JVM1740SMSS is what I have, the guy who remodeled our kitchen put the back splash up to the exact height where the microwave mounting bracket is at. This microwave is 16 3/16" H and the current GE they are selling is either 16 5/16" H, 16 1/4", 16 1/8" etc. So nothing will exactly line up without leaving a gap, or go over the backsplash.
Let's say I have a few options right now:
1) Repair the microwave myself, the door switch that used to keep the fan running when the door is open, now prevents the fan and the magnetron from running when the door is closed. I have a feeling this may be a sinking ship and unless I buy another used microwave and part swap around (maybe a white or black one instead of stainless) it is no guarantee it will be fixed in short order. The reputation of this model is bad due to some touch panel nonsense, I paid $90 for it once, and seems like the replacement fixed it well. The unit is made in 2008 so 13 year is not to be complained about, it is probably caked with grease all over the internal now.
2) Replace with a GE that's slightly taller (1/16" over or more) so it cover the backsplash. It will not look ugly, but will something line up? do I need to shim stuff? I don't think anything architectural is precision engineering but what is the risk there?
3) Replace with a GE that's slightly shorter (1/16" under) so it will always be mounted with some gap between the top of backsplash and the microwave. It will look ugly, but it will mount for sure.
4) Find another brand that is the exact height (16 3/16" H), but then I might need to drill some new holes in the cabinet on top or adjust the vent, not sure how standard they are, will need to tape measure and compare with the online template I guess?
5) Look for exact same used but unlikely to find one locally, shipping is risky as it may break in transit used.
6) Ignore the microwave part and just use the vent, and keep a separate microwave on the side. Wife hated the idea and it takes up counter space, but this is stress free, I just got an early Black Friday Insignia one from BestBuy for $60, works pretty well so far, cheaper than eating out for 2 meals already.
Which one make the most sense?
Let's say I have a few options right now:
1) Repair the microwave myself, the door switch that used to keep the fan running when the door is open, now prevents the fan and the magnetron from running when the door is closed. I have a feeling this may be a sinking ship and unless I buy another used microwave and part swap around (maybe a white or black one instead of stainless) it is no guarantee it will be fixed in short order. The reputation of this model is bad due to some touch panel nonsense, I paid $90 for it once, and seems like the replacement fixed it well. The unit is made in 2008 so 13 year is not to be complained about, it is probably caked with grease all over the internal now.
2) Replace with a GE that's slightly taller (1/16" over or more) so it cover the backsplash. It will not look ugly, but will something line up? do I need to shim stuff? I don't think anything architectural is precision engineering but what is the risk there?
3) Replace with a GE that's slightly shorter (1/16" under) so it will always be mounted with some gap between the top of backsplash and the microwave. It will look ugly, but it will mount for sure.
4) Find another brand that is the exact height (16 3/16" H), but then I might need to drill some new holes in the cabinet on top or adjust the vent, not sure how standard they are, will need to tape measure and compare with the online template I guess?
5) Look for exact same used but unlikely to find one locally, shipping is risky as it may break in transit used.
6) Ignore the microwave part and just use the vent, and keep a separate microwave on the side. Wife hated the idea and it takes up counter space, but this is stress free, I just got an early Black Friday Insignia one from BestBuy for $60, works pretty well so far, cheaper than eating out for 2 meals already.
Which one make the most sense?