experience with high CFM over-range vented microwave?

[Anonymous]

We are renovating our kitchen, and currently have a microwave over the induction range that isn't vented anywhere, so we are thinking about adding a vent as we cook a lot and are tired of the smoke and smells. This is a small rowhouse kitchen with little cabinet space, so space is a premium.

Our options are:

1) add a vent with vent hood and lose a cabinet to move the microwave (or could put it on the counter)
2) add a vent and install a high CFM microwave over the range (like this https://www.bestbuy.com/product/kitchenaid-1-1-cu-ft-low-profile-over-the-range-smart-microwave-with-sensor-cooking-and-dual-fan-ventilation-stainless-steel-fingerprint-resistant/J3KHVG3PQR) to preserve space

2 would be ideal space-wise, but we also want the vent to work. Anyone have recent experiences with a high CFM microwave/vented to the outside?

[Anonymous]

I recently installed a 450 cfm microwave and vented it to the outside and it's a big improvement from the old recirculating microwave. It was a PITA to install because you can't see the connection between the duct and the microwave.

Performance wise a vent hood is probably much better, but it didn't make sense for me because I have limited space. I like the look of those slim microwaves but took a pass because they stick out too much for my liking. And I had limited upper cabinet options, so the slim microwave would either be too high or too low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently installed a 450 cfm microwave and vented it to the outside and it's a big improvement from the old recirculating microwave. It was a PITA to install because you can't see the connection between the duct and the microwave.

Performance wise a vent hood is probably much better, but it didn't make sense for me because I have limited space. I like the look of those slim microwaves but took a pass because they stick out too much for my liking. And I had limited upper cabinet options, so the slim microwave would either be too high or too low.

Super helpful - thanks!

[Anonymous]

Do #1 for maximum powerful venting.
#2 if you don’t cook much.

[Anonymous]

We have the exact same setup with a very similar slim kitchenaid microwave that we added over 3 years ago. It is vented outside and has worked well so far. Agree with the previous poster that it is much much better than the recirculating one we had before (would show yellow stain on the ceiling). We make sure to change the carbon filter in a timely fashion. The slim profile does protrude forward, but we don't even notice it. I like the extra open space above the stove too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do #1 for maximum powerful venting.
#2 if you don’t cook much.

+1.

Zephyr is a good brand for a kitchen fan/exhaust if lots of cooking.