Hi Folks, our old Microwave gave up the ghost, and now we have replaced it with a Kitchenaid Convection/Microwave Model KMCC5015GSS1. Works really well, but so far only on the countertop. Next step is to install it in the cabinet as a built-in.

The Cabinet is a bit of a tight fit, and being a convection oven I am concerned about evacuating enough air once it gets going. I've spoken with Whirlpool and they gave guidance of leaving 2" behind the unit, 2" above the unit and 3" on each side. The spacing behind and above are fine, but the sides are only 1.5" clearance each.

I'm thinking about installing some vents on the top and one of the sides (facing the range hood). The top is above eye-level, and nobody will notice the side vents on the range hood side.

Could you comment on approach? Is there a suggested way to cut a vent and put a screen in place mainly for bugs I suppose to allow some ventilation?

Thank You, RF '83

Sorry - hope you get some help. Any venting should be matched to mfr min. sq.in. vents totals.

Our design policy was refined years ago to ONLY provide a MW Shelf for the very reasons/problems cited here.
The mfr clearances in many cases allow for cookbooks to flank the MW in some emply spaces to dress up appearances.
Of course you provided a MW dedicated circuit for its power.

I can't tell in that picture, are the sides of that cabinet already flush cut? Or were they just trimmed a bit for the other device?

If they aren't flush cut, you can gain some additional space that way. Trim with a flush cut bit on a router for a nice edge.

Otherwise, adding some additional ventilation as per above would be a good option for venting the sides a bit more.

1988PA-Aggie said:

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Not sure how tool-handy you are? But a suggestion that may take the least amount of tools and/or effort would be to look up circular grommet vents. They are usually used for stereo or computer equipment in cabinets. I have used products from Mockett, they are a bit pricey but have a great selection. They are usually 3-4" in diameter, have a small rim around and fit snug into the hole cut. Maybe a touch of glue if needed? The cutting will be done with a hole saw of the appropriate size. (Just be careful and go slow with a hole saw, they can have lot of torque the bigger they are.) Much easier than trying to cut with a jig saw inside a cabinet.

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thanks 1998! I'm reasonably handy and can do cuts and mods and such.

Excellent idea on the grommet vents! Gave me inspiration and I started looking at Stainless Steel Vent Registers (didn't know they existed!). Here is one link. they are a bit pricey, but I only need 2-3, depending on whether I do top and both sides and how big I size them.

https://ventcoversunlimited.com/steel-designs-pro-linear-registers-returns/?gclid=CjwKCAjwm4ukBhAuEiwA0zQxk8FAxRfe1r5XHZ8PLAwRMP5qSsGGo-qcae-gVnucJ9A4vHKUsoi_fhoCNicQAvD_BwE

tgivaughn said:

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Sorry - hope you get some help. Any venting should be matched to mfr min. sq.in. vents totals.

Our design policy was refined years ago to ONLY provide a MW Shelf for the very reasons/problems cited here.
The mfr clearances in many cases allow for cookbooks to flank the MW in some emply spaces to dress up appearances.
Of course you provided a MW dedicated circuit for its power.

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good information--thanks TGI! Specs seem to be loose, but I was talking to Whirlpool's safety dept...

Caliber said:

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I can't tell in that picture, are the sides of that cabinet already flush cut? Or were they just trimmed a bit for the other device?

If they aren't flush cut, you can gain some additional space that way. Trim with a flush cut bit on a router for a nice edge.

Otherwise, adding some additional ventilation as per above would be a good option for venting the sides a bit more.

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Thanks--great ideas, Caliber!

The sides are not flush cut at this point. Last time I replaced the microwave (2004) I hacked it with a hacksaw just enough to fit the trim kit I used at the time, hence the rough edges

Now that I am 19 years more experienced (didn't say smarter!), I will go with a router to get more ventilation out the front in addition to the sides and top.

I'm wondering if it is worth it to put some heat reflective material on the back wall while I have everything opened up perhaps?