
Do under-counter microwaves need vents?
Under-the-counter microwaves need venting as well. Any microwave needs breathing space. Built-ins are typically placed under the counter to keep it out of the way for storage and to keep the small kitchen from being too crowded.
Do I need a vent over my cooktop range?
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. Above: An industrial-style vent (made of ducting) draws air up and out.
How to mount over the range microwave?
What to do:
- Mounting an over-the-range microwave will require you to turn off the circuit breaker to prevent electrocution.
- Next, install the vent on your wall and then cover it with a drywall.
- Using your drywall saw, make an access to the vent by cutting through the drywall.
- Install the outlet inside the cabinet.
How do I remove an over the range microwave?
The Drip Cap
- Removing a GE over-the-range microwave can be an easy task if it is approached with the right knowledge and tools.
- Microwave ovens can be heavy and unwieldy, and the process will require that the microwave be lifted and carried.
- Pull the ductwork up and away from the top of the microwave.

Should an over the range microwave vent to the outside?
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 much does it cost to vent a microwave outside?
The microwave is then plugged in and slid into the brackets. If the microwave vents out of the house, this will be hooked up before the microwave is slid into the brackets. If a vent installation is required, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500, depending on the complexity of the project.
Where does an over the range microwave vent?
Full Frame Door Microwave Microwaves over the range (OTR) typically vent in two different ways. In the first example, the microwave over the range (OTR) will vent through the manufacturer installed grease or carbon filter, then directly through an exhaust port that is ducted to the outside of the structure.
What is the best way to vent a microwave?
When considering the best venting in an over-the-range microwave, options include ducted vents and recirculating vents. Ultimately, the goal of the vent is to pull the air from the microwave and deposit it outside of your home. This prevents smoke, cooking odors, moisture and hot air from remaining in the kitchen.
Does a microwave need room to vent?
Microwaves need adequate air clearance on each side, the rear and the top to function properly. This allows good circulation for the intake and discharge air vents. Countertop Models: 3" of clearance on both sides and the top.
How do I know if my microwave vents to the outside?
For an external exhaust the vent is located on the back of the top of the microwave to vent out the roof. If you are venting back into the room it appears to come out of the top at the front.
How much does it cost to install a microwave vent?
Replacing a vented microwave and connecting it to the existing ductwork or replacing it before connecting the new unit costs around $150 to $300.
How much does it cost to vent a range hood outside?
between $300 and $900Cost to Vent a Range Hood Outside The cost varies depending on how much ductwork needs to be installed and what route it has to take. It might go straight out of the wall or lead up and out via the roof. In general, expect to pay between $300 and $900 for installing a range hood with ductwork leading outside.
How to get microwave exhaust to the outside?
Many times an over-the-range microwave that recirculates cooking fumes can be converted to exhaust to the outside. Here’s how to go about it: Remove the access plate on the top of the unit in order to reach the motor. Remove the motor mounting screws on the back of the oven. Take out the motor and rotate it 90 degrees, ...
Where to cut vent pipe in attic?
In the attic, mark a spot directly above the duct so you can cut a hole in the roof decking and extend the vent pipe up through that opening.
How to make a fan blow upward?
Take out the motor and rotate it 90 degrees, so that the fan motor now blows upward.
Can microwaves be converted to exhaust?
Many times an over-the-range microwave that recirculates cooking fumes can be converted to exhaust to the outside.
What is an over the range microwave?
An over-the-range microwave often replaces a traditional hood fan. During the installation of your over-the-range microwave, you likely have the option of adding a ventilation system to vent smoke and steam or to utilize a charcoal filter to recycle the air.
How does a microwave vent work?
If your microwave has a physical vent installed, the appliance pushes the removed air through a series of ducts, eventually porting the air outside. This type of installation is not for the faint of heart, as the ducts must be run from the cabinet above the microwave to the exterior of your home.
Why use charcoal filter in microwave?
Many microwaves utilize a charcoal filter to clean the air by trapping airborne pollutants before releasing air back into the kitchen. The filter, while not as efficient as a dedicated ventilation system, provides significantly cleaner air than what was removed from the stove.
Is ventilation system the best?
Benefits and Drawbacks. While the ventilation system is the best means of ensuring the cleanest air, it's not always the easiest option. In many instances, installing this type of system in a preexisting home is expensive and time-consuming.
Do microwaves need a ventilation system?
Virtually all building codes require a ventilation system installed over the kitchen stove. This ventilation system has a light that illuminates the stovetop surface and a fan that removes smoke and steam from the air. Over-the-range microwaves have a light and fan built into the bottom of the appliance. After the smoke and steam are removed, the ...
Where does grease go in a microwave?
All the grease, especially the steam, travels up the front of the appliance before it even gets to the exhausts which are always toward the back of the microwave. And I find the heat from the stove, especially boiling water, is not really good for the surface lightbulbs. Ugh.
Can you vent an over the range microwave?
Over the range microwave that doesn't need to be vented to the outside. I need to install an over the range microwave with a vent that doesn't need to be ducted to the outside. Basically, I just want a vent that will recirculate the air from a cooktop below the microwave.
Buying Guides
Over-the range microwaves are a great appliance to have in your kitchen. They allow you to heat up food without having to use the stove or oven, and they also offer more room for storage in your cabinets below.
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Top picks
You'll never have to worry about being cramped for space in the kitchen again with this 30-inch over-the-range microwave oven. Whether you're reheating leftovers or cooking up a snack, this oven has got you covered with 1,000 watts of cooking power and 10 variable power levels.
Conclusion
We can help you find the best over range microwave with an external vent for your needs. If all of this sounds overwhelming and you want help finding a quality product that will suit your kitchen, let us know. Our team is here to provide answers on which products are worth buying based on feedback from customers who have purchased them before.
How much ducting do spacemaker microwaves use?
All over-the-range spacemaker microwaves can be vented to the outside using an equivalent total of 140 feet of rigid 3 1/4" x 10" rectangular or rigid 6" round ducting. Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically), but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally).
How many feet of ductwork is required for a 7 inch round duct?
The larger size duct will compensate for the longer runs to maintain satisfactory airflow performance. Up to 150 equivalent feet of seven inch round or up to 250 equivalent feet of eight inch round duct can be used.
How big of a transition adapter for round duct?
Round ducts should be a minimum of six inches (can use seven) in diameter. The use of corrugated cardboard or plastic duct is not recommended.
Can microwaves be vented out?
Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vert ically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally).
