[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I always thought "5 Alarm Chili" referred to how many smoke detectors went off when I cooked it.

No, it refers to how many engine companies it takes to put out the fire in your as... Er, nether regions...

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by Cranford61

In my Gardenia kitchen, the microwave is above the stove (stacked) and has no outside ventilation, just blows back odors through inadequate filter. Whole house smells when stove is used for frying etc. Has anyone implemented any type of exhaust fan to outside or attic? Contractor?

That course, screen,"filter," is to remove grease, it will not stop cooking odors. I have a nose like a dog. Truth the smell of a meal cooking adds to it. As far as frying, you might try a different oil. Olive oil listing as healthy burns at a fairly low heat. A proper exhaust hood, would be expensive and you will loose cabinets. Keeping it clean? Only till the first time you use it.

[skippy05]

You are very smart in wanting this properly vented. My house came with the over-the-range microwave really vented, but over-the-range microwaves trying to act like a proper hood is always a joke no matter what brand of microwave you have. I replaced mine with a proper real range hood and now I use a small microwave on the counter. There is NO comparison now. The ventilation is the way that it should be and my range hood grease filters are stainless steel, easily removable and dishwasher safe. Best of luck getting yours properly done as well!

[georgetJblake]

My exhaust fan was wired reversed, so fan blew back into house, not out vent. Once this was fixed by a handyman smells were gone.

[Annie66]

Originally Posted by Rango

I have a Gardenia also. I never noticed the problem you are having. How do we know if it is vented or not via microwave?

To answer your question, you will have to remove the microwave to determine if a vent duct is installed in the wall behind the microwave. If one is there, then it is a mater of inspecting the microwave to determine if the microwave fan vents through the top or the back of the unit. If a plate covers the top of the microwave, the unit is set up to vent out the back, and vice versa.

For many folks, removing and reinstalling the microwave is a 2 person job.

[banjobob]

The micro wave should have been vented , poorly installed by the builder.

[DanBrew]

I have a 2013 Gardenia and just had to replace my Whirlpool microwave as it quit heating food. I had the same problem and do not now as before I installed my Samsung, I rotated the fan so that it would vent back instead of up. The ventilation is set up to go back. I'm guessing they never rotated the fans on any of the originals. It is a very simple process to fix.

[JoelJohnson]

We are redoing our kitchen, we looked into putting in an outside vent (through the roof) but they wanted about $1,200. That's too much.

[Nannyof3]

My Gardenia, built in 2012, is ventilated to the outside

[albes19@comcast.net]

When we replaced our microwave we found there was a vent to the outside! It works great![/QUOTE]

[H.Pearl]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

I do some handyman work in my neighborhood. If I can't repair this for $50 (service call) there's no charge.

I'm new to the villages would really appreciate a handyman contact. Would you text me 781-789-9681.

[PurePeach]

Originally Posted by Cranford61

In my Gardenia kitchen, the microwave is above the stove (stacked) and has no outside ventilation, just blows back odors through inadequate filter. Whole house smells when stove is used for frying etc. Has anyone implemented any type of exhaust fan to outside or attic? Contractor?

I, too, would like to correct this problem in my house. Whom do I call – electrician or plumber? Any suggestions on a reputable person?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by BevEnglish

I, too, would like to correct this problem in my house. Whom do I call – electrician or plumber? Any suggestions on a reputable person?

First, you need to check to see if you have a duct in the wall behind the microwave that will exhaust air to the outside. If so, you just need an appliance installer who can remove and re-install the microwave. If you don't have a duct, I would recommend installing a new kitchen exhaust system, which will require several construction trades, and it will be expensive.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by BevEnglish

I, too, would like to correct this problem in my house. Whom do I call – electrician or plumber? Any suggestions on a reputable person?

If you have a new home, contact the local county building department, you should be able to get a complete copy of your house plans, I have mine from Sumter County, 16 pages PDF format and got by email. On these you should see the notes for various vents, ours specifically show the vent for the microwave. You may be able to see the vent from the attic access point, ours is rectangular, about 3 inches by 6 inches, on the roof it is a rounded rectangular shape. You might be able to test for a vent, turn on all of the bathroom and shower exhaust fans, open the microwave and see if you feel a draft coming IN the microwave, if so you have a vent and it is working. Then the next question is whether the fan in the microwave is setup correctly.

[Scbang]

Would 2003 Courtyard Villa have ventilation to the outside for Microwave? The building dept website says no house plan built before 2011 is available. What other ways to check if there is a vent behind my microwave? Can I install a new vent connecting to my Dryer vent?