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.
Does a microwave oven need to be vented?
While you cook food inside the microwave, lots of heat, odor, steam, and smoke is generated. All these elements need to be vented. Otherwise, odors & steam can create a stinky smell inside the still-sitting oven. This smell can gradually spread inside your kitchen too.
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.
How do you vent an over the range microwave?
0:3837:16How To Vent Your Microwave Outside [Over The Range Style] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have the option of venting up through the bottom of the cabinet above. And then out the ceilingMoreYou have the option of venting up through the bottom of the cabinet above. And then out the ceiling or out the wall.
How does a ventless microwave work?
A ductless recirculating vent pulls air through a filter and exhausts the air back into the kitchen. Some units are equipped with a charcoal filter that traps some particulate matter and odors, but most of the heat and moisture, along with some types of particles, stay in the house.
Do microwaves have exhaust fans?
Some over-the-range microwaves have exhaust fans that vent kitchen air out of the house through ductwork in the wall. Some don't and instead filter, then push it back out into the kitchen.
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.
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 a ductless range hood?
Unvented Range Hoods: An unvented, or ductless, range hood has a fan but no duct. Instead, it uses several types of filters to clean the air, and then recirculates the air into the kitchen (these models are sometimes called recirculating hoods).
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 ...
Why do you need an over the range microwave?
Over-the-range microwaves will help you save counter space for other appliances and food preparation.
How much clearance does an over the range microwave need?
In general, over-the-range microwave ovens are designed for less clearance. A good rule of thumb is to mount the unit according to the manufacturer’s specifications. For instance, General Electric requires that the clearance between the top of the microwave and the floor is 66 inches.
What is external venting?
As far as ventilation quality goes, external venting is the winner hands down. The appliance pushes the kitchen air through an exhaust port to the outside environment. This results in much cleaner air when compared to microwaves with recirculating vents.
Why is it awkward to use a microwave?
Awkward Location – If you can’t install the appliance at a comfortable height, using the microwave can be awkward and comfortable. The height makes it harder for short people to use the microwave.
What is the minimum clearance for a microwave?
If the hood or microwave is combustible, the minimum clearance should be 30 inches.
How much clearance between stove and combustible surface?
According to the International Residential Code, the clearance between the stovetop and any combustible surface should be 30 inches. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to check your local building codes before the installation.
How many options are there when venting?
When it comes to venting options, you have two main options to choose from.
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.
Where is venting done on a microwave?
In this, venting is done horizontally from the back of the microwave through an exterior wall.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
