How to Replace a Kenmore Microwave Door Handle

Kenmore microwave ovens are made and serviced by Sears. Microwave door handles are often damaged because when they are opened suddenly, they can hit cabinets or other appliances made of materials stronger than the plastic the handles are usually made of. While it seems like replacing a microwave door handle should be a simple matter of removing a couple of screws, it's a little more complicated. You need to take off and disassemble the microwave door to remove the old handle and install a new one.

1. Unplug your Kenmore microwave oven, or if it's a built-in model, turn off the circuit breaker or remove the appropriate fuse from your home fuse box.

2. Open your microwave door. Take the top pin off the pivot bracket, and pick the door up, removing it from the bottom bracket. Lay the microwave door front side down on a folded towel. Remove the two choke screws from the door frame with a Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Use a thin knife blade to remove the choke cover, starting at the top right corner of the microwave door. Only pry out the top right and bottom sides at this point. Leave the side that houses the handle in place until later.

4. Use the knife's edge to remove the choke tabs from the slots on the microwave door frame. Work your way clockwise around the door, and when you get to the side with the handle, remove the choke cover, and separate it from the choke. Remove the two handle screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Gently pull the handle off the microwave.

5. Screw the new handle on. Lay the choke on the microwave door, and set the choke cover on top of it. Use your knife blade to insert the choke tabs into the slots on the microwave door frame. Secure the two choke screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Set the microwave door back on the bottom bracket, and slide the top pin into the pivot bracket. Press down on the top pin until you feel it pop securely into place.