For many years since their arrival on the market, microwaves were exclusively countertop appliances. The first microwave ovens were available as far back as 1955, but it wasn't until the late 1970's that these appliances became affordable. By the late 1990's, about 9 out of 10 households had a microwave. It was during this period that manufacturers began to produce units which didn't take-up counter space and the over the range microwave became available.
Remodeling your kitchen often involves removing and installing a microwave above the range. The project is not difficult, but you should have a helper when working on making the change, since microwaves can get quite heavy when trying to lift them into place. --San Francisco Chronicle
If you have an over the range microwave that no longer works, or are remodeling and replacing it with a new unit, you'll have to take the appliance down. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do, but, it will require a few tools, a bit of finesse, and, an extra set of helping hands.
Delray Beach Over-the-Range Microwave Removal
Once the underside is clean and free of grease, place an old towel on top of the range to have a place to hold the appliance once it is loose from its mounts. Then, do the following:
- Turn off the circuit breaker powering the microwave. Go to the main electric panel and switch the circuit breaker powering the microwave oven to the "Off" position.
- Unplug the appliance. With the circuit breaker switched off, go back into the kitchen and open the cabinet doors above the appliance, then unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
- Unfasten the mounts. Depending on the brand and model of the appliance, there will be a wall and a top mount securing the microwave in place. If applicable, remove the bottom, exposing the brackets on the underside. Some microwaves are held in place by retaining bolts fastened to the top of the kitchen appliance as well as underneath. If so, you'll have to loosen the retaining bolts while someone holds the microwave in place.
- Pull the microwave off the mounting system. Once the bolts have been removed from the top and underneath, the appliance will likely stay in place but will be free to pull off the mounts on the underside. Carefully pull it off the mounts and rest it on the towel spread over the range cooktop.
You can now unfasten the mounting bracket from the wall and have space to install a new appliance. Wrap the towel around the unit to protect your clothing from the resin and grease which will be caked on the surface in the rear of the appliance, then, carry it to the garage or to a storage area.
Microwave Oven Disposal
Most municipalities won't haul away electronic waste or kitchen appliances with the regularly scheduled trash curbside pickup. If the appliance is in working condition, clean it thoroughly, removing all the dust and grease from the surface and the grease on the inside, then, donate it. If it doesn't work, place it in a pile of things you're getting rid of and call a junk hauling service to pick it all up.
When you need appliance removal and disposal, phone 800-433-1094 or visit AAA Rousse Services.