If you have an existing vent hood it's easier due to the fact that you already have venting and electric there. Also, the Microwave Hood Combinations mount to both the back wall, as well as to a cabinet above, so island installs won't work. For most installs you need to mount the unit a minimum of 66 inches from the floor, or 36 inches from the countertop. There are a few models made that require a little more space.

There are templates that come with the micro hoods that lay out the holes that need to be drilled through the upper cabinet and to mount the back plate. Care should be used to properly protect the range from damage during installation and it may be easier to pull it out.

1. An electric box needs to be mounted inside the upper cabinet, usually on the right side as this is where the cord is. Use the existing electric line that was direct wired into the old hood. In case there was no hood, or in a new install, an electric line would need to be run first.

2. A venting transition may be required to take you from round ducting to 3 ½” X 10” that comes out of the micro-hood

3. If your upper cabinet is not flat on the bottom shims may have to be cut to fill the gap.

4. All microwave hood combinations may be converted for inside venting by turning the blower assembly 90 degrees and using a charcoal filter. Some of the units come with these filters, others are accessories, so check before making your purchase.

5. The lower priced don’t have the CFM’s to take care of frying and steam from lager pots. The better units have 4 to 5 speed fans with 320 cfm blowers, while the lower priced ones are 220cfm.

Hope this helps.