[cb1972]

has anyone had experience with adding a kitchen range exhaust to the outside. Ours merely recycles through the filters in the microwave. It seems it could go sraight up and out or to the side through a cabinet.
thank you

[villagetinker]

There have been many threads about this:
1. What type and how old is the house? If less than 10 years, you should be albe to get a copy of YOUR actual house plans from Sumter county building department. Ours specifically shows a vent to the OUTSIDE through the roof.
2. There have been several cases of MW being installed with the cover for the outside exhaust NOT being removed.
3. Some MW have settings (or mechanical levers) to direct the air flow, these need to be checked.

Finally, on a recent post I believe a reply stated the cost for a villa to go through the block wall was several hundred dollars, and another post for going through the roof was twice that.

Bottom line, if the house was not designed for an outside exhaust I am guessing you will be in for a minimum of $1000 to $2000 NOT including the cost of the new exhaust vent and installation.

[retiredguy123]

For most people, this is not a problem. The microwave fan is so weak that spending thousands of dollars to redirect the exhaust air to the outside is not worth it. If you are a professional chef and want to create a lot of smoke, then hire a contractor to install a real exhaust hood and do it correctly.