One drawback of over-the-range microwaves is that getting food in and out isn't always practical. Kids and shorter adults may have trouble reaching them, and can even run the risk of spilling their hot food. Countertop microwaves have the benefit of being easily accessible for just about everyone.
The exhaust fan in a microwave often just recirculates the air, rather than venting it to the outside. Even if they do vent outside, over-the-range microwaves just don't cover enough space to adequately capture all the smoke and steam generated in most kitchens.
Standard range hoods tend to offer higher CFM Motor Class1 ratings than microwaves, which means they can often suck up more air per minute (cubic feet per minute).
Trudi most often suggests putting the microwave under the counter, often on the end of the island to free up space in upper kitchen cabinets. Building your microwave into the cabinetry below your countertop means it's at a great height for kids warming up snacks and keeps it out of the main kitchen flow.
Instead of placing food in the center, spread it in a circle around the outer edge of the container or plate. The more you spread it out, the better. This makes it easier for the microwaves to reach in and create enough friction to heat the food evenly.
Since microwaves generate high amounts of heat, it's important to use them safely to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. If a microwave isn't properly vented, it can overheat or even fuse together parts of it, causing a potential fire and/or injury.
According to the federal government's Energy Star program, which rates appliances based on their energy-efficiency, cooking or re-heating small portions of food in the microwave can save as much as 80 percent of the energy used to cook or warm them up in the oven.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches. Some manufacturers allow smaller clearances.
Over the range microwaves and Advantium ovens require a minimum 66" mounting height from the floor to top of the unit. The 66" from the floor dimension will allow approximately 13" between the cooktop surface below and the bottom, front of the microwave.
A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear. In other words, if you are asking 'does a microwave need space around it? ' the answer is yes. It ensures the right level of airflow and protects the appliance.
Though you may not be required to install a hood over your stove, it is generally recommended for the best cooking experience. Without one, smoke and fumes may build up in your kitchen. Range hoods also help to reduce heat and moisture while cooking so you may not even break a sweat when cooking dinner for your family.
Most range hoods pull anywhere from 70 to 150 watts. When used as often as a conventional electric range, the yearly energy consumption of a range hood is only about 25 kWh.
No matter which type of range you have, there should be no more than 36 inches between the cooktop's surface and the start of the range hood. Installing a range hood too high above a stovetop will decrease ventilation capabilities.
Usually, customers are motivated to put a microwave above their oven to save counter space and for increased convenience. The short answer to their question is, yes, you can replace a range hood with an over-the-range microwave.
And while many bloggers will advise you to install a microwave in your kitchen cabinets, we strongly advise against it. A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating. This will avoid harm from any possible leaks.
To help dissipate the heat it is recommended that when installing a microwave into a cabinet there needs to be enough space to allow heat to flow away from the microwave. It is recommended to have a gap of about 50mm around all sides of the microwave.
For safety, as well as ease of use, the microwave should be placed no higher than the shoulder height of the primary user. Six inches below shoulder height is better for older users.
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.
Built-in microwaves are designed to be installed into your kitchen cabinets or into a fixed wall to free up counter space and create an integrated look to your kitchen. KitchenAid® built-in microwaves give your kitchen a custom look with appliances, cabinets and other fixtures working together in an integrated design.