Foretravel Owners' Forum

 We are looking for a microwave, convection oven that will open against wall on a  1996 U295

check the appliance stores out as these are standard house units usually.
JohnH

Our original is Sharp and we replaced it ourselves last year with a new Sharp.  We have the detailed writeup with photos.  Buying the microwave anyplace but having it delivered to a Lowe's or Home Depot store can be problematic.  The microwave is always shipped in original carton that is not very sturdy and many times and Internet purchase will arrive dented.  At Lowe's no problem if problem, they re-order and you don't pay until you see it first.  It will likely be a special order which come to store pretty quick.
There is a lot written about installing in Foretravels, including changing back plate, special mounting screw locations, etc.  This is a pretty straight forward install for two people as unit is heavy.  We and others can help as your get started.
Pretty much only the Sharp has inset hinges that will allow full door open against a wall.

We changed out ours as well.  Not hard.  :)

Did what they said above.

We had the original KitchenAid replaced (at FOT) with a Sharp, as recommended above.  The new one fit perfectly into the existing cabinet recess - they only needed to swap out the "hidden" mounting brackets.  Removing and installing these units is definitely a 2 strong person job.  If you are not up to it, either physically or mechanically, take the job to a remodel shop and let them do the heavy lifting.

Here is the Sharp model we used:
 
Sharp 1.1 cu. ft. Over the Range Convection Microwave in Stainless Steel-R187... (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sharp-1-1-cu-ft-Over-the-Range-Convection-Microwave-in-Stainless-Steel-R1874TY/100489234)

Before and after photos:

We replaced ours with GE Advantium.
30" is common size for over the stove units, you have a fair amount of choices. Try AJ Madison or ABT for ideas, their web sites have good search functions.
Factory standard units are combination convective ovens and microwaves of course

(added bold for emphasis  ;)  )


Check side clearance if considering an Advantium - IIRC the side cabinet can't extend more than 13" from the rear of the unit.  See how the door needs to clear the left side cabinet in the photo below


An inset door, like Barry and Cindy suggest, would be the best bet if you have a wall adjacent to the microwave door hinge side.

nice catch Michelle!

We replaced ours a couple of years ago with a Sharp like the original one. If I remember correctly, we used a short stool with pillows to support the weight when removing and replacing the diagonal bolts. A three eighths power driver with the correct socket is also a big help on the diagonal bolts. It is definitely a two person job. The wife and I did it without any homicidal thoughts from either of us. Good Luck.

Here are some model numbers:
My OEM microwave convection was Sharp R-1830B which was white (some plastic turned yellow).
It was mounted on 3x3 framing such that door face was 1.5 inches outside cupboard face.

Barry used the Sharp R-1875T (Lowe's #352553) which has a different mount then R-1830B.

Dave Katsuki and I both used the Sharp R-1874T which is stainless and has the same mount as R-1830B.

I, however, removed the 3x3 spacing to move the microwave door face 3 inches closer to the back wall, such that my microwave door face is 1.5 inches inside the cupboard face. This provides a better view of the stove top.

When removing OEM microwave, look for screws from cabinet above which go into the top of the microwave.

 Thank you to all for the information to a newbie. Thanks again Randy