Microwave/Hood Combo

[Rich12271]

We built our own home a couple of years back and finally got the kitchen to where I can install our microwave. It is a Kenmore Micro/Hood combination. This may be a stupid question, but are you required to vent your Microwave/hood combo outside? Our stove is on an outside wall so it would not be too hard, but I am not sure if I have to or not.

Thanks for any responses.

[jpollman]

I can't say that it's true for all models, but ALL of the ones I've seen and/or installed can be vented inside. There's usually just a plate on the top of the unit near the rear that you remove and rotate the fan housing 90 degrees and reinstall the plate. This causes the fan to exhaust back into the kitchen instead of outside. But when you do this there is usually a filter that needs to be changed regularly. In fact, I have to install an over the range microwave on Friday. I'm headed over to the job tomorrow to tie up a couple of loose ends and the appliances are scheduled for delivery on Thursday. So it looks like Friday is install day and the job is done...... Pay day isn't far off! :lol:

John

[Big Reds]

Code does not require it to be vented to the outside, however jp is correct when he stated it can be vented inside. It does require different filters to vent indoors which are more costly and will have to be replaced more often. With your situation, if it were me, I would vent it outside if possible to completely exhaust the fumes. Just makes sence to me.