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 West Chicago & nearby Winfield, Carol Stream
Microwave Installation in West Chicago, IL
Over-the-range, drawer and built-in microwaves installed in West Chicago: anchored into the wall, bolted to the cabinet and vented the right way.
- Serving West Chicago ZIP 60185
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Microwave installs we take on in West Chicago
Lifting a microwave onto a wall plate is a two-person job, but the real work is around it: finding solid framing, drilling the cabinet to the template, routing the cord to an outlet above and lining up the duct. Our West Chicago installers handle all of it and haul the old unit away.
Built-in microwave with a trim kit
Placing a microwave above a wall oven or in a tall pantry cabinet takes a precise cutout and an outlet inside. We prepare both and install the kit.
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.
No outlet in the cabinet above
Running an extension cord through the cabinet isn't an option. We have a proper outlet installed above the microwave before we mount it.
Moving the microwave off the counter
Many owners want the counter clear. We look at the range wall, the base cabinets and the wall cabinets to see where a mounted microwave fits best.
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.
Not enough height above the range
Every maker lists a minimum distance from the cooktop to the bottom of the microwave. If the cabinet is too low, a low-profile model or a cabinet change may be the answer.
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.
Included with the install
- Pre-install checkMeasurements, power and venting are checked against the installation instructions.
- Old unit or hood removedWe unplug or disconnect the old unit and clear the wall and cabinet for the new one.
- Studs located and wall plate mountedWe find the framing and fasten the bracket to solid wood.
- Cabinet drilled to the templateHoles for the top bolts, the power cord and a top vent cut through the cabinet bottom.
- 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 boltedThe unit is hooked on the bracket, bolted from above and checked for level.
- Drawer and built-in cutoutsCutouts framed for drawer and trim-kit models so they sit flush.
Models, parts and fittings
Venting partsThe pieces that connect the microwave to the outside or set it up to recirculate.
Over-the-range microwavesMicrowaves with a built-in exhaust fan and light that mount above the range.
Convection and air-fry combosMicrowaves that also bake, crisp or air-fry, available in over-the-range and built-in styles.
Low-profile over-the-range modelsSlimmer microwaves for kitchens with limited space over the range.
Built-in and trim-kit microwavesUnits framed into cabinetry so they look part of the kitchen.
What the work looks like in West Chicago homes
Before
Installed
DetailA West Chicago 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial in West Chicago. What we started with: almond appliances. What bothered the owners most: a decades-old hood and a microwave crowding the counter. Finished kitchen: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. Work included pre-install check, old unit or hood removed, plus unit hung and bolted.
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1990s two-story colonial in Winfield
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial in Winfield. Before: white appliances. What bothered the owners most: an old hood and a countertop microwave eating prep space. The result: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. Work included cabinet drilled to the template, blower set and duct connected, plus drawer and built-in cutouts.
Microwave Installation in Winfield →
Before
AfterKitchen Remodeling in a two-story colonial from the 1990s, West Chicago
Cabinets in soft white with brushed nickel bar pulls, black honed granite counters, a white 2x8 tile in a vertical stack backsplash, gray wood-look porcelain plank flooring and recessed lights and under-cabinet LED strips.
Kitchen Remodeling in West Chicago →
Before
AfterWest Chicago kitchen, 1990s two-story colonial: kitchen cabinet painting
Finished: the same doors sprayed in deep navy, new brushed nickel bar pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in West Chicago →How the install goes
- 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 estimateA clear written price with electrical or cabinet changes listed separately.
- Install and testOld unit down, new one mounted and vented, everything tested and the old microwave hauled off.
Microwave Installation questions from West Chicago homeowners
Does the wall plate have to go into studs?
It should. Drywall anchors alone are why some microwaves start to sag.
Do I need an electrician to install an over-the-range microwave?
Only when the power isn't ready. We check for the outlet and circuit before install day and arrange the wiring if needed.
Will you take the old microwave or hood away?
We do. Removal and haul-away are part of the job.
Can an over-the-range microwave vent outside?
Yes, if there's a duct through the wall or roof behind or above it. The blower is set to exhaust out, and a damper keeps outside air from coming back in.
Can you put a microwave drawer in my island?
Usually, if there's a base cabinet of the right width and power can reach it. We cut the opening and add the outlet.
West Chicago building permit for microwave installation: where do I apply?
Permits go through Community Development Department. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
Do I need a West Chicago-registered contractor for microwave installation?
All contractors and subcontractors working in West Chicago must be registered with the City (insurance, licensing and bonding are checked). We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for microwave installation in West Chicago?
It depends on the scope. West Chicago's rule in short: West Chicago requires a building permit for certain home improvement and remodeling projects; the city publishes an Additions & Remodeling permit guide with a submittal checklist. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department.
Do you work in my part of West Chicago?
Yes. Our crews work across West Chicago — ZIP 60185 — and nearby Winfield, Carol Stream, St. Charles.
Working in West Chicago
- A lot of West Chicago kitchens date from the 1990s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most West Chicago homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Department handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60185
Microwave Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in West Chicago
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.