I Wanted to Replace My Hood with a Microwave - Big Mistake

Like many homeowners, I had long considered swapping out my outdated range hood for a convenient over-the-range microwave. Not only would it free up precious counter space by eliminating our countertop microwave, it seemed like an easy upgrade to modernize our kitchen. But after doing some research and ultimately installing a microwave in place of my range hood, I quickly realized I had made a terrible mistake. The ventilation was completely ineffective, lingering fumes and smoke made cooking unpleasant, and I wasted hundreds of dollars in the process. Here's my story of why I hugely regret replacing my range hood with a microwave.

Why I Considered Replacing My Range Hood with a Microwave

The idea of installing an over-the-range microwave to replace my outdated range hood seemed very appealing for a few key reasons. For one, I loved the idea of freeing up counter space by getting rid of our separate microwave and consolidating it above the stove. Our kitchen isn't very big, so I liked the concept of centralizing the main cooking area while maximizing workspace. Additionally, the range hood over my stove top was very outdated and lacking aesthetic appeal - an updated microwave combo would certainly modernize the room. Finally, I assumed swapping the hood for a sleek microwave would be a relatively simple project, especially since I would just be replacing one appliance with another rather than having to add new electrical or ventilation.

The Allure of a Built-In Microwave

The main attraction of installing an over-the-range microwave to replace my hood was consolidating two appliances into one. Having both a microwave and range hood cluttering up counter space in my small kitchen always felt redundant. I rarely used my microwave for actual cooking - it was mostly just for reheating leftovers. So why not combine it with the ventilation system over the cooktop? This would clear up room for small appliances like my coffee maker and blender while still keeping a microwave within easy reach. Beyond space savings, having an integrated microwave with the range just seemed much more modern and up-to-date than my outdated range hood.

Assuming It Would Be an Easy Upgrade

Frankly, my main motivator for wanting to swap out my range hood for a microwave was that I assumed it would be easy. I have successfully installed new lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and other minor upgrades in my home before, so I figured switching one kitchen appliance for another would be no problem. Both appliances serve similar functions - turning on ventilation and lighting over the cooktop - so I thought it would just be swapping one machine for a comparable one. I planned to directly replace the old hood with a built-in combination microwave, using the existing ducts and electrical. At the time, I completely underestimated what would actually be involved to install the new microwave in place of the old vent hood.

Evaluating Microwave Range Hood Combinations

After deciding I wanted to install an over-the-range microwave to replace my outdated range hood, I began researching different microwave and ventilation combinations. It quickly became clear that while convenient, microwaves typically do not offer comparable ventilation power to range hoods. I also read about some key physical differences I had not initially considered that complicate installing a microwave in place of an existing hood.

Comparing Ventilation Power

The first eye-opening discovery I made while researching microwave range hood options was that microwaves tend to have much weaker ventilation capabilities. Most standard over-the-range microwaves have ventilation ratings around 100 to 200 cubic feet per minute (CFM). On the other hand, dedicated range hoods often fall between 600 to 1200+ CFM depending on their size, fan levels, and venting design. This drastic difference in airflow never even crossed my mind initially. I cook frequently, often searing meats and broiling at high heat, so adequate ventilation is essential in managing fumes and smoke. The weak 100 CFM microwave combo units simply could not come close to matching my 550 CFM range hood's smoke extraction power.

Depth and Duct Alignment Issues

Another key realization I had was that standard over-the-range microwaves are much more shallow in depth compared to range hoods and cooktop surfaces. Most microwaves protrude from the wall only 14 to 16 inches deep. On the other hand, front cooking burners are typically over 20 inches deep, with commercial ranges extending 25+ inches. I measured my existing electric range and sure enough, the burners reached nearly 24 inches out from the wall. When installed, my microwave would stick forward just 16 inches. This 8+ inch gap meant no microwave would ever properly align with the cooktop surface below. It also meant my existing ductwork would never match up correctly to new microwave's ventilation system.

Installing the New Microwave

Despite discovering that microwaves offer inferior ventilation capabilities and often don't align well dimensionally, I decided to forge ahead with my plan to replace my range hood with a microwave. Confident I could make some minor duct adjustments, I purchased a combination microwave range hood unit for just over $300. But soon after beginning the installation process myself, I quickly realized professional installation help would be required to properly replace my range hood with this microwave.

