Ever feel like your kitchen is a little too smoky after cooking? Or maybe that lingering smell of last night’s dinner just won’t disappear? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us dream of a kitchen that’s both functional and fresh, but achieving it can be a challenge. That’s where a microwave with an exhaust fan comes in, offering a smart solution for busy cooks.
Choosing the perfect microwave with an exhaust fan can feel like a puzzle. You want something that heats your food quickly, but you also need it to clear out steam and odors effectively. It’s tough to know which features really matter and which ones are just extra bells and whistles. You might be wondering: “Will it actually work well? Is it worth the extra cost?” These are common questions, and finding the right answers can be overwhelming.
This post is here to clear the air! We’ll break down what makes a great microwave with an exhaust fan. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the different types available, and discover how to pick the one that best fits your kitchen and your cooking style. Get ready to make your kitchen a more pleasant place to be, with delicious meals and no lingering smells!
Our Top 5 Microwave With Exhaust Fan Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave With Exhaust Fan Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great, and it packs a lot of power and features into its design. This microwave is ready to help you cook, reheat, and defrost meals quickly and easily.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet of space easily fits big dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable that spins your food evenly.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave heats food fast and cooks efficiently.
- Easy Cooking Options: It has 6 quick menus for common foods like popcorn and beverages, making cooking simple.
- Speedy Cooking: You can cook at full power for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with just a few button presses.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This feature lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM fan clears smoke and smells from your kitchen, and the light helps you see what you’re doing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan could offer more than two speeds for different cooking needs.
- While the auto-cook menus are helpful, a few more options might be beneficial for a wider variety of foods.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a solid choice for busy households. It offers convenience, power, and useful features that make meal preparation a breeze.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This large, black microwave offers 1.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for all your cooking needs. It’s designed to sit conveniently over your stove, saving you valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable that spins your food for even cooking.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six handy presets like Popcorn, Beverage, and Reheat make cooking simple and fast.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Use the 1, 2, or 3 buttons for 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set it to cook at different power levels for different amounts of time in one go, like 90% power for 10 minutes, then 50% for 5 minutes.
- Powerful Vent Fan and Light: The 2-speed, 300 CFM vent fan sucks up cooking smells and smoke. An LED light shines brightly on your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Vent Fan Noise: Some users might find the vent fan a bit loud.
- Control Panel Simplicity: While easy to use, some advanced users might want more detailed manual control options beyond the presets.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a practical addition to any kitchen, blending helpful features with a sleek design. It’s an excellent choice for busy households looking for convenience and performance.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to make cooking easier and faster with its smart features. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great above your stove, and it offers plenty of space for your meals.
What We Like:
- The one-touch auto cooking menu is a lifesaver. It has 18 different options, so you can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato with just one press.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, which means you can fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside. The 12.5-inch turntable makes sure everything cooks evenly.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you have great control over how your food heats up.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is super strong. It quickly sucks up smoke and smells, keeping your kitchen fresh. You can even adjust the fan speed.
- A bright light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use and looks modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a little tricky.
- While the auto menus are great, a few more advanced options could be a nice addition for experienced cooks.
This Midea microwave oven is a powerful and convenient appliance. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen smelling great.
4. GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek black. This bundle also includes a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Extra Protection: You get a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. That’s double the coverage!
- Generous Space: The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is big enough for most meals and dishes.
- Powerful Cooking: It heats food fast with 1000 watts of cooking power.
- Clean Air: The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system sucks up smoke, steam, and smells, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Easy to Use Controls: Convenience cooking controls make operating the microwave quick and simple.
- Defrost Options: Auto and time defrost settings help you thaw food perfectly.
- Turntable Control: You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for certain dishes.
- Simple Filter Change: Replacing the charcoal filter is easy, located behind the door grille.
What Could Be Improved:
- Manual Might Be Needed: While controls are easy, some advanced features might require a quick look at the manual.
- Venting Power: For very heavy cooking smells, you might wish for an even higher CFM, but 300 is good for most kitchens.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering great features and excellent protection. It’s a reliable appliance that makes meal prep a breeze.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This 1.9 cu.ft microwave packs 1000 watts of cooking power and features convenient One Touch auto cooking. It easily fits above your stove, saving counter space and offering powerful ventilation.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- 1.9 cu.ft capacity fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking popcorn, potatoes, and more a breeze.
- 400 CFM venting system effectively removes smoke and odors.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safe cooking.
- Turntable On/Off function gives you flexibility for different dish sizes.
