Being on the exterior wall, is this vented outside? That hood can probably be vented outside or recirculating. The vents are for the recirculating option. But you're right, that doesn't look so good. I have one on display where the vents are on the side...a lot more inconspicuous. If it's vented outside, get a sheet metal guy to make you an extra duct cover to wrap over it. Aside from replacing it, not sure what else you can do.

Exactly. If yours is vented to the exterior I don’t think you needed that type of chimney or chimney extension. Just get the appropriate chimney from Miele like so:

Assuming a vent is needed, get one that's horizontal with the "vents" angled toward the back...then it will disappear (mostly)

BTW: When in doubt, call Miele customer care; they are awesome! In fact, I might just call them right now just to shoot the breeze that’s how good they are!

I appreciate the helpful comments. It is vented outside and therefore unnecessary. I think my contractor didn't realize the piece was included for other types of configurations, yet not necessary for this type. Since the larger box tube was cut to fit this piece, I guess the only answer is to just cover it with sheet metal or order a new part from Miele (that will likely cost a fortune). Oh the joys of renovation. But seriously thank you!

Yeah Sammy, I sent them a customer service request regarding my vent issue. On a side note, they have this device that works through wifi that allows the vent to talk to the oven top so it will sense when to turn on or off...we couldn't figure out where it goes either. After an hour of holds and transfers, it turns out that the device is more for the future and doesn't quite work yet for gas oven tops, only with convection. It was a cool idea while it lasted, but would have been nice if they mentioned it in their documentation. But generally they are very good.

Def. get rid of it then...it's too beautiful a setting to have anything else to distract...

Since it is unnecessary, get rid of it. If at all possible return it for a refund -- at least ask... especially since someone sold you something unnecessary, likely knowing it was/is unnecessary. Even if you don't need the money, your seeking/getting a refund could deter these people from selling useless stuff to others in the future.

“I think my contractor didn't realize the piece was included for other types of configurations, yet not necessary for this type. Since the larger box tube was cut to fit this piece, I guess the only answer is to just cover it with sheet metal or order a new part from Miele (that will likely cost a fortune). Oh the joys of renovation.”

Don’t you hate it when the installer or contractor fudges up what could’ve or should’ve been a relatively straight-forward installation because he or she doesn’t read/breezes through/doesn’t understand (and doesn’t bother to seek clarification) the instructions? The joys of renovation (and just plain home ownership!) indeed.

“It was a cool idea while it lasted, but would have been nice if they mentioned it in their documentation. But generally they are very good.”

My biggest (really my only) beef with Miele is over its website: it sucks! But it could be worse, I suppose...like Franke’s website.

Beautiful view, btw.

;)

Problem solved. Thanks KS again for th3 great advice!