How much does it cost to install a microwave?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Microwaves make life easier in the kitchen, heating food and liquids quickly and cutting down on cooking times. Most people have a microwave somewhere in their kitchen, with many people opting to install it permanently as part of the design. There are many different types of microwaves on the market that differ in their type, features, styles, size, and brand.

The national average cost for microwave installation is between $290 and $870. Most homeowners pay around $380 for the installation of an over-the-range steam microwave with standard features. At the low end of the spectrum, you will pay around $140 to install a below-cabinet conventional microwave with standard features. At the high end, you may pay up to $5,000 for the installation of a built-in convection microwave with features such as a grill and sensor.

Cost to Install Microwave

Microwave Cost by Type

A homeowner can expect to pay on average anywhere between $50 and $5,000 for a microwave, depending on the type. Many different microwaves are on the market that offer more than the simple tasks of reheating leftovers and preparing hot chocolate. Your microwave choice comes down to your budget, the type of dishes you make, and your installation preference. The chart below highlights the different types of microwaves with their respective costs, followed by subsections explaining each.

Conventional Microwave

The average cost for a conventional microwave oven ranges between $50 and $400. If you are looking for a simple, budget-friendly option, this type may be the best for you. These microwaves typically feature automatic programs such as defrost, broil, or bake but are not suited for cooking food. Conventional ovens are very easy to use and will have you double-checking the manual less frequently.

Steam Microwave

The cost of a steam microwave ranges between $200 and $600 on average. Microwaves with the steam function enable you to cook your meals using a concentration of heat and water vapour to ensure your dishes are very tender and moist. Cooking with steam enables you to preserve more nutrients and enzymes in your food. Therefore, your foods are healthier. Rice, fish, dumplings, and vegetables can be cooked with ease using the steam function. Some steam microwaves have humidity sensors to control the steam output, while others steam without microwaving.

Inverter Microwave

You can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for an inverter microwave. An inverter microwave differs from other microwaves in their power supply conversion. Traditional microwaves get power supply from a magnetic coil, whereas an inverter microwave relies on power from an inverter. It is a more efficient way of cooking than others, using a substantially less amount of energy. With an inverter microwave, the power level can be adjusted prior.

Convection Microwave

Convection ovens offer the same microwave features, with the browning, crisping, and cooking of a traditional oven. They range in price between $200 and $2,000. Convection microwaves are great for browning and cooking food on the outside, instead of just heating the inside of the food. These microwaves have a fan inside that circulates hot air around the food, which acts to cook food more evenly and at a faster speed. Convection microwaves decrease cooking time by around 25%.

Microwave Oven Combo

Combination microwaves offer more cooking flexibility beyond a regular solo microwave, ranging in cost between $1,500 and $5,000. Combination microwaves make it possible to grill, bake, or roast food using the individual settings or use a combination of each at the same time. These microwaves offer features that make it easy to cook everything from baked potatoes to steak to cakes. Some homeowners have purchased a combination microwave to replace their oven completely.

New Microwave Cost by Brand

The average cost for a new microwave is between $100 and $5,000, depending on the brand. When doing your research on microwaves, you will notice the multiple brands and manufacturers on the market. All brands vary in price depending on the features, size, and type of microwave. The same products are competitive between manufacturers. In the section and chart below, we list the most popular microwave brands, describe the various types of microwaves, and discuss the average cost range when buying a unit from each brand.

GE Microwave

A homeowner can expect to pay from $100 to $1,500 for a GE microwave. GE, which stands for General Electric, is one of the major microwave brands found in big-box and independent appliance dealers worldwide. GE offers countertop and over-the-range models. You can expect to pay on the cheaper end of the scale for a countertop model and on the pricier end for an over-the-range model.

Samsung Microwave

Samsung microwaves range in cost between $150 and $600. They are known for their many microwaves in the over-the-range and countertop categories. Their products range from the most basic microwaves to fully featured products. Samsung microwaves are available nationally and located at all major retailers around the world.

LG Microwave

Depending on the style and features, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $1,000 on average for an LG brand microwave. LG offers microwaves that will revolutionize the way you cook. They offer a complete collection of basic countertop microwaves to advanced over-the-range styles. They are sold at large regional stores such as Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, and independent appliance dealers.

