No_Bass_9328 t1_j6lsitt wrote on January 31, 2023 at 5:48 AM

Reply to comment by PrettyNothing8962 in Over the range microwave combo Installation by NeatOwl7001

You are absolutely incorrect. I don't know the percentage but most of the weight and my guess is ar least 75%, is on the plate the back. In my renos I have installed about 10 of these and you bust your back getting it up and onto lip on the back plate and then one hand easily holds it while you thread the bolts down. BTW, I would go with the 2 x 8 across the back. Better safe.

PrettyNothing8962 t1_j6msivy wrote on January 31, 2023 at 1:15 PM

I have replaced mine 3 or 4 times over the last 20yrs. The plate holds the microwave while you hold it in place and screw in the top lag bolts. Your 75% is perhaps correct until the lag bolts are secured. Once the lag bolts are secured almost all the weight is on them. It’s almost as if the plate is there to help a single person install. How much you bust your back while getting it on the lip of the plate is irrelevant. A single screw for the plate into a stud is sufficient so long as it’s somewhere in the middle of the plate and not all the way to one end of it. Toggle bolts for the rest will suffice. Remember…measure twice drill once when drilling into the uppers for the lag bolts.

No_Bass_9328 t1_j6or3fx wrote on January 31, 2023 at 8:52 PM

I sure agree with your measure twice! Imagine the manufacturers liability (particularly in the US) if they recommended and relied on the upper cab which already may be loaded to fully support that appliance. And only God knows how securely it may be attached. If that whole thing came crashing down on you and your stove. Heavons to humpy dumpy!