What does a convertible vent mean?

Author: Dr. Jamir Eichmann IV  |  Last update: Thursday, June 30, 2022

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.

What does convertible mean in range hoods?

A convertible model allows you to use the kitchen range hood as a recirculating filter system until eventually switching to a more powerful vented system. The range hood vent will also work well if you move your stove to an interior wall where installing a ventilation system isn't possible.

What is the difference between convertible and ducted range hood?

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.

What is the difference between a convertible and recirculating vent on a microwave?

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.

What is a convertible vent type in a microwave?

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.

What is a Recirculating Range Hood?- What is a Ductless Range Hood?

Do over the stove microwaves need to be vented?

Virtually all building codes require a ventilation system installed over the kitchen stove. This ventilation system has a light that illuminates the stovetop surface and a fan that removes smoke and steam from the air. Over-the-range microwaves have a light and fan built into the bottom of the appliance.

What are the different microwave vent types?

  • Recirculating Exhaust Vent (ductless)
  • Ducted Exhaust Vent (through roof or wall)
  • Island Mounted Microwave Hood.

How do I know if my microwave is recirculating?

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.

Do microwave exhaust fans work?

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.

Are all over the range microwave recirculating?

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.

Can a convertible range hood be ducted?

A convertible range hood can simply vent through the wall and it can vent through the ceiling with the use of a duct. More so, it can also be changed into a non-venting one where it filters the air that is consequently blown back to the kitchen. The hood can be installed as either ducted or duct free.

Do range hoods 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.

Are ventless hoods any good?

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.

What is the difference between vented and non vented range hoods?

A vented hood, sometimes called a ducted hood, sends the grease, moisture, and air outside of your home through the wall or roof. An unvented hood filters the air through a carbon filter and recirculates the air inside your kitchen.

What is the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods?

The major difference between the two is that a ductless range hood, which is more common in most kitchens, uses a fan or blower motor to pull all the grease and smoke out of the air, then recirculates it. A ducted range hood, on the other hand, vents all the bad air straight to the outside.

What type of duct is best for venting a range hood?

Rigid duct is the best type of duct to vent your range hood. It requires a one-time installation and little to no maintenance as long as you clean your range hood filters. Most rigid ductwork is made from durable stainless steel, as opposed to rigid ductwork which is aluminum or flimsy plastic.

Do you need a vent hood for a gas stove?

Generally, in the U.S., you don't have to vent a residential gas range to the outside. But, we recommend that you buy a range hood to vent contaminants from your gas range to outside your home. It will dramatically improve your indoor air quality and reduce the risk of long-term respiratory problems.

Is 400 cfm enough for range hood?

To power your range hood, you need at least 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of your stovetop. For example, a 100,000 BTU stove needs at least a 1000 CFM range hood. For electric stoves, multiply the stove width by 10. So, for a 42” electric stove you want a range hood with at least 420 CFM.

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 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 you vent a microwave into the attic?

Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work. DO NOT vent into an attic or crawl space.

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.

Is it OK to stand in front of a microwave?

Yes, you can stand a safe distance in front of the microwave. Microwave ovens are designed to keep in radiation. Against the glass, there is a protective mesh screen dotted with tiny holes.

Do over the stove microwaves have exhaust fans?

Over-the-range microwaves also have exhaust hood duties. All over-the-range microwaves have hoods with fans that vent to either the interior or exterior of the home. These hoods feature charcoal filters for removing smoke and grease from the air before it is recirculated into the room or sent out an external vent.

How much room does a microwave vent need?

It depends on the model or manufacturer. Nevertheless, a minimum of three inches of space on all sides of the oven will provide enough clearance. Leave three inches of space between the walls and the top, sides, and rear of the microwave oven.

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