Range hood vs. over-the-range microwave - which vent is better?

the only experience I've had with the over-the-oven microwaves is with my parents. they've had some problems with their farily expensive GE unit that is only a few years old. The motor for the carasel has gone out, the controls don't always work correctly, and the plastic door handle and 'grill' have both broken.

I blame some of this on the extra heat the unit has to endure when the cook top is used. When I remodel my kitchen, I'm staying with seperate units.

Mark

I've had an OTR microwave for about 20 years now. The venting is mediocre, but the added convenience of having a second oven (new one is a micro/convection) outweighs just a plain hood. Your preferences may differ.

I ran my vent from my OTR microwave into my attic. Should have extended it thru the roof but will do that this summer. I added thermocouple sensors that turn the fan on (low) automatically with an adjustable thermostat set for 90 degrees that I picked up at the autoparts store. I really like the setup.

PJ

ohh, nice grease trap you've got there in your insulation.

Very cool. How did you run the wires out of the microwave?

Is your microwave recirculating or vented outside?

Yes. It goes up through the cabinet above into the attic space, then over and outside.