Check your cabinet above the microwave for a duct that directs exhaust outside your home if your microwave contains intake vents on the bottom of it. The vent is sometimes connected to the back wall behind the device instead of going through the cabinet above the microwave if it's vented to the outside of your abode.
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.
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.
It's possible, though, that the range hood is vented straight through the wall to the outside. To tell if that's the case, go outside and look at the wall to see if there's a wall cap to allow the vented air to escape. Of course, if the range hood isn't mounted on an outside wall, it probably wont' be vented like this.
They do a better job of extracting toxins and smoke (although not at the same level as a range hood). A vented option will remove these fumes and vent them to the exterior of your home. A recirculating OTR microwave uses charcoal filters to neutralize air before it is pumped back into your kitchen.
Many microwave ovens are not vented to the outside. If you are willing to give up the outside venting feature, you can have a service person from the appliance dealer turn the fan around to vent inside. Remove the wall jack and insulate and seal the wall opening.
A vented microwave range hood is a microwave with a fan that is ducted to the outside. Air passes through some type of filter inside the fan (often charcoal filters). Then, it travels through ductwork outside your home.
The ductwork that connects the exhaust vent of a vented microwave to the outside of a house can allow outside air to migrate into the house if installed without a flap-style damper or if the damper is damaged and does not close properly.
Do not cover or block any openings around your microwave, as they are important for allowing proper air and heat circulation.
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 vents out of the house, this will be hooked up before the microwave is slid into the brackets. If a vent installation is required, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $500, depending on the complexity of the project.
Convertible means it can vent through the wall or ceiling using a duct, or can be converted to non-venting (filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen) with Recirculation Kit Part Number W10294733 which is available from your dealer or an authorized parts distributor.
Convertible vents offer improved air quality by venting air outside of the kitchen. They can also convert into a ductless system that uses air filters. Recirculating microwave vents send your kitchen air through a series of aluminum, carbon, or charcoal filter vents.
A convertible range hood is a range hood that can be converted from ducted to ductless. They are typically ducted hoods that can be converted to ductless using a recirculating kit. A recirculating kit attaches to the top of your range hood.
Range hoods do not have to be vented to the outside. You can purchase hoods without ductwork called ductless hoods. But, ducted range hoods are almost always preferred over ductless hoods.
You can do a lot of damage with a directed beam of microwave energy. It can destroy electronics by inducing high voltages in chips and wires (just as metal objects spark if left in a microwave oven).
You Still Shouldn't Put Your Smart Display Near Your Microwave. Potential interference aside, another great reason to not keep electronics near your microwave is that microwaves can easily get gross. Your microwave has vents on it, and it's not uncommon to find grease and food particles on top and around it.
Microwave Storing Tips: A microwave should be stored upright in its intended position to avoid any of the inner components from disassembling. Resist the urge to store boxes or items on top of the appliance. Even if your microwave is in a box, it could be damaged by heavy items stored on top of the box.
The microwave should be stored in an area where the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above. If stored in temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, moisture may form in the electronic parts which could damage the unit when it is brought into warmer temperatures.
Flip the Microwave Upside Down
This is likely an angle you've never seen your microwave from, or not since the day it was installed. Take your time cleaning the underside of the microwave, using the cleaner instead of soapy water any place there is a vent that might reach internal electrical components.
Use crumpled up packing paper and/or clean towels and dish rags to fill in any gaps around the microwave so that it won't get jostled around during transport. Seal the box with packing tape. Be sure to write “Fragile” on the box so that you or your movers know to take extra care when handling it.
Yes. Microwaves and radio waves are physically the same, i.e. both are forms of electromagnetic radiation. Some microwave rays can leak out and interfere with WiFi signals.