"Frogleg" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 15:20:46 GMT, "Vox Humana" >
> wrote:
>
> >
> >"Frogleg" > wrote
>
> >> A m'wave (except in the case of disasters) doesn't require
> >> an exhaust system; an exhaust system over a regular stove would be a
> >> poor place to mount heat- and contamination-sensitive electronics.
> >
> >I had a GE over the range microwave. About a year ago I had a grease
fire
> >on the range. The microwave was all melted and black, but it continued
to
> >work! The new Sharp unit is very sophisticated. It turns on
automatically
> >when the temperature rises below and also has internal fans that cool the
> >electronics. The ovens that I have seen are of a uniform size and mount
to
> >the wall with a back plate. The electronics can be accessed from the
front
> >and if the unit needs to be replaced it is just a matter of removing four
> >screws and tilting it forward. I have put in four (JennAir, GE,
Whirlpool,
> >and Sharp), and they all were very easy to install and remove.
>
> I went back to the Sears site and found hooded m'waves under
> 'microwave,' not 'range hood.', although I'm still not sure what
> they're supposed to do.. My own gadget sits on a cantilevered(?) shelf
> I had someone build over the stove, since I *don't* have a hood or
> exhaust arrangement.
>
> I still don't care for built-in or combo appliances -- who knows when
> one part will break, or current models be unavailable?

I can see the drawback of combination appliances like one those Pullman type
things that have a sink, cooktop,and refrigeration built into one box. It's
not ideal but it may be the best overall solution for some situations I
think that is a different situation than an over the range microwave with an
exhaust fan built in. The fan is a really reliable device. The one in mine
actually is designed to channel the air round the oven cavity to cool it.
As I pointed out, changing out an OTR microwave is very simple. They plug
into a receptacle and there are four screws holding it in place. They are
all made to uniform dimensions and most of them, regardless of the brand
name stamped on the front, are made in the same factory. The oven is at eye
level which makes it very convenient for adults and out of the reach of
children and it frees up counter space. These OTR units have been around
for year and are reliable.