What is a convertible vent on a microwave?

Author: Prof. Dianna Sauer  |  Last update: Thursday, June 23, 2022

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 does vent type convertible mean on microwave?

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 is convertible vs recirculating microwave vent?

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 are the different microwave vent types?

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

Does a over the range microwave need to be vented?

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.

Range Hood Exhaust Fan vs Microwave Recirculating Fan Which Is Better Episode 20

How do I know if my microwave is self venting?

A microwave is self-venting if it doesn't use or need ductwork to vent, instead of using a recirculating venting system to vent out the heat and smells back to the kitchen.

How does a microwave vent work?

Ducted or vented microwaves feature exhaust fans that vent air outside of the house. Recirculating, non-ducted or updraft microwaves filter air then push it back into the kitchen. Convertible microwaves give you the option to select your ventilation type.

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 means convertible vent 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.

How do Convertible range hoods work?

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.

How do ventless microwaves work?

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.

Are convertible range hoods good?

If you have a kitchen renovation product in your future, but need to replace your range hood now, a convertible model is an excellent option. They're a great choice if you don't currently have ductwork leading out from your kitchen but plan to install some at a later date.

Are ductless range hoods worth it?

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. Above: An industrial-style vent (made of ducting) draws air up and out.

Does a built in microwave need to be vented?

Yes, microwave ovens need ventilation. However, the venting needs differ according to the model and design. Proper clearance and ventilation are necessary for efficient operation and safety reasons. Adequate external ventilation is a must for microwave ovens without built-in ventilation systems.

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.

How do over the range microwave vents work?

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.

Where does a 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.

How do you vent a kitchen without a hood?

10 Things to Do If You Don't Have a Range Hood or Vent
  1. Use a window fan. ...
  2. Use a portable HEPA air filter. ...
  3. Use a fan in another room, like the bathroom. ...
  4. Get a grease splatter guard. ...
  5. Wipe down your kitchen cabinets frequently. ...
  6. If you paint your kitchen, use a satin or semi-gloss finish, or choose scrubbable paint.

Do ductless range hoods remove smoke?

A ductless (or ventless) range hood does not vent out of the home, instead, it carries the debris and smoke form the air and filters it through a charcoal or carbon filter before releasing it back into the room. While many times this method is not as functional as a vented hood, it does work.

How do ductless stove vents work?

A ductless range hood works by sucking greasy kitchen air through mesh and baffle filters. Once the air passes via these filters, it moves through carbon filters that can trap dirt and then neutralize strong cooking odors.

Can a convertible range hood be ducted?

A convertible range hood comes with even more flexibility of placement. If you plan on moving your cooking area about in the future, you can easily change the range hood to suit your new placement, whether that will be ducted or not.

How do I know if I have a ductless range hood?

How do I know if I have a ductless range hood? The most obvious way to determine if your range hood is ductless is whether or not you have ductwork. If you have no ductwork, your hood recirculates kitchen air. Also, if your vent hood comes with carbon filters or a recirculating kit, it is ductless.

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.

Can a microwave vent a gas range?

Yes. In fact, you can put a microwave over a gas range or electric range.

Previous article
How long does it take shock to clear a green pool?
Next article
How do I protect my pool during a hard freeze?