Frigidaire Microwave

Frigidaire microwaves range between $350 and $1,500 per unit, depending on the style, size, and capabilities. Frigidaire is known for its high-quality products, which are sold nationwide. Frigidaire microwaves are made by Electrolux. They come in a variety of types, including countertop, built-in, and over-the-range.

Wolf Microwave

Wolf aims to integrate beauty into your kitchen design with their innovative top of the line microwaves, ranging in cost between $500 and $5,000. Their models are designed to do far more than reheat leftovers but also add a touch of elegance to the space. Wolf offers an extensive selection of microwaves, including drop-door door styles, drawer, and side-swing models. Wolf appliances can be found at some big-box retailers nationwide.

Microwave Installation Cost

Installation of a microwave takes around one to two hours of work and averages between $90 and $270. The job can be carried out by either an electrician or handyman. The price you pay for installation depends on whether there are existing brackets, if the vent needs to be connected, and how tight the fit is. To install built-in models, you can expect to pay more as they may require cabinet customization to fit in a specific space.

Microwave installation is a very straightforward process, regardless of the type of microwave you have. Nearly all microwaves come with an installation kit that includes all hardware and brackets required for installation. First, a professional installs the necessary hardware. The microwave is then plugged in and slid into the brackets. If the microwave vents out of the house, this will be hooked up before the microwave is slid into the brackets. If a vent installation is required, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500, depending on the complexity of the project.

Microwave Installation Cost by Location

Depending on where your microwave is, you can expect to pay between $50 and $5,000 for installation, including materials and labor. Conventional, below the counter, and below-cabinet models are easy to install. Their installation is cheaper compared to over-the-range and built-in models that are much more difficult. The layout and space in your kitchen influence the location in which you want your microwave to be installed. The chart below highlights different location models with their respective costs, followed by subsections explaining each type.

Conventional Microwave

When it comes to conventional microwaves, you can expect to pay the least compared to others, ranging between $50 and $320 for installation, including materials and labor. Conventional ovens do not require any installation. Only delivery and unboxing fees apply. Also commonly referred to as countertop microwaves, conventional microwaves are a very popular choice among homeowners, students, and for use in office spaces. They are very easy to work with as they can be placed anywhere in your kitchen where a standard outlet is present. Most conventional microwaves come with valuable features such as a defrost, broil, or bake function. The only labor involved with conventional microwaves is installing an outlet, if necessary.

Below the Counter Microwave

The installation cost for a below the counter microwave ranges between $140 and $445, including materials and labor. These microwaves, as the name states, are installed below the counter. They are a great option for those who do not want to take up any extra counter space and prefer their easy installation. The only con associated with this type is that they can be more difficult to reach and require bending down to use.

Below-Cabinet Microwave

The installation of a below the cabinet microwave is very similar to that of a below the counter microwave. They typically fall between the same price range of $140 to $445, including materials and labor. Below-cabinet microwaves are simply installed below the cabinets. Similar to below the counter microwaves, this type is popular among homeowners who do not want their microwave on the counter yet want it to sit at an easy to use height. A few cons associated with this type is that they may leave little room between the microwave and countertop below.

Over-the-Range Microwave Installation

Installing an over-the-range microwave averages in cost between $140 and $570, including materials and labor. An over-the-range microwave is ideal if kitchen space is a consideration and if you don’t want your microwave on your countertop. These microwaves fit above the stove and carry out the double duty of a microwave and vent hood. They help to eliminate odours from food while cooking in the kitchen. They come in a wide variety of sizes to fit any space.

Built-in Microwave

A homeowner can expect to pay anywhere between $290 and $5,000 to install a built-in microwave. These microwaves provide you with a seamless look, built right into your cabinetry or wall. Built-in microwave installation can be quite pricey as it may require cabinet customization to fit in a specific space. Like over-the-range and conventional microwaves, these microwaves typically offer features such as defrost, bake, and broil to make cooking easy.

Cost to Install Microwave Vent

You can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500 for a microwave vent installation depending on the complexity of the project. A microwave is usually equipped with a ventilation system to help control smoke, moisture, and cooking odors from the cooking surface. How the unit is vented depends on the microwave and the configuration of your kitchen. Some microwaves require ventilation ducts that lead to an exterior vent. Others may require recirculating vents that recycle filtered air back into the kitchen.

