How to Install Microwave Mounting Plate 3300W0A030A in a Kenmore Microwave
Quick answer: Locate the wall studs above the range and mark the cabinet height with the template. Hold 3300W0A030A level, mark the holes, drill, then fasten with lag screws into studs and toggle bolts elsewhere. Hook the microwave's rear edge onto the plate, tilt it up and bolt it through the cabinet.
The mounting plate 3300W0A030A is the steel wall plate that carries the weight of your Kenmore over-the-range microwave. It screws to the wall studs behind the range, and the back of the microwave hooks onto its lower tabs before the top is bolted to the cabinet above. If the old plate was bent, rusted or left behind when the previous microwave was removed, you need this plate before the microwave can go up. It is listed for Kenmore and LG-built models such as 72180039700, LMVH1750SB00 and LMHM2017ST00, and replaces 2B72706D, 5230W1A011E, 5230W1A012A and 5230W1A012E.
Fitting the plate is a moderate job. The plate itself is simple, but the microwave is heavy and the plate must be level and anchored into solid wood, or the microwave will sag or pull away from the wall. Plan on a helper for the lift, and take your time with the template and level; five careful minutes here saves a crooked microwave for years.
See part details and every compatible model: 3300W0A030A
- Turn the range off and cover the cooktop with a board so tools and the microwave cannot damage the burners.
- Never hang the microwave from drywall anchors alone; at least one fastener must go into a stud or a solid header.
- Lift the microwave with a helper; it is heavy and awkward at arm height.
- Check for wiring and gas lines in the wall before drilling behind a range.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Stud finder to locate the wall studs above the range
- Level, at least the width of the plate
- Drill with wood bits for the stud holes and a larger bit for toggle bolt holes
- Socket wrench or nut driver for the lag screws
- Pencil and the paper templates supplied with the microwave
- Helper to lift and hold the microwave
- Work gloves and safety glasses
Step-by-Step Installation
- Prepare the wall and find the studs Remove the old plate and any leftover screws. Run a stud finder across the wall above the range and mark the centre of each stud with a pencil line running the full height of the mounting area.
- Position the wall template Tape the wall template so its top edge sits tight against the bottom of the upper cabinet and its centre line lines up with the centre of the range. Mark the plate holes that fall on studs and the ones that do not.
- Mark and drill the cabinet holes Use the top cabinet template to mark the bolt holes and the power cord hole on the underside of the cabinet. Drill them now while the wall is clear.
- Hold the plate and check level Set 3300W0A030A against the wall on your marks with the hook tabs at the bottom facing out. Lay the level along the top edge and adjust until the bubble is centred, then re-mark the holes if anything moved.
- Drill the pilot and toggle holes Drill pilot holes at the stud marks and larger holes for toggle bolts where there is no stud. Vacuum the dust so the plate sits flat.
- Fasten the plate Drive lag screws through the plate into every stud you marked, then feed the toggle bolts through the remaining holes and tighten them. Check level once more before the final tightening; the plate must not rock.
- Hang the microwave With your helper, lift the microwave, feed the power cord up through the cabinet hole, and set the slots on the bottom rear edge of the microwave onto the plate's hook tabs. Tilt the top of the microwave up toward the cabinet.
- Bolt to the cabinet and test Insert the long bolts down through the cabinet holes into the microwave top and tighten them evenly until the microwave is snug against the cabinet and the wall. Plug in and run the light, fan and a short heating test.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- Plate is level along its top edge before the microwave goes up
- At least two fasteners are driven into studs and none are in drywall alone
- Plate sits flat against the wall with no rocking
- Microwave slots are fully engaged on the plate's hook tabs
- Cabinet bolts are tight and the microwave does not move when pushed
- Door opens and closes without the microwave shifting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trusting the old screw holes The old plate may have been mounted crooked or into weak wood. Start from the template and stud marks, not the old holes.
Skipping the level check after drilling Drilling can shift the plate a little. Re-check level with the fasteners snug but not tight, then tighten.
Hanging the microwave before the plate is tight A loose plate lets the microwave tilt forward as the cabinet bolts are tightened. Fully fasten the plate first.
Forgetting the power cord hole The cord must go up through the cabinet before the microwave is hooked on. Drill the hole with the cabinet template while the space is clear.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Microwave tilts forward at the bottom The rear slots are not fully on the hook tabs. Loosen the cabinet bolts, lift the microwave slightly and reseat it on the plate.
Gap between the microwave and the cabinet The plate is mounted too low or the cabinet bolts are not tight. Tighten the bolts evenly; if the gap remains, the plate needs re-mounting at the template height.
Plate rocks on the wall The wall is uneven or a toggle bolt is not tight. Shim behind the plate at the high point and re-tighten every fastener.
Toggle bolt spins without tightening The toggle did not open behind the drywall. Remove it, confirm the hole is large enough for the wings, and reinstall.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Once a year, push gently on the microwave front to confirm nothing has loosened.
- Keep the range hood filters clean so grease does not build up between the microwave and the wall.
- Do not hang heavy items from the microwave door or handle.
- If you ever remove the microwave, inspect the plate for bending before rehanging.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 174 Kenmore models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Replaces or is replaced by: 2B72706D, 5230W1A011E, 5230W1A012A, 5230W1A012E
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 45 to 90 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which microwaves use mounting plate 3300W0A030A?
It is listed for Kenmore and LG-built over-the-range models such as 72180039700, LMVH1750SB00, LMVH1750ST00, LMHM2017ST00 and the Goldstar MV1604SB. It replaces 2B72706D, 5230W1A011E, 5230W1A012A and 5230W1A012E. Confirm your model number on the label inside the door.
Can I mount the plate on drywall with anchors only?
No. At least one fastener, preferably two, must go into a stud or solid header. The plate carries the whole weight of the microwave, and drywall anchors alone will pull out.
Do I need the templates?
They make the job much easier because they set the plate height and cabinet hole positions. If the templates are lost, measure from the old plate's mounting height and the microwave's own top holes.
Can one person do this?
The plate, yes. Hanging the microwave safely needs two people, one to hold it on the plate while the other drives the cabinet bolts.
Final Checklist
- Studs located and marked above the range
- Wall template taped at cabinet height and centred over the range
- Cabinet bolt holes and cord hole drilled
- 3300W0A030A levelled and holes marked
- Lag screws into studs and toggle bolts elsewhere, plate tight and flat
- Microwave hooked onto the plate tabs with a helper
- Cabinet bolts tightened evenly
- Light, fan and heating test run