Yes, over the range microwaves have exhaust fans that vent the cooking smokes, odors, and grease to either the interior or exterior of the home. The charcoal filters in the exhaust hood filter the air by removing smoke and grease and then re-circulate it into the room or send it out through an external vent.
Do Over the range microwaves have to be vented outside?
Over-the-range microwaves install above your range or cooktop in place of a range hood. Different venting options: External venting sends the smoke through an outside exhaust vent, whereas recirculating venting microwave pulls air through a charcoal filter then vents it back into the house.
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.
Do all over-the-range microwaves 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. If you're unsure about which solution works best for your over the range microwave, you're in the right place.
How to install over the range microwave?
- Determine the microwave’s location. ...
- Draw the line at the level where you want your microwave’s bottom to be.
- Using a stud finder to verify your placement, attach your brackets to the studs. ...
- Place your microwave on the brackets. ...
- Secure your microwave to the brackets using self-tapping screws that go up through the brackets and then into the appliance.
How does a microwave vent work?
Why use charcoal filter in microwave?
What is an over the range microwave?
Do microwaves need a ventilation system?
Is ventilation system the best?
Where is Andrew Todd?
See 3 more
About this website
Do microwave ovens have fans?
Since the metal walls have some resistance, most microwave ovens include cooling fans to cool down the microwave source and possibly also the metal walls so that heat deposited in the walls will not damage the oven.
Where is the exhaust fan in over-the-range microwave?
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 OTR microwaves vent outside?
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.
DO built-in microwaves have exhaust fans?
The microwave has a built-in fan and ventilation system in the bottom of the unit that blows the old kitchen air outside then cycles in clean air.
Why is my over-the-range microwave not venting?
If the exhaust fan on your over-the-range microwave is not working, the problem may simply be the grease filter. The grease filter or filters are used to trap cooking oils and fats to prevent contamination of the exhaust system. With normal use, the grease filters will become clogged and restrict the air flow.
How do I know if my microwave fan is working?
How to test a microwave fan motor with a multimeter:Begin by unplugging your microwave and removing it from the wall.The fan motor is usually located in the back of the microwave, near the top. ... With your multimeter set to Rx1, touch the motor's terminals with the probes to test for continuity.More items...
What is a self venting microwave?
A recirculating venting microwave, or ductless range hood, is a built-in ventilation system that recycles air through the microwave vents. The recirculating ventilation pulls the air through charcoal filters or other types of filters.
What is the difference between a built in and over the range microwave?
What is the Difference Between Over-the-Range and Built-in Microwaves? Over-the-range microwaves are almost always installed over your stove or cooktop as they often combine the microwave with a range hood and a stove light, while built-in microwaves can be installed anywhere in your kitchen.
Do you have to vent a microwave above the stove?
It is not a requirement that an OTR microwave should be vented outside. Some homeowners prefer it, but no harm can come from recirculating the air into your kitchen or elsewhere (provided you're not dealing with smoke or harmful fumes).
How are built in microwaves vented?
Available in a range of sizes and wattage; usually over 800 watts. Different venting options: External venting sends the smoke through an outside exhaust vent, whereas a recirculating venting microwave pulls air through a charcoal filter then vents it back into the house.
Where is an exhaust fan located?
Where is the best location to install my bathroom exhaust fan? Typically a bathroom exhaust fan should be mounted as close to or inside (if rated for tub shower use) to the shower or tub as possible. This will maximize the effectiveness of the unit. Units located in a powder room, should be directly over the toilet.
What is an exhaust fan on a microwave?
The microwave exhaust fan is designed to pull heat and cooking fumes up away from the stove and channel them outside the house. This function is essential for clearing smoke, keeping the kitchen a comfortable temperature, and controlling powerful cooking aromas.
Where should microwave hood vents be placed?
A microwave with a range hood should be placed right above the range cooker. Microwaves with a range hood have the intakes placed in the front and the bottom. The exhaust can be at the back or the top of the microwave. Microwaves with hood ranges are great space savers in small kitchens.
What is a recirculating vent on an over the range microwave?
A recirculating venting microwave, or ductless range hood, is a built-in ventilation system that recycles air through the microwave vents. The recirculating ventilation pulls the air through charcoal filters or other types of filters.
Over the stove microwave with no vent? - DIY Home Improvement Forum
OK..my friend just bought a newer house (2005) and the microwave was not working during final walk through (over the stove). The old owner and my buddy agree on a price to replace the MW and it was removed. Fast forward a couple months and the house is closed and no microwave. There is also...
Does an over the range microwave have to be vented outside?
No, but most can be vented upwards or rearwards. The location of the microwave has a lot to do with venting. Ideally, you want to vent odors and moisture outside. Structure and asthetics also have ...
Over the range microwave that doesn't need to be vented to the outside
Hello, 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. I also need one that offers an optional trim kit. Any recommendations? TIA!
Do Over the Range Microwaves Vent Outside? ( Plus All Venting Options )
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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.
Where is Andrew Todd?
Andrew Todd has been writing since 2006. He has written for the Consumer Search website and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.
How to vent a microwave on an interior wall?
To vent a microwave on an interior wall, you will need the following tools:
Do over the range microwave vent well?
Over the range microwaves do not vent well for both options of venting outside and inside even if OTR is of high wattage.
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.
What is charcoal filter?
On the other hand, in the case of the recirculating venting system, charcoal filters are used which clean the air by trapping the airborne pollutants and then release the air back into the kitchen. This provides cleaner air as compared to the air that is released from the stove.
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 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 ...
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.
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.
How many CFMs does a wall hood have?
Wall hoods can be rated from 600 to 1200 CFMs.
What does CFM mean on a wall hood?
Second, a wall hood will have a higher CFM ( Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. This means it’s able to handle moving more air and move it faster.
Is an OTR microwave good?
There are Pros to having an OTR microwave, like freeing up counter space otherwise occupied by a microwave oven. And the recirculating exhaust fan will move smoke and steam from the immediate cooking surface area.
Can you vent an OTR microwave to the outside?
On the other hand, choosing to have your OTR microwave vented to the outdoors, means the smoke and odors are removed from the room and are not recirculated into your kitchen.
Does OTR microwave oven have exhaust fan?
The OTR Microwave oven comes with features we are all familiar with, the convenience of a microwave oven, lighting for your range below and a vent fan to remove smoke, steam and odors from your cooking surface. You have two options for venting your exhaust fan, recirculation and venting to the outdoors.
Can an OTR microwave 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.
Can a microwave recirculate?
There are a few pros and cons to allowing your microwave’s built-in exhaust fan to recirculate. “Recirculate” means that when the exhaust fan is turned on the air will be drawn in through filters in the bottom of the OTR microwave and then blown out into the kitchen through an exhaust vent on the top of the OTR microwave oven.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
Where is Andrew Todd?
Andrew Todd has been writing since 2006. He has written for the Consumer Search website and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. Todd has a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida.
