Venting about my new micro OTR vent

12 years ago

Nothing to be done about it, I don't think, but in an effort to max counter space and (oh so reluctantly!) provide a vent for the induction cook top, I bought a KitchenAid micro/convection/ with vent.

ITS HUGE! Salesperson says it is standard 30" size, standard depth, smaller than most.

My cabinet (shells only) are installed, cooktop, sink, oven, dishwasher, temp plywood counter, no uppers yet. And it looks fantastic!

If/when the micro vent goes up, I will lose the beautiful openness -- and it will block part of the south window.

I knew this.

Just bummed.

sigh.

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Comments (9)

carybk
12 years ago
I'm sorry. Sometimes the trade-offs bite.
BalTra
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks wtrdmg!
Your screen name sounds distressing . . . oh dear!
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Opinions please...OTR Micro, Counter Micro with Dbl Oven, etc.
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Comments (7)
If you are set on KA, I believe KA has an speed cook/convection oven similar to GE's Advantium. The reason I chose the GE Profile line over KA was: 1.) the interior of the Advantium held a 9x12 pan, KA's did not (helpful for casseroles and brownies) 2.) I just felt the quality of the GE Profile seemed better than KA when I looked at them side by side. The Advantium comes as a wall unit that looks just like second wall oven, and thus does not require venting. So I would recommend that versus the OTR Advantium for your situation, which eliminates the venting question. As far as quality, I haven't heard anything about the light bulb thing. But, my last Advantium was an OTR and it was 4-5 years old and going strong when we remodeled. A friend of mine now has it over her range and it's still going strong at 6-7 years old. My new Advantium, 18 mos old, has had no problems at all. As far as how much use.... I use my advantium for baking and speed cooking way more than my oven. In fact, I rarely use my oven unless doing a large batch of cookies, or multiple pizzas, or a big turkey. Pretty much everything else gets broiled (fish), roasted (veggies), baked (brownies, biscuits, frozen breads,) or speed cooked (frozen meals, pizzas, chicken nuggets, etc) in the Advantium. The thing I love most is being able to pull out a frozen pizza (or anything else frozen) and throw it immediately into the Advantium. No preheating required and the pizza is done in less than or about the same baking time as recommended. Thus, the time saved is the preheating time, and you haven't wasted energy heating up a larger oven. So not sure how much you'll use it???? My guess is ALOT - I know I do! As I said, pretty much all I've said will also apply to KA's version of the Advantium --- but, the KA won't hold a 9x13" which was key for me... at the holidays, I was able to stack two 9x13 casserole dishes (sweet potatoes and green bean casserole) and bake them at the same time while the turkey was down below in the single oven. Hope this helps!
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I think there are a few brands like Viking and Dacor maybe that have 450 CFMs. You'll have to hunt around and check the specs. A problem with OTRs besides the CFMs though is that the capture area generally is not as good as a real vent hood.
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They say you should not stand directly in front of a MW while it is on as that is the one place where a leak is possible. With an OTR MW, your head is not only in front of it, but close to it. Whether this is really something you have to worry about, especially w/a new MW, I don't know. I know that I don't stand in front of mine just in case. Regardless, I think the bigger issue is that the MW is over a cooktop or range and is (1) too high for most people to be able to check the food and/or stir safely and (2) you must reach up over a hot surface to get to the food in the MW. I definitely would not want children using one until they were well over 5'...for safety reasons. Another reason I don't like them is that they're just too short! Oh, and if someone wants to use the MW while someone else is working at the cooktop/range, you have a traffic jam! But, to each his or her own! It's your choice. If you like them, go ahead and get/use one.
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OTR Micro - Venting and Install questions
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Comments (4)
@snoonyb - The instructions say, For outside ventilation: Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Exhaust duct adapter will be needed for outside ventilation, to mate with standard 3-1/4" x 10" rectangular duct. If round duct required, rectangular-to-round transition adapter will be needed with no less than 6" diameter. Ã¢ÂÂ¢ For most efficient airflow exhaust, use a straight run or as few elbows as possible with a maximum duct length of 3-1/4" x 10" rectangular or 6" diameter round duct, not to exceed 140 equivalent feet. Ã¢ÂÂ¢ For horizontal installation, be sure to allow enough space between wall studs to accommodate exhaust. Ã¢ÂÂ¢ Refer to installation instructions on web for detailed duct preparation and converting exhaust vent blower system for exterior exhaust ventilation. I think I'll contact a HVAC contractor :) I'm not sure I follow re: the recepticle. Are you referring to fishing the cord up into the upper cabinet to the outlet? Thanks so much!
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writersblock (9b/10a)
12 years ago
Oh yeah, those kitchenaid OTRs are simply enormous. But a neighbor who has one has come to forgive it for that because she likes it so well otherwise, if that's any help.
breezygirl
12 years ago
Oohhuhhh. Another reason to hate OTR MWs. I'm sorry that you're experiencing the shock of it. Hopefully you'll be like WB's neighbor and come to like it.
pam29011
12 years ago
We used to have an OTR micro/vent and it WAS convenient. It too awhile to stop reaching for it when we replaced it with a hardcore vent hood. And, the vent hood actually sticks out more than the micro-hood did, so DH had to learn to not hit his head on the vent hood, too.

I'd bet that in a few weeks you'll be thinking, "Man, I love that microwave, it is SO convenient to have it there!" It's just the initial shock :)

-Pam
BalTra
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes, plenty of reasons to really really dislike the dang thing! It's a MONSTER!

You can see from the elevation below (sorry for the hand drawing) that there are only about 12.5" of wall before the South-facing window begins.
From GardenWebPics

The OTR thing blocks a lot of light, and now I am completely flummoxed as to how to design the uppers. Am very close to going back to ditching the vent entirely and just using the window and old fashioned through-the-wall fan which is over the back door.
From GardenWebPics
User
12 years ago
You've got quite a bit of room to be able to move the sink down towards the right and that would let the range shift right and the MW to not overhang the window. Better yet, move the sink into the peninsula and you have PLENTY of room on the back wall for the range.
bmorepanic
12 years ago
I don't know if they both me because the thing is big as much as they make it hang so low.

On the brighter side, likely you'll adjust and likely not think about it anymore. If it bugs you next year, there's always changing it out later!

Hope your holiday is going well.
BalTra
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks guys!
bmore -- i'm sure you are right. Just really loving the light pouring in right now.
Green - I so wish I could put the sink there. But for a variety of reasons, I'm stuck with this layout.

Was just reading the latest 'no uppers' thread and wanting it badly again.

Happy T-Day and long weekend, everyone!

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Venting about my new micro OTR vent

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carybk

BalTra
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Venting about my new micro OTR vent

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carybk

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