Abstract: An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance such as a microwave oven. The apparatus including at least one vent cover member engaged to cover the exhaust passage in flush alignment with a front surface of the oven in a closed position. A guide member is engaged to the vent cover member and aligned with the exhaust passage to provide substantially linear motion of the vent cover member when activated. The guide member may also provide limited arcuate motion. At least one displacement member coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover member to an open position in a generally parallel orientation relative to the surface, and the vent cover member being retracted to a closed position.