Microwave exhaust fans work by sucking in the smell-producing fumes, heating them up, and then blowing them out of the house through an outside vent. Microwaves are notorious for producing really smelly fumes, and one of the best ways to reduce that smell is by using a microwave exhaust fan.
How does an externally vented 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.
How does a small exhaust fan work in a kitchen?
The small exhaust fan simply filters then recirculates the air back into the kitchen. OTR vents are often not large enough to adequately vent out all of the smoke and steam. Sufficient airflow and filtration are essential when cooking fish, greasy foods, Asian, or Middle Eastern dishes.
Why does my microwave have vents at the top?
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 do you vent a microwave over the range?
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.
Do microwave exhaust fans vent outside?
Over the Range Microwave Venting Options You have two options for venting your exhaust fan, recirculation and venting to the outdoors. There are a few pros and cons to allowing your microwave's built-in exhaust fan to recirculate.
How does the 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.
Do all over the range microwaves have exhaust fans?
Over-the-range microwaves also have exhaust hood duties. All over-the-range microwaves have hoods with fans that vent to either the interior or exterior of the home. These hoods feature charcoal filters for removing smoke and grease from the air before it is recirculated into the room or sent out an external vent.
Where does the microwave vent fan go?
The vent is on top near the back and needs to be adjusted depending on how you want to vent it. For recirculating, which is the easiest and most practical way, the fan is turned to have the air flow up and out between the top cupboard and the microwave and into the kitchen.
How do you test a microwave vent fan?
0:291:56Top Reasons Microwave Exhaust Fan Not Working - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also test the fan motor with a multimeter to determine if it has continuity a continuousMoreYou can also test the fan motor with a multimeter to determine if it has continuity a continuous electrical path present in the motor. No continuity indicates a problem with the motor.
What happens if you don't vent a microwave?
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.
Is a ductless range hood better than microwave?
Standard range hoods tend to offer higher CFM Motor Class* ratings than microwaves, which means they can often suck up more air per minute (cubic feet per minute).
HOW DO built in microwaves vent?
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.
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.
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.
Why is my microwave fan not working?
If your microwave exhaust fan has stopped working, it may be because the grease filter is clogged. The grease filter traps oils and fats from the food that is being heated, to keep the exhaust system clear. It is common for grease filters to become clogged over time and need replacing.
How long will the microwave fan stay on?
Fan running during cooktop usage It may also automatically come on and cycle on and off to cool the microwave oven's controls while the cooktop below is being used. It may stay on for up to 1 hour to cool the microwave oven. When this occurs, the vent fan cannot be turned off.
When should I turn on my microwave vent?
How and when should I use the ventilation fan on my over-the-range microwave? 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.
How long will the microwave fan stay on?
Fan running during cooktop usage It may also automatically come on and cycle on and off to cool the microwave oven's controls while the cooktop below is being used. It may stay on for up to 1 hour to cool the microwave oven. When this occurs, the vent fan cannot be turned off.
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.
Do microwaves have exhaust fans?
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.
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 does an externally vented 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. A ductless recirculating vent pulls air through a filter and exhausts ...
Why do microwaves have vents?
A microwave oven designed to be mounted over a cooktop is usually equipped with a ventilation system to cope with the cooking odors, smoke and moisture that rise from the cooking surface. The ventilation system may lead to an exterior vent, or it may simply recirculate air back into the kitchen.
What is a recirculating vent made of?
The vent duct should be made from galvanized steel, stainless steel or copper, and it should have a smooth interior. The vent should always exhaust to the outside, not into an attic or any other interior space. In some places, local building codes may specify a minimum distance between an exterior vent and any adjacent door, window or other structure. Because recirculating vents have no exterior components, they're not subject to these requirements.
Can an external vent be moved?
An external vent requires access to the outside, so it's most conveniently located on an exterior wall, but — as Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning notes — a recirculating unit can be easily installed on an interior wall, and it can be moved relatively easily too. Advertisement. If you want to install an over-the-range microwave and have it up ...
Is it cheaper to install a microwave with a vent?
Installing a microwave with a recirculating vent is generally much easier and cheaper than installing an externally vented unit, which requires the installation of ductwork and an exterior vent cap, as well as the piercing of a wall, ceiling or roof. An external vent requires access to the outside, so it's most conveniently located on an exterior ...
Do microwaves need vents?
When you install an externally vented unit, the vent needs to conform to common building standards in order to be safe and effective. Your microwave will come with vent installation instructions from the manufacturer, but these may not include specifications adhering to all of your local building codes.
Can you wash aluminum filters in the dishwasher?
Aluminum filters require regular cleaning with a degreasing detergent. According to KitchenAid, you can also wash most grease filters in a dishwasher, but check your owner's manual to confirm before tossing yours in. Advertisement. references.
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.
