Over Range Microwave Steam Issue

Keith15335 · Tuesday

I just had new kitchen cabinets installed including a new Samsung over range slim microwave with built in hood exhaust, exhaust up through the upper cabinet and up through the roof.

As I was cooking a Hungry Man TV dinner, I noticed steam coming out a vent on the top of the microwave and steam accumulating on the cabinet face.

I'm concerned about damage to the new cabinet face.

Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to fix this issue?

AAbbott · Tuesday

As far as I have seen any brand of over the range microwaves have vents on top. Steam builds when things cook in the microwave. I don't have a Samsung microwave, i have a Whirlpool which replaced a GE, but I have had this happen. In 10 years of steam, it has not damaged my cabinets. I believe the exhaust is not, in fact, for the microwave itself, but for the range, so cooking smells and steam from the stove would be drawn out when you put the fan on.

If you are worried about damage to you cabinets, you could try finding a deflector that would direct the steam away from your cabinets. Something like this, or something you can improvise, that you can remove when you need to open the cabinet https://a.co/d/0cxWfcQT

Keith15335 · Wednesday

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am aware that the exhaust fan is for the stove top exhaust, not the microwave. There is no room for a deflector of sorts if I want to be able to use the cabinet door, no clearance there.

Thanks again.

AAbbott · Wednesday

The magnets make it removable if you need to open the cabinet. If you are like most people, that space is your least accessed cabinet space - I maybe open that cabinet twice a year. It was just an idea. The link was an illustration to show what I meant. You can probably improvise a deflector. Are your cabinet doors wood, vinyl or veneer? Even if wood, most wood kitchen cabinets are treated to withstand kitchen heat and steam from cooking. Mine are vinyl over wood. I microwave quite a lot and steam has never warped or damaged my doors. What *did* peel the vinyl very slightly was the top of my toaster oven being a little to close to the underside of my cabinet.

Keith15335 · Wednesday

Got it. I'll look into some type of deflector. Now I wish I had a 3d printer, lol.

Cabinets and doors are solid maple with some sort of paint finish.

Thanks again.

Samsung_Moderator · Tuesday

Hello Keith15335,

We hope you're enjoying your new product and understand the concern with the steam potentially damaging the kitchen cabinets its installed under. We have this article that can explain the steaming (condensation) aspect you're currently experiencing https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10007432/. Also, yes, it is suggested to address the issue; you can absolutely purchase the mentioned accessory by @AAbbott to assist with your steaming concern.

Be sure to click " ✓ Accept as Solution" when you find an answer that works for you.

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