Since microwaves generate high amounts of heat, it's important to use them safely to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. If a microwave isn't properly vented, it can overheat or even fuse together parts of it, causing a potential fire and/or injury.
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.
A well-designed microwave will need 3” of clearance at the top and the sides, with at least 1” at the rear. In other words, if you are asking 'does a microwave need space around it? ' the answer is yes. It ensures the right level of airflow and protects the appliance.
Microwaves are shipped from the factory to vent out the top (vertically) but can also be vented out the rear (horizontally). The duct must be the sizes listed above for proper draw of air. Both smaller and larger vents than recommended decrease venting performance. Microwaves cannot be ducted into a common duct work.
Microwaves that do both may require you to make some adjustments before installing. 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.
Microwave ovens have air vents to stop them overheating. The air inside, and the food, gets hot. If you block the vents, they overheat and stop working.
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.
Depending on your model, some over-the-range microwaves operate by using exhaust fans to vent kitchen air out of the house through ductwork in the wall while others use a filter to recirculate air. Other models have the ability to do both.
Some over-the-range microwaves come with a venting system that is as powerful as traditional range hoods. These models can effectively reduce smoke and odor in the air while you're cooking while also providing additional cooking functionality.
If you want a microwave stored in a cabinet, it must be designed to function correctly in an enclosed space. Countertop microwaves aren't meant for that purpose. An over-the-range microwave is a good way to save space and have adequate ventilation.
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.
There is no one standard microwave cabinet size Australia, but all microwaves must have at least ten centimeters of space between the cabinet and each microwave wall. The top of the microwave needs at least 20cm to allow for proper ventilation.
Microwave ovens should be vented properly when placed inside a cabinet. You need to ensure that there is sufficient airflow around your microwave oven. As mentioned earlier, consult the manufacturer's manual for the appropriate size clearance.
Countertop microwaves do not require any venting hookups or special installation. However, you will need to have an open space above the microwave to allow the heat and steam to escape. If you do not have an open space above the microwave, you may need to purchase a venting kit.
Your Over-The-Range microwave oven is set for recirculating vent by default but can also be vented through the roof or through the rear wall depending on the existing vent setup of your kitchen. Templates are included with your unit that will assist you in both exterior vents in setups.
If you notice physical grease, the vent is no longer venting smoke, or you have a bad smell coming from the microwave, it is time to replace the grease vent. Luckily, as it needs to be done regularly, replacing the grease filter isn't hard.
Both duct and ductless systems will get the job done but ducted applications tend to be far superior in getting rid of grease, food particles and smells.
Open Countertop Space
Over the range microwaves help to open up this counter space and free you from having to have the big, bulky appliance just sitting there. Instead, installing it over your range gives it a more permanent look in your kitchen.
Yes, it can be safe to put a microwave in a cabinet, but it depends on a few factors. If it is a countertop microwave, the cabinet must be sturdy enough to support the microwave's weight, and there must be sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating.
A Microwave Against a Wall Is a Bad Idea
“If you put [the microwave] against a wall, both the door of the microwave and your wall can get damaged over time,” Daniel says. A microwave oven planned in a restricted space can also make the appliance awkward to use.
Different venting options: External venting sends the smoke through an outside exhaust vent, whereas a recirculating venting microwave pulls air through a charcoal filter then vents it back into the house.