Is A Microwave Vent Enough For A Gas Stove?

Is A Microwave Vent Enough For A Gas Stove?

A microwave vent is not enough for a gas stove. A gas stove is powerful, and the emissions are enormous compared to what you get from a microwave.

As you might be aware, venting is necessary to remove heat, smoke, and cooking odors from your kitchen. An appropriate vent will also help keep grease and oils from mixing with moisture and dust.

When grease and oils mix with moisture and dust, the area around your kitchen might be coated with a thin layer of grime.

Yes, Venting is needed to remove carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from the air, both known lethal pollutants. Technically, you need a vent that can clean 100 cubic feet of air per minute for every 10,000 BTUs. This is the standard practice.

If you need to clean more cubic feet of air per minute, you will need a larger surface area of the vent and a more powerful fan.

Since most microwaves are only 15 inches deep,  their fans are less powerful than a gas stove.

A gas stove needs a vent about 18 to 24 inches deep with a fan designed to suck up the air in addition to cooking particles and emit them outside your home.

Before you go the cheaper way of using the existing microwave vent for your gas stove, it’s needful to consider your safety first.

Indeed, there are safety concerns that you need to consider before deciding whether having a microwave vent for your gas stove is best for you.

Do Microwave Vents Do Anything?

Yes, Microwave vents help eliminate smoke and gases that are not needed in your kitchen. Homeowners who do not understand the role of microwave vents hide them to free up space for their kitchens.

But before you do this, it’s important to consider your safety in the kitchen and the entire home.

Devices like ovens that need ventilation should have vents installed as they can’t do without ventilation. It’s needful to note that venting needs differ according to the model and design.

However, all models and designs need proper clearance and ventilation for efficient operation and safety.

But for microwave ovens that do not have built-in ventilation systems, external ventilation is a must.

Since microwave ovens use microwave radiation for cooking food, food particles and water are heated by microwaves. This causes them to vibrate rapidly, cooking the food.

The inside of food explodes as the food cooks, calling for an outlet. This is the essence of microwave vents as they help pass out the outlet. Thanks to the vents, expanding hot air is released.

Consequently, there is a need for enough clearance for the vents when installing microwave ovens. Efficient operation is only possible with proper airflow.

Indeed, without adequate venting, your microwave oven might start malfunctioning. 

Are Over-The-Range Microwaves Out Of Style?

It depends. Many homeowners feel that microwaves are far from becoming obsolete over the range.

Did you know Whirlpool recently started manufacturing an over-the-range microwave as a direct replacement for a hood? These are not signs of anything going out of style.

Indeed, over the range microwaves can centralize your cooking and remove the microwave off your counter.

As you might know, the price for over-the-range microwaves is relatively low and looks good over the matching stove.

Over the range, microwaves have maintained the status quo in design over the decades.

While the over-the-range microwave specifications haven’t changed, there have been enormous changes in gas ranges as their output has been increased considerably.

There have been great alternatives that you might wish to consider in place of over-the-range microwaves in recent years.

For instance, you might want to consider induction cooktops. Being a magnetic heat, induction is far more efficient than gas at 90% vs. 55% gas.

The advantages of an induction cooktop include faster boils, child safety, easier cleaning, its simmers are lower, it has fewer HVAC costs, and there will be less venting required.

Is It Better To Have A Hood Or Microwave Oven Stove?

There are things that you will consider as to which between a range hood and a microwave oven you choose. And what you go for will be based on your preference.

Therefore, it’s best to consider the differences between the two. These two ventilation systems have similarities, but they function a little differently. For instance, their size, filter quality, and placement are different.

While many people move to homes with either an OTR microwave or range hood installed, for those who want to swap their range hood with a microwave (or the other way round), it is best to learn the unique advantages and disadvantages of each system.

These two kitchen appliances have two very different functions. Knowing what makes a difference will help you choose the right and best for you.

Range hoods are visually stunning and help reduce the amount of gas burner byproducts released to your homes like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Can You Use A Downdraft Vent With A Gas Range?

Yes, You can use a downdraft vent with your gas range.

