How high should a microwave be above a stove?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that the bottom of the microwave should be no higher than 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for 18 inches of clearance between the microwave and the typical cooktop height of 36 inches. Some manufacturers allow smaller clearances.

They do a better job of extracting toxins and smoke (although not at the same level as a range hood). A vented option will remove these fumes and vent them to the exterior of your home. A recirculating OTR microwave uses charcoal filters to neutralize air before it is pumped back into your kitchen.

Full Frame Door Microwave In the first example, the microwave over the range (OTR) will vent through the manufacturer installed grease or carbon filter, then directly through an exhaust port that is ducted to the outside of the structure.

An externally vented microwave uses a fan to draw air through the microwave’s vents and into an exhaust duct leading to the exterior of the building, which means that most of the moisture, heat, odor and particulate matter generated by cooking goes directly outside.

All microwaves need to be ventilated. System can be any recirculating vent or exhaust fan system! Both systems have their pros & cons. A recirculating duct might need to be replaced every 6 months, yet, it’s cheap and easy-to-install!

Recommended Vent Length A 31/4″ x 10″ (8.3 x 25.4 cm) rectangular or 6″ (15.2 cm) round vent should be used. The total length of the vent system including straight vent, elbow(s), transitions and wall or roof caps must not exceed the equivalent of 140 ft (42.7 m) for either type of vent.

Some microwaves have front exhaust vents that eliminate the need for duct work in the house walls. Other microwaves have a top or back vent which connects to exhaust duct work. A microwave positioned over a stove is mounted to both the back wall and the underside of the upper cabinet, regardless of vent placement.

Ducted or vented microwaves feature exhaust fans that vent air outside of the house. Recirculating, non-ducted or updraft microwaves filter air then push it back into the kitchen. Convertible microwaves give you the option to select your ventilation type.

If you want to vent a microwave that is located on an interior wall, you’ll need to connect the microwave to your home’s existing ductwork, if possible. If there’s no ductwork nearby for you to connect to, you’ll have to install a new set of ducts and probably make a new vent hole in your exterior wall.

Although over-the-range microwaves have a built-in exhaust fan, they don’t vent cooking gases as well as range hoods do. And if you’re short, you might find it challenging to remove a piping-hot bowl of soup from a microwave mounted at least 18 inches above your stovetop.

For an external exhaust the vent is located on the back of the top of the microwave to vent out the roof. If you are venting back into the room it appears to come out of the top at the front.

The best option is to vent vertically through the roof if possible, since hot air rises. But this is not required. Vent through a side wall if you cannot vent directly above your hood. To have a smooth installation, find a great contractor to install your ductwork.

I checked my microwave’s manual and it does say that flex is not recommended, and a rigid vent should be used.

Aim for a location that’s convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It’s really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together while ensuring there’s bench space nearby.

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.