Clearance requirements The instructions say you should have 12 inches of clearance above the unit. I only have 3 or 4 inches because of an overhanging cabinet. What are the risks?

Question

Newsphoto · Accepted Answer

When you heat some foods they give off steam and it rises up. When you don't have 12 inches above then you risk condensation each time you use the unit and that could start a mold problem. If the shelves are wood then you could have a problem with warping from the hot steam. If a shelf is laminated it could lead to the laminate to peal apart. This applies to all microwaves

Answered by Newsphoto 9 years ago

InsigniaCustomerSupport · Answer

Not providing enough space around the unit will hinder ventilation and heat dispersion. Placing the unit in an area with inadequate spacing could pose a safety issue and is strongly advised against. Using this microwave requires 12 inches of space above the unit and at least 3 inches on all sides.

Answered by InsigniaCustomerSupport 10 years ago

Aggie94 · Answer

I have been using this microwave for a couple of months and it is 8 inches away from the cabinet. It has worked fine so far, but am not sure if anything would happen with only 3-4 inches.

molly123 · Answer

I don't think it matters

“Clearance requirements The instructions say you should have 12 inches of clearance above the unit. I only have 3 or 4 inches because of an overhanging cabinet. What are the risks?”

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