Usually, downdraft systems, recirculating hoods, updraft systems, and ducted range hoods are the most common ventilation set-ups associated with gas cooktops.

However, each has its disadvantages and advantages. A cooker fitted with a downdraft system pulls the air down to either your cooktop’s bottom or back using built-in vents.

While they are easily confused with hoods, they are different. But they differ from hoods since they are often integrated into the appliance as opposed to being separate.

This makes them ideal for islands or kitchens with inadequate space for a ventilation hood.

The options at your disposal are telescopic downdraft vents and built-in downdraft vents.

Because there are models that can be matched with a wide range of cookers, downdraft vents are an effective and more aesthetically-pleasing way of eliminating unwanted odors and fumes as you cook.

Modern downdraft vents merge easily with gas ranges, some of the latest designs coming as very sleek and tuck-able after use.

These pull smells and vapors outside of your home and eliminate any harmful by-products from your cooking, making them the most cost-effective alternative.

Although recirculating ranges filter some impurities from the air, they do not eliminate them.

This means that they are less effective than other options, leaving some pollutants which might be lethal.

Downdraft ventilation systems can be installed with a gas or electric cooktop, built-in oven with a cooktop, or free-standing range.

Even after buying your separate downdraft vent, it can be installed to convert your current appliance to downdraft ventilation.

How Does A Microwave With A Trim Kit Vent?

A microwave trim kit is famous for covering the gaps left when an over-the-range or an over-the-counter microwave is too small for the cabinet opening when it comes to venting.

In addition to its functionality, the trim kit is also decorative, and both qualities are needed to give the installation a professional look.

Ventilation vents are a composite part of trim kits and help airflow circulation. When the microwave pulls air from the environment, it uses it.

To accommodate the different microwave designs, trim kits come in various sizes. Putting the microwave in place and measuring the gap spaces is advisable before purchasing a trim kit.

Due to the part number provided by most microwave manufacturers, it becomes easier to pick up the right kit at local hardware or home improvement store.

Consequently, you will be sure that the kit has the right type of vents.

Generally, microwave trim kits come in white, black, and stainless steel. However, you can place custom orders for other colors.

How Much Ventilation Does A Convection Microwave Need?

A convection microwave needs at least a 2–3 Inch space from the wall. You also do not want to cover it with any cloth or even a microwave oven cover when you are cooking with it.

It’s best to make sure that it is kept in a well-ventilated place.

Additionally, because manufacturers might recommend different ventilation requirements, it is best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations from your user’s manual.

Failure to follow such instructions generally voids your warranty. As you have seen, this is not very much ventilation.

By default, a microwave will pull air from underneath and then force the same out through a set of holes found at the back where the function panel is.

Consequently, avoid blocking the bottom and the part where the fan blows the air out.

Since a convection microwave has a vent system, any accumulated moisture will be vented. Not surprisingly, a convection microwave is an energy saver as it gets hot faster and cooks your food in less time, using less energy.

While convection microwave ovens can be considered better as they cook faster, they not only require a little bit more hands-on time but also tend to cook unevenly.

Fortunately, you will not need to worry about rotating pans with a convection microwave oven. Therefore, you will agree that a convection microwave oven is worth spending your money on.

Does A Gas Convection Oven Need To Be Under A Hood?

It depends on several issues. However, consider that it’s the much-needed protection for the electronics inside, protecting them from heat and moisture buildup that can potentially shorten the appliance’s life.

Again, it helps cook the food without wasting energy on moist heating air.

On the central, a hood removes the moist air and allows the energy to be absorbed by the water in the food needing cooking or re-heating.

Removing this moist air also ensures that the enclosure is safe from premature rusting. Still, the hood is to be thanked as it will also act as the notification that your food is cooking as it should.

This is an important notification that any serious cook will appreciate.

While a convection oven requires a hood in some settings, it is unnecessary for residential homes.

Indeed, you can opt to buy a professional range hood to work with your convection oven at home.

This will automatically improve indoor air quality and remove strong cooking odors from your kitchen.

Still, for those with a toaster oven with convection, there is more smoke, cooking odors, and smoke to evacuate if they have a standard oven.

