Are all GE over-the-range microwaves same size?

Whether vented or recirculating, all GE 30″ over-the-range microwave ovens are approximately the same width, and are designed to fit into a 30″ wide cabinet opening.

The holes indicates the microwave oven is a mountable model. If it is a mountable model, sink screws through the cabinet and into the microwave oven top’s holes. Skip adding the 2-by-4-inch wood board under the cabinet. You can mount a microwave oven, even if it has a counter-top design.

There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.

Each microwave comes with the mounting hardware (mounting bracket, screws, exhaust adapter), top and rear templates, and installation instructions needed to complete the installation process.

Most over-the-range microwaves are roughly 30″ wide, 17″ high and 15″ to 17″ deep with a closed door. Built-in microwaves typically match standard cabinet dimensions and countertop microwaves come in sizes from compact to extra large. Microwaves are measured by exterior width, height, depth and interior capacity.

All mounting kits are not the same. They are specifically designed by the manufacturer for the model. Mounting kits are provided when you purchase the above range microwave or you can purchase one separately. The kits must vary in their configuration to properly accommodate hanging the microwave securely.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches.

The outlet box should be located in the cabinet above the microwave oven. The outlet box and supply circuit should be installed by a qualified electrician and conform to the National Electrical Code or the prevailing local code.

There are two important connections that have to be made: a bracket that mounts to the wall and interlocks with the microwave, and bolts that attach to the top of the microwave through the cabinet above.

Generally, a dual-wall oven takes a 40 amp double-pole circuit breaker with a #8-gauge copper wire or a #6-gauge aluminum wire AWG. However, some dual-wall ovens will need a 50 or 60-amp breaker.

A: Ours is setup to vent out the front. There is also the option to vent externally.

Installing an over-the-range microwave oven is often easier than you think. If you are simply replacing an existing vent hood or older microwave with a new oven, you can install it easily enough with common tools. You will need a helper for this one, as an extra set of hands is essential.

If you look at all of the available variants of microwave ovens on the market in terms of width, height and depth, you’ll see that there really are no standard sizes, but microwaves designed for over-the-range installation all fit into a 30-in. wide space.

In its simplest form, the project involves installing a mounting bracket on the back wall, drilling access holes in the upper cabinet through which to feed the electrical cord and vent duct, hooking the oven onto the mounting bracket, and then bolting the oven in place through the bottom of the upper cabinet.