I'm in the process of replacing my over-the-range microwave, and since it's mounted on an exterior wall, I'm hoping to vent it directly outside. However, when I removed the old microwave, I discovered that it was venting inside the wall into an area that's entirely enclosed with sheet metal. I initially thought there might have been some ductwork leading outside, but it looks like the enclosed space is sealed off. Is it common for microwaves to vent this way? Should I still aim to vent it directly outdoors, or is it okay to leave it as is? I'm a bit puzzled about the purpose of the metal enclosure—would it be a bad idea to cut into it? How would you advise tackling this situation? Check out my photos [here](https://imgur.com/a/YbB4y47) for more context.
2 Answers
It's definitely unusual to vent a microwave into an enclosed metal box. Without airflow, the fan will just be noisy without doing its job. If you can vent it outside, that's the best option for both performance and safety. Good luck!
I saw your video, and I noticed a potential hole in the corner of that enclosed area. You might want to check if it leads somewhere else, like back out above the cabinets. That could give you some clues about the ductwork. Keep exploring!
That's interesting! I measured that area, and it does seem like there’s an opening down there. It might just be enclosed ductwork that's confusing me. Thanks for the tip!