The other category of people who need a hood will be using multiple ovens. In these cases, smoke, grease, and contaminants will linger in your kitchen if there is no hood.

Range & Microwave Hood Venting, How To Calculate

Calculating range and microwave hood venting are necessary. Without proper calculation, you will have problems with your emissions.

The formula for calculating the fan size needed for your range and microwave hood vent, combine the BTU ratings for every burner on your stove.

But leave out the BTUs and divide by 100 to get the minimum CFM needed for your kitchen. When it comes to the shape, size, length, turns, and cap on the range hood ductwork.

These add significant resistance, reducing the amount of air your vent fan can move. Consequently, you will require additional CFM for the fan.

Therefore, if you are using around an 8” diameter metal pipe, you will need to add one CFM per foot of pipe, 25 CFM for each elbow, and 40 CFM for a roof cap.

If the vent pipe were 10’ long with two elbows and a roof cap, you would need to add 100 CFM more to the above fan size ratings.

But to get the final calculation, get the larger CFM rating for your stove width, room size, and stove burner, and add the additional CFMs needed for your ductwork to arrive at the minimum CFM range hood needed.

For instance, with a 30” stove in a 16’ x 16’ x 8’ room and a 40,000 BTU gas stove, you will need a fan rated at 512 CFM or higher and 100 CFM for the ductwork for a total of 612 CFM or more.

In all this, you do not want to ignore the room size as it matters a lot. As you calculate the room size in cubic feet as you calculate the range hood fan needed.

Indeed, a larger kitchen will need more venting to ensure that all the air is cleared.

Are Ductless Range Hoods Effective?

Yes. While the role played by ductless range hoods might not be the best out there as far as venting is concerned, a ductless range hood is better than having no ventilation at all.

Indeed, a ductless range hood will effectively circulate air through an activated carbon filter. It also has a fat filter that traps some smells and gases, even as the latter traps airborne fat.

Like gas masks, ductless range hoods are expected to work perfectly. Unfortunately, there are several problems why range hoods don’t filter air as effectively.

For instance, ductless range hoods do not filter out steam because they can’t possibly do that.

For steam to be removed, it needs to be exhausted out of the building. Alternatively, it can be condensed and then collected.

Dehumidifiers work this way, and there is no single filter that can remove moisture/steam.

For cooking techniques that produce much smoke, recirculating range hoods is not the best. A good example of this is stir-frying. But if you scarcely stir fry, they may still work well.

You can always open your kitchen window when cooking something that produces too much smoke. Fortunately, ductless hoods will remove all general cooking smells.

For instance, when frying or boiling where a small amount of smoke is produced, ductless hoods will be your ideal solution to any form of smoke.

The limitation of ductless hoods is more pronounced when dealing with the convertible types. But it might be impractical when installing a duct on a conventional range hood.

If your kitchen is finished and on the first floor, it will be too expensive and impractical to install a duct. This is especially so if it needs to be installed in the middle of the room.

Do Ductless Range Hoods Remove Smoke?

Yes, Ductless range hoods remove smoke. They come in several other names, including ventless range hoods and recirculating hoods.

As opposed to emitting dirty air outside of your kitchen through a vent, ventless range hoods use several filters to purify the air and then recirculate it.

They are also great in eliminating smoke that’s wafting in the air. As you use kitchen appliances, they release smoke, steam, grease, and other debris.

Because you are creating smoke and other harmful chemicals, you need to have your range hood turned on to get rid of it.

A ductless range hood sucks air into the hood with a fan inside.

Inside the recirculating hood, charcoal or carbon filters filter out cooking odors, debris, smoke particles, and other contaminants from the air.

Dirty air is sucked into these filters, capturing and absorbing the contaminants.

On the other hand, clean air gets released after passing through the filters. The same air circulates back to the kitchen.

Unlike ducted range hoods that carry dirty air outside the house or building, your ductless range hood cleans the air, only to release it back to the kitchen.

This is the major difference between these two otherwise similar systems. 

Conclusion

A microwave vent cannot suffice for a gas stove.