How To Install Microwave Exhaust Duct

How To Install A Vented Microwave Oven

By Robert Robillard on Kitchens

How To Install A Vented Microwave Oven Under A Chiffonier

Today's chore was to install a microwave oven under the cabinets and to install a through the side wall vent. Most of the manufacturer instructions detail specifically how to install a vented microwave oven so brand sure to read these instructions and to purchase all of the duct work needed to consummate the project before y'all start.

Microwave Power Cord:

Yous will demand an electric outlet. Nearly folks locate the outlet within the cabinet in a higher place, out of view.

Microwave Mounting Options:

Manufacturers unremarkably crave the microwaves to be hung from a cabinet above or to mount to the wall with a mounting subclass. sometimes this mounting bracket is an accessory and then figure out how y'all will be mounting the unit of measurement when purchasing information technology.

All microwaves come up with templates that help y'all locate your holes either above in the cabinet or on the wall. If you lot do mount to the wall it is of import to adhere your fasteners to at least 1 wall stud. Use toggle bolts when wall studs are not available.

Microwave Venting Options:

Microwave ovens vent three ways. Exterior venting models require you lot to suit to the following three types of ventilation:

Outside Tiptop Exhaust (Vertical Duct)
Outside Dorsum Exhaust (Horizontal Duct)
Recirculating (Non-Vented Ductless

Well-nigh cabinets spaces to a higher place a stove are 30″ wide and you need to make sure that this space is free from obstructions. If the infinite between the cabinets is greater than 30′′ yo may need to add together filler pieces. All kitchen cabinet supplier offering Filler Panel Kits for this purpose.

Venting To The Outside:

If you are going to vent your microwave oven to the outside you will demand to install an exhaust duct with a vent hood. Nigh hood exhausts has been designed to mate with standard 3 1⁄4′′10 x′′rectangular duct.

If a round duct is required, a rectangular-to-circular transition adapter must exist used. Note – Do not use less than a half dozen′′diameter duct as velocity volition exist restricted.

Preparing the Vent Hole In Wall:

Place the template or mounting plate confronting the rear wall and locate and size of the wall cutout for the rear wall duct.
Apply a saw drywall saw to cut out the opening.
If a wall stud is in the way apply a reciprocating saw to remove that department. One wall stud tin exist cutting without concern. The Best scenario would be to caput off the cutting wall stud to the to side by side wall studs. Unless the wall board has been removed, about of the time you will not have room to do this.
Cut the exterior hole in the wall and remove whatsoever siding necessary to install your outside vent hood. A proper installation volition include some siding or trim work around this hood.
About microwaves are shipped assembled for elevation exhaust. Yous will demand the exhaust adapter for installation in the rear wall opening. To remove the exhaust adapter from the microwave remove tape securing damper.
Fit the exhaust adapter into the business firm duct per pedagogy manual
Make sure the exhaust adapter is lined up with the house duct and lines up with the holes in the mounting plate.
Line upwardly microwave to duct and connect past placing information technology on the wall bracket or connecting bolts above. This usually takes 2 people.
Install exterior vent hood, utilizing proper exterior installation techniques applicative to your siding material. [Utilize 3M flashing tape or Vycor, or Tyvek tape to assist] ensure that water will not enter the building envelope.
Re-install trim or siding.

Photograph of unit installed – it was heavy and beefy.

Finished view from the inside. Looks easy!

Exterior view before we started. The hole in the upper right is the old vent hole, which needed to exist patched.

New vent and clapboards installed. Nosotros installed a flat board cut out to accept the vent This mounting board makes for a cleaner siding installation and allows flashing to exist installed.