Attempting a DIY Installation

As mentioned, I am typically comfortable doing minor electrical and handyman-type projects around the house. So on the day my new microwave arrived, I was still optimistic I could handle replacing my old range hood on my own. I started by disconnecting power from the outlet above the stove and removing the old hood. When I went to mount the new microwave however, I hit my first roadblock. The microwave's recessed ventilation ports and duct connector did not even come close to lining up with my existing ductwork. To connect them, I had to completely detach sections and realign how the ducting ran through cabinets. What I imagined would take 30 minutes soon turned into an overwhelming demolition and rebuilding process well beyond my DIY comfort zone.

Hiring a Contractor for Installation

After struggling for the better part of a Saturday attempting to retrofit ducting and mount my new microwave in place of my old range hood, I threw in the towel and called a contractor I found highly rated online for help. After assessing the issues I ran into myself, he confirmed a few frustrating realities about installing this microwave. First, without doing significant custom modifications, there was no good way to adapt the existing ductwork to match up and direct airflow properly. So sections had to be cut out and rearranged. Second, to mount it securely, he needed to detach portions of our cabinets and reinforce the walls behind them. After about 7 hours of work spread across two days, over $500 in labor fees, and completely disrupting our entire kitchen throughout the process, he had the microwave fully installed.

Problems After Installing the Microwave

With my shiny new microwave and ventilation unit properly mounted in place of where my range hood once was, I was eager to test it out. But from the very first meal I cooked, it became extremely clear this microwave could not hold a candle to my old 550 CFM hood vent - not even close. Grease splatter, smoke, and all sorts of cooking odors lingered heavily rather than being whisked outside through adequate ventilation ducting. What I had assumed would be an upgrade ended up a huge downgrade making the kitchen often unusable while cooking anything more than boiling water.

Lingering Smoke and Odors

The first and most noticeable issue after installing my new 100 CFM microwave range hood combo was that it barely made a dent in smoke, steam, or smells while I cooked. I sear steaks once a week, and my old hood vent would reliably contain all the grease splatter and pull billowing smoke directly up into the exhaust ducts. But after replacing it with the microwave? Lingering smoke triggered our smoke detectors on multiple occasions, while grease coated surfaces which previously stayed clean. And perhaps worst of all, all kinds of unpleasant lingering odors stuck around in the kitchen, permeating out into the rest of my home. This made cooking anything more complex than boiling pasta into an unbearable experience.

Constant Need to Run Ventilation

Because the microwave vent proved so ineffective at actually capturing and directing out smoke, grease, and other cooking byproducts, I found myself needing to run it nearly non-stop to try mitigating issues. But even with the vent fan on high before I started cooking and continuing for over 20 minutes after, it still failed to eliminate odors or improve the air quality significantly. All this ventilation over-use added up on utility bills while still failing actually clear the air as effectively my old, high-powered range hood once did effortlessly.

Higher Costs than Expected

Of course, given the issues I ran into with installation and the ventilation performance downgrades, replacing my range hood with a built-in microwave also ended up costing far more than I ever anticipated. Rather than a straightforward $300 appliance upgrade project, I invested over $500 in professional installation help alone. Ducting and cabinet modifications and reinforced wall mounts were well beyond my DIY comfort zone. And the microwave itself stopped functioning properly after just a few months, likely due to inadequate ventilation airflow leading to overheating internal components. So add in $200 for a replacement unit - suddenly nearly $1,000 spent in hopes of simplifying my cooking space but achieving the total opposite.

Why I Regret Replacing My Range Hood

While an over-the-range microwave seemed like an easy way to upgrade my kitchen, consolidate appliances, and replace an outdated range hood, the reality proved immensely disappointing. Significant ventilation downgrades made cooking anything more than boiling water an unpleasant experience. Installing the unit required major construction investments I had not budgeted for. And continued operating issues stemming from inadequate airflow forced additional appliance replacements soon after. Overall, here is why I sincerely regret ever deciding to replace my perfectly suitable range hood with a microwave.

Ventilation Downgrade Makes Cooking Unbearable

Undoubtedly, the biggest contributor to my regret is that ventilation after installing this microwave is so profoundly inadequate compared to my previous hood. Lingering smoke frequently triggers deafening fire alarms. The entire first floor reeks for hours after searing a couple steaks or frying ingredients that splatter. Simple meals somehow create greasy surfaces and soot stains everywhere. And the constant drone of the struggling ventilation fan still fails to strip the air of persistent odors like my old range hood did seamlessly.

Lost Storage Space Due to Duct Modifications

One unexpected consequence of installing the new microwave was losing significant kitchen cabinet storage space. To adjust the ductwork and create enough clearance for our contractor to secure the microwave within the cabinets, entire shelving units and drawers needed removal. The resulting gaps and awkward dimensions ruined a previously well-organized and functional cabinet layout. And after eventually removing the underperforming microwave, the inefficient ductwork and removed shelves remained as a constant reminder of this disastrous decision.

Hundreds Wasted on Installation and Replacement

Another contributor to my enduring frustration over this pointless microwave endeavor are the hundreds of dollars down the drain from installation, repairs, and replacement costs. I envisioned a straightforward $300 appliance upgrade project. Instead, I invested over $200 on professional installation alone, not anticipating serious duct or structural modifications. Barely a year later, unsupported internal components led to the microwave's ventilation failing entirely - requiring paying another $200 for a replacement that only continued underwhelming. In the end, nearly $1,000 gone and nothing but lost storage space, ventilation downgrades, and lingering regret to show for it.

Key Considerations Before Swapping a Hood for Microwave

If exploring the possibility of replacing your current range hood with an over-the-range microwave combo unit, I implore you: learn from my mistakes! This seemingly straightforward appliance upgrade turned out disastrous for my kitchen in the end. Before even considering exchanging a hood for a microwave, be sure to carefully evaluate the following factors to avoid ending up equally as disappointed.

Actual Ventilation Needs Based on Cooking

First and foremost, carefully consider your true ventilation needs based on what and how frequently you cook. If you barely go further than reheating leftovers or boiling pasta, a microwave may just suffice. But for any sauteing, frying, broiling or other high-heat cooking, you realistically need solid 400 - 800+ CFM to effectively manage smoke, grease, and odors. As I clearly learned, a 100 CFM microwave is woefully inadequate for handling anything beyond basic cooking gentle enough for an office break room.

Available Ducting and Electrical

Carefully evaluate what level of duct modifications may be required to align a microwave properly to airflow routes in place for an existing hood. Often, major adjustments or complete duct restructuring would be required - driving up installation complexity and expenses exponentially. Likewise, ensure adequate electrical is conveniently accessible if you hope to directly wire in a new microwave. Upgrading breakers or routing new wires introduces another layer of complexity and dollars to any hood-to-microwave swap.

Installation Challenges Due to Dimensions

Consider how the reduced depth of a typical microwave will align with the positioning of your cooktop burners. That 8+ inch gap in my kitchen meant no microwave, regardless of ducting adjustments, could ever properly integrate with the ventilation needs of my protruding cooktop. This also drastically complicated integrated installation within my existing cabinets. Be sure to thoroughly measure existing appliances and evaluate if a standard microwave would even reasonably fit your unique kitchen's layout before further planning.

Overall Costs of Microwave Ventilation

As my experience clearly demonstrated, seemingly basic costs have a way of multiplying quickly once you factor in unexpected installation expenses, repairs if inadequate airflow contributes to microwave issues, and replacements should upgrading to an undersized microwave prove completely untenable. Even a $50 microwave can easily snowball into a $1,000+ regret without factoring in these ancillary expenses that become highly probable after the fact.

My Takeaway - Don't Replace Hoods Without Careful Planning!

Swapping my perfectly functional range hood for a microwave that literally failed at fulfilling basic ventilation needs was an all-around terrible idea. But I hope detailing my first-hand experience with this unnecessary kitchen "upgrade" prevents other homeowners from meeting similar disappointment. Before ever replacing an existing hood, take time to carefully consider all consequences - especially actual ventilation capabilities compared to cooking needs. If unsure whether a microwave can truly improve your cooktop experience, either engage an expert's opinion or simply stick to a separate countertop unit rather than losing your hood's power prematurely.

Have an Expert Evaluate Ventilation Effectiveness Prospects

If you currently have a high-quality range hood providing adequate airflow for your cooking habits, don't tamper with success! But if dead-set on evaluating an over-the-range microwave replacement, consult a professional first. An expert can better measure your actual duct alignments, necessary adjustments to accommodate a microwave, and whether available ventilation power levels can meet your kitchen's demands.

Weigh Over-the-Range Microwave Trade-Offs

Certainly microwaves bring some benefits above cooktops, like freeing up counter space. But as my experience bore out painfully clearly, these combination units offer vastly inferior ventilation capabilities compared to dedicated range hoods. Before swapping one for the other, truly consider if recirculated air and lingering odors are worth the marginal space savings. For most passionate home cooks, the answer leans decisively towards keeping an effective hood.

If your underlying goal is just to eliminate a countertop microwave cluttering up limited surface area, reconsider replacing your perfectly effective range hood in the process. A standard microwave on a cart or tucked in a closet can deliver all the reheating and defrosting capabilities you need without forcing you to forfeit an essential ventilation workhorse mounted above your stove. Reposition instead of replace!