Tools and Materials
Materials
What to Keep In Mind
While installing a wall oven is an easy DIY, prioritizing safety is important when it comes to handling the appliance and making electrical connections.
- Whether you have to replace an existing wall oven or install a new one, remember that wall ovens are considerably heavy to lift and maneuver. It is advisable to ask someone to assist you throughout the process.
- Making the right connections to the junction box and ensuring that the electric supply is shut off as you make such connections is crucial to prevent any hazards. You would also have to locate the junction box to make sure that it’s compatible with both the electricity supply and the oven’s power cord and confirm the type of outlet required.
- If you don't have experience with electric processes, it's best to ask for help. Don't hesitate to call a professional to do the job for you.
How to Measure for Your Wall Oven
Before starting, check whether your cabinet space can fit a wall oven.
- Most wall ovens have a standard width of 27 to 30 inches. However, this can vary slightly depending on your model and manufacturer. It’s best to check the manual for these specifications.
- If you already have a cabinet cutout ready for your wall oven, double-check to make sure it matches the oven's size. The cabinet cutout should accommodate the entire oven.
Leave a little extra space for ventilation and maneuvering. Make sure to leave some space for the electrical connection at the back of the oven too.
If You Don't Have a Cutout
Having a cutout in your cabinet is a requirement for a wall oven. Here’s what you can do if you don’t already have one.
- Refer to the installation manual for the exact cutout dimensions.
- With a level and pencil, mark these measurements on your cabinets. Check your measurements for accuracy.
- Use a circular saw to cut along the lines and a jigsaw to finish up any curves and corners. Sand down if necessary.
- While cutting a new opening for your wall oven, make sure that you allow for a clearance of ¼-in on both sides.
How to Replace an Existing Wall Oven
If you're replacing an existing wall oven, here’s how to remove the old one.
- Place a cardboard box or a blanket down so that you can place the oven on it after removing it. Doing this will prevent both the oven and the floor from getting damaged.
- Turn off the power to the oven at the breaker box before you start.
- Before loosening any screws, ask someone to support the weight of the oven from below. This will prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
- Loosen the anchoring screws that hold the oven to the cabinet frame.
- Refer to the manual for specific instructions on wire disconnection.
- Carefully detach the electrical wires attached to the oven.
- Lift and remove the old oven straight out from the cabinet space.
How to Install a Wall Oven
Now that your space is ready, it's time to install the new oven.
- Place your new oven on a blanket to avoid any damage to the floors and the oven. This will also help in the easy maneuvering of the oven.
- Remove any packaging materials followed by the door and the racks. This makes it easier to lift the oven.
- Ask someone to help you gently tip your wall oven and rest it on its rear on the blanket to install the oven feet.
- Refer to the instruction manual to position the front and rear feet.
- With the feet intact, return the oven to an upright position. Drag it toward your cabinet cutout space.
Connecting the Wires
- The installation manual will have instructions to identify the different wires present and where they should be connected. Follow these instructions to make the right connections.
- For the junction box wires and the oven’s power cord, use a wire stripper and remove 1⁄4 inch of insulation.
- Use wire nuts to join the wires and tighten all wire nuts securely only after you have made sure that they are correctly attached.
Be sure to shut off the electrical supply to the oven junction box before making any connections. Use a voltage tester to verify this.
Final Steps
- Ask someone to help you carefully lift and position the oven into the cabinet space.
- Use a level to check that the oven is fitted evenly.
- If the doors and racks were removed in the earlier steps, reinstall them.
Now that you have successfully learned how to install your wall oven, turn on the power at the breaker box and test the functions. Run through heating modes for a short period to ensure proper operation.