Ventilation Requirements for Integrated Appliances

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about integrated kitchen appliances. However, thinking about the ventilation requirements for integrated appliances and finding the right ventilation can be the difference between an appliance lasting 10 years or 10 days. Appliances such as ovens, fridges, freezers and even microwaves all require a sufficient amount of ventilation.

This blog is a guide to different types of appliances and ventilation. It will focus on a certain model of the appliance from each of these areas, so it is important to check your installation guide for the particular brand and model of appliance that you have to avoid any issues.

Fridge freezer ventilation gap

Make and model in the spotlight: Liebherr ICUS 3314.

Generally speaking, integrated fridges, freezers or combined fridge/freezers require air to be able to circulate in under the appliance, behind the appliance and back out through the top above the appliance.

This can mean gaps or vents need to go on any cabinetry surrounding the appliance in the appropriate areas. In most cases, an installation manual will provide a diagram of the cuts and vents that you need. You can obtain these directly from the brand or supplier of the appliance.

In the case of the Liebherr ICUS 3314, the fridge freezer ventilator gap must be of a minimum of 200cm squared in the front base of the cabinet to allow air in from the front. The second gap of a minimum of 500mmx40mm goes in the back of the carcass panel that the appliance is sitting on (if it is not sitting on the floor), and the third gap of a minimum of 500mmx40mm needs to go at the back of the top piece of the carcass for the air to flow out.

Although you will not see the second and third of these gaps, often the first is visible. It is important to realise that an integrated fridge freezer needs this air ventilation. Often, when fitting an integrated fridge freezer, installers will fit a mesh panel over the fridge freezer ventilator gap, to allow air in but restrict objects.

Integrated ovens

Make and model in the spotlight: Ilve 600WPY Pyro

Integrated ovens are typically in tall cabinetry between two cabinets or under counter in their own cabinet. If being housed in a tall cabinet between others, the Ilve 600WPY will require a ventilation slot of 80mm depth cut from the back of the shelf it is resting on.

Also, on the top of the shelf above it and the very top of the cabinet. Air can then circulate around the appliance. If being housed under counter, a slot is only required in the base that the appliance is sitting on.

Microwaves

Many integrated microwaves, especially those that go in tower units, will have more than just a microwave function. Many are combination ovens, with other functions such as steam or fan ovens as well. For this reason, they require much of the same ventilation as integrated ovens.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers will often not have a complete carcass surround. You need access to plumbing connections and pipework, therefore ventilation is often not an issue. However, you will need air gaps to prevent dirty water from re-entering the dishwasher. You might also want to add a vent hood to avoid making your kitchen into a sauna with the steam from the dishwasher. A vent hood catches the steam and converts it into water.

Underfloor heating

It is important to tell your kitchen designer or installer if you are going to have underfloor heating. It is also crucially important to tell them if you already have it.

Underfloor heating causes heat to rise up through the floor. This is great as a method of heating space and is lovely and comfortable under your feet. However, particularly under islands, it can prove very problematic if there is no way for this hot air to escape.

This is of particular prominence to us, as we scribe all our frames to the floor. An island effectively becomes a sealed box and so it is vitally important that we know if there is existing underfloor heating in a space. If there is, we will need to provide suitable ventilation for the hot air to escape through the island and surrounding cabinetry.

This can be done in much the same way as we previously mentioned for appliances, by cutting a small gap at the top, bottom or both and either concealing these gaps, or cladding with a suitable covering.

*Please note that this information is advice only. We cannot help individuals with their queries unless they are undertaking a full kitchen project with us. We are not responsible for any damage incurred by following the advice*