Thinking about OTR MW for new house. My major concern is how well it vents. New models claim 400cfm which is equal to hood I have now. I wonder how well it handles the front burners. Any thoughts?
OTR Microwave venting
- Thread starter cuffs054
- Start date
Help Support :
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I like the way OTR microwaves look, IMO it looks better than just a typical range hood. But, I don't think any of these microwaves vent very well. And most range hoods with the little five blade fan don't either. More noise, but little suction. In either case, I would want it vented to the outside. I think it should be made code for all kitchens to have the exhaust vented out. The recirculating filters don't remove odors very well and the one we had just blew the grease across the room. Not a big deal now as we don't fry very often.
The other thing I'm not sure about OTR microwaves is it would seem the grease would get in them and there's really no way to take apart and clean them like a regular range hood. I would think they would get nasty.
The other thing I'm not sure about OTR microwaves is it would seem the grease would get in them and there's really no way to take apart and clean them like a regular range hood. I would think they would get nasty.
FoF, I agree with your points. I went big dollar for the current hood and never regretted it. The cabin has a GE over a gas stove but its way noisey, but 10 yrs old. The new house is downsized and I could use the extra space. Since I cook every night I use my hood a lot. What I like about current one is side to side filters, good lighting, and a weird cyclonic feature to help cover the front burners.
ptcruiser51
Well-known member
LG
Made an OTR with a pop-out vent to give extra coverage for front burners. I don't know if they still make it. Almost all OTR's can use an optional charcoal filter that goes behind the mesh one to help remove odors. As for cleaning, the mesh filter can go in the dishwasher, and most OTR's are devoid of anything underneath that would trap grease. Pretty easy cleanup with just spray cleaner (409, Windex, etc.) and a sponge or rag.
Made an OTR with a pop-out vent to give extra coverage for front burners. I don't know if they still make it. Almost all OTR's can use an optional charcoal filter that goes behind the mesh one to help remove odors. As for cleaning, the mesh filter can go in the dishwasher, and most OTR's are devoid of anything underneath that would trap grease. Pretty easy cleanup with just spray cleaner (409, Windex, etc.) and a sponge or rag.
I agree it's best to vent outside, but often it's not possible. The recirculating units just seem to blow grease around the room - at least in my opinion.
The best option I've ever see on a OTR microwave was on my Ge from the 80's. It had a fold out glass panel that would direct the air flow from the front burners toward the vent. You'd just flip in under the microwave when done with it. I saved it when the oven was replace always intending to remount it some way on the new unit. Never happened and now I'm replacing that unit with another. Got a great deal on an OTR micro/convection oven that I've been wanting for years.
The best option I've ever see on a OTR microwave was on my Ge from the 80's. It had a fold out glass panel that would direct the air flow from the front burners toward the vent. You'd just flip in under the microwave when done with it. I saved it when the oven was replace always intending to remount it some way on the new unit. Never happened and now I'm replacing that unit with another. Got a great deal on an OTR micro/convection oven that I've been wanting for years.
gusherb
Well-known member
IMO ANY hood should be vented outside, and not to skimp on the size of the duct either (6" diameter minimum)
I've used my share of kitchens with OTR microwaves that weren't vented and it worked as good as having no hood at all, and even if it were vented the fact that its not actually a hood makes it barely effective anyway.
Growing up in a home that never had a range hood of any sort installed has pretty much sold me on the most powerful super sucker external fan range hoods out there, like those 1,200 CFM Broan models. As much as I love bacon (or any other fried foods) I can only handle the smell of it in small moderations so strong ventilation is a must have for me.
I've used my share of kitchens with OTR microwaves that weren't vented and it worked as good as having no hood at all, and even if it were vented the fact that its not actually a hood makes it barely effective anyway.
Growing up in a home that never had a range hood of any sort installed has pretty much sold me on the most powerful super sucker external fan range hoods out there, like those 1,200 CFM Broan models. As much as I love bacon (or any other fried foods) I can only handle the smell of it in small moderations so strong ventilation is a must have for me.
arbilab
Well-known member
I have a Broan outside vented (hood only, no MW). Even that is only half effective at exhausting skillet smells. For a project like (tonight's) frying a pound of breakfast sausage to freeze then use in egg/cheese/muffin sandwiches, I have to open both windows and put a box fan in one to clear the smell in a reasonable time.
I mean, I like the smell of cooking sausage. I just don't like to smell it for the next 18 hours. Woman down the hall is so lax exhausting smells that any time she opens the door the whole hall reeks like an abandoned Long John Silvers. Whether she's cooking or not. Management had to send a memo not to prop doors open.
I've never seen a OTR MW that vented outside. Doesn't mean there is no such thing.
I mean, I like the smell of cooking sausage. I just don't like to smell it for the next 18 hours. Woman down the hall is so lax exhausting smells that any time she opens the door the whole hall reeks like an abandoned Long John Silvers. Whether she's cooking or not. Management had to send a memo not to prop doors open.
I've never seen a OTR MW that vented outside. Doesn't mean there is no such thing.
I don't think you will be very happy with an OTR. For venti purpose anyway. I have had them and none of them seem very effective. If "good" ventilation is important to you, I would suggest sticking with a hood. However is space is an issue, I understand you may have no choice.
PT, thanks for the lead! LG still makes units with "extendavent". Neat idea and you can even get warming lamps!
Kenmore, Samsung, Sharp, Electrolux have vented models too. Some of them get a good rating for their extraction. Here's a link. Some of the models have the option to vent outside.
http://over-the-range-microwave-review.toptenreviews.com
http://over-the-range-microwave-review.toptenreviews.com
I have a GE OTR microwave and it vents outside. Prior to it there was just a recirculating vent that was absolutely useless. The GE OTR MW is not as good as a plain vent but at least it does exhaust outside and gets rid of the odours.
Gary
Gary
Foraloysius,
That is a neat website! Thanks for the link.
That is a neat website! Thanks for the link.
