How far can you vent a microwave?

Author: Dr. Alden Fadel Jr.  |  Last update: Sunday, May 29, 2022

Duct Installation Guidelines: All over-the-range microwaves can be vented to the outside using an equivalent total of 140 feet of rigid 3 1/4" x 10" rectangular or rigid 6" round ducting.

Do I need to vent my over the range microwave?

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.

Is it OK to vent microwave into attic?

No, you should never vent your range hood into the attic. The excess buildup of grease and moisture in your attic will ruin it and over time may cause mold damage.

How do over range microwaves vent?

Over-the-range microwaves have a light and fan built into the bottom of the appliance. After the smoke and steam are removed, the filtered fan vents the air outside your home or cleans it before releasing it back into the kitchen.

Can a microwave hood be vented?

A “standard” range hood is designed specifically for venting while a microwave hood cooks food and also vents. Either one will offer venting performance sufficient for most at-home cooking techniques. Both can vent kitchen air outside or through recirculation, depending on the model and your home's ductwork.

How to VENT your microwave to the exterior DIY. This is a MUST

Can a microwave vent a gas range?

All current over the range microwaves and Advantium ovens can be installed over gas cooking products up to and including 5 burner stoves. As long as the 66" minimum from the floor to the top of the unit is followed there will be no performance or warranty concerns.

How far above gas range should microwave be?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 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.

Are over the stove microwaves out of style?

While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.

How much does it cost to vent a microwave outside?

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.

What is recirculating venting microwave?

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.

Does a range hood have to be vented outside?

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.

How do you tell if your microwave is vented outside?

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.

Do Over the range Microwaves have exhaust fans?

Unlike countertop models, OTR microwaves are not portable, and they boast a higher price tag: However, they also have built in exhaust fans, which serve as a stove-top ventilation system to eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors.

Do microwave vents do anything?

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.

How do you keep cold air from coming in the microwave vent?

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.

Can an over-the-range microwave be vented outside?

All over-the-range microwaves can be vented to the outside using an equivalent total of 140 feet of rigid 3 1/4" x 10" rectangular or rigid 6" round ducting.

Are microwaves becoming obsolete?

Microwaves will be obsolete by 2027.

Can you put over-the-range microwave on 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. This would not provide a stable surface.

How close can a gas range be to a wall?

A freestanding range (gas or electric) requires no space between it and the back wall. There should be at least twelve inches between any style range and the closest sidewall.

How much space do you need between gas range and microwave?

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.

How much clearance do you need between a gas stove and microwave?

Depending upon which type of microwave you have, there should be a minimum distance that ranges between 13 inches and 24 inches between it and the stove. The recommended minimum spacing difference is based on whether or not your microwave is a countertop model or if it's an over-the-range model.

Where does the microwave vent go?

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.

Should I vent range hood through wall or roof?

The best option is to vent vertically through the roof if possible, since hot air rises. But this is not required. Vent through a side wall if you cannot vent directly above your hood. To have a smooth installation, find a great contractor to install your ductwork.

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