oven vent fan

[mynetname]

When we moved in there was an old microwave/convection oven over the stovetop that had a fan. The air didn't go anywhere but it jsu tsort of moved hte air around if you were cooking on the stove.
The ancient microwave is now gone and the only thing above the stove are high cupboards.
Are there any types of fans that "dont' go anywhere" if that makes sense.
I have only seen fans you need to hook up to pipes to go outside, which we can't do in this location.
Any ideas? The kitchen does not have windows but it's half open to the dining room & living room, like a half open floor plan. I'm just wondering where the steam goes and will I end up with mildew spots on the cupboard/celings soon?

[crittersmom]

I have a vent without the microwave.It just recirculates the air back into your face and makes a lot of noise so I never use it and so far that isn't whats damaging my cabinets and my cabinets are the cheapest builder grade that could be found.I'm pretty sure you can find the "nowhere style" vents at the major hardware stores.I'm actually hoping that someday when we solve the real issues in our kitchen i can get a vent to the outside.

[yeahwhat]

You can get fans that can either be vented to outside or used with no vent and a charcoal filter to cut down on cooking smells.

[Ola_]

Many kitchen hoods and over-the-range microwaves come with a "vent outside" and "recirculate" option. You usually have to choose one or the other when you purchase or install, depending on the model. We have a microwave that vents outside (we had to have a contractor install the vent to the roof though, as the previous owners had it going to the attic, sigh).

[HeatherAtHome]

Do the fans that vent inside work well? (Charcoal filter) Do you *really* need a fan?

We bought an old house this fall and it doesn't have a stove exhaust fan at all. In other words there is *nothing* over the stove. Previous owner had a mirror.

To install a fan, I'd have to build a cabinet to match the old one beside, install pipe going through it at the top to get to an outside wall then cut through a log wall. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

We haven't dealt with the issue yet because we're too busy doing other fix it jobs.