I'm in the middle of replacing my over-the-range microwave and want to vent it directly outside since it's right against an exterior wall. However, I discovered that my old microwave was venting into a sheet metal enclosure within the wall, which makes me question whether there's any ductwork leading outside at all. Upon inspection, it seems like the duct area is completely sealed off. Is it normal to vent a microwave into a metal-enclosed space like this? Should I still aim to vent it outside, or could this metal be for something else entirely? Should I consider cutting through it? I'm curious how others have handled this kind of situation.
2 Answers
From what you’ve described, it sounds pretty unusual to vent a microwave into a sealed metal box. Typically, you want to vent outside to avoid moisture and odors building up inside your walls. Unless you find a proper opening or duct behind that metal, I’d definitely be looking to vent directly outside instead. Just make sure to check local building codes—cutting through that metal could lead to issues if it's structural!
It's definitely concerning if there’s no clear path to the outside. The metal enclosure might have been a makeshift solution from the previous owners. If you decide to cut through it, make sure to inspect what’s inside carefully. It might be better to consult a professional to assess if venting directly outside is feasible in your case.
Yeah, a pro can help you avoid any costly mistakes! Better safe than sorry when it comes to kitchen installations.
Totally agree! When we remodeled our kitchen, we found a similar situation and opted to vent outside. It made a huge difference in air quality!