Ever feel like your kitchen is a sauna after you cook? Or maybe the smell of last night’s dinner lingers long after it’s gone? If so, you’re not alone. A good over-the-range (OTR) microwave isn’t just for heating up leftovers; it’s a crucial part of keeping your kitchen fresh and comfortable. But stