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.
Do Over the Range microwaves vent out the back?
Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally). The duct must be the sizes listed above for proper draw of air. Both smaller and larger vents than recommended decrease venting performance. Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work.
Where is the vent on an over the range microwave?
In many cases there are visible vents at the top of the microwave face frame, or a top panel that opens as a flap when the exhaust fan of the microwave is activated. In either example, the cooking by-products are filtered through the filter medium, which is important.
Do Over the Range microwaves vent well?
Over-the-range microwaves are a very popular choice for many contemporary kitchens. They're a space-saving, practical and streamlined appliance that offers excellent cooking and venting performance. If you're looking for another option, built-in microwaves are also very popular.
How do you tell if your microwave is vented 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.
Do all over the range microwaves have exhaust fans?
Although over-the-range microwaves have a built-in exhaust fan, they don't vent as well as range hoods. And if you're short, you might find it challenging to remove a piping-hot bowl of soup from a microwave mounted at least 18 inches above your stovetop.
What over the range microwave has the best ventilation?
Best Over-the-Range Microwave with Ventilation: GE As our pick for best venting over-the-range microwave, the GE® Over the Range Microwave Oven-Stainless Steel (JVM3160RFSS) provides powerful air circulation to remove smoke, odor, and grease from the air.
What is better range hood or microwave?
Hood Vents Provide Better Capture Microwaves are designed to tuck right into the space between your cabinets. This means that the front burners of your stove are not usually covered by the vent. A significant amount of smoke or fumes may escape.
What can I use if I don't have a vent hood?
Here's what you can do to help mitigate the effects of your range-less kitchen, with specific advice culled from our readers:Use a window fan. ... Use a portable HEPA air filter. ... Use a fan in another room, like the bathroom. ... Get a grease splatter guard. ... Wipe down your kitchen cabinets frequently.More items...•
Where are the vents on a built in microwave?
Yes, proper ventilation is a must when installing built-in microwaves. The vent for external exhaust is located on the back of the microwave's top so that it can vent out the roof. The grease screens are included with the pickup, which is located beneath the unit above the range.
How do you clean microwave vents?
0:121:17Cleaning Over The Range Microwave Filters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere will be two or three screws on top of the microwave that keep the vent in place remove theseMoreThere will be two or three screws on top of the microwave that keep the vent in place remove these and you will then be able to pop off the vent. Simply remove the old filter. And insert the new.
Does the vent fan location on a microwave matter?
Microwave ovens produce heat and moisture which must be vented away from surrounding cabinets. How a microwave with a vent should be positioned over a stove depends on the location of the microwave vent. Some microwaves have front exhaust vents that eliminate the need for duct work in the house walls.
How do you remove an over the range microwave vent?
0:005:58How To Remove An Over-The-Range Microwave - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's not just going to drop. But the front will want to drop. But the back will be kind of hooked onMoreIt's not just going to drop. But the front will want to drop. But the back will be kind of hooked on this bracket to take some of the weight. So it'll be a bracket back there up in the upper cabinet.
What is an over the range microwave?
An over the range microwave is equipped with a ventilation system to manage odors, moisture, and smoke that arise while you cook on the stove.
How to vent a microwave on an interior wall?
To vent a microwave on an interior wall, you will need the following tools:
What is an OTR vent?
When the OTR is vented outside, it has a physical vent installed through which the removed air is pushed through a series of ducts and finally the air is ported outside. In this, the ducts are made to run from the cabinet above the microwave to the outside of the home.
How many cubic feet per minute for microwave exhaust fan?
In an over-the-range microwave, the standard exhaust fan must have a rating of at least 300 cubic feet per minute. There can be fans of 400-cubic feet per minute in some high-end OTR microwaves.
Where is venting done on a microwave?
In this, venting is done horizontally from the back of the microwave through an exterior wall.
Which is better, a vent or an exterior vent?
Even though each ventilation system has its advantages and disadvantages, the exterior venting system is the best as it pushes all the grease, smoke, and odors to the outside of the house.
How heavy is a microwave?
A typical microwave is 32 to 39 pounds which is heavy for you to lift alone. Call someone for help and lift the microwave.
Microwaves For Over The Range
Installing a new Over The Range (OTR) Microwave professionally may be an exciting experience. However, depending on the firm you choose to install your OTR Microwave, you may not get the attention you need.
Do Over The Range Microwaves Vent Outside?
It is not necessary for your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave to be vented to the outside. All oven the range microwave ovens provide the option of recirculating air back into the kitchen or venting to the outside.
Venting Options for Over-the-Range Microwaves
The OTR Microwave oven has elements that are known to everyone: microwave convenience, illumination for your range below, and a vent fan to eliminate smoke, steam, and smells from your cooking surface. There are two ways to vent your exhaust fan: recirculation or direct venting to the outside.
Where is the vent on a microwave?
In many cases there are visible vents at the top of the microwave face frame, or a top panel that opens as a flap when the exhaust fan of the microwave is activated. In either example, the cooking by-products are filtered through the filter medium, which is important.
What is the cabinet over the microwave?
Typically there might be a cabinet installed over the microwave and inside that cabinet will be duct work or a soffit above the microwave, or a direct wall exhaust. Normally, this type of microwave over the range (OTR) will have a full frame door, with no panel above it, as depicted here.
How does an OTR vent work?
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. Typically there might be a cabinet installed over the microwave and inside that cabinet will be duct work or a soffit above ...
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.
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.
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.
Does an over the range microwave affect air quality?
While an over-the-range microwave (OTR), saves space in your kitchen, it could, however, result in lower air quality.
Do you have to vent to the outside of a stove?
ProTip Takeaway: For those who cook frequently, a vent to the outside is a must.
Does a vented range hood help with air quality?
A professionally installed, right-sized, and vented range hood will do a vastly superior job of removing cooking odors from your kitchen. You will simply improve the air quality of your home by venting fumes outdoors.
Is a vent hood necessary for a microwave?
No matter if you love to cook or seldom turn on a burner, a vent hood is a kitchen must-have. When deciding between over-the-range microwave venting and a dedicated range hood, your kitchen's layout and your needs will dictate the choice. While an over-the-range microwave (OTR), saves space in your kitchen, it could, however, result in lower air quality.