Does anyone know how to extend the capture area of range hood? When I cook, half of the smoke goes in while other half is flowing up to the ceiling. I would assume that there could be something already available but I cannot formulate my search well enough to find it. A push on piece of plastic with suction cups would work, or a similar design.
by OverDrive777
9 Comments
Plastic would be at risk for melting. Just a heads up about that. If you are smoking up so much, maybe whatever you are cooking should be done outside on a grill? Are you turning your range fan on? I cook a lot of meat and steak and on my stove and haven’t really had an issue. You can also just open up some windows too. I feel like you could search “Range hood” and just find a replacement. If you wanted a cheaper more DIY option, just beware of the heat from your stove and use heat resistant materials. (i.e. not plastic or suction cups).
Yea basically all of the above range microwaves are like this… may be in your best interest to ditch above range microwave and get an actual real hood. Get a small microwave for the counter. I went through the same conundrum.
Honestly, I think you’re wanting more than that microwave hood will ever be capable of. If you want draw above your stove that can actually handle smoke, you need to switch to a countertop microwave elsewhere, and install a higher end dedicated vent above the range. Residential kitchens/ranges/vents are just usually not equipped to handle much. If you want to actually solve this problem, I don’t think you’re gonna be able to “hack it”. You gotta get a high volume flow vent hood ($$$). Your microwave vent fan will never cut it.
Ooh, I’m not a tinknocker, but I really recommend you try to find or fabricate a metal piece. Plastic will not only pick up aromas but I believe it will very likely melt from the heat of any fumes.
Remember you’re only smelling the aromas, the heat generated is invisible. Similar to making sure you don’t hold your arm over a boiling pot.
I have the same problem with my microwave range hood vent.
Mine vents outside but when cooking on the front burner, which is the best burner, most of the smoke is not captured by the vent!
I am afraid that while I had fantasized about a way to better capture the smoke, I never thought of a way to modify it.
I do think for mine a stronger vent fan might have done it, but I am replacing mine with a proper range hood that covers the whole range and just using a separate microwave. I do too much heavy cooking to not be able to exhaust smoke properly.
Before going too far into that, have you looked over the condition of your ducting/fan? It may be improperly installed, gummed up filter, clogged outlet, etc….
Have you seen if it just needs to be cleaned? Also, does that vent all the way out or recirculate?
It’s more than likely a CFM problem and not a big enough area problem.
I don’t endorse this particular brand/model but there are these [portable extractor fans with filter](https://www.amazon.com/AirHood-Portable-Activated-Charcoal-Stainless-steel/dp/B0CDWT91KN?th=1) that I’ve seen tested on youtube by chefs and they generally concluded it had a noticeable effect.
It would mean getting a new microwave but GE [makes this microwave](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ge-profile-2-2-cu-ft-over-the-range-microwave-with-sensor-cooking-and-extendable-slide-out-vent-stainless-steel/6498924.p?skuId=6498924) that has a hood that retracts. Full disclosure I’ve never used it so I don’t know how well it works. I was looking at it for my stove