Microwaves need a gap of at least 15cm above and behind for ventilation. This is especially important for a combination microwave, as a lot of air is expelled when using the dual function. Built-in microwaves look sleeker aesthetically and are great if you're short on kitchen worktop space.
It should have at least 3 inches of clearance on both sides and the top for venting purposes. It should also have an inch of clearance in the rear for good measure. This applies whether you're using a countertop or built-in microwaves with a cabinet surrounding it.
Even if you do not have such limiters, a good thumb-rule is to keep the microwave at least 3-inches away from the rear wall. On the sides too, there should be a distance of at least 3-5 inches from the microwave to the wall. Ideally, keep the top of the microwave free.
it does need 2 inches of clearance on all sides to allow hot air to circulate.
No, convection ovens do not require ventilation because they use a fan to circulate the air inside the oven to help food cook faster and more evenly. As long as your new oven is installed with the correct clearance recommended by the manufacturer, no extra venting is needed.
Convection baking uses a fan to circulate air inside of the oven. It does not require a vent to the outside. You may want a vented range hood to collect smoke and odors from the cooktop, but you do not need one for the oven.
If your microwave is installed above the range, the manufacturer will recommend that you keep a distance of at least thirteen inches between the base of the microwave and the top of the stove. But some manufacturers might call for this distance to be a minimum of eighteen inches.
The standard distance between the top of a kitchen counter and the bottom of the wall cabinets above it is 18 inches. For the average person, this distance is the ideal balance between plenty of space to work on the countertop and the ability to reach all of the shelves in the cabinet.
The Clearance Needed for a Wall Oven
As a standard rule, though, the clearance that a built-in oven needs between the walls of the cabinet is three inches (75 mm). This allows a standard oven housing unit to be installed, and this is what protects the cabinet walls from the heat of the oven.
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.
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.
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.
Measure the distance across the top and bottom of the oven from the left and right edge of the cabinet cutout. Note the measurements on the reference sheet. Measure the distance along each side of the oven - from the top to bottom edge of the cabinet cutout. Note the measurements on the reference sheet.
Having at least four feet of space between your stove and other appliances is ideal. This will allow you to work over your stove and oven while others are simultaneously using other kitchen staples like a dishwasher or microwave. For electrical reasons, this is also recommended.
You need at least 5mm of space along the sides of the built in oven. If the top of the oven is flush with the worktop, this is fine. In other cases, there may be up to 20mm of ventilation space provided at the top, but generally your built in oven is okay to be completely flush at the top.
Caulking the Gap
If you can reduce the gap to 1/4 inch or less, you'll be able to fill it with acrylic latex or silicone caulk. If the gap is wider, stuff some backer rod in first. This is foam beading that supports the caulk and prevents it from sinking and forming voids.
First, during tile installation, leave a small space between the tiles and the wood surface or countertop… no more than 1/8 of an inch.
“The standard distance is 18 inches” from the top of the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinet, Scott says. “But we subscribe to the Scandinavian design aesthetic, and we often put cabinets higher—say, 24 inches above the counter, or even more. That creates a sense of openness and light.”
Proper ventilation allows the appliance to function correctly. So, yes, countertop microwave requires ventilation, but not external ventilation. The primary thing you need to do is ensure proper clearance at the sides, rear, and top of the microwave.
You can plug a microwave into any outlet. The appliance doesn't require a special receptacle. It doesn't need GFCI protection either. Though, AFCI protection is recommended.
A convection oven has a fan and exhaust system that circulate hot air around the cavity of the oven, reducing hot and cool spots and helping dishes on every rack cook more evenly. Convection ovens can also have a third heating element, called true convection, to help foods cook faster.
Don't use convection for cooking cakes, quick breads, custards, or soufflés.
Look at the manufacturer's product manual, which should include wall oven cutout dimensions. This will tell you how much space your new wall oven requires.
WHAT IS THE STANDARD STOVE SIZE FOR MOST KITCHENS? Most standard stoves are 30 inches wide, around 25–27 inches deep (excluding handles and knobs) and 36 inches tall (excluding control panels).