Featured: The JennAir JMV9196CS over the range microwave
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The Importance of Kitchen Ventilation
Choosing an Over the Range Microwave for Your Kitchen
Top Over the Range Microwaves with Ventilation
Everyone wants a kitchen that’s a welcoming, cozy place where people can gather, have a cup of coffee, and sit down for a nice chat. However, for this to be the case, you must ensure your kitchen environment is suitably set up. If your kitchen is one where the microwave seves as the kitchen ventilation, you will want to vent a microwave in your kitchen.
Vented microwaves are essential solutions to any kitchen’s air quality needs, taking care of the challenges of airborne grease, odors, and smoke that cooking inevitably produces. Beyond their primary function of reheating or cooking, these microwaves integrate robust ventilation systems, offering a dual-purpose solution that optimizes both space and air quality. By expelling contaminants outside, they ensure a cleaner, fresher atmosphere, enhancing not only the cooking experience but also the overall health and comfort within the home. Learn more about how to improve kitchen air quality, including how to vent a microwave and which models we pick when it comes to purifying air in the kitchen.
Discover the Best Over the Range Microwave Deals
Odors, smoke, and grease in the kitchen? Explore powerful over the range microwaves with vents to solve the problem.
Shop NowThe Importance of Kitchen Ventilation
Proper kitchen ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment and can be easily attained through a kitchen ventilation fan. Having one helps to eliminate odors, smoke, and airborne grease, preventing the buildup of harmful pollutants in the air that can lead to respiratory issues. Effective ventilation removes excess heat, moisture, and carbon monoxide produced during cooking, reducing the risk of mold growth and promoting a more comfortable space.
Health benefits include improved air quality, minimizing exposure to toxins, and preventing potential allergic reactions. Additionally, kitchen ventilation helps preserve the integrity of kitchen surfaces and cabinetry by reducing grease accumulation.
Overall, buyers are more bound to come across a recirculating over the range microwave—which doesn’t expel air but rather filters it and redistributes it back—versus a ducted mode. However, there are microwave vent hood models available (at a higher cost), which are incredibly beneficial to the air quality in your home, especially if you have a gas cooking appliance. That’s because gas appliances work via a combustion process, which produces byproducts like carbon monoxide. Electric or induction cooktops produce less heat and emissions, hence requiring comparatively less ventilation power.
Choosing an Over the Range Microwave for Your Kitchen
Over the range microwaves combine multiple functions, serving as both a microwave and a ventilation system. Over the range ducted microwaves save countertop space, provide built-in lighting for the cooktop, and offer efficient kitchen ventilation by removing smoke and odors. Their integrated designs maximize kitchen utility and convenience in a compact, multifunctional unit.
Thankfully, many brands have caught on to the need for over-the-range microwaves and offer some incredible options. GE over the range microwaves, Whirlpool over the range microwaves,
LG over the range microwaves, and GE Profile over the range microwaves are all excellent brands on the market today. There are many other fantastic brands and models for sale as well, a variety of which we will highlight later on.
Recirculating Microwaves vs Ducted Microwaves
Recirculating microwaves utilize a filter to trap grease and odors before recirculating the air back into the kitchen, while over the range ducted microwaves vent outside, expelling the air pollutants. Recirculating units are easier to install as they don't require ductwork but are less effective in eliminating odors and moisture.
On the other hand, ducted microwaves offer superior ventilation, effectively removing contaminants outdoors. Homeowners in apartments or spaces without access to exterior venting might prefer a microwave with vent fan for their ease of installation. In contrast, those seeking more efficient removal of cooking byproducts, particularly in larger kitchens, benefit from the superior air quality management from ducted microwaves.
What is a Microwave CFM Rating?
A microwave CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating helps determine a microwave's ability to exchange air within a space. A microwave with a higher CFM rating is more adept at removing airborne pollutants and maintaining air quality. When selecting a microwave, consider the kitchen size and cooking habits to match the CFM rating to the ventilation needs. Larger kitchens or those with heavy cooking might require microwaves with higher CFM ratings for more effective air circulation and pollutant removal.
As with range hoods, the general rule is 100 CFMs per every 10,000 BTUs of heat output. For example, a gas range with a total of 45,000 BTUs will need an over the range microwave with a ventilation system with at least 450 CFMs.
