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.
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.
The vent is on the top rear as with most over the range microwaves. 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.
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.
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.
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 an appliance designed to remove smoke, steam, grease, cooking fumes, and odors from the air in your kitchen, with or without ductwork for ventilation.
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.
Even a powerful OTR microwave won't clean the air efficiently enough. They generally max out at around 300 to 400 CFM. So, the most effective option will always be a vent hood.
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.
$125 – $500 Installed
The labor cost to install a microwave above the stove is $125 to $500 plus the cost of the microwave oven. When the cost of the microwave unit is added, the total project cost ranges from $300 to $1,100. Custom cabinet work, adding an outlet and replacing the vent hood are extra costs.
A recirculating microwave oven uses high-speed fans to filter microwave exhaust through a charcoal or grease filter. The filter sits in a stainless steel cavity on the microwave that you can remove to replace the filter regularly.
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.
A recirculating kit is an accessory for converting ducted range hoods to ductless or recirculating. It consists of a stainless steel vent and charcoal filters. Install the kit on top of your range hood to vent or recirculate air back into your kitchen.
Unvented range hoods do filter some grease and cooking odors from the air, but the general consensus is that they're nowhere near as effective. Nor do they remove heat and humidity, so they won't help keep your kitchen cool while you cook.
A recirculation range hood filters the air in your kitchen and blows it back into the room. Handy when you don't have an exhaust air outside. Keep in mind that a recirculation range hood is less powerful than an ventilation system range hood.
Yes. A recirculating range hood works beautifully, the same way as a ducted range hood. The main difference is that rather than the air getting exhausted to the outside, it passes through a filter, and then recirculated back into the house.
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.
Installing an over-the-range microwave oven is often easier than you think. If you are simply replacing an existing vent hood or older microwave with a new oven, you can install it easily enough with common tools. You will need a helper for this one, as an extra set of hands is essential.
All mounting kits are not the same. They are specifically designed by the manufacturer for the model. Mounting kits are provided when you purchase the above range microwave or you can purchase one separately. The kits must vary in their configuration to properly accommodate hanging the microwave securely.
As a rule of thumb, don't put your microwave too near to the sink. Make sure it's 4-9 feet away. You don't want to short it out or electrocute yourself with accidental splashes. Household plugs tend to be about 4 feet or so away from the sink too for the same reasons.