Microwave Range Hoods

Theoretically, any set up could have an in-line fan in the ducting with whatever cfm you want and you could remove the built-in fan, assuming you can get to the ducting. I doubt you are going to have much need/utility for more than 300 cfm with an OTR microwave, since it presumably is over a 4 burner stove and the "hood" has a necessarily limited capture area. The benefit of the in-line fan is that it is quieter. Also, you need to figure out the size of your ducting as you may be killing yourself for no reason if it is not big enough to push a lot of air (and perhaps not big enough for an in-line fan). I don't know what the fan specs are, but you should also look at the GE speed cook ovens -- 4 ovens in one.

You will be limited to two models that have sufficient vents, good microwave abilities, and convection: Dacor and Viking. I opted for the Viking and am very happy. Upon researching the situation, I learned the Dacor has a relatively lower thermostate that trips the fan. I think that is about 90 degrees or so. There is no way to override the thermostate. I was worried that (1) it would go on at times I really didn't need it since it trips at a fairly low temp, and (2) if I left for a vacation and turned off the airconditioners in summer, the apartment could go up to 95 degrees and the Dacor would be running and blowing endlessly for no reason. The Viking trips at a higher temp (also has manual high/low/off button of course). For 2.5 years the Viking has performed great (I don't quite know how to use all the features and rarely convect, but that's not the oven's fault), looks great, and vents well (I don't have a duct, so for me it is really a heat diffuser and odor catcher). They are pricey, but these are your alternatives.

Advice: mount the microwave as high above the cooktop as possible for you to still see the platter inside the microwave. Greater clearance means more room to cook/move big pots/get more light.

I would kill for a range hood...love that these trade-offs are necessary in million dollar aparments.

Indeed NYC10007, when I was searching near the $2m mark,I couldnt believe how hard it was to find a place with a kitchen and living room and to have room for a proper dining table.
I'm guessing most "tradeoffs" are eliminated after the $3m mark.

truth - I'm guessing that even after the $3m mark, people feel as if they are making trade-offs. Let's face it, somehow the "perfect" apartment is always just slightly ABOVE the price point you have in mind when you're looking.

For sure PH41, I was being half facetious, half sincere. :)

"truth - I'm guessing that even after the $3m mark, people feel as if they are making trade-offs. Let's face it, somehow the "perfect" apartment is always just slightly ABOVE the price point you have in mind when you're looking."

I've been saying this to my out-of-town friends for years, but they don't believe me.

A million bucks buys you *decent* in this city; at least two bedrooms in a great neighborhood, but don't expect a lot of space or high-end finishes.

For *nice*, it's two million; at this point you get everything above plus a dining room and MAYBE your own washer and dryer.

For *really nice*, it's three million; everything above plus a third (tiny) bedroom, at least three toilets, and most likely views AND high-end finishes.

But if you want *fabulous*, be prepared to spend FIVE million. And that's still the low end of fabulous.

Matt- Nowadays, unbelievably, I don't think even a "million bucks" buys you a two bedroom in a great neighborhood (unless it's one of those tiny 700-800 sf 2 BR's

Wow, we've drifted off topic a bit. FYI the apartment is only about half a million.

Now back to microwaves:
nyc_sport - The Dacor is option is exactly what you are refering to with an inline fan, except that I believe that you can control the fan from the microwave instead of some sort of remote switch. Are there any other microhoods that are designed to work with an inline fan, or would all the rest have to be jury rigged somehow?

kylewest - What model Viking do you have? All the ones I see on their website max out at 300 CFM.

The only other option I have found would be the Prestige Vent-A-Shelf vent hood and putting a microwave on the shelf. But this gets just as expensive as the Dacor+inline fan.

Any other ideas?

Yes, mine is 300CFM, but it is the only venting convection microwave (along with Dacor). They are expensive. Undoubtedly. But for this combination of features, you don't have any other option unless you give up the convection feature. The 300CFM has seemed fine to me. If you are more hardcore a cook and are going to generate a zillion BTUs often, then a real range hood is really the only answer. The OTR microwave is by definition a compromise. For a city apartment I find it is fine though--and I can really cook, but only do so occasionally.

Sorry Shatzy we do get off topic from time to time.
But your in excellent hands with Kylewest, just scroll past us. :)

A microwave exposed above the range is adding more bulk and another unattracive box. Why not put it out of sight in a cabinet along with a toaster oven. You can get a slimline hood and your kitchen will look better.

ieb: we are apparently talking about a very small kitchen here where cabinet space is presumably at a premium. Losing one cabinet to cover a microwave and another that would go above the stovetop isn't an option in most such kitchens. The Viking and Decor are actually quite good looking stainless steel numbers than integrate rather handsomely into most decent kitchen designs. Here's an example (mine): http://www.woodesigne.com/#/kitchen/traditional/111

I don't know about that. We're presently designing a small kitchen and it was pointed out to us that putting it into a cabinet does not decrease usable space and really is same. Makes sence when you think about it.

Anyway, hell of a lot better arguing about this then the euro and that crap. When Ray woke George up, George's first response was, "Is it a financial crisis?".

ieb, are you referring to my 'Too Big to Fail' HBO movie quotes?
I thought my post was funny.

Anyway I prefer ALL RE and renovation talk only as well. But I'll go witht the flow.

close, "Bored To Death" season finale

ieb - who knew that Ted Danson could be so subtly funny?

>and (2) if I left for a vacation and turned off the airconditioners in summer, the apartment could go up to 95 degrees

The shades should be drawn, and windows left an inch open.

kylewest - Your kitchen looks great. What are your countertops?

ieb - What you're saying is to have the cabinets above the stove come down the same amount as the other cabinets and do a vent mounted below?

@ hunter: if it is over 95 degrees outside--as many summer days are, opening a window and pulling down a shade doesn't magically make it cooler inside.

@ EShatz: countertops are Caesarstone (pebble?--don't recall the name). Re: cabinets, see the photo in the link. The microwave is about 18" above the cooktop. Then, over the microwave is room for a cabinet which will house an outlet for the microwave or something--I just remember there is some electrical stuff in there for the microwave that takes up very little space) and otherwise provides storage for lesser used items like vases, serving dishes, etc.

What I mean is that you can "hide" the micorwave & other small appliances in a cabinet, not necessairly over the stove. There is no difference in usable space, it takes same area hidden or not. It will give a less cluttered look in a small kitchen. Also, I don't mean a 70's style garage that takes valuable counter space!