I purchased an over the stove microwave for my kitchen project. I’ve always been a fan of venting these units to the outside of the home (for odor and heat issues). But two kitchen contractors that I ‘ve spoken with tell me that the majority of people just install them (unducted) and rely on the charcoal filter to recirculate and filter the air. Any thoughts on this one?
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don't like those hairdryers, I'm kind of comb it and that's it, vent the sucker.
no turn left unstoned
But two kitchen contractors that I 've spoken with tell me that the majority of people just install them (unducted) and rely on the charcoal filter to recirculate and filter the air. Any thoughts on this one?
Well, they're right about what most people do, but that doesn't make it smart.
First, do you really want to take the heat and steam rising from the stove and blow it at your face?
Second, if its a gas stove, although they don't require venting them, they are a likely source of carbon monoxidein the home and CO isn't to good for you.
When I bought my home, not only did the inspector look to see if the fan was vented outside, he also insisted I changed the flex(plastic) pipe for solid metal.
Don't get me wrong. As soon as he found the plastic I wanted to change it.
Vent it and use ridged metal pipe. At least use the metal flex pipe.
I hate the microwaves over a range doubling as a vent. Had one once, will never have one again. Will always vent the smell and smoke and grease outside from now on, and have done so in my current remodel.
I don't care what the contractors say and how many say that they're OK.....in my personal experience, I hated it those microwave range vents. You can always find some other space for that microwave and the construction plan/blueprint should have a place for ventilation to the outside.
The charcoal really doesn't abosb odors for long. The metal mesh filter never really can be cleaned well and thus the grease smell kind of stays in it. The hot steam and the smell is shot right back into the kitchen and up the doors of the cabinets these things are installed under. Would NEVER, EVER use one over a gas range top due to the dangers of gas fumes.
Don't do it.
Ya know Deesvee, that's true. If you want something fine ventings the only way to go.Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.
My micro vent does vent to the outside, like it should.
Installing one of these can be one of the most frustrating, timeconsuming installations in the kitchen. That is why they are steering you away from them.Excellence is its own reward!
Ditto what everyone else has said. Vent it. And find different contractors. All these units have an "optional" kit to provide for outside venting. The fans are very weak, so use a 6" sheet metal duct and keep the elbows and length to a minimum.