KEY TAKEAWAYS: 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.
“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.
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.
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.
Lower the front of the microwave and have a look over the top, under the cabinet. The unit will be supported at the lower rear by a bracket flange. Your microwave's vent either exhausts upward or rearward, but from right at the top rear of the unit. You'll be able to see whether there's a duct opening at that location.
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.
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.
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.
Home Depot microwave installation cost
Over-the-range microwave installation from Home Depot costs $100 for replacements. Replacing an old range hood with an over-the-range microwave costs $400. Hauling away and disposing of the old microwave costs $25. Delivery costs $60* or is free with purchases over $400.
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.
Microwave ovens often demand dedicated circuitry, but this isn't always a necessity. The National Electrical Code requires it for all fixed equipment, so a circuit must be set aside for any built-in oven. Small or older countertop models draw less power than modern full-size units.
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.
Over-the-range microwaves (also called OTR microwaves) are great space-savers, but note that in general they do not vent quite as well as a stand-alone hood. The OTR also takes up most of the space above your stove so it's hard to have a special tile feature right above your range.
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.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches.
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.
The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat up snacks and leftovers, or to defrost meals.
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.
Can you put a microwave above a gas range? Yes. In fact, you can put a microwave over a gas range or electric range. Microwaves are also commonly placed on countertops, stored inside cabinets, or on shelves.
In brief, microwave cabinets should be at least 15-18 inches deep. The ideal width for these cabinets is 30 inches and 12-15 inches high. Your stove and base cabinet should have a space of 30 inches. Moreover, the handle and the oven door should stick out from cabinets at least 5 inches.
What Is a Microwave Charcoal Filter? A microwave charcoal filter is located in over-the-range microwaves that are not vented to the outside. The charcoal filter works to absorb unwanted odors in the air while you're cooking. Most over-the-range models actually have two filters: a charcoal filter and a grease filter.
Do I Need a Recirculating Kit for My Hood? There is no need for installing recirculating kits in ducted range hoods since unwanted air from the kitchen is vented to the outside. Ductless range hoods filter the air in your kitchen without the need for a kit as they are designed for the same purpose.