It seems like such a clever idea.
Replacing your hood with a microwave centralizes your cooking.
It also removes the microwave from your counter or cabinet, giving you more space.
In this article, you will learn how to replace a hood with a microwave step-by-step.
You should know that replacing a range hood with a microwave is NOT a good idea in many instances, especially if you like to cook.
Moreover, you will learn other options for your microwave and the basics of ventilation.
Let’s get started.
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Yes, you can replace a range hood with an over-the-range microwave. It is simple, especially if your cabinets are already built in.
You will centralize your cooking area over your range with an over-the-range microwave.
However, it may not be advisable if you genuinely like to cook due to poor ventilation.
The over-the-range microwave was my favorite appliance in the 1990s. It combines the microwave with the vent, effectively centralizing the microwave function.
It is off your counter and at eye level.
However, microwaves are only 16 inches deep, but the front burners you most likely cook on the most are 23 inches.
When cooking, fumes such as smoke, carbon monoxide, and other harmful pollutants tend to linger in the kitchen, especially when using high-output gas burners.
Back in 1986, the total stovetop output averaged at 35,000 BTU (British Thermal Units). Nowadays, a mere two burners can exceed that output.
This does not include professional (pro) ranges with burners averaging 20,000-25,000 BTU.
Then again, placing a microwave over a pro range is an exceptionally bad idea. Stop here if that is what you are considering.
Range hoods can be excellent depending on their depth, CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute), and how you vent.
A 21-inch-deep hood with 350 CFM will be marginally better than the over-the-range microwave.
The average CFM on a microwave is about 310 CFM (cubic feet per minute), but hoods vary between 300-1500 CFM depending on the hood.
The better hoods at 24 inches deep will cover the front burners and exhaust those powerful front burners.
Pro Tip: If you frequently cook with high heat, such as using a wok or griddle, it is recommended that you consider a high-performance hood that is at least 24 inches deep and has a CFM range of 900-1200.
If you currently have a hood with a depth of 24 inches and cook frequently, I advise you to be careful before making the switch to an over-the-range microwave. (I know, I am cautioning you a lot).
Now that we have a clear understanding of the main functions of an over-the-range microwave and a range hood, let's move on some important factors to keep in mind.
Before you start, you must assess if the unit is ducted. This means that you can either have a duct that leads outside, or have a ductless system that vents back into the room.
For ductless, installation is simple because you do not have to line up the vents.
Note: Ventless is a last-resort option. Even though you filter out the grease and smoke, various gases like nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and others may still linger in your kitchen and home. It is always advised to vent these gases outside.
If ducted, you want to make sure the ducts line up properly. Most hoods and microwaves are centered.
However, the duct sizes may be different. You can always buy a duct transition converting the exhaust opening to your existing duct.
This is what duct transitions look like:
You are changing the shape from a hood or over-the-range microwave to whatever your ducting is internally.
Do you need to cut your cabinet to accommodate an over-the-range microwave?
You will encounter a height restriction problem with most conventional over-the-range microwaves.
Over-the-range microwaves are about 15.5 to 17 inches high, yet hoods vary from 10 to 18 inches tall.
You could not install the microwave hood because the bottom would be too low for the cooking surface.
You could always cut the cabinets as an option.
For smaller hoods, you can replace your hood with a low-profile microwave hood.
Whirlpool has three models, while KitchenAid has two at 10 inches tall and is manufactured to replace conventional ten-inch hoods.
Whirlpool's low-profile microwave hoods have surprisingly good features.
Although they are not tall, you still have a 1.1 cubic foot capacity, enough for a dinner plate.
The larger over-the-range microwave capacity is up to 2 cubic feet.
You must choose whether to cut the cabinets for a larger capacity or if 1.1 cubic feet is enough.
Electrical Safety
Proper Ventilation
Correct Mounting and Brackets
Height and Clearance
Handling the Microwave
Stability
Cord and Plug Safety
Testing
Installation Manual
Personal Safety
Now that you have your friend and your glasses on, let's install this microwave.
You must change and adjust to the microwave's electrical requirements.
If your range hood is hard-wired, you may need to move, install, and relocate an outlet.
A Whirlpool microwave hood installs like a regular over-the-range microwave.
However, your hood is directly hard-wired.
Older under-cabinet hoods are usually directly wired and not on a plug.
From this:
To this:
If so, the wire must be moved into a receptacle in the cabinet above.
It is not difficult because the 110-volt power is already there, but you will need an electrician or someone extremely handy to move the outlet
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Whether you buy a tall or large over-the-range microwave, microwaves are mounted to a steel plate. The plate and screws are part of the microwave package.
Prepare the Area
Review the Installation Manual
Mark and Drill the Wall:
Install the Exhaust Vent (if applicable)
Attach the Mounting Bracket
Prepare the Microwave
Lift and Set the Microwave
Secure the Microwave
Connect the Exhaust Vent (if applicable)
Plug in the Microwave
Test the Microwave
Final Touches
Congratulations, you now have a microwave over your range.
The costs vary by geographical area and what is needed.
The general range hood is about $200-$400, depending on the electrical and cabinet work required (assuming you can find an electrician). Range hoods for pro ranges or high performance range hoods can range from $1,199 to over $10,000.
On average, an over-the-range microwave will cost around $250. However, a KitchenAid convection 10-inch low profile over-the-range microwave can cost as much as $899.
So, you are looking at $350-$1,250 as a good range for switching a hood to an over-the-range microwave.
That depends on how you cook and the effectiveness of the existing hood.
It does not matter from a venting perspective if your hood is shallow or ventless.
It is centralized and convenient at eye level if you cook primarily in your microwave.
Also, an over-the-range microwave is fine, especially if you boil water and do not cook on the cooktop much.
You should not replace a professional range hood or place an over-the-range microwave over a high-output burner.
You should also not replace a hood with an over-the-range microwave if you cook frequently or at high outputs.
In addition, you can also place a microwave anywhere.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale Ventilation Buying Guide with features, specs, and how to vent any range properly. Well over 1.5 million people have read a Yale Guide.
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