I always wondered how exactly an over the range microwave exhaust worked. It seemed like magic, how it sucked up all the smoke and odor from cooking and vented it out of the kitchen. So, I decided to take a closer look at its mechanism and understand the science behind it. Let me share with you what I found.
Understanding the Basics
First, let’s start with the basics. An over the range microwave exhaust is a built-in ventilation system that helps in removing smoke, steam, and odors that are generated while cooking. It consists of a fan and a duct system that is connected to an external vent. Now, let’s dive deeper into the details.
The Fan
The heart of the over the range microwave exhaust is the fan. It is responsible for drawing in the air that contains the smoke and odors and then pushing it out through the duct system. The fan is strategically placed in the microwave, usually above the stove, where it can easily capture the rising smoke and steam.
The Duct System
The fan is connected to a series of ducts that form a system to channel the air out of the kitchen. These ducts are designed in a way that they maximize the airflow and minimize any resistance. They are usually made of aluminum or stainless steel to ensure durability and to prevent any absorption of odor.
The External Vent
The duct system is connected to an external vent, which is located outside the house. The vent is designed to release the air containing smoke and odor into the outside environment. It ensures that the kitchen is free from any unwanted smells and provides a clean and fresh cooking environment.
So, now that we have a basic understanding of how an over the range microwave exhaust works, let’s explore its mechanism in more detail.
The Mechanism
When you turn on the over the range microwave exhaust, the fan starts spinning. It draws in the air from the kitchen, capturing the smoke, steam, and odor. As the air enters the microwave, it passes through a grease filter. This filter is responsible for trapping any grease particles or solid contaminants present in the air. It prevents these particles from entering the duct system and clogging it up.
Once the air passes through the grease filter, it is directed towards the fan. The fan creates a powerful airflow that pushes the air further into the duct system. The ducts are designed with curves and smooth surfaces to minimize any airflow resistance. This ensures that the air can flow easily in the desired direction without any blockages or restrictions.
As the air moves through the duct system, it reaches the external vent. The vent is equipped with a damper that opens when the air is being pushed out and closes when the exhaust is turned off. This damper prevents any backflow of outside air into the duct system when the vent is not in operation.
Once the air exits the external vent, it gets released into the outside environment. This process effectively removes all the smoke, steam, and odor from the kitchen, leaving it fresh and clean.
Tips for Optimal Performance
Now that we understand the mechanism of an over the range microwave exhaust, here are a few tips to ensure its optimal performance:
By following these tips, you can maximize the efficiency of your over the range microwave exhaust system and enjoy a clean and odor-free kitchen environment.
In conclusion, the over the range microwave exhaust is a crucial component in any kitchen. Its mechanism, driven by a fan, efficiently captures and removes smoke, steam, and odors from the cooking area. With its duct system and external vent, it ensures that the kitchen remains fresh and free from unwanted smells. Understanding how it works helps in maintaining its optimal performance. So, next time you use your over the range microwave exhaust, you can appreciate the science behind its mechanism.