I'm considering upgrading my kitchen ventilation. I currently have a microwave with a built-in vent and a charcoal filter, but it's not connected to any ductwork. I'm thinking about installing ductwork, but I'm unsure if I should replace my microwave with a dedicated vent hood. If I do go for the vent hood, what CFM should I aim for if I'm mostly pan-frying steaks? Also, would my current microwave vent work if I just attached it to ductwork?
3 Answers
I replaced the microwave over my gas range with a proper range hood. It involved a bit of work, like drilling a six-inch hole through the roof, but it only cost me around $250. The hood I got has a 450 CFM setting, though we mostly use the lowest, and it makes a huge difference in controlling heat, smoke, and smells. If your microwave has a fan, check the manual to see if it can be vented through ductwork—might be worth it to keep it if it can work effectively!
Definitely put in that ductwork! It helps so much with fumes and odors. If I forget to turn mine on, I can really tell—the smell lingers! My outdoor deck catches all the cooking smells when the microwave vent is blasting, and it's way fresher inside our house compared to other homes I've been to without proper ventilation.
Honestly, microwave hoods aren't the best. If you're serious about cooking, I'd recommend going for an externally vented range hood. Brands like Vent-A-Hood or Zephyr Hurricane can easily vent over 400 CFM, which is great for high-heat cooking. They may cost a bit more, but they're worth it for the quality and performance.