Exhaust fan/microwave question

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

whirlpool makes a low profile microwave/fan; it’s 10 or 12” high. I wanted the walls to be as open as possible and not even put any fan. Now I’m reconsidering. On the adjacent wall I have floating shelves. I was thinking of extending the top shelf over the microwave.

So in essence my question is, can I use a floating shelf above the microwave instead of the usual cabinet above it? Or really, will it look good?

The microwave gets supportEd to the wall not the above cabinet. I need electric (usually put inside the above cabinet), either possibly put behind microwave or on shelf or on wall above shelf)

I have a follow up thought about the tile. Im thinking of extending it to the ceiling and on the left edge the tile wasn’t cut flush to the cabinet, it’s an uneven space of grout. Is that fixable or just leave it? Thanks!

Featured Answer

User

7 years ago

All OTR’s are mainly supported by the cabinet above, NOT the wall bracket. They require a very firmly attached to the wall complete cabinet above. An OTR is the worst choice for ventilation, next to a downdraft. Your setup needs a chimney hood for proper ventilation.

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Comments (6)

jolu5
Original Author
7 years ago
I’m just trying to understand this. According to the instructions there’s a lot of support on back wall. And Home Depot associate confirmed this. i wasn’t (and might not) put any exhaust, so anything is probably better than nothing. If they sell these things there must be some benefit with exhaust. Also in another house I have an exhaust and it barely does anything, that’s why I figured I can live without it.

My question is, in some one else's opinion will it look good and additional tile question above. Thank you
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writersblock (9b/10a)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Look again. It states that you must support it from the cabinet above. See your second page:

ETA I have seen OTR microwaves installed with just a cabinet above and no side cabs in an attempt to make this work and sorry, but it always looks terrible.

Here's one with just a hood, but believe me, the OTR looks even worse in this situation:
jolu5
Original Author
7 years ago
I spoke to knowledgeable associate at Lowe’s.. he says there’s definitely enough support from shelf if it’s in beam and constructed correctly. I think it will look great
User
7 years ago
One more time before you seriously hurt yourself or a family member...

A knowledgeable associate at Lowe’s is an oxymoron. Try talking to installers that have done this for 10 years. Or anyone who has ever done just one of them. The bolts from the cabinet above to the MW below are what support the weight. The bracket just secures the positioning. It is not weight bearing.
jolu5
Original Author
7 years ago
The bracket will be supported same way the shelf on top is (same as if it was a cabinet), in a support beam. But I will of course speak to installer, before they do it.