Cost to Install Outlet for Microwave

The average cost to have an electrician install an outlet ranges from $120 to $200. The process of outlet installation is easy for an electrician and is usually a low-cost project. Outlets are important in any home. Having many outlets provides you with the option of setting up your microwave anywhere you want within reach.

Microwave Add-Ons

A wide variety of microwaves are on the market today, each offering many features to help make your life easier. Add ons such as cooking presets or defrost presets allow you to quickly cook food or defrost food with the click of a button, while sensors calculate the cooking time based on the steam the food emits. The features included in the microwave influence the cost you pay. The chart below lists very common microwave add-on features with their respective costs, followed by subsections explaining each.

Cooking Presets

The cooking preset buttons allow you to cook your favorite foods using preset power levels and times at the touch of a button. Some of the most common preset buttons on a microwave include popcorn, pizza, potato, soup, frozen vegetables, beverages, and more. Each button has a certain time programmed to cook each type of food. Cooking presets are included on many basic microwave models ranging in price between $50 and $450 on average.

Defrost Presets

The defrost preset buttons provide you with a convenient feature for defrosting frozen foods. The microwave asks you to input the weight of your food and automatically sets the defrost time for you. The user manual provides some additional defrosting tips. Defrosting presets are included on many basic microwave models ranging in price between $50 and $450.

30 Second Instant Cook Button

The ‘30-second instant cook button’ allows microwave users to sneak in an additional 30 seconds on the clock as the numbers wind down. Determining the perfect amount of time to reheat or cook your food can be difficult, so this feature is convenient in that you can keep your food going until you achieve the perfect results. A few extra seconds can make a big difference when it comes to food. Microwave models with the ‘30-second instant cook button’ range from $70 to $600 in price.

Sensor

One of the latest microwave technologies is a built-in sensor that senses when food is cooked. They do so by measuring the humidity of the food to determine if it is cooked through. When the food is done, the microwave automatically beeps and turns off, reducing the chance of burning or overcooking. This is a great feature to reduce the need to check on the food constantly. Microwaves with the sensor feature range in price between $300 and $1,500, depending on the type, size, and brand.

Grill

You don’t have to worry about soggy pizza crust or rubbery meats with a built-in grill element for your microwave. The grill feature is great for browning or crisping your food on the outside while keeping it moist on the inside. It also reduces the time it takes to prepare bread and meats. This feature can be found in some of the newer microwave models and ranges in price between $350 and $2,000.

Toaster Oven vs Microwave

If you are looking for a countertop appliance to cook and heat food, you may want to consider toaster ovens vs microwaves. However, both of these appliances carry out very similar functions. They differ in their pros and cons, cooking methods, and cost. Toaster ovens cook food using infrared radiation through the process of heating coils. They are great at keeping food warm, browning and crisping foods, and are better for small quantities of foods. They tend to take up less space than a microwave but will also take longer to cook or warm food and cannot heat liquids. Microwaves, on the other hand, use electromagnetic waves that work to heat the water in the food. They have a shorter cooking time, can be used for larger quantities of food, and are more energy-efficient. However, microwaves do not brown or crisp food, take up more space, and are not good for low-fat or dry foods. Toaster ovens cost around $80 to $150 for a countertop model, while microwaves average between $50 and $400 for a countertop model.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Additional Cabinets

If you are looking to modify your existing cabinets for a built-in microwave, then you can expect to pay around $400 to $500 on average. If you are required to install additional cabinets, you will pay around $180 to $380 per linear foot, depending on the type of cabinets you install. If you opt into custom cabinets, you can expect to pay a higher cost of $550 to $570 per linear foot. The average homeowner spends around $4,000 to $9,000 to install kitchen cabinets.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Most microwaves are easy to maintain. Keep in mind, however, that over-the-range models may collect grease.
• When using a countertop model, try to locate it in an area where you do not need the counter space.
• If you do not have space for a countertop model, an alternative is to purchase a microwave cart positioned anywhere in the kitchen.
• Microwaves have different wattages. The higher the wattage, the faster it will cook, but the higher the price. Lower-wattage microwaves tend to be slower and not cook as evenly.
• Many microwaves have several preset cooking settings. These often include things like popcorn, pizza, frozen dishes, potatoes, and rice. These settings make using the microwave easier and more convenient.
• Generally, a handyman charges less for the installation than an electrician. However, an electrician can add an outlet if necessary.