A microwave hood fan combination unit is a microwave combined with a range hood fan. Like a conventional range hood fan, this duel service appliance is installed above the kitchen stove. These combination units come with a built in vent for filtering steam, heat, odours, and smoke that rises up from the stove.
Required Electrical Needs
It may seem like an easy task to install a microwave hood fan combination unit. Since this power hungry appliance is otherwise prone to tripping the breaker, there are some mandatory requirements for installing these units. The Canadian Electrical Code stipulates that these duel purpose units must have their own dedicated electrical circuit. The wiring and installation of a microwave hood fan combination unit should only be done by a licensed electrician. You will also need an electrical permit for the installation of new wiring.
Reasons for Installing
A major reason why a homeowner would want a microwave hood fan combination unit may have a lot to do with kitchen space. In our advancing technological world there has been an increase in helpful appliances that make busy schedules easier to navigate. With the increase of counter top appliances such as instant fryers, mixers, and coffee machines, it can be difficult to find space for all these helpful appliances.
Microwaves, are a basic staple of many Canadian homes. They seem to be growing in size the more technologically advanced they become. In a small kitchen every inch of counter space is considered precious. Therefore, the microwave hood fan combination unit is a simple solution for this problem.
Types of Hood Fan Ventilation
The type of venting needed for the hood fan portion of the combination unit may have everything to do with the location of the kitchen in the home.
One type of system will filter the air up from the stove and through charcoal filters. Then, the filter in the hood fan will remove the odour, grease, and smoke and recirculate the air back into the room. This type of hood fan does not require a vent to the building exterior. Therefore, it is ideal in situations where there's no existing vent or a vent route to the exterior is not possible.
The second type of venting is where the microwave’s hood fan extracts the air through a system of ducts. Then this direct system sends the odour, grease, and smoke directly to the outside of the home.
Pros to the Microwave Hood Fan Combination Unit
The microwave hood fan combination unit is a space saver and will free up existing counter space.
Placing the microwave above the stove will keep all the cooking in a single zone or area of the kitchen.
The height of the hood fan combination unit places it well outside of the reach of small children.
Cons to the Microwave Hood Fan Combination Unit
Some homeowners report that the microwave’s hood fan is not as powerful or efficient as a single unit hood fan.
A combination unit is significantly larger than a simple hood fan, therefore safety clearance above the stove top must be considered.
The location of the microwave unit above the stove may be harder for some people to reach.
With so many options in home design and kitchen products it may be a daunting task to decide on a functional kitchen layout and choose the most efficient electrical appliances. Blue Crest Electric is willing to help you with all of your electrical installations and projects. Feel free to give us a call.