An over the range microwave is equipped with a ventilation system to manage odors, moisture, and smoke that arise while you cook on the stove.
Yes, over the range microwave vent outside however there can be another ventilation system in which the air is simply recirculated back into the kitchen.
When the OTR is vented outside, it has a physical vent installed through which the removed air is pushed through a series of ducts and finally the air is ported outside. In this, the ducts are made to run from the cabinet above the microwave to the outside of the home.
This type of ventilation system in an over the range microwave is the best way to clean air but is not the easiest way. Installing such a system in a pre-existing home can be expensive as well as time-consuming.
On the other hand, in the case of the recirculating venting system, charcoal filters are used which clean the air by trapping the airborne pollutants and then release the air back into the kitchen. This provides cleaner air as compared to the air that is released from the stove.
Recirculating vents do not exhaust conditioned air to the outside thus kitchen becomes more energy-efficient. Charcoal filters required in this are easy to install as no remodeling of the kitchen is required. Also, depending on the usage, these filters have to be replaced every six months or so.
Even though each ventilation system has its advantages and disadvantages, the exterior venting system is the best as it pushes all the grease, smoke, and odors to the outside of the house.
Over the range microwave venting options
An over the range microwave is a good option if you have less space in your kitchen.
There are three over the range microwave venting options:
1. Recirculated filtered air
This is the simplest option among all in which a recirculating fan is installed in the microwave. There is no requirement of outside venting and thus, it is ideal for rentals or places where ducting is not possible. In this system, filters draw the air and blow clean air back into the kitchen.
Pros:
- It is easy to install
- The cost of installation is less.
Cons:
- Grease may build up over time in the filters which require replacement of the filters every 6 months.
- Odors and steam may take a longer time to go away from the kitchen as these do not get removed fast using filters.
2. Direct vent installation
In this, venting is done horizontally from the back of the microwave through an exterior wall.
Pros:
- It is also easy to install
- It is the most effective in exhausting air.
Cons:
- It can be installed only if the range and microwave are on the exterior wall.
3. Vertical exhaust installation
In this option, microwave is exhausted vertically through the wall and cabinets, duct is vertically continued from there to the roof or horizontally to an exterior wall.
Pros:
- It is the most effective way of venting.
- You get the freedom in positioning your over-the-range microwave.
Cons:
- It is the most expensive venting system.
- In old homes, it can not be installed.
How to vent a microwave on an interior wall?
To vent a microwave on an interior wall, you will need the following tools:
- Exhaust adapter
- Bracket
- Drilling machine
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Microwave
- Pencil
Steps to follow to vent the microwave on an interior wall:
1. Select the place
The first step is to find the position where you want to place the microwave on the interior wall. By doing so, the microwave can be vented outside accurately.
2. Make template
Once the place is finalized, you need to do the template where you will set the vent. For this, the blower position of the microwave should be considered so that it is easy for the blowing air to get into the vent and go to the outside.
3. Drill
After the template has been done, drill the position with the help of the driller.
4. Install the bracket
Hold the mounting bracket and use a pencil to mark the holes. Drill the holes and install the bracket.
5. Lift the microwave
A typical microwave is 32 to 39 pounds which is heavy for you to lift alone. Call someone for help and lift the microwave.
6. Mount the microwave
Place the slots of the microwave on two tabs of the bracket. While doing so ensure that it matches edge to edge to the wall.
7. Tighten the bolt
The bolts must be tightened properly otherwise there may be chances of the microwave falling from the bracket.
8. Secure the power cord
Gently pull the power cord through the hole in the cabinet so that it connects to the socket.
9. Screw the bolts
Use a screwdriver to screw two mounting bolts through the bottom of the cabinet to the microwave top. This will prevent the microwave from tipping forward.
10. Attach exhaust adapter
Use some adhesive to the premiere of the exhaust adapter so that it remains watertight always. Now, connect the adapter to the microwave.
Do over the range microwave vent well?
Over the range microwaves do not vent well for both options of venting outside and inside even if OTR is of high wattage.
For charcoal filter option, it has been found in many types of research as they have 300-400 CFM which is not effective in cleaning the air effectively.
It mainly filters the incoming air and does not vent it outdoors. The filtered air is then circulated back into the room along with somewhat filtered cooking odors, grease, and combustion by-products which might be unhealthy.
At the same time, the filter is not effective in dissipating moisture in the air which results in humid, moist conditions near the stove.
Are there over the range microwave with front vent?
Yes, there are over the range microwaves with a front vent. It is easy to install as the unit vents into the kitchen and not through an outer wall of the house roof.
For a front-vent microwave, it is essential to install charcoal filters to remove cooking odors. While purchasing a front venting OTR microwave, it is essential to look for the proper size that goes in the cabinet above the stove.
Power wattage should also be considered. A microwave with high wattage cooks the food quickly but it will increase the power bill as well. Thus, it is better to select a low-wattage microwave if you are comfortable with slightly delayed cooking.
Do over the range microwaves have exhaust fans?
Yes, over the range microwaves have exhaust fans that vent the cooking smokes, odors, and grease to either the interior or exterior of the home.
The charcoal filters in the exhaust hood filter the air by removing smoke and grease and then re-circulate it into the room or send it out through an external vent.
In an over-the-range microwave, the standard exhaust fan must have a rating of at least 300 cubic feet per minute. There can be fans of 400-cubic feet per minute in some high-end OTR microwaves.
Conclusion
Microwaves are of great help in cooking and heating food. It can be placed on the countertop but the most useful and comfortable is over-the-range microwaves as they free up the counter space for preparing food.
While cooking, odor, smoke, and grease are emitted and it becomes essential for the OTR microwaves to have a venting system.
They can have an outside venting system but in some microwaves, charcoal filters are present which cleans the air and re-circulates back into the home.
Both these venting systems have pros and cons and you can select an OTR microwave having any of these venting systems depending on your choice and comfort.