How Much Does Lowe’s Charge To Install A Microwave? (Explained) 2025

At some point, you’ll have to buy a microwave or replace the one you already own. Either way, you’ll have to install a microwave.

If you don’t know how to do so, don’t fret, you can hire a professional from Lowe’s or anywhere else to install the microwave for you.

Lowe’s usually charges between $120-150 dollars for the installation of an over-the-stove microwave. They charge $200-$530 for installing built-in microwaves, and this installation comes with a one-year labor warranty.

If you want to install a microwave in your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.

You’ll find out how much it will cost to hire a technician, and you can also learn how to install a microwave yourself.

How Much Does Lowe’s Install Over-The-Range Microwaves?

How Much Does Lowe’s Charge to Install a Microwave

Over-the-range microwaves cost between $150-$300 to install, which could be more or less depending on some factors.

The company usually charges by the hour, ranging from $50 to $100 an hour. So, if the technician takes a lot of time installing your microwave, it will cost you more.

But overall, hiring a technician from Lowe’s to install an over-the-range microwave for you should only cost you $150. The average time the installation will take is two hours.

The labor cost per hour also varies depending on the following:

If the technician has to install new venting ducts, the installation will take more time and cost you more money.
If the technician has to remove the range hood before replacing it with the microwave, it will cost more than it would have if they didn’t need to remove the range hood.
The technician may also need to perform electrical upgrades for your over-the-range microwave. An over-the-range microwave requires a dedicated 120-amp 20-volt circuit.
If the company supplies your microwave, you’ll have to factor that in with the installation costs. But if you’re only paying for labor, you won’t have to pay as much.

Since the intensity of the work can increase the charge and the time it will take to install the microwave, you may pay closer to $300 or even more.

How Long Do Lowe’s Technicians Take To Install A Microwave?

It will take a technician from Lowe’s about 1-3 hours to install a microwave. Installing a microwave should not take more than three hours.

Older kitchens need upgrades and extra work to bring the microwave up to the required code, which may take a bit more time.

Also, if the technician is installing an over-the-range microwave, it will take more time, especially if they have to install the vent and the socket in the cabinet.

But, if all that is already in place, it will take less time. However, additional venting, wiring, and cabinet customizations can take up to 6 hours.

The below cabinet microwave takes little time because it is reasonably easy to install, and the installation cost is often lower.

An over-the-range microwave is more challenging to install. It takes more time and costs more. Also, you need two people to install an over-the-range microwave.

Finally, a built-in microwave requires the most labor hours. The technician may have to customize the cabinets and finish them with a trim kit.

Unsurprisingly, Lowe’s charges for installing built-in microwaves are higher than those for installing below-cabinet and over-the-range microwaves.

How Much Will An Independent Technician Install A Microwave?

An independent technician will charge $100-$300 for over-the-range microwave installation and $220-$580 for a built-in microwave.

Independent technicians charge $50-$100 an hour for labor. So, if you call one, the labor costs will depend on how long it takes to install the microwave.

And it takes 1-3 hours to install microwaves, so the cost usually comes to $100-150 dollars.

But, if there are many other things to do, like venting and upgrading electricity in the kitchen to meet the codes, it will take more time and, therefore, more money.

The amount of money you pay for microwave installation varies slightly between companies and independent contractors.

The table below contains the names of brands you can call to install your microwaves and how much they charge for the service.

Brands That Install Microwaves	How Much They Charge
Independent Technicians	$100-$300
Lowe’s	$120-$150
Best buy	$140-$200
Sears	$150-$160
Home Depot	$100-$400

Can You Install A Microwave Yourself?

You can install a microwave, especially if you’re handy with tools. Installing an over-the-range microwave may seem daunting, but it’s relatively simple.

If you’re only replacing the microwave with a new one or replacing the Hood vent, you can do it with some help and regular tools you may have around the house.

Over-the-range microwaves already have mounting brackets, and they come with all the instructions and templates you need for the installation.

The space for the microwave has to be the right size, and the adjoining cabinets must have the right size between them.

The position of over-the-range microwaves is very convenient and serves as range vents.

You’ll need to use a specially designed microwave for that, and you’ll have to install a vent to carry away the fumes from the stove.

Additionally, it would be best to have a cabinet where you can hang the microwave. The cabinet will support the microwave, and you can also put the wiring in the cabinet.

So, you’ll need the following tools to begin;

Tape measure
Carpenter’s pencil
Drill and bits
Ratchet wrench and socket
Eye protection
Stud finder
Philips screwdriver
Jigsaw

Also, you’ll need the following materials;

Masking tape
1 over-the-range microwave
Metal foil tape
Vent fittings and vent
One outlet box
One receptacle

The entire process should take about 2-4 hours, even for a beginner, but it can take longer if you have to prepare space for the microwave.

Install A Vent

The first thing you need to do is install a vent for the microwave, and you can choose a vent that directs the fumes from the gas outside the home or spreads them back into the house.

The first option is usually safer in the case of natural gas appliances.

So, if you’re going with the former, you’ll have to install the ductwork through the wall in the cabinet or the kitchen roof into a vent cap outside the house.

Choose the most direct route for installing your ductwork, and you’ll be faster if you figure out the route before you begin the installation. Use a drywall saw to cut through the wall.

Install An Outlet Over The Range

There has to be an outlet in the cabinet that will power the microwave. So, you’ll have to install an outlet before you proceed with the work.

Turn off the power before you install the new receptacle, but if you aren’t very good with electrical work, you can hire a technician to do the wiring instead.

Place The Microwave Fan In Position

The microwave fan must be in alignment with your exhaust vents, and you can adjust the vents so that the air goes in the direction that matches your ductwork.

Or, you can place the vent to redirect the air into a filter. The filtered air then recirculates in the room.

Tape The Mounting Template To The Wall

Most over-the-range microwaves come with mounting templates. If there is one, tape it to the wall, use a drill to make the necessary holes, and then take it off.

If there is no template, follow the guide to make the holes.

Attach The Mounting Plate To The Wall

The mounting plate is essential, and the bolts come from the back of the cabinet to the top to support the microwave.

You can attach the mounting plate to the wall using the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hang The Microwave

For this, you’ll need an extra pair of hands, latch the door and get someone to hold the weight of the microwave while you hang it on the mounting plate.

Feed the microwave power cord into the cabinet and adjust it until the power cord is level with the cabinet.