Replacing microwave with range? What would you do?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Hi all!

I've never posted here but have lurked a lot and will say I am admittedly green when it comes to remodeling. We are in the process of purchasing our FIRST home and the biggest thing we want to change (aside from a few aesthetics) is the microwave is currently over the (electric) range and it's way too low. It also currently does NOT vent to the outside of the home, although it is only one wall away from the outside wall. We are having a contractor come to the inspection to give us some insight on what may be possible, but am wondering if you all might have some opinions on what to do.

My thoughts were to either :

1. Remove microwave and install an over the range hood in the same exact place, leaving the cabinets as is

2. Remove microwave, install an over the range hood but vent it outside through the above cabinets

Any ideas? Please photo for reference. I would love to go into the inspection and contractor conversation with some background knowledge on what's best to do. Ideally, I'd like it to vent to the outside.

THANK YOU! in advance!

Featured Answer

mama goose_gw zn6OH

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I can't believe anyone could be comfortable cooking under that MW! If you are willing to sacrifice the upper cabinet, you can install an in-cabinet fan, with a liner. Broan sells a reasonably efficient (390cfms*), reasonably priced ducted model--I'll link the Amazon listing: PM390 Power Pack cabinet insert

It won't come out over the range as far as most hoods (since it's installed in the upper cabinet), but if you get in the habit of starting the blower before the steam and grease start to rise, you'll get the air moving in the right direction.

*No make-up air needed for that size, IIRC, but check with your local safety code, especially if you have any gas appliances, furnace, etc.

ETA: Scroll down in the following thread for a DIY conversion of an upper cabinet to range hood--they used a recirculating blower, but I'd definitely recommend vented: Remodelaholic custom range hood

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Comments (6)

beenzmail
10 years ago
We had the exact same set up. Since you have the soffit it might not be that big of a deal to vent it out. Fortunately ours was empty. I don't think you'll be happy with a hood that low. I looked at a lot of pictures of kitchens with soffits. See if you like how it looks with a chimney style hood coming out of there. We replaced our cabinets and put a custom wood hood but it is still under a soffit. Good luck.
Danielle Long thanked beenzmail
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loonlakelaborcamp
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I'd take out the microwave and put in a slim profile hood that vents out -- you could run the vent pipe out through that soffit/molding on top of the cabinets. If that fails, you could "eat" the top shelves of the run of cabinets to vent it out. I had a home do that once, and we were still able to store items in front of the exhaust conduit on the top shelves (and most people can't reach stuff there anyway!)

A slim black hood could look great! Many are only 5-7 inches high -- and that would be no lower than your cabinets.

BTW - I love your kitchen!
Danielle Long thanked loonlakelaborcamp
Danielle Long
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you all for the insight! We don't close on the house until end of August so we have a little time to plan what to do. I am considering replacing the range too since it's the only black appliance. I hope we are able to run an outside vent through the soffit. That would be ideal for sure. There's a ton of cabinet space on another wall next to the fridge too so I definitely wouldn't miss those two cabinets above the MW.

Anyone else have experience with this? Anything I should be aware of?

Thank you!
jhmarie
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I replaced my simple metal hood and small cabinet with a wood hood and vent insert. I got an unfinished wood hood and stained it to match my cabinets. My previous hood vented to the outside, so I did not have that problem.

My style is sort of vintage / cottage / French Country:

My pics -work in progress: · More Info
Danielle Long thanked jhmarie
Danielle Long
Original Author
10 years ago
@jhmarie I love that!! You did such a great job! :) Thanks for sharing