My son’s microwave quit working and he wanted to purchase a new one.  The old one hung above his stove and that is where he wanted the replacement unit to be installed.   I advised him to purchase the same make/model I had, and I would help him install it.  I purchased a GE unite 1-1/2 yrs. ago.  It is a low-end unit because my wife only wanted on/off and high for mode options. 

While he was at the box store he called me and asked if he needed to purchase anything else to aid in the installation.  I informed him that everything needed was in the box.  I went to his home today, moved the stove, pulled down the old unit, eyed balled the hanging bracket location, and asked him to get the new hanging bracket from the box.  No can do.  There wasn’t a bracket in the box.  I pulled out the manual and it clearly indicated that the bracket was not in the box but was needed.  All the bracket attach hardware were in the box.

I asked my son to look up the part on the internet so that we could purchase one from a store that had it in stock.  No can do.

GE has removed the needed bracket from the included items, and you have to purchase the bracket on-line.  So, make two trips and wait.  But that is not the worst.  The bracket is being sold for $130.  What a marketing ploy.  Reduce the price of the microwave and gouge the consumer for an item they must have.  This whole thing stinks.  Danl

Well that sux! Thanks for the heads up, ours is on its last leg and I usually get GE. 

I guess the new mounting bracket wasn't already attached to the back of the microwave?

58 minutes ago, lew said:

I guess the new mounting bracket wasn't already attached to the back of the microwave?

NO, we look there.  We ordered an OEM part from Amazon and saved $30.  the part is just a flimsy sheet metal part.  It would be over prices at $30.00.

Danl

I've steered away from GE stuff for a while, now I have another reason to stay away; just as I was looking at a GE fridge. That really does suck.

Our zapper is a GE and, luckily it sets in a cubby next to the stove. The one we had in our old place was a hanger. It was a biotch to install above the range. Don't recall the make but, it did come with all the necessary brackets. IIRC, the gas range was pulled out to make installation simpler. 

I have to apologize and now have egg on my face.  My son informed me that he had the new microwave attach bracket so I headed over to his house.  The new OEM bracket would not work.  I asked my son to look in the box again and take everything out.  Guess what he found...the bracket.  And I did a poor job reading the instructional manual and thinking that the bracket was not included.   I apologize to all of you for this blunder.  I was able to install the microwave and only had to drill the (5) attach holes once.

Danl

no sweat, danl!!

 

5 hours ago, Danl said:

And I did a poor job reading the instructional manual

Typical man!!!!

1 hour ago, John Morris said:

Typical man!!!!

I represent that remark.

Instructions?  We don't need no stinking instructions.  What do you mean it's upside down. 

Hey Danl, you want me to change the title of the topic to "Buyer Read the Manual"?

Not to open a can of worms here Danl, but what was different with the new OEM bracket that it wouldn't work?

The OEM bracket was made from (3) pieces.  This is of the same design as the one that was currently on the wall.  The bracket in the box was a strap design.  The old bracket hung to low for the new microwave (different manufacturer) and the bent-up tangs, which carry the weight, were spaced different than what was needed.  The OEM bracket's bent-up tangs were also spaces so that it would not work either.  I wanted the "U" shaper bracket because it provides more options to attach it to a wall stud.  Danl

 

After getting caught up reading this thread, I feel so much better about myself.