OTR microwave - installation and tile backsplash

3 years ago

Hi Houzzers - we have an OTR microwave in a kitchen remodel, and haven’t used them before so have a couple of questions.

(1) should the weight of the microwave sit on the mounting bracket, or the hangers from the cabinets? The installation instructions just say tight to cabinet.

(2) In the photo, you can see about a 1-inch gap between the wall and the back of the microwave unit. Is this normal for an OTR? I would have expected a face plate to cover this gap?

(3) The mounting bracket is clearly visible under the unit. I would have expected a clean line to run the tile up to, rather than an exposed bracket. Do we just tile up to that bracket, and live with seeing the mounting bracket all the time? Would love to see photos of how others have finished this section. We are using 3x9 subway tile.

Thank you!

Comments (5)

suedonim75
3 years ago
I have that same microwave and mine is flush to the wall. I cannot see the bracket, so Im thinking you don’t have it installed right.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
1. Both. The bracket supports the back of the microwave, the cabinet supports most of the weight 2. There should not be a gap per se, the tabs on the bracket lock into the slots in the bottom of the microwave. It isn’t super elegant but it works 3. Yes just tile up to the bottom of the bracket.
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
3 years ago
I can't see a gap between the wall and the microwave.
wdccruise
3 years ago
What is the brand and model of the oven?
Nell H
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks all - it’s a Kitchenaid kmhc319ess. I’m attaching a couple more pics of the underside gap.

It’s not visible when standing in the kitchen, but we have an open kitchen to living room, so the view from the sofa toward the stove is of the underside of the microwave. (I’m sure that’s a whole other design no-no. - oh well!)