How To Remove A Microwave Oven

So, your microwave has finally given up the ghost. Maybe it sounds like a dying cat every time you try to reheat pizza, or the door now has the structural integrity of a wet napkin. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided it’s time to part ways. Removing a microwave oven sounds like a job for a power-tool-wielding superhero, but trust me—it’s more like breaking up with a toaster that’s overstayed its welcome.

First things first: unplug that beast. I know, I know, it’s obvious. But you’d be surprised how many people start yanking at the microwave while it’s still humming with leftover energy. It’s like trying to change a lightbulb while the lamp is still on—a bad idea that ends with you shouting at furniture. Give it a full minute to discharge any stored electricity in the capacitor, especially if it’s a built-in model. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a voltage tester; it’s cheaper than a trip to the ER.

Now, look at the situation. Is your microwave sitting on the counter, like a lazy roommate who never does dishes? If so, you’re in luck. Just lift it straight up (bend your knees, not your back) and slide it onto a sturdy table. These countertop models are usually light enough to carry, but I’ve seen folks try to deadlift a 45-pound microwave like they’re at the gym. Spoiler alert: you are not a competitive weightlifter. Use a buddy or a dolly if it feels awkward—your spine will thank you tomorrow when you aren’t walking like a question mark.

When your microwave is bolted to the wall (like a stubborn teenager)

This is where things get spicy. Over-the-range microwaves are the ninjas of kitchen appliances: they hide in plain sight but are held in place by a dozen hidden screws and a mounting plate that weighs more than your doubts. Do not just yank it down. I did that once, and the microwave landed on my foot while the metal bracket swung like a pendulum into my shin. My kitchen looked like a crime scene from a slapstick comedy.

Start by removing the microwave from its mounting bracket. Most models have a little screw or a locking tab under the top edge. Feel around—it’s like playing a game of “Find the Closet Monster,” but with less panic. Once you unscrew that, carefully tilt the microwave forward at a 45-degree angle. Yes, it will feel like you’re bowing to a shiny plastic god. The trick is to lift it off the bracket straight toward you, not down. If you tilt too far, you’ll hear a sad clang and realize you’ve also pulled the bracket off the wall.

And let’s talk about the power cord. It’s usually tucked behind the microwave, coiled like a snake that doesn’t trust you. Before you remove the unit entirely, unplug it from the wall outlet—usually hidden inside the cabinet above or behind a vent. If you can’t find it, don’t play archaeological dig behind the microwave. Just reach in blind and feel for the plug. Your reward may be a dust bunny the size of a Chihuahua, but victory is yours.

The bracket: that metal traitor

Once the microwave is out, you’ll see the mounting bracket still clinging to the wall. It’s attached with screws that were apparently designed by someone who hates humanity. Those screws are likely covered in gritty decades-old grease—the same kind that makes you question your life choices. Use a power drill with a magnetic bit, because lost screws are just future ankle injuries waiting to happen. If a screw is stripped, you have my permission to swear loudly. It’s therapeutic.

Now, about the hole in your wall. Yes, there will be a gap where the microwave used to live, and it’s as attractive as a missing tooth. Don’t panic. You can cover it with a plate, install a new microwave, or simply hang a picture of a pizza over it. No one in your life will judge you—unless you leave the raw wires exposed, which is a fire hazard and also a terrible fashion statement.

Finally, deal with the beast. If the microwave still works (but you’re upgrading), donate it. If it’s dead, check if your local recycling centre accepts e-waste. Whatever you do, do not throw it in the regular trash. Your garbage collectors will give you a look that says, “I know what you did, and I’m disappointed.” You’ve already earned that look from the mounting bracket—don’t double down.

And there you have it. You’ve freed your kitchen from a hulking microwave that probably never once thanked you for all the frozen burritos you cooked. Now, go make some popcorn in your new, shiny, non-dead microwave. Or, you know, just bask in the silence of a countertop that isn’t vibrating with the ghost of reheated leftovers.

P.S. If your microwave tries to fight back, give it a stern talking-to. It’s not your boss—it’s a machine that once thought defrosting a frozen turkey in 15 minutes was a good idea. You win, always.