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.
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.
While a recirculating filter isn't as effective as other types of microwave venting, it still clears your kitchen of the most pungent cooking odors. In addition, countertop models usually have a recirculating vent, but some built-in microwaves share the same filtration.
Typically, the external exhaust vent of your OTR microwave is located on top of it. It vents out to the roof. It also appears to come out of the top at the front of the device if you're venting back into the room via the recirculating ventilation system.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.
Examine the countertop microwave to locate all vents on the two sides, top and back panels. Since a countertop microwave is designed to rest on a countertop, the vents are often placed on the sides or top to ensure the vents have proper air space to clean out dust and expel hot air during operation.
Over-the-range microwave ovens have built-in ventilation systems with internal exhaust fans. These fans protect the microwave oven from overheating by routing the heat which is produced. The ventilation system may connect to an exterior vent or recirculate the heat back into the kitchen.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: 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.
You can vent it traditionally (ie to an outside vent) or recirculate it, which means just that--the air recirculates as opposed to being vented outside. There is an air filter used for this that comes with the unit.
"Only microwaves with a fan that recirculates air back to your kitchen have filters." Over-the-range microwaves typically have both a grease filter and a charcoal filter and they should each be handled differently when it comes time to replace or clean them.
A microwave charcoal filter is located in over-the-range microwaves that are not vented to the outside. The charcoal filter works to absorb unwanted odors in the air while you're cooking. Most over-the-range models actually have two filters: a charcoal filter and a grease filter.
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.
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.
Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work. DO NOT vent into an attic or crawl space.
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.
Do not install within a closed cabinet or a cut-out space where the bottom is covered. These can be installed under a cabinet, even if there is not a cooking surface underneath the appliance. However, the height clearances outlined in the Installation Instructions must still be met.
Home Depot microwave installation cost
Over-the-range microwave installation from Home Depot costs $100 for replacements. Replacing an old range hood with an over-the-range microwave costs $400. Hauling away and disposing of the old microwave costs $25. Delivery costs $60* or is free with purchases over $400.
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.
Microwave Charcoal Filter Basics
In addition, the filter helps the microwave to run efficiently. If you do not clean your microwave's charcoal filter often enough, it puts a strain on the appliance. This can make your microwave wear out more quickly. As such, it's important to remove and clean the filter periodically.
A charcoal filter must be used if the over-the-range microwave oven is not vented to the outside. Charcoal filters are model specific. It is important to use the correct charcoal filter for your microwave model when replacing the filter.
What Happens If I Don't Clean My Microwave Grease Filter? If you fail to clean your grease filter you're probably looking at more grease stains on the walls surrounding your stovetop, a less functional exhaust fan, and sticky buildup on the grease filter that will trap food and other grossness.
Place the microwave grease filter in a sink or basin full of hot, soapy water. If your filter is exceptionally dirty, pour in about ¼ cup of baking soda. Make sure the filter is completely submerged. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes, or longer if necessary.