Table of Contents
A vented microwave range hood is a microwave with a fan that is ducted to the outside. Air passes through some type of filter inside the fan (often charcoal filters). Then, it travels through ductwork outside your home.
Does over the range microwave need to be vented?
There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.
How do I know if my microwave vent is working?
You can tell if it’s the case by going outside and looking at the wall to see if there’s a wall cap. This allows the escape or exit of vented air from the kitchen. Naturally, the range hood probably won’t be vented outdoors if it isn’t mounted on an outside wall.
How does a vent fan on a microwave work?
An externally vented microwave uses a fan to draw air through the microwave’s vents and into an exhaust duct leading to the exterior of the building, which means that most of the moisture, heat, odor and particulate matter generated by cooking goes directly outside.
When should you use a microwave vent?
If the temperature from the range or cooktop gets too hot, the vent fan will turn on automatically to protect the oven. It may stay on for up to an hour. Touch the vent pad once to turn the fan on high. Touch it a second time to turn it on low, and a third time to turn off the fan.
Do Over-the-range microwaves have exhaust fans?
Unlike countertop models, OTR microwaves are not portable, and they boast a higher price tag: However, they also have built in exhaust fans, which serve as a stove-top ventilation system to eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors.
What is a microwave with a vent called?
A vented microwave range hood is a microwave with a fan that is ducted to the outside. Air passes through some type of filter inside the fan (often charcoal filters). Then, it travels through ductwork outside your home.
What does recirculating vent on microwave mean?
The vent is on the top rear as with most over the range microwaves. You can vent it traditionally (ie to an outside vent) or recirculate it, which means just that–the air recirculates as opposed to being vented outside. There is an air filter used for this that comes with the unit.
Do all built-in microwaves need to be vented?
Yes, microwave ovens need ventilation. However, the venting needs differ according to the model and design. Proper clearance and ventilation are necessary for efficient operation and safety reasons. Adequate external ventilation is a must for microwave ovens without built-in ventilation systems.
Can you vent microwave into attic?
Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally). Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work. DO NOT vent into an attic or crawl space.
Can you leave microwave fan on overnight?
You shouldn’t leave your fan on for more than one to two hours while cooking. Most meals in the kitchen should take less than that to prepare. The longer you want to run your hood, the more power you’ll need to vent out all the smoke and cooking fumes. In short, you should only turn your exhaust fan on while cooking.
Are ventless hoods any good?
Unvented range hoods do filter some grease and cooking odors from the air, but the general consensus is that they’re nowhere near as effective. Nor do they remove heat and humidity, so they won’t help keep your kitchen cool while you cook.
How much does it cost to vent a microwave outside?
If a vent installation is required, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500, depending on the complexity of the project.
Do range hoods have to be vented outside?
Range hoods do not have to be vented to the outside. But, ducted range hoods are almost always preferred over ductless hoods. They remove all the smoke and cooking exhaust from your kitchen, while ductless hoods recirculate your cooking exhaust back into your kitchen.
How do you tell if your microwave is vented outside?
Lower the front of the microwave and have a look over the top, under the cabinet. The unit will be supported at the lower rear by a bracket flange. Your microwave’s vent either exhausts upward or rearward, but from right at the top rear of the unit. You’ll be able to see whether there’s a duct opening at that location.
Is it okay to have a microwave above a gas stove?
All current over the range microwaves and Advantium ovens can be installed over gas cooking products up to and including 5 burner stoves. As long as the 66″ minimum from the floor to the top of the unit is followed there will be no performance or warranty concerns.
How does a drawer microwave vent?
Microwave drawers come as preassembled, self-contained units with ventilation systems built in. The cooking compartments may slide in and out with a slight pull or push that activates an electric motor or at the touch of a button.
What is a convertible vent on an over the range microwave?
A convertible range hood is an appliance designed to remove smoke, steam, grease, cooking fumes and odors from the air in your kitchen, with or without ductwork for ventilation.
Is microwave above stove outdated?
Over-the-range microwave Instead of saving space in the kitchen by putting the microwave over the range, move it to a built-in cubby under the counter. While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.