Don’t Buy a New Microwave Frame - Reuse or Build Your Own

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In this episode of DIY Under 5 we look at how you can reuse or just build your own microwave flush mount frame. There are a lot of ways to solve the issue and is just another one of those ways.
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[@bcain5823]

I have a similar situation. Replacing 1980s Sharp convection/microwave in the cabinet. Just purchased a Panasonic microwave and will attempt to reuse the Sharp trim kit where I can. FYI… I paid around $190 for the microwave. The trim kit (and brace yourself) is $250!!! Highway robbery.

[@albertleftwich7266]

Great video. Very informative and solved my similar issue. 🏆

[@SilentKit85]

Thank! We still have the same microwave and setup. Holding up well.

[@venumandhala9116]

Great video thanks. But how did you mount the frame back to the base?

[@venumandhala9116]

Never mind I read the other comments and figured it out.

[@Ogre6535]

I have the same microwave. How did you take the trim off? Does it just pop off? don't want to bend or break it.

[@SilentKit85]

It’s been a minute, but as I recall there should be metal tabs which attach to the edge frame and then screw into the surrounding wood frame. You’ll need to unscrew those and then the frame should be able to be removed. If you look at the end of my video you should see a couple screws that go into the bracket which attach to the frame. 2 top and 2 bottom I believe.

[@terrizais777]

Glad I found your video. I have the same situation with a GE Cafe microwave. The new microwave is a Samsung is the guide says it needs 8 inches above for ventilation. Did you have such a requirement with the LG? Also, was that double sided Gorilla tape? Could you use some sort of casters instead of the baby gate wall mounts?

[@SilentKit85]

Any rubber based foot object should work. You’re trying to get the proper height as well as prevent the microwave from moving forward or backwards when you place it. You’re pushing buttons and closing the door…you don’t want the microwave sliding. I saw rubber based foot object but as long as you can secure the microwave in place, that is the goal. With mounted microwaves the spacing requirements are different than microwaves which are “counter top” the counter top ones, while cheaper, need more ventilation room as they are made with that in mind. I purchased a microwave meant for being mounted and went with it. I don’t recall my exact microwaves requirements when it came to ventilation. I looked at my space and gave my nod that there was enough air space below, above, and behind that I was comfortable and not worried. I recommend best judgement and getting as close as possible to the recommendations. Hope the above helps!

[@terrizais777]

@@SilentKit85 Wow, thanks for the quick reply. Do you mind telling me which oven you bought?

[@terrizais777]

@@SilentKit85 Oh, was that double sided tape?

[@FriendOfaCoolFriend]

@@terrizais777 it was gorilla tape, not double sided just regular, below the wood boards. I only used that tape in order to get the wooden boards level. Wood shims below the board would have been too much in my use case. So I used gorilla tape and then screwed the boards in place. Ensuring that when I screwed I didn’t over tighten causing the board to become unleveled. Shim as you need, check level and keep it in place, then screw down to secure and don’t over tighten. If you do over tighten, back off the screw slowly until the board is level again. By the way, the LG is still working and I have not had to adjust the frame or microwave once since the video.

[@FriendOfaCoolFriend]

@@terrizais777 LG NeoChef 2.0. Model is LMC2075ST at Best Buy. It’s around 200 now.

[@lynel2765]

You are able to reuse the frame ( the frame that is place in front & around the microwave.. not the one ypu built). Do you have any suggestions when that front doesn't exactly cover the mocrowave ? Is there a diy workaround that you can think of ? thx

[@SilentKit85]

I’m not following 100%. I didn’t build a frame. I used an existing microwaves frame for a new microwave. If you’re talking about the wooden frame which the entire setup lives in…that was there by the builder. The cutout, size of microwave, and size of microwave frame would need to be compatible with each other in terms of size and color, not so much the brand as I’ve shown. If the physical size of the different components you’re working with are not a match for each other you’d have to make DIY adjustments as your preference and taste. Maybe painting or some black material to mask any gaps etc. Just don’t restrict airflow for cooling and you should be good. Hope this helps!

[@anthonylipari3858]

Your video skipped right over the most important part of this entire thing which is what did you screw the old trim kit on to?

[@FriendOfaCoolFriend]

If you watch till the end around the 2:10 mark I show the screws above where I screwed the surrounding frame to the frame mount. I didn’t show myself screwing those in but did make mention of the mounting frame and tried to show it visually at the end of the video with the upward shot when the microwave door was opened. Check around the 2:08-2:13 part of the video.

[@christianbautista321]

So you only screw in the top mount and leave the bottom to flap around?

[@SilentKit85]

The top is screwed in as a means of support/stability so the frame always remains in place. Can I pull the bottom away from the wall with my hand. Sure I can. Has it ever flapped or moved since we installed it years ago with daily use. Not at all. A microwave doesn’t vibrate causing any movement where the bottom would need to be secured. It rests against the wood, looks flush, makes no sound, it’s worked great the way it’s been installed. The frame and microwave are working and look great years later.