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.
Duct Installation Guidelines: All over-the-range 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.
The size of the opening is fairly standard but the placement varies. The width of the otrs vary but the opening is typically horizontally centered in the back or top of the unit (some have the option to choose).
Do over the range microwaves need to be vented? Vented microwave hoods are much more efficient at removing contaminants from your kitchen air. A recirculating microwave hood recirculates the air through charcoal filters and back into your kitchen.
If the microwave is not vented, the excess heat will have nowhere to go but inside your kitchen, and the metal inside the microwave will continue to get hotter.
Yes, built-in microwaves require adequate ventilation.
Most microwaves have two primary vents: one located above the door, and the exhaust grill underneath. These vents need to be cleaned once per month.
For vented over-the-range microwaves, you may need to spend $150 to $600 to install new venting ductwork. It's best to install a direct vent to the outdoors since you can't vent into your attic or crawl space, nor can you connect it to common ductwork.
A recirculating OTR microwave uses charcoal filters to neutralize air before it is pumped back into your kitchen. Ducted range hoods connect to ductwork to pump air outside your home. Compared to ductless range hoods, they are more efficient and effective at neutralizing air.
You can install an over-the-range microwave above a wall oven. However, it depends on the manufacturer. Before you jump into the installation, consult the manufacturer's instructions. Over-the-range microwaves are not the same as built-in microwaves, so it's important to double check the owner's manual.
Most over-the-range microwaves are roughly 30" wide, 17" high and 15" to 17" deep with a closed door. Built-in microwaves typically match standard cabinet dimensions and countertop microwaves come in sizes from compact to extra large. Microwaves are measured by exterior width, height, depth and interior capacity.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.
Over-the-Range Microwave ovens and Advantium/Five in One ovens cannot be used on a counter or shelf and are not UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approved for this purpose. Keep in mind the underside is not flat on an Over-the-Range Microwave or Advantium/Five in One oven.
At least one existing rule allows a minimum of 13 inches, but pro installers and others who know their way around kitchens argue that there should be 20 to 24 inches of clearance above the stove top.
If your microwave exhaust fan stopped working, the issue may be a clogged charcoal filter. This type of filter is used in over-the-range microwaves, to absorb smells and pollutants from heating food.
Depending on your model, some over-the-range microwaves operate by using exhaust fans to vent kitchen air out of the house through ductwork in the wall while others use a filter to recirculate air. Other models have the ability to do both.
Why Vent Your Microwave Outside? The reason you would set up your OTR microwave venting or kitchen stove venting to push the air outside—as opposed to recirculating the air or venting it to another room—is to maintain good air quality in your home.
Microwave ovens should be vented properly when placed inside a cabinet. You need to ensure that there is sufficient airflow around your microwave oven. As mentioned earlier, consult the manufacturer's manual for the appropriate size clearance.
Like an over-the-range microwave, a built-in microwave is installed into the cabinets or wall of your kitchen to keep the appliance elevated off of your countertops. However, built-in microwaves can be installed in different spots in your kitchen rather than just above a cooktop or range.
Due to the nature of design, built-in microwaves are bulkier, heavier, and more expensive, though they offer a pleasing built-in look. Countertop microwaves are generally easier to maintain and clean, as it is easier to reach inside for cleaning.
A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave. If installed into a cabinet, these vents will be blocked and unable to release steam from the microwave. Talk about a fire hazard for your kitchen.
Built-In Microwaves: Built-in microwaves are installed into cabinets or wall cavities. These microwaves can be vented externally through a duct that runs through the wall or roof of the house.
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.
One benefit of a built-in microwave is that they keep your kitchen neat. Although built-in microwaves can be useful you will need to find the right size model to fit into the cabinet/space you have chosen for the appliance.