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.
Ducted or vented microwaves feature exhaust fans that vent air outside of the house. Recirculating, non-ducted or updraft microwaves filter air then push it back into the kitchen. Convertible microwaves give you the option to select your ventilation type.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.
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.
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.
Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally). The duct must be the sizes listed above for proper draw of air. Both smaller and larger vents than recommended decrease venting performance. Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work.
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.
Air is circulated via a fat filter and an activated carbon filter in a ductless range hood. The recirculating range hood captures part of the gasses and scents, while the latter captures fat that is in the air. Ductless range hoods should, in theory, operate flawlessly.
Is a microwave above the stove outdated? No, over-the-range microwaves are a great way to free up counter space and consolidate your appliances. They come in a variety of different sizes and designs, so you can find the perfect style for your kitchen.
If you want a microwave stored in a cabinet, it must be designed to function correctly in an enclosed space. Countertop microwaves aren't meant for that purpose. An over-the-range microwave is a good way to save space and have adequate ventilation.
Microwave drawers are self-contained united, meaning that they have ventilation systems built in and no additional ventilation systems are necessary.
Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuits, but it will depend on the wattage of the unit and whether the microwave is built-in or a stand-alone countertop design. The National Electrical Code requires one for fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven or microwave.
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.
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.
When it comes to microwaves, wattage equals power. A 1,000-watt microwave will cook quickly and efficiently, so that's a great baseline. Microwaves with 700 watts or less are slower and may not cook evenly. In general, the higher the wattage, the faster the cooking time.
A convection microwave can perform all the functions of a solo microwave, but also has additional features. Convection microwaves can grill, bake, roast, brown and even crisp foods. If you rely on your microwave for more than just simple reheating, then the convection option is the one for you.
Does a Built-In Microwave Need Ventilation? Yes, built-in microwaves require adequate ventilation. The amount of cabinet depth required for proper ventilation can vary by model, but is typically about 15–22 inches.