- Child lock provides peace of mind for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- While the auto-menus are helpful, some users might prefer more manual control over cooking times and power levels.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen air fresh.
Choosing the Right Microwave with an Exhaust Fan
Are you looking for a kitchen upgrade that saves space and keeps your air fresh? A microwave with an exhaust fan is a fantastic solution. It cooks your food and helps clear out cooking smells and smoke. Let’s explore how to pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Fan Speed and Suction Power: This is super important. A stronger fan removes smoke and smells better. Look for fan speeds measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Higher CFM means more powerful suction.
- Ventilation Type: Microwaves can be vented in two ways:
- Ducted: This system pushes air outside your home through a vent. It’s the most effective.
- Non-Ducted (Recirculating): This system filters the air and blows it back into your kitchen. It’s easier to install but less effective at removing all odors.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 800 and 1200 watts.
- Capacity: How much food can you fit inside? Microwaves come in different sizes, from compact to extra-large. Think about what you usually cook.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. It helps prevent overcooking.
- Turntable: A rotating plate ensures even cooking. Most microwaves have this.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to use? Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens with lots of options.
- Lighting: Good interior light helps you see your food while it cooks. A light over your stovetop is also helpful.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. Check reviews for noise information.
Important Materials
- Exterior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or enamel finish. Stainless steel looks modern and is durable, but it can show fingerprints. Enamel is easier to clean.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to wipe clean.
- Filters:
- Grease Filters: These capture grease from cooking. They are usually made of metal or mesh and are washable.
- Charcoal Filters (for non-ducted): These help remove odors. They need to be replaced periodically.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave with an exhaust fan great, and what might be a letdown?
Things That Improve Quality:
- Stronger Fan Motor: A powerful motor means better air cleaning.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means it will last longer.
- Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Non-stick interiors and washable filters save you time.
- Quiet Operation: A quieter fan makes your kitchen a more pleasant place.
- Good Lighting: Clear visibility inside and under the microwave is a big plus.
Things That Reduce Quality:
- Weak Fan: A weak fan won’t clear smoke and smells effectively.
- Cheaply Made Parts: Flimsy buttons or a wobbly door can be frustrating.
- Difficult to Clean: Stubborn grease or hard-to-reach areas make maintenance a chore.
- Loud Noise: An extremely noisy fan can be annoying.
- Poor Installation Fit: If it doesn’t fit well over your stove, it might not work as intended.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these handy appliances, and what’s it like to live with one?
Everyday Cooking:
You’ll use it for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting. The microwave power gets your food hot fast. The turntable ensures everything is heated evenly.
Stovetop Ventilation:
When you’re frying or sautéing on your stovetop, turn on the exhaust fan. It pulls steam, smoke, and cooking odors away from your kitchen. This keeps your air cleaner and your home smelling fresh. It’s especially helpful when cooking strong-smelling foods like fish or onions.
Space Saving:
This appliance is perfect for smaller kitchens. It combines two appliances into one, freeing up counter space. You don’t need a separate range hood.
Easy Installation (Non-Ducted):
If you can’t vent outside, a non-ducted model with charcoal filters is a good option. It’s simpler to set up and still helps improve air quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a microwave with an exhaust fan?
A: The most important feature is the fan’s suction power (CFM) and the type of ventilation (ducted or non-ducted) to effectively clear your kitchen air.
Q: How do I know if I need a ducted or non-ducted system?
A: If you can vent air outside your home, a ducted system is best. If not, a non-ducted system with charcoal filters will work.
Q: How often do I need to clean the filters?
A: Grease filters should be cleaned weekly or bi-weekly. Charcoal filters (for non-ducted) usually need replacing every 3-6 months.
Q: Can a microwave exhaust fan really get rid of all cooking smells?
A: It can significantly reduce smells and smoke, especially with a powerful ducted system. Some strong odors might linger slightly.
Q: How much space does a microwave with an exhaust fan take up?
A: They are typically mounted over your stove, so they don’t take up extra counter space. They are designed to fit standard cabinet openings.
Q: Are microwaves with exhaust fans noisy?
A: Some can be. It’s a good idea to check product reviews for noise level information before buying.
Q: What is wattage, and why does it matter for a microwave?
A: Wattage measures how much power the microwave uses to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Can I use the fan without using the microwave?
A: Yes, most models allow you to use the exhaust fan independently of the microwave cooking function.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture and steam from food, automatically adjusting cooking time and power for better results.
Q: How do I choose the right size microwave?
A: Consider how much food you typically cook. Smaller families might be fine with a compact size, while larger families might need a mid-size or large capacity model.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.