There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.

Can you put a microwave over a range hood?

How high should a microwave be above a gas range? Mount your microwave between 28 to 36 inches from your gas range. This is the same mounting height for a range hood. Typically, since microwaves are less powerful than vent hoods, you can mount them closer to the cooktop.

Where should a over the range microwave be installed?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But instead they're designed to be placed over the range underneath the cabinet.

How do you vent an over the range microwave?

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Quote from Youtube video: You have the option of venting up through the bottom of the cabinet above. And then out the ceiling or out the wall.

What is the clearance for a microwave above a gas stove?

Most microwaves set above a stove top require a total clearance of 66 inches from the floor to the top of the microwave. This can leave as little as 13 inches from the top of the burners to the bottom of the microwave, depending on the size of the microwave.

Do all over the range microwaves need to be vented?

There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.

Should I get an over the range microwave or range hood?





High heat tolerance



Higher BTU burners also usually require a bit more clearance between the cooking surface and the vent hood. Most standard gas ranges can be paired with a microwave hood, but if you have a commercial-style range with high BTU burners, you’ll likely want a standard range hood.

How close can a microwave be to the stove top?

If your microwave is installed above the range, the manufacturer will recommend that you keep a distance of at least thirteen inches between the base of the microwave and the top of the stove. But some manufacturers might call for this distance to be a minimum of eighteen inches.

What clearance is required for microwaves?

1″ clearance in the rear. The front edge of the microwave (measured at door) should sit at least 3″ or more back on the counter or shelf to avoid accidental tipping. If located on the counter near a range, we recommend locating it at least 2 ft away.

What is the standard height of a microwave above a stove?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the bottom of a microwave should be no more than 54 inches above the floor. This allows 18 inches of clearance above a typical range/counter height of 36 inches.

How high should a range hood be above a gas stove?



30” to 36”

For the professional gas cooking ranges, the most common range hood is the 18” canopy wall hood. This type of range hood should be installed at the height of 30” to 36” above the cooktop.

What is a self venting microwave?

A recirculating venting microwave, or ductless range hood, is a built-in ventilation system that recycles air through the microwave vents. The recirculating ventilation pulls the air through charcoal filters or other types of filters.

Do Over the range microwaves have exhaust fans?



Unlike countertop models, OTR microwaves are not portable, and they boast a higher price tag: However, they also have built in exhaust fans, which serve as a stove-top ventilation system to eliminate smoke, steam, and cooking odors.

What is a convertible vent microwave?

Convertible means it can vent through the wall or ceiling using a duct, or can be converted to non-venting (filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen) with Recirculation Kit Part Number W10294733 which is available from your dealer or an authorized parts distributor.

Does a range hood have to be vented outside?

Do range hoods have to be vented outside? No; range hoods without a duct, or ductless range hoods, can recirculate air back into your kitchen. However, to clean your kitchen air most efficiently, purchase a ducted range hood.

What is the difference between ducted and convertible range hood?

A ducted range hood must be connected to a duct with pipes that carry the airborne particles away from the kitchen to the outdoors. This is what differentiates it from a ductless range hood, which instead just recirculates through a filter and then back into the kitchen.

Does a built in microwave need to be vented?



Adequate ventilation, especially if the microwave is built into a wall of cabinetry, is a must.

How much ventilation does a built in microwave need?

Every model and design is unique, so are the venting requirements. Even a microwave inside the cabinet needs proper vents, leave 3 inches of space there as well.

What happens if you block microwave vents?

Most microwave ovens will have a vent or area of holes on the rear. This is where it dras in the air and because of this over a period of time will get covered and eventually blocked with ‘fluff’. It can completely block the vent and will, if not cleaned off , cause the oven to overheat and break down.