Will taping up front-facing vents on over-the-range microwave with exhaust be OK?

Question

I'm venting the exhaust up to my roof. There are separate vents near the top of the unit that would be used to vent the exhaust into the kitchen if there was no external venting available. The lacquer on my cabinets above those vents is starting to peel off, so I'd like to just cover those vents up. Is there any potential problem with that?

Answer 1

Your question intrigued me so I just operated my microwave to effectively answer your question. There are two functions for ventilation on my appliance, and I suspect yours may be the same. My range exhaust goes out the top of my microwave and through the roof via sheet metal ducting. The front louvers, however, are still being used to exhaust heat from the interior of the microwave.

If your appliance has a similar operation, you cannot obstruct the front louvers in any way. It's probably time to do some research on the appliance you have installed, to see what the function of those louvers actually are. Meanwhile, until you are certain of the ventilation functions, I would strongly recommend against your original idea( all asthetic considerations notwithstanding).

Answer 2

Well, i'm no expert, but i'd say those vents are there for a reason. And the fact that the lacquer is starting to peal would tell me that they are being used to vent. Blocking them may cause sever over heating problems and potentially become a fire hazard.

Answer 3

The front louvers are for the microwave and if covered you will not have any cooling of the magnetron tube (the part that produces microwave energy) and will cause the unit to shut off in the middle of cooking or burn up the magnetron and cause you to call the repairman or buy a new unit

Answer 4

if the exhaust is peeling your cabinets , what will it do to your roof? call a local appliance store and ask them.