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.
“Recirculate” means that when the exhaust fan is turned on the air will be drawn in through filters in the bottom of the OTR microwave and then blown out into the kitchen through an exhaust vent on the top of the OTR microwave oven.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.
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.
Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.
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.
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.
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.
Other manufacturers such as Whirlpool and Miele have also released appliances in a wide range of colors. This has caused interior designers and smaller appliance manufacturers to wonder: Could this be the end of stainless steel? Stainless steel is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Microwaves will be obsolete by 2027.
When considering the best venting in an over-the-range microwave, options include ducted vents and recirculating vents. Ultimately, the goal of the vent is to pull the air from the microwave and deposit it outside of your home. This prevents smoke, cooking odors, moisture and hot air from remaining in the kitchen.
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.
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.
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.
Microwaves from Breville, Hamilton Beach, Insignia, LG, Proctor-Silex, and Signature Kitchen Suite stand out as the most reliable brands; all six brands earn an Excellent rating. Seven of the 32 brands in our survey earn a Very Good rating.
You will simply improve the air quality of your home by venting fumes outdoors. ProTip Takeaway: A vented to the outside range hood provides better air filtration to keep the air in your home fresh and odor-free. "A hood is the absolute best way to 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.
Since a countertop microwave is designed to rest on a countertop, the vents are often placed on the sides or top to ensure the vents have proper air space to clean out dust and expel hot air during operation. These vents cannot be covered in the built-in hole, as it may cause the microwave to overheat or malfunction.
Over-the-range models are just that: They're installed over the range. The built-in category includes models designed only to be built in—surrounded by cabinetry or built into the wall. Microwave drawers fall into this group and can be placed under the countertop or below a wall oven.