If you’ve been looking into buying a new microwave for your kitchen and you’re asking the question “what is a microhood combination microwave oven,” you can find the answers here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Microhood microwaves save valuable counter space that standard countertop models take up, in addition to offering a more modern, sleek look to a kitchen.
- Microhood microwaves offer venting functionality for conventional ovens, decreasing the risk of gas and fume inhalation and stovetop fires.
- Over-the-range models, including microhood combinations, require some degree of installation and may require a duct for venting to the outside of a home in order to make full use of their features.
Such ovens provide options and functionality that not even the best standard microwave ovens can provide. Learning about what they have to offer and what the downsides can be will help you make the best purchase decision. Combination microwaves can offer a further specialization such as recirculation exhaust design, which can also help you decide on the right model for you. While you’re at it, you may also want to look into some information, such as learning how to remove scratches from a microwave.
What is a Microhood Combination Microwave Oven Anyway?
As the art and science of kitchen design advances, so do the technologies that kitchen appliances offer. Kitchen space is always at a premium, and microwave oven manufacturers have continued to address this issue with the designs they offer consumers- enter the microhood combination microwave oven.
Insider Tip
Microhood combination microwaves are great for saving space and helping give a kitchen a more modern look with their sleek design.
Microhood Microwave Design
A microhood microwave is one that is designed to be installed securely to the underside of a cabinet, on top of another cooking surface like a conventional oven- not unlike an over-the-range microwave, but smaller than standard range microwave oven dimensions and more versatile than many countertop microwaves, as well as often offering power efficiency benefits.
The word “microhood” is a combination of the words “microwave” and “range hood.” Such models offer all the cooking features of standard designs, with the addition of an exhaust hood to allow venting over a stovetop.
Generally, controls for the exhaust, cooking time, and power levels are on the front control panel of the device, and some include an additional light that can be used as an over-the-range light.
Advantages of a Microhood Microwave
Microhood microwaves offer several advantages over standard models:
- The exhaust hood removes steam moisture from the air, helping to prevent mildew and mold, which can affect the flavor of a meal and the safety of food in general.
- Provides venting for ovens and stovetops, helping to prevent gas inhalation and lower fire risks
- Saves countertop space in your kitchen layout
- Sleek design
- Some models provide extra light for the oven area
- Some models can also be controlled using your mobile device
- Most microhood models have smart features like a sensor cook mode which automatically adjusts power levels based on what’s being cooked
Disadvantages of Microhood Microwaves
Though microhood models don’t have a lot of disadvantages compared to many standard microwave models, there can be a few:
- Some microhood exhaust systems require a duct through a wall that vents to the outside for exhaust fan airflow, meaning if you’re unable or unwilling to install such a duct, you won’t be able to take advantage of the exhaust capabilities of your microwave
- Microhood models are often more expensive than comparable standard models
- Microhood models require some minimal installation regardless of their specific design
Warning
Some microhood combination microwave models require a minimum install of a duct through your wall which vents to the outside of your home in order to use their exhaust feature.
F.A.Q.S
Do microhood microwaves need to be vented?
Though using the exhaust function of a microhood combination microwave isn’t required in order to use the microwave itself, doing so would be ignoring the function that defines what microhood combination models are, and what tends to make them more expensive.
What is the difference between a combination microwave and a microwave with a grill?
Combination microwaves tend to be defined as a microwave model that either combines a convection function with a standard microwave cook function or a microhood microwave combination. Microwaves with a grill function will usually contain references to the grill function in their name.
Are microhood microwaves safe?
Yes, in fact, the exhaust function of microhood microwaves makes them safer than standard models, since the additional venting function reduces the chances of gas or fume inhalation, and fires caused by conventional ovens.
STAT: 58% of home fires are caused by conventional ovens, the majority of them due to stovetops. (source)
STAT: The use of microwaves for heating was discovered by accident in 1945. (source)
STAT: Home damages due to ovens in the U.S. cost Americans $1.2 billion dollars annually. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.homedepot.com/b/Appliances-Microwaves-Over-the-Range-Microwaves/N-5yc1vZc3pa
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYlfldtsYCo&t=3s&ab_channel=HouseImprovements
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rh8_NBeDcA&ab_channel=mitchy02r
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chz1V5ukf6Q&ab_channel=SouthernHomeTalk
- https://aip.scitation.org/doi/full/10.1063/5.0013295
- https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201510/physicshistory.cfm
- https://diy.stackexchange.com/tags/microhood/info
