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How Much Does an Above Stove Microwave Cost?

$125 – $500 Installed

The labor cost to install a microwave above the stove is $125 to $500 plus the cost of the microwave oven. When the cost of the microwave unit is added, the total project cost ranges from $300 to $1,100. Custom cabinet work, adding an outlet and replacing the vent hood are extra costs.
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Average Cost of a Microwave Above the Stove Installation

The average cost to install a microwave above the stove is $215 plus the cost of the appliance. A typical job includes removal and disposal of an old microwave and measuring the space to ensure the new unit fits and has proper clearance. The installer should test the electrical outlet before installing, securing and testing the new unit. In most cases, a homeowner purchases the microwave and hires a handyman or contractor to install it above the stove.

Average Do It Yourself cost
$0 – $100
Average Contractor Installed Cost
$125 – $500
Typical Cost Average
$215 to $250
Updated: November 17, 2023

microwave installed above the stove

Overview of OTR Microwave Installation

There are two over the range installation options – basic and built-in.

Basic over the stove microwave installation cost is low to average on the price spectrum. The process involves installing a microwave in the space designed for it above the range or cooktop, usually an open shelf with an electrical outlet in place. Just like installing a new dishwasher, you’ll want a handyman or appliance installer to handle this project for you.

When a space isn’t provided, for example when there is a cabinet above the stove, installation includes custom cabinet work and may require installing and wiring an outlet.

Built-in microwave installation cost usually includes finishing the look with a trim kit.

The cabinet work and trim kit push cost to the higher end of the cost range.

This popular project frees up kitchen counter space and streamlines the look of your kitchen. Installing an over-the-stove microwave is a common indoor project to include when replacing or refurbishing kitchen cabinets.

This over-the-stove microwave installation cost guide includes the cost of retail supplies for DIY installation, the cost of hiring an installation professional and the cost of microwave units.

Terminology tip: These units are also called OTR microwaves; OTR stands for “over the range.”

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Product and Installation Supplies Cost Details

Over the Stove Microwave Installation Cost Factors

How much does it cost to install a microwave over the stove or range? Here are the determining factors.

  • What Microwave Unit You Choose – Over the range microwave units start at about $160 and can cost more than $700. Expect to find average cost of about $250-$300. The cost of a microwave unit will depend on the microwave’s size, watts, and features such as convection heating. Brand, and presumably quality, plays a role too. You’ll pay more for a KitchenAid or Maytag, for example, than for an Amana or Criterion. A stainless steel finish will add cost too.
  • Who Installs It – The cost of hiring a professional installer for your over-the-stove microwave might be the largest cost factor for this project. Professional installers charge from $45 to $120 per hour, and most jobs take 1.5 to 3 hours. Remember that you may also need to hire an electrician and/or cabinet builder depending on the extent of your project.
  • What Type of Venting Needed – Another important cost factor to consider is what type of venting you will need for your above-the-stove microwave. The better the ventilation quality, the more it will cost. The least expensive venting option is to use a non-vented (ductless) microwave. This type has a built-in fan that doubles as the stove-top hood. Another option is to replace an old, vented microwave with a new vented one and connect it to existing ductwork. This offers superior ventilation but still keeps installation costs low. The next-cheapest option is to replace your range hood with a vented microwave and hook it up to existing duct work. This installation falls within our average cost estimate for an over-the-stove microwave installation at about $250. The most expensive venting situation is if there is no existing ductwork that a microwave can hook up to. If this is the case, you will have to pay for new venting ducts to be installed in the walls and ceiling, which can cost $400+.
  • Built-in Microwave Installation – If your microwave installation requires custom cabinet work, you will need to factor in the cost of hiring a builder to fit cabinets around the microwave.
  • Electrical Work – All microwaves need a 110-120 volt electrical outlet within reach. Unless your stove is already suited for a microwave installation, you may need to hire an electrician to install a new electrical outlet at significant additional cost.
  • Old Microwave Disposal – In most places, simply throwing a microwave oven into the trash is prohibited. Some appliance installers offer free disposal and recycling of your old microwave if you hire them to install the new one. Microwave disposal costs about $25 to $50 at recycling centers.

Pro tip: Make sure to measure your space before selecting a microwave unit so that you can find one that will fit. Most require about 2 inches of clearance on most sides with up to 5 inches clearance required on the side of the vent – which can be on the sides, back or top depending on the unit.

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Retail Microwave Cost – Materials and Supplies

Here is a sampling of cost and what you get for the money spent.

  • $170 – $270 | 6 to 1.8 cubit foot units with basic features and standard microwave heating. Units might have a turntable.
  • $275 – $495 | 8 to 2.0 cubic foot units with midrange features like a multispeed fan, steam cooking option, cook sensors and pre-sets for convenience.
  • $500 – $900+ | 8 to 2.2 cubic foot units with advanced features including convection heating, simmer cook, keep warm function and interior coatings for easier cleaning. Low-profile .8 to 1.1 cubic foot microwaves like those manufactured by Whirlpool also fall into this price range.
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Permits, Inspection, Related Costs and Installation Time

Permits and Inspection Cost

  • $0 | Installing a microwave over the stove does not require a permit when no new wiring is done. If you need to hire an electrician to run an electrical wire, expect between $75-$200 for a permit and/or electrical inspection.

Related Costs and Installation Time

  • 1 – 3 hours | The average time it takes for a professional installer to complete an over-the-stove microwave installation is 1 to 3 hours. This includes mounting the new microwave, hooking it up to ductwork if available and testing the unit.

This time estimate does not include the time required for any electrical work or cabinet work. Electrical work may add another 2 to 3 hours, and custom cabinet work may take several days to complete. If you are installing the microwave yourself, make sure to leave a little extra time to figure it out.

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DIY or Hire a Pro?

The average savings for DIY are up to about $500. HomeGuide places it at up to $580, and there are probably instances where the cost is that high. Homewyse estimates on the low side at up to about $300 – but many jobs fall in that price range. Whether your job is easy ($) or complex ($$$), it is worth considering your skills and what is involved in the work.

Installing a microwave above your stove ranges from an easy to somewhat difficult DIY project.

If there’s already one there, and you are simply replacing it with a similar model, the job might require disconnecting and removing the old unit and mounting, securing and hooking up the new one. Best Buy charges just $140 for simple switch-outs like this. But beware. Once the installer is there and additional installation requirements are discovered, cost rises in a hurry.

For a new installation, the process is more difficult. We recommend leaving the installation of wiring and an outlet to a licensed electrician.

Once the outlet is installed, the basic steps are to:

1). Double-check the fit of the microwave including that there are appropriate clearances. Once a unit has been installed and run, even once, the return policy is more restrictive.

2). Locate and mark studs in the wall behind where the microwave will be installed.

3). Use the included template taped to the wall to drill required holes for wiring and mounting brackets.

4). Install the mounting brackets.

5). Lift the microwave into place. A helper will make this job much easier.

6). Plug in the unit. This might require running the cord through a hole into a cabinet where the outlet is located.

7). Use the fasteners to secure the oven to the brackets.

8). If the unit is ducted, reconnect the vent using the including clamps. Secure with metal duct tape.

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