Replace OTR microwave with range hood

11 years ago

Hi. We are closing on a new build house. The house comes with an over the range microwave, which I understand is vented through the back wall using a standard 3 1/4"x10" vent. I want to replace the microwave with a powerful range hood. Couple of questions:

1) Will this rectangular vent be compatible with a range hood, and is it's current location, behind the microwave be ok for the range hood to connect to?

2) Can I take the OTR microwave, stick some rubber feet on it, and use it as a countertop microwave?

thanks

Featured Answer

missymoo12

11 years ago

I installed a Zephyr Monsoon DCBL built in and 715 cfm
It has a 3X10 rectangle out the back and an 8 inch round on the top.
Was relatively easy to install, we used the top round vent because of needing the MUA air trigger. The unit is functional and QUIET. Have not cooked with it yet as my American Range is backordered.

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Comments (8)

violetwest
11 years ago
sorry, don't have answers, but -- at least yours is vented. Mine doesn't vent at all. Common to most new builds here. hate it.
weedmeister
11 years ago
1. Depends on the hood. Some are compatible with rectangular vents, some aren't.

2. Most likely not. I think most OTR microwaves are not flat on the bottom but sloped. Also, the sides may not be finished. Otherwise you could hang it under a cabinet.
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barryfaetheus
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks. For point 1, what I am worried about is the exact position of the rectangular vent in the wall. If that doesn't line up exactly where the vent is on the hood, then it seems like I am hosed, right? Or is the vent on the hood flexible, such that it can be moved around to match where it needs to meet the wall?
snoonyb
11 years ago
You can pull up a PDF of the range you are contemplating, with complete and detailed drawings.

When you say "really powerful", what are the CFM's?

That will generally narrow the options, because the area of the venting material will only allow the efficient motion of so much air.
barryfaetheus
Original Author
11 years ago
Well, the CFM of the OTR microwave fan is only 300cfm. Based on previous experience of these type of systems, they are wholly inadequate for the type of cooking we do. However, that experience is on systems without an outdoor vent, where they just filter/recirculate the air, so maybe this external venting system might be a bit better as-is.

I guess I would need to atleast double the CFM in order not to smell anything, or very little.
deickhoff0
11 years ago
Your OTR micro will not work on the counter. At least that was the case with the 2 OTR micros I took out and replaced.
enduring
11 years ago
I would definitely get what you need, for your style of cooking before the plans are finalized. I am not an expert in this area at all. But I do know it depends on the type of range and the size of range you will be using. Are you using gas or induction? If you go big with CFM, than I believe you will need to have a system to provide make up air to your interior living area. All this needs to be sized for your cooking top.