked and drilled so the bolts and cord line up.
- Blower set and duct connectedThe fan is set for outside venting through the wall or roof, or for recirculation with a filter.
- Unit hung and boltedTwo installers lift the microwave onto the plate and draw it tight to the cabinet with the top bolts.
- Testing and haul-awayHeating, exhaust and light tested, old appliance and boxes removed.
Models, parts and fittings
Built-in and trim-kit microwavesUnits framed into cabinetry so they look part of the kitchen.
Over-the-range microwavesMicrowaves with a built-in exhaust fan and light that mount above the range.
Low-profile over-the-range modelsShorter units that leave more room above the burners where cabinets are low.
Microwave drawersDrawer units set in a base cabinet, reachable without lifting dishes overhead.
Venting partsDamper, duct transitions, charcoal filters and wall or roof caps.
What the work looks like in Crystal Lake homes
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Crystal Lake
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial near Wedgewood. The kitchen as it was: almond appliances. What bothered the owners most: a decades-old hood and a microwave crowding the counter. The result: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. The job covered old unit or hood removed, outlet and circuit, plus cabinet drilled to the template.
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Lake Zurich
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial in Lake Zurich. What we started with: black appliances. The reason for the call: a microwave that had stopped working over the range. Finished kitchen: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. Work included old unit or hood removed, outlet and circuit, plus testing and haul-away.
Microwave Installation in Lake Zurich →
Before
AfterAn Elgin 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
A 1990s two-story colonial near Gifford Park, a typical kitchen for Elgin. What we started with: white appliances. What bothered the owners most: a weak hood and a microwave stuck on the counter. Finished kitchen: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. On site this meant outlet and circuit, blower set and duct connected, plus testing and haul-away.
Microwave Installation in Elgin →
Before
AfterCrystal Lake kitchen, 1990s two-story colonial: kitchen remodeling
Finished: cabinets in warm taupe with satin brass pulls, warm walnut butcher block counters, a gray beveled subway tile backsplash, light beige 18x18 porcelain tile flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in Crystal Lake →
Before
AfterCrystal Lake kitchen, 1990s two-story colonial: kitchen cabinet painting
Finished: the same doors sprayed in creamy white uppers and navy lowers, new matte black pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Crystal Lake →From the old unit to the new one
- Send the model and photosShare the model number and photos of the range wall, the cabinet above and the old unit.
- Fit and power checkClearances, power and duct are checked against the installation guide.
- Written estimateAn itemized estimate covering removal, mounting, venting and any outlet or cabinet work.
- Install and testWe hang it, connect it, run it and take the old one away.
Microwave Installation questions from Crystal Lake homeowners
How high should an over-the-range microwave be above the stove?
It depends on the model's installation guide and your upper cabinet. We measure before you buy so it fits with the required clearance.
How much does microwave installation cost?
A same-spot replacement and a hood-to-microwave conversion with a new outlet are priced differently. You get a line-item quote first.
Can you install a microwave I bought at a big-box store or online?
Yes. Many of our microwave jobs are units owners bought themselves.
Will you take the old microwave or hood away?
We do. Removal and haul-away are part of the job.
Is a microwave enough ventilation over a gas range?
A microwave fan helps, but it's not as strong as most hoods. We'll tell you honestly which fits your range.
Can Crystal Lake bulk pickup take my old appliance or cabinets?
Hauler: Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), (844) 633-3577. One bulk item per week included. If you'd rather not deal with it, we haul old units and debris away.
Crystal Lake building permit for microwave installation: where do I apply?
Permits go through City of Crystal Lake Community Development - Building Division (ezAPP online permits), phone (815) 356-3605. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
Do I need a permit for microwave installation in Crystal Lake?
It depends on the scope. Crystal Lake's rule in short: Kitchen alteration handout (Nov 2019) requires a contractor list and two sets of plans showing floor plans, electrical layout, structure and plumbing changes; inspections for rough electrical, plumbing, framing, insulation and final. We handle the permit when one is needed with City of Crystal Lake Community Development - Building Division.
Do you work in my part of Crystal Lake?
Yes. Our crews work across Crystal Lake, including Downtown, Coventry, Four Colonies, The Villages — ZIP 60014, 60012, 60098 — and nearby Lake Zurich, Elgin, Hoffman Estates.
Working in Crystal Lake
- A lot of Crystal Lake kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Crystal Lake homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- Live in a historic district? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.
DowntownCoventryFour ColoniesThe VillagesWedgewoodBurtons Bridge
ZIP 60014ZIP 60012ZIP 60098
Microwave Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in Crystal Lake
Dishwasher InstallationOld unit out, new dishwasher connected, leveled and leak-tested.
Oven, Range & Cooktop InstallationGas and electric ranges, wall ovens and cooktops, safely connected.
Built-In Refrigerator InstallationBuilt-in and panel-ready fridges fitted flush, anchored and connected.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.