Customers love the 36" Over-the-Range Microwave Accessory Filler Kit for its sleek design and perfect fit. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the improper fit and installation process. They mentioned that the filler kit does not mount flush to the front of the microwave and requires modification of metal panels, which can be challenging for those who are not handy with tools.
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Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 20 reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Filled the need!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Trim Kit met my need. It is not an inexpensive product but got a great deal for the kit and microwave from the Pacific Sales salesman. I was desperate to replace my 36” microwave, but no one makes them that size anymore. The kit is pretty simple, meant to just fill in the gap. It was easy to install, just a few screws to remove and then re-install. I was a little apprehensive but it looks great!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Poor design
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Trim Filler Kit was professionally installed by Best Buy team but has about a 1.5” step to the microwave unit. Standard 12” depth cabinetry.
Appears as a seamless transition on website.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Caution! Read the reviews and be ready to work!
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
GE JX36DDS 36" OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE ACCESSORY FILLER KIT
(purchased in April, May, and June 2020 from two different home improvement stores)
So we read the reviews, but we really did not feel we had a choice as we need this exact size microwave or we would have to modify our cabinets or granite backsplashe. True to the review, the first one shows up and the left side is not drilled correctly and does not fit flush … and it had a dent. So we sent it back (and the microwave as when I unwrapped it I found a cracked handle). Next one finally shows up about four weeks later (32 days) and it, too, did not fit on the left side (when facing the back or looking out from the microwave … exact same issue on a second microwave). It was also dented, and the weld spot was indented/dented. I had to hammer out the dent in the weld spot with a rubber pad and steel ballpeen hammer as well as reshape the bent flange on top.
Then the real fun began.
I had to drill new holes so the left side would fit properly. Three holes. And, just so you know, three of the screws were standard and one was a star. According to the instructions you only have to remove the one screw on the back , but if you don’t remove the star head screw, you can’t get the back on … and it still does not fit properly. The right side (from the back) only has two screws and a star screw. And although it (right side) fit properly, the star head screw was stripped on deliver and will not hold the panel tight.
So, I get out my drill and my file and I make new holes. You cannot drill them because the offset is too close to the track that is already there … you have to file it. Same on both that I ordered (BTW I had to send the microwave back to because of damage in the box, so it was not an anomaly, both were made the same). I finally get the thing to fit properly with modifications (good thing I have a lot of tools and patience). Also, because I had to make this flush, the stop strap for the “gap filler” panels is exposed a on the top of the microwave, meaning, it is NOT under a cabinet space.
And then … more fun.
Guess what? The back of the gap filler/spacer is not made the same way as the last one (with an empty space against the wall) and has a flush panel on the back. What does that mean? We bought the same microwave and same gap filler because we needed it to fit our cabinets and previous granite cuts. The back has a flush panel which the last one did not. This means my granite was cut for the previous microwave and does not fit this “new” panel. Even though we ordered all the same stuff, it does not fit over the cutout in the granite. Nice. In order to make this fit I had to make the microwave flush with the granite. Time to get out the tools. I had to put a panel in the wall to make everything flush (bringing the microwave out another 1-1/8 inch). It was already out too much if you ask me. Anyhow, bolt boards to the wall, then I remount the bracket and put the whole thing back in.
The top did not align flush (pushed out on top by 1/8 inche) and the side has a ¼ inch gape between the sides. It does not fit the same as the last one in any way shape or form except attaching to the microwave with modifications (or you can’t mount it no matter how many times you send it back). It was also 1/8 longer on the bottom than my cabinets, which the last one was not.
In the end, I am handy with tools and we felt we had no choice, so I made it work. Some things for you to consider:
1. If you are not handy with tools and modifying metal panels, you are in trouble.
2. If you pay someone to do this, they may charge you the extra time for installation and having to modify the panels (pay for installation and put it on them).
3. You have no choice if you buy this microwave and need the gap filler (putting this under a 36”cabinet). No one else makes it and they all are improperly made … apparently all of them.
4. It is supper expensive for something that does not fit properly and has to be mechanically modified.
5. BTW, none of the holes match up (in your cabinets) correctly on the new microwave. You will have to drill all new holes.
My suggestion:
1. Do not buy this microwave if you need the gap filler. Find an alternative for 36” spaces.
2. The microwaves themselves also have poor quality control. Both of the ones I purchased had cheap and striped screw bases.
3. Plan to hire someone who knows how to make the modifications if you do not.
4. Watch them do this as it will be some witchery to make it work and you will want to see how they make this work … for when you figure out later that it did not. AND, inspect the work before they leave … be ready to settle for less than you expected.
5. DO NOT tear apart the packaging for the microwave or gap filler (you WILL be sending one or both back). I had to exchange both and ended up working with what I got in the end (as I did not want to buy new cabinets). Yes, two sets of panels and two different microwaves.
