Ducting OTR Microwave

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

Getting closer to the move in to the new house. Decided that we’re going to ventilate the Advantium Microwave above our GE Monogram to the outside.

Is it better to go straight up a longer distance out the roof (I’d be guessing here, but more than 15 feet, maybe 20?), or would it be better to go a foot up and then a 90* right turn ~10ft to the outside?

If possible should I transition the 3.5x10” rectangle duct to a 6” round duct immediately, or wait to transition either at the 90* turn or once I’m through the upper cabinet?

How does a contractor even install ductwork without tearing the walls out?

Finally, yes a range hood is of course better, but not possible, so instead of recirculating the microwave I’m at least taking some positive step to properly vent grease, odors, and other bad things out of my kitchen.

Featured Answer

Robert Brown
Original Author

3 years ago

This is why houzz is annoying. I didn’t come to argue. I came looking for help. I need an OTR microwave. No where else to put a microwave. Of course I wish I could put a hood in. Of course I know it’s better. I’ve already thought long and hard about all of this and I’d choose a hood every time, but I can’t. I even said this in my OP. Just looking for some help and not JuSt PuT a HoOd iN!

There is a hallway on the other side of the range.

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Comments (9)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
More bends = less ventilation
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
Get a proper hood and vent it the way that is the most direct fewest bend possible why is a hood not possible? If you can put in a MW you can have a hood,
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Robert Brown
Original Author
3 years ago
@BeverlyFLADeziner, I do know more bends is worse, but straight up 15-20 feet is going to be ok? I thought I’ve read where effluent can start to fall back down if the length is too much.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
If the 90 degree option is a wall penetration instead of roof penetration I would do that. Microhoods aren't great but you know that, in a small kitchen they are sometimes the answer.
Robert Brown
Original Author
3 years ago
@HALLETT & Co. the 90* is a wall penetration. Can I ask why that is better than a roof penetration?

Also, is it better to have the 90* turn as soon as possible in the ducting or better to wait to do the turn until it’s absolutely necessary?
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
3 years ago
Robert Brown, Always follow the manuf. installation instructions.
Robert Brown thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
Robert Brown
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@BeverlyFLADeziner, ah I see. A math problem. Thanks!
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
3 years ago
Easier to successfully flash a wall penetration than a roof penetration