As I continue to obsess over the kitchen redo I noticed something that confused me even more. The price of a decent range hood runs $300-400 or more. Yet a high rated OTR MW with decent venting can be had for much less. I don't get it.
OTR MW $$$ vs Hoods
- Thread starter cuffs054
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I've only read the OTR microwaves don't have very good venting, poor in fact compared to a good regular hood. I've got a new hood on my to do list as well , but not in any rush. I want one with really really good suction that is easy to clean, not like the cheapo Nutone in here now. Of course I want it on the cheap as well.. it'll show up eventually LOL
yeah, the $500 Vent-a-Hood actually works and doesn't roar your ear off...best thing I've gotten for the kitchen. It's white enamel so it matches the other appliances. Only thing that was a surprise is that the "works" are also white enamel (I'd somehow expected the "guts" to be stainless). It's fine to go into the dishwasher, and is more unobtrusive, but I was surprised to unbox it and see the white "guts"; as the sample I'd seen was stainless steel in/out (i.e. they make them to match. You probably could get it with stainless steel "guts" but it would be a special order (doubt it would be more $$$, but caveat emptor).
For my new kitchen, I'm planning to install a Broan hood with the exterior fan (on the roof).
http://https//www.broan.com/Range-Hoods/Under-Cabinet/Broan-Elite-E64000-Series/E64E36SS
http://https//www.broan.com/Range-Hoods/Under-Cabinet/Broan-Elite-E64000-Series/E64E36SS
Definitely go with the hood. I actually removed the Whirlpool OTR that I installed after about 2-3 years and replaced it with a 400 CFM Broan hood. I should have gone with a straight hood from the start, but oh well.
The performance is SO much better. OTR vents have a complex internal airpath (airpath is around and below the oven cavity) and a comically undersized squirrel cage/motor, whereas the squirrel cage/motor unit can be as big as it needs to be in a good hood. Internal airpaths are straightforward, too. Bonus points if it maintains a simple airpath (like a short, straight shot up through the roof or a direct shot through an external wall).
I still won't fry inside--even if I had a true commercial hood with a 1HP centrifugal fan on my rooftop--because of the 'microscopic' grease splatters that deposit themselves everywhere. However, for other cooking methods, it makes it very tolerable for someone who wishes to keep their home free of cooking odors.
My wife was able to roast a turkey for Thanksgiving and, due to the stellar performance of the range hood, I was unable to smell the aroma (I don't like turkey or, for that matter, pork or chicken. I'm a finicky eater even in my late 20s).
The performance is SO much better. OTR vents have a complex internal airpath (airpath is around and below the oven cavity) and a comically undersized squirrel cage/motor, whereas the squirrel cage/motor unit can be as big as it needs to be in a good hood. Internal airpaths are straightforward, too. Bonus points if it maintains a simple airpath (like a short, straight shot up through the roof or a direct shot through an external wall).
I still won't fry inside--even if I had a true commercial hood with a 1HP centrifugal fan on my rooftop--because of the 'microscopic' grease splatters that deposit themselves everywhere. However, for other cooking methods, it makes it very tolerable for someone who wishes to keep their home free of cooking odors.
My wife was able to roast a turkey for Thanksgiving and, due to the stellar performance of the range hood, I was unable to smell the aroma (I don't like turkey or, for that matter, pork or chicken. I'm a finicky eater even in my late 20s).
easy to clean effective hood
The Broan 64000 series linked by CircleW would be a fantastic hood. Petek for good performance at a lower price the Venmar or Broan branded (Broan now owns Venmar) equivalent slim profile undercabinet hoods have Teflon coated underside behind the full width filters. They have/or had quiet German made motors-motor is quiet, airflow still makes noise- with snap off blower wheels that go in the dishwasher. Some now may be made either in Mexico or offshore rather than Canada but I bought mine used via Craigslist for a bargain price and it performs like new. Recently helped a friend install one and he is very happy-no lingering cooking smells any more. The higher models even have a reminder light for filter cleaning and an auto delay shutoff.
The Broan 64000 series linked by CircleW would be a fantastic hood. Petek for good performance at a lower price the Venmar or Broan branded (Broan now owns Venmar) equivalent slim profile undercabinet hoods have Teflon coated underside behind the full width filters. They have/or had quiet German made motors-motor is quiet, airflow still makes noise- with snap off blower wheels that go in the dishwasher. Some now may be made either in Mexico or offshore rather than Canada but I bought mine used via Craigslist for a bargain price and it performs like new. Recently helped a friend install one and he is very happy-no lingering cooking smells any more. The higher models even have a reminder light for filter cleaning and an auto delay shutoff.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I would definitely get a regular hood, if you have enough counterspace or a cabinet to put the microwave. I do like the idea of an OTR microwave, in kitchens that have very little counterspace.
But most of the OTR micros as mentioned don't have enough airflow and the ones I've seen tend to be really noisy and not much choice in the speeds. Plus the flat bottom doesn't really offer any canopy shape to catch steam and fumes and funnel it into the fan.
I remember there was a thread on here a while ago that had a link to tests on these vents and which OTR micros had the highest airflow ratings.
That Broan hood looks nice. I like the ones that have the baffle type filters and dual blowers also.
But most of the OTR micros as mentioned don't have enough airflow and the ones I've seen tend to be really noisy and not much choice in the speeds. Plus the flat bottom doesn't really offer any canopy shape to catch steam and fumes and funnel it into the fan.
I remember there was a thread on here a while ago that had a link to tests on these vents and which OTR micros had the highest airflow ratings.
That Broan hood looks nice. I like the ones that have the baffle type filters and dual blowers also.
I don't need a hood 'cept maybe for the over-the-range/cooktop lighting...
Waiting for my micro' to break, so I can get a countertop-stealing portable one, if I can get that (this)"built-in" yanked out...
-- Dave
Waiting for my micro' to break, so I can get a countertop-stealing portable one, if I can get that (this)"built-in" yanked out...
-- Dave
