Can you install a microwave without a vent?

Author: Bernadette Schneider  |  Last update: Friday, June 10, 2022

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.

Does a microwave need a vent?

Yes, microwave ovens need ventilation. However, the venting needs differ according to the model and design. Proper clearance and ventilation are necessary for efficient operation and safety reasons. Adequate external ventilation is a must for microwave ovens without built-in ventilation systems.

Can you put a microwave above a wall oven?

From countertop to built-in

You can install the microwave into your cabinetry alone, or above a wall oven. Built-in installation with a trim kit maximizes counter space and achieves a custom, seamless look for your kitchen.

Can a microwave be vented into the attic?

Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work. DO NOT vent into an attic or crawl space.

What is a self venting microwave?

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.

How To Install A Microwave [Over-The-Range Style]

How much space do you need around a microwave for ventilation?

1" clearance in the rear. The front edge of the microwave (measured at door) should sit at least 3" or more back on the counter or shelf to avoid accidental tipping. If located on the counter near a range, we recommend locating it at least 2 ft away.

What happens if you block microwave vents?

Ventilation: Do not block air vents. If they are blocked during operation, the oven may overheat and eventually cause oven failure. For proper ventilation, keep three inches of space between the oven's top, sides, rear and the area where the unit is to be installed.

Can you use a over the stove microwave on the counter?

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.

Can I put a freestanding microwave in a cupboard?

A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of 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.

Can you put a microwave in the pantry?

In your pantry.

Your microwave can sit nicely in your pantry if you are looking for a place to store it out of sight – yet still, be able to use it when needed. Of course, it is important to make sure your pantry has electrical outlets and a safe, sturdy shelf that will hold the microwave without it falling.

Can you put a normal microwave in a cupboard?

The thing is if you don't have a lot of room in the kitchen, is it possible to put a microwave in a cupboard? The simple answer is yes. It can fit just fine, like a built-in oven. However, this must be done with caution to avoid any difficulties because of the enclosed space.

How do I know if my microwave is self venting?

A microwave is self-venting if it doesn't use or need ductwork to vent, instead of using a recirculating venting system to vent out the heat and smells back to the kitchen.

Is it better to vent a microwave outside?

Most microwave vent hoods are recirculating, which does not entirely remove the unwanted contaminants from your kitchen air. Instead, the air moves through charcoal filters and is recirculated back into the kitchen. So, it is important to duct to the outside when possible to keep your indoor air clean and fresh.

How do you vent an interior wall microwave?

Most microwaves don't require venting. However, if yours does, venting it from an inside wall is a simple matter of running the duct pipe to the nearest external wall. Alternatively, you can choose to run the duct pipe through the wall to the central ventilation.

Can a countertop microwave be mounted under a cabinet?

You can put a countertop microwave in a cabinet instead of a built-in type, as long as you follow the necessary safety precautions (ensuring adequate ventilation, the shelf is strong enough to hold it, and proper wire management) to ensure your cabinet and microwave don't get damaged.

Where do you put a microwave in a tiny kitchen?

When determining where to put a microwave in a small kitchen, the ultimate goal is to create or maintain as much space as possible. Therefore, the best places for a microwave in a small kitchen would be on a microwave rack, a baker's rack, or hutch pantry, as well as inside custom cabinetry or counters.

What kind of microwave goes in a cabinet?

Built-in microwaves can be installed into a wall or cabinet for convenient operation. With a similar capacity to other microwave styles, the built-in design has the advantages of saving counter space and being able to be installed away from the range, allowing multiple people more space to cook together.

Does a pantry need ventilation?

Ventilation regulates the temperature, protects against moisture build-up, prevents mold, and maximizes the longevity of your non-perishable foods. You may need to look into proper ventilation for your pantry if: You have trouble keeping your pantry within the proper temperature range.

How can I hide my microwave in my pantry?

A special appliance pantry is the most appealing idea, with doors that retract into the cabinet so they can sit inside while the appliance is in use. Creating a cubby with hinged panels or doors that swing up is another option. Below the counter is yet another alternative, either exposed or hidden behind doors.

Where are the vents in a built in microwave?

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.

Can any microwave be mounted?

When shopping for a new microwave oven, you have the option of a mountable or a counter-top model, but it is possible to turn a counter-top model into a mountable model by using a microwave oven mounting kit.

Can you use flexible duct for microwave vent?

No. Avoid flexible duct for your range hood, regardless of the CFM. Flexible duct is a poor investment because it is: Not durable/sturdy.

Is flex duct better than hard duct?

Flex ducts are better for existing trunk-and-branch heating and cooling systems. This is because they're more versatile and flexible. Metal ducts are more rigid due to the nature of steel, making them ideal to build an entire HVAC system.

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