I currently have a hood over my oven and I want to install a microwave. I don't want to vent it, just hang the microwave. Is this something I can do on my own or does it take two people?

If you want to use a built in microwave, then I would say they should have some basic instructions on how to install it. Are you planning to do away with your hood? Or install the hood overtop of the microwave?

I'm doing away with my hood. Again, it is not vented so basically I'll be mounting the microwave. I'm hoping this is something I can do by myself and not hiring anyone to do it for me.

Well, I have pondered on the question, my official answer is, a second helper me be useful, as they say, two heads are better than one. Purchasing any microwave hanging kit should be pretty straight forward. I have built a "cubby" for a microwave in my kitchen, however this was just sticks and nails, and it wasn't over the range.

Now for my opinion: And its just that, stating what I would do, not implying that you should do it: I personally would keep the range hood and vent it. Then you can install the microwave over that or in another location.

Why?

Well, anyone who has ever had a boil over, or cook on a greasy pan, or on other words, smoke up a kitchen can appriciate a properly vented range hood. I personally woudnt want all tha grease, oil, dirt, dead flies, that accumulate under my hood to accumulate under my microwave. But that's just my opinion, and my two cents, spend them as you see fit.

Thank you for your time. Unfortunately, I only have a pseudo vent, it just has a filter and not a duct. We had our home built and had to cut costs. One day, we'll revisit getting a proper vent installed.

Yes: those type of vents aren't much account.

I will also add that what you are trying to do does fit the popular trend, you see more and more designers putting the microwave above the range.

You'll just never catch me doing it, I wouldn't take anything for my hood.

Also, I cook old school. Sure I use the microwave to reheat things, but when I take the time to dirty dishes and go all out, I seldom use it. The microwave is nowhere in my "working triangle" of appliances.

By "working triangle" that's what they taught us when I took basic drafting in high school, you design your three major elements in a triangle, the sink, the fridge, and the range. If you notice most kitchens are laid out this way.

A shelf built over the range, it can be metal, wire frame and the such, and let the microwave sit on it.

Normally due to the wieght of the microwave, the ones that are mounted, would require you to have someone to help hold it in place and the such.

From my experience sellng OTR microwaves, most can either be vented or not vented to the outside through a rectangular vent that's atop the microwave (also called a microhood), so you don't have to vent it to the outside but when you purchase it ask the salesperson to verify this, it's been a few yrs since I have worked selling these microwaves. I have mounted many such microwaves for display (not connecting them to any elec source or outside vent) but let me tell you they are not light! Even a big young man would need some help since most are held it place by either two bolts extend down into the top on the microwave and perhaps by a frame attached to the back wall which you use to also attach the microwave to. I suggest some help for you - at least two, maybe even three people.