Microwave oven/rangehood (1 Viewer)

The previous owners of the house we just purchased, recently remodeled the kitchen. They didn't install a rangehood and we are in need of a microwave oven. There is plenty of room above the stove for a microwave oven, so I was thinking about buying a microhood (microwave oven/rangehood combo), but then I wonder if it is really necessary to spend the additional money on the rangehood portion on the combo and maybe just purchase a nicer microwave oven and mount it above the stove. Why do I need a rangehood anyway?

TIA,

Steve

Any microwave designed to mount above the stove is going to have the fan and light options. Were you thinking of mounting a shelf above the stove and buying a countertop model to sit on it?

We just remodeled our kitchen and I installed a new microwave above the stove. The cost and features I found were comparable to a standalone microwave.

Nathan,

No, I was just thinking of purchasing a mountable microwave oven. I'm just starting to research this. What model did you purchase?

Steve

Kenmore Mirowave/Hood Combination Model 61639. I'd link it for you, but the Sears site is down. (bought it in person anyway) Was $250 and I got it on 10/02. This model includes sensor cooking.

If you are the least bit handy with tools, you should be able to install it yourself. Just some drilling and lifting into place. (get a friend for the lifting part, my wife helped me) Also, make sure the cabinet you're attaching it to is mounted securely.

Does this mount from the top or sides?

It has a mounting plate that attaches to the back wall and two screws in the front through the cabinet above it.

Steve,

I recently remodeled my kitchen as well, and installed this Sharp microwave above my stove. Click on the R-1511 tab to see a better representation of what I have.

I'd call this a moderate-level project for the do-it-yourselfer. What Nathan said about securely mounting the bracket (into studs) bears repeating. You also must have an electrical outlet in the cabinet about the microwave (I didn't and had to run the wiring for the new outlet).

They all come with the built-in fan, but it's a bit noisy and not terribly effective. An option you may have is to vent it up through the cabinet, through the attic, through the roof and outside. This is obviously a much more involved project, but it expels the air rather than re-circulating it (I didn't go this route because we have an exhaust fan in our kitchen wall that vents outside).

I love everything about it, though; the convenience, the practicality, and the look of an over-the-stove microwave can't be beat.

Good luck!

Jon

Thanks for the info.

Steve