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I have a 12 year old Whirlpool Microwave + vent hood combo (model GMH5205XVS-1). As far as I know, it should be configured to vent outside (via vent on an exterior wall). If I open the cabinets in the picture, there is a large vent and I can often smell cooking smells outside when the fan is on.

However, the suction above the cooktop is weak, even on the highest fan setting. Yesterday, I noticed there is a big vent at the top of the oven that is also sucking in air. I temporarily blocked it off and noticed it increased suction above the stove.

Is this supposed to be blocked off if the fan is configured to vent to the outside? Or does having suction at the top of the oven provide some other value?

Both the owner's manual and installation manual make no mention of this.

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James
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3 Answers3

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There are some instructions in the manual for which way the fan needs to be put in for wall, roof, or in-room venting. Perhaps someone made a mistake in adjusting the fan setup. Taking the hood down and confirming the fan arrangement per the manual may help.

Triplefault
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Does the vent beneath the microwave hold a tissue up when you have it venting on high? If so, then you’re probably fine, though it would be good to verify the outside ventilation.

I just checked a microwave (different GE model) I installed and verified outside venting. There is some suction from the top vent but not as much as from the range vents.

josephorapronobis
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The unit is working as designed: major air movement from below, as is fitting for a "range hood", and minor air flow from the room and around the microwave cabinet to vent moisture/odors. Cabinet-installed microwave ovens require venting of some sort. The horrible open cavities exposed on top of the unit must surely mean there is a missing screen panel of some kind.

kreemoweet
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