My Eyes Are Up Here!

10 de abril de 2016

Easier to install than I thought but apparently not packaged for real world shipping

My previous over-the-range microwave was an LG model that failed 366 days after I bought it. When I read the installation instructions for that brand I realized I was in over my head and hired somebody to install it for me.When I ordered this GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel microwave I wasn't sure if I would need to hire somebody or not. After I received it and read the instructions it was evident that not only were the instructions clear and easy to understand, the "U" shaped mounting bracket made the installation easy compared to the LG model which has just a bottom rail that requires millimeter-precision measuring which is practically impossible considering all walls and cabinets are at least a tiny bit wonky. I had never installed an over-the-range microwave before but with the good GE instructions and included hardware I began this job with confidence.The carton, cardboard, and Styrofoam arrived in showroom condition. Not a puncture, tear, dent, or abrasion to be seen. I was therefore surprised when I removed the microwave and discovered it was actually banged up quite a bit. There were several dents on the edges and the unit was no longer plumb. I tested it out for a few days and it functioned fine, so I decided to install it anyways because the damage was mostly limited to areas that would be covered by the cabinets and the remaining damage would be difficult to spot unless you were looking for it (the front, stainless steel, etc areas were fine). Normally I would have returned it but I had already refused one that was soaked and damaged in shipping and didn't have the patience for a third round.The installation was relatively painless except for the top screws which go into the counter above. Two holes were placed almost underneath the cabinet doors and the third would have gone too close to a cabinet wall to work a screwdriver. Also the screws were very poor quality with very soft heads. Even using a hand screwdriver it was nearly impossible to screw them in without rounding them out. I was only able to install 2 of 3 top screws but it is still very sturdy because the wall rail is what really bears the weight. Because the unit was no longer completely plumb from being banged up (the center bowed up slightly) there is a tiny gap on either side where the top of the microwave meets the top cabinet, but I think I'm the only one who can see it because I know its there. The top screw holes really need to be an inch further back and each an inch closer to center. Our cabinets are kit cabinets from a major manufacturer, installed in millions of homes, so it seemed odd to me the holes on the microwave were seemingly installed in the most difficult possible location for an installation.Although the instructions state that two people are required for installation, I had no problem doing it myself. Mostly because the instructions were so good I was able to minimize my time lifting and setting into the bottom rail.The microwave functions great. Because the keypad isn't illuminated it's impossible to use without overhead lights on, but I knew that before purchasing so no point deductions there. If the unit continues to function properly I will leave this review at 3.5 stars.This is possibly the quietest microwave I've ever owned and the surface light is very bright. The fan moves a lot of air without as much noise as one would expect.If I had another home that needed a microwave, I would buy another one of these but would hope they fix whatever problem causes a banged up microwave to be delivered in a pristine box. And the problem with the overhead screws not fitting a major supplier of cabinetry. One inch back and to the middle with each hole would solve immeasurable problems.

GE 30" Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.6 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts, 300 CFM Hood Vent, LED Lighting, Auto Defrost, Easy Mount Install, Stainless Steel, JVM3160RFSS

Sobre este producto

Reseñas

Great microwave

Looks good and easy to install

Apparently a second

Easier to install than I thought but apparently not packaged for real world shipping

Works good and looks nice

Perfect

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