How to Vent a Microwave
Venting a microwave involves installing ductwork to channel air outside, which then expels cooking byproducts. Before venting an over the range microwave, check with the manual to be sure the model is suited for ducting; not all models are equipped for outdoor ducting, and trying to install ductwork can damage the appliance.
With that in mind, the process is typically the same brand to brand. Here are some general steps.
- Prepare the Space: Locate the mounting template provided with the microwave to mark where the vent will go. Ensure a clear path for the ductwork.
- Drill Holes: Create openings for the vent and ductwork according to the template.
- Install Ductwork: Connect the ductwork from the microwave to an external vent. This may involve cutting and fitting pieces to size.
- Secure and Seal: Attach the microwave securely, ensuring a tight seal around the vent to prevent air leaks.
While this can be a DIY task, complexities in installation and potential electrical or structural considerations make it advisable for a professional to handle. Professional installation ensures safety, compliance with local building codes, and proper functionality.
Top Over the Range Microwaves with Ventilation
If you ask us, having a 2-in-1 microwave and ventilation system is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make. They help save countertop space and keep you and your loved ones healthy, all while adding a touch of luxury design. Here are our top picks.
KitchenAid® 1.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave
Shop This KitchenAid Over the Range Microwave
This over the range microwave with exhaust fan boasts a powerful 400 CFM exhaust fan, effectively removing smoke and odors. Its four-speed fan, paired with sensor cooking and steam functionalities, offers precise control and versatility. Additionally, its sleek stainless steel design integrates seamlessly into kitchens, while the option for recirculating or external venting provides flexible ventilation solutions, making it an excellent choice for varied kitchen setups.
Samsung 1.1 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave
Shop This Samsung Over the Range Microwave
Shop This Samsung Over the Range Microwave
This Samsung over the range microwave offers versatile venting options with a powerful 400 CFM ventilation system. Even with all the horsepower, this model has a sleek design and integrates a two-speed fan and a charcoal filter, effectively eliminating odors and smoke while complementing kitchen aesthetics. With multiple venting configurations, including recirculating and external venting, it provides flexible solutions for various kitchen setups, making it an excellent alternative for efficient ventilation.
★ Featured Samsung ME11A7710DS Review:
“The microwave is great to use easy to clean and slim and sleek.”
Fisher & Paykel 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave
Shop This Fisher & Paykel Over the Range Microwave
This microwave proves why it is worth it to vent a microwave. It offers powerful ventilation with a 300 CFM exhaust fan, effortlessly removing cooking odors and smoke. Its beautiful stainless-steel design seamlessly integrates into any kitchen. The microwave boasts multiple power levels, sensor cooking, and a range hood feature, making it an excellent alternate ventilation solution by combining microwave functionality with efficient air purification.
★ Featured Fisher & Paykel CMOH30SS-3T Review:
“Fantastic microwave. Works well every time. Wife likes as well.”
Bertazzoni Professional Series 1.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave
Shop This Bertazzoni Over the Range Microwave
This over the range microwave has an impressive 300 CFM ventilation as well as a timeless stainless-steel design that complements modern kitchens. With multiple power levels, sensor cooking, and a spacious interior, it combines versatile functionality with effective ventilation, making it an excellent choice for kitchens needing proper, effective ventilation, all with nearly double the capacity of a standard countertop microwave.
Dacor® 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Professional Over The Range Microwave
Shop This Dacor Over the Range Microwave
When it comes to microwaving, Dacor does it with powerful ventilation with a 400 CFM fan, removing smoke and grease easily from the air. Its three-speed fan and removable filters ensure customizable and easy maintenance. This microwave provides an alternate ventilation solution, combining functionality, style, and efficient air circulation for a clean cooking environment.
Learn More: Over the Range Microwave Styles You Can't Miss
Choosing an over-the-range microwave with ventilation offers several advantages. To learn more about the importance of kitchen ventilation and how we can help at Don’s Appliances, check out our entire stock online or visit one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores near you today!
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Over the Range Microwaves at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop cooking appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help answer questions you have about appliances like when to vent a microwave — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
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