Studs to mount a new, heavier microwave??

[BarkingCrow]

The door of our Insignia microwave cracked, so we have to replace it. We want to get the KitchenAid microwave/convection thing, but it is quite a bit heavier than the microwave-only Insignia I’m taking out. Has anyone put a heavier microwave in? My stud finder isn’t being consistent, likely because of the foam insulation in the wall, but I know this bracket has to be on a stud.

Thoughts??

2019 MHC 331RL

[rohrmann]

When we replaced our failed microwave/convection oven with a new microwave only unit a couple years ago, none of the screws were in any studs. The plate that the bottom of the unit hooks on were just screwed into the wall panel and there was no evidence that the screws had moved over the years. I just had to install the new bracket in a little different position and make some new holes in the cabinet at the top of the microwave for the electric cord and the screws. The new microwave was just as heavy as the old combination unit.

[BarkingCrow]

So maybe the bolts in the overhead cabinet handle most of the weight? Just need to make sure all of the weight isn’t on the bracket while getting those bolts snugged down? Maybe?

[Daryles]

When we replaced ours, it came with a template to mount the rail on the wall. I added extra screws because I could not find any wall studs. We used leveling blocks under the old one to hold it up while we removed the top bolrs. Same for installing the new one.
I have read where others who replaced a convection/microwave found scorch marks on the wall behind it. In Convection mode the oven gets HOT!!!!. Maybe put a piece of sheet metal behind it to protect the wall.

[AZ Traveler]

Originally Posted by BarkingCrow

So maybe the bolts in the overhead cabinet handle most of the weight? Just need to make sure all of the weight isn’t on the bracket while getting those bolts snugged down? Maybe?

The overhead bolts handle the weight. The lower bracket just keeps it close to the wall.

[ToolMan]

The convection part of our microwave never worked. Replaced it with a GE micro/convection/air fryer that is way lighter than the original. Model number JES1109RR1SS. Almost exact size match.