For me, the microwave would be an issue - because I don’t use a microwave, and really have no interest in using one. So I would probably look to replace the microwave with a convection oven, or a hood of some sort. But the hood would mainly be for show, and one with a light is helpful.
I have a hood in my kitchen now and have never used it; and I’ve lived in my current place for well over 10 years. I don’t like the noise and have never found it necessary to turn on the vent. I do have a window adjacent to the stove. Also, I don’t do deep frying - plus I’m a vegan... if that matters. The light on the hood is the only thing I ever use, and I use that all the time.
So the idea is - I really think that overall this is about personal preference.
Is it absolutely necessary to have a hood vent for safety? I don’t really know... For example, In the house that I grew up in there was major cooking going on all the time, deep frying and everything else - and no hood vent (house was built in 1910 and was never outfitted with one). But there were two large windows in the kitchen - and one was actually over the stove and the other window was not far from it, and provided some cross ventilation. Plus, there was the door to the yard that was off of the kitchen. But were window(s) and/or door always open while cooking? No. Did anybody die? No.
However, I will say that in a kitchen that has no window, a vent is probably a good idea; in that case, it’s a good option to have. But is it always necessary. I don’t think so. I think it really depends upon the person and how they cook - and ultimately on what they want to do.
And yes, there is no need to demonize the OP. This is a design forum. And I think the vast majority of concerns that are expressed here on this forum would fall into the category of frivolous first world problems. It is what it is.
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Company in Jersey City. Serves Manhattan, etc.
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