Your call but there was zero quality control on the items I purchased. I would not have spent the time to write this if I was not upset at the boondoggle this took to fix and install … and I am pretty handy with tools.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Good, but slight design issue
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Installs easily and fits well. My only complaint is that the strap which goes across the top to attach the two pieces is right at the depth of my cabinets. This prevents the microwave from getting totally flush with the cabinet on the top. Certainly not a big deal, but I'd get something else had I known
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Necessary Accessory
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
When you get a GE Profile microwave installed over a GE Profile Cook Top, you need this trim kit. The purchase cost and installation cost are expensive considering the cost of the microwave. That being said, it looks terrific and is a significant improvement over the trim kit on my previous microwave in that it goes on both sides of the microwave rather than just one side. That looks more balanced and improves the overall appearance of the microwave and cook top area. While detailed installation instructions are provided, I would recommend having it installed by someone who does it for a living.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Installation
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Makes microwave look like one unit
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I like the look of the filler kit. The right side needed minor adjusting.
Overall I really like the product.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Installation
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
36” trim kit
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Stainless steel matches ge profile microwave perfectly. Unfortunately, the top corner of my trim kit had a flaw in it and I didn’t notice it until after it was installed. :(
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Looks OK
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I had to get this filler kit to attach to my microwave because my other one was a 36" and they don't make that size anymore. This filler kit was easy to attach but it is not that stable as you think it would be. On the top front has nothing holding it to the microwave other then a metal strap that just holds the fillers and does NOT attach the the microwave. you think it would of had at least one screw but there was nothing. so I'm not happy with that. but it was all I was able to find.
This review is from GE - 36" Over-the-Range Microwave Accessory Filler Kit - Black
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Installation
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
The trim kit makes my microwave look better!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It was a bit difficult to install and they are a bit flimsy but they make the microwave look like it fits into the space better.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
good design
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
we added to our
30" microwave
to expand the
appearance over
our new 36" cooktop unit to
match the 36"
width they look
great together.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Necessary for the job.
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Could not have replaced the old 36" without this kit. A bit pricey, necessary.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Overpriced, not flush but if you need them...
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I don't love this product. First, it is overpriced for what it is. Second, they do not mount flush to the front of the microwave so the front of the microwave is "stepped" back (and I understand why - if it were flush, it would be in the way of the door opening on most models). But, if you need this as there are basically no 36" microwaves made anymore, then you don't have much choice. One thing I would say is the steel finish is a good match for GE model microwaves (not sure about other makes).
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fits nicley
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
These are used too allow micro wave to fit in a thirtysix inch oping they work very well and look like they are part of micrwave oven
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Unacceptable
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Manufacturers stickers would not come off so very disappointed
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Help needed NOW!!!
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I am very upset, I order this item and you keep canceling it. I don't understand a company that gives this kind of terrible service!!!! This is the 3rd time I ordered it and you confirm the order and then you cancel it. I cannot give your company a good review because I am very, very unhappy. I need this idea and you are the only ones that have it. Please, please someone help me out!!!!!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from GE Answers
Posted .
Hello, we're so sorry to hear your order keeps getting cancelled. We can only imagine how frustrating this is for you and we're happy to help. We first suggest contacting your local Best Buy directly. If they're unable to assist you, we recommend searching for this part on our site. All the best. - Guy@GEA
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Trimkit
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Using this trim kit makes replacing a 36" microwave easy. I had to replace my 36" GE profile microwave, which they do not make anymore. Getting the 30" microwave and the trim kit make it fit in the 36" space. Looks great
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A perfect match
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This was a perfect match and looks to be high quality. Would recommend to all
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Required when replacing a 36 inch microwave
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
A trim kit was required to cover the space on the sides of the microwave. Covered the open spaces perfectly.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Flimsy design, isn't flush, screws didn't line up
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
While this product ultimately did the job, it took a series of hacks and modifications to make it work. To begin with, the microwave had a 'non-removable' screw in the back bottom corners that interfered with the trim kit. Had to take those screws off with pliers to get the trim kit on (then replace the 'non-removable' screws with standard screws). The construction is rather flimsy. The only screws that attach the to microwave are on the bottom. On the top, there's just a thin metal strap that runs over the top the hold the pieces from flopping out, but the strap doesn't actually attach to the microwave, to the two trim pieces aren't really secured well and can get pushed around easily. Plus the screws that should have been used for this (self tapping sheet metal screws) didn't work in the holes provided, so I had to drill out the holes and just just a machine-screw and nut to hold the strap in place.
Visually, the stainless steel is fine and matches the color of the microwave well, but the protective plastic that covers the microwave was torn, and ended up being a different color from the part that was covered (even after many attempts to clean them up with windex and metal cleaner in an attempt to get them to match color)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Terrible design
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The 2 stars are because it looks nice. However, the design is terrible. I attempted to install on a new GE microwave (JVM3160RFSS). There is a bar that is supposed to be mounted across the top to pull panels in tight against the microwave. That bar goes right across the holes that are needed to mount the microwave, making it impossible to install the panels and also mount the microwave. Also, the front edge of the panels are taller than the microwave.
I have used fillers in the past to fill a 36" space above the stovetop. Those attached to the cabinet prior to microwave installation. I would definitely recommend that design over this product!!!
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from GE Answers
Posted .
Hello Annie,
This is Megan at GE Appliances. We appreciate your feedback on the filler kit. However, this model microwave is not designed to work with a filler kit. We would recommend that you speak with our customer service department for help finding a model that has a matching filler kit. They can be reached at 1-800-626-2005. Thank you for your review!