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Ok, I've probably annoyed everyone with the amount of questions that I've had on upgrading my house but this is my first time buying a new house and there's a lot more to think about than with an existing one!
I have the option of having either a built-in microwave or a range hood in my kitchen (the stove is gas and is in the kitchen counter area, not the island area). What makes more sense? I have 2 microwaves so I have no lack of them but using one would take up counter space (not a huge kitchen but not tiny). When I see luxury kitchens in magazines, they tend to have a range hood but there are probably built-in microwaves somewhere in the kitchen, too. My thought is that the built-in microwave probably makes more sense but what does everyone else think? I have attached a picture of what the kitchen would look like as far as dimensions and layout go.
IMO counter space would be more desirable than having a range hood. The built in look I think is much cleaner than opposed to a somewhat cluttered counter.
I'd go with the micro above the stove- if that's your kitchen, you don't want to lose 2' of counterspace to the microwave.
More importantly, whether you go with the micro or the hood, see if you can get it vented to the exterior. The recirculating units just suck the air through a thin filter and then spit it back in your face when you're at the stove. They don't remove any of the heat, humidity or scents from cooking, and even the amount of grease they filter leaves something to be desired.
I would consider safety. If you and the people in your home are tall enough to safely reach things in the microwave and able bodied enough to lift them in an out safely, go for the built in microwave. If you have or are going to have kids that will be able to use the microwave, will you feel comfortable with them lifting things so high -- over the stove? If kids are an issue, go for the range hood. I think you can make either choice and have an attractive kitchen, so I would look at what is most practical and safe for you and the people who will use your kitchen.
I would do (and have) the built in micro with a vent to the outside much cleaner looking!
Ok, I think that the microwave definitely sounds like the way to go. Also, I was told that I can vent the microwave to the outside for an extra $500. Is that worth it? (I cook every day and do a lot of wok cooking).
Ok, I think that the microwave definitely sounds like the way to go. Also, I was told that I can vent the microwave to the outside for an extra $500. Is that worth it? (I cook every day and do a lot of wok cooking).
Most definitely worth it. As Bob stated with the steam, splatter, etc.... you will be glad that you did.
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$500 seems kind of steep, but when you are spending hundreds of thousands on a house, does $500 really matter? I would absolutely say that it is worth the money to have it vented. If it's on an inside wall, I can see why it's that expensive.
Let's think about some other issues though. The first was already mentioned.
Reaching above a hot stove is dangerous. It's also less convenient for two cooks at once.
Think about all of the times that the vent won't be turned on, and you are cooking. That heat and moisture will travel up into the electronics of your microwave. That brings me to the third issue. What will you do when the microwave finally craps out. Models and sizes change every year. It will be difficult to replace it with the exact same thing. It will also be very expensive. You will most likely get frustrated, leave the dead one there, and put the 80 dollar replacement on the counter. I've seen this happen more than once.
My stove is vented outside. My microwave is on the opposite side of the kitchen, next to the fridge. It has a shelf built into the upper cabinets. There's no wasted counterspace, yet it's easy enough to replace. I'm on my third one in seven years. I have to be careful what size I buy, but it's still easier than an above stove replacement.
Ok, I think that the microwave definitely sounds like the way to go. Also, I was told that I can vent the microwave to the outside for an extra $500. Is that worth it? (I cook every day and do a lot of wok cooking).
I've read some of your posts and man is your builder nickel and dimeing you. Why would they charge you to vent your microwave/oven, especially if it is in place of a hood. Would they charge you $500 to vent your hood?
It just doesn't make sense, especially since your building codes probably mandate that they vent the oven.
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much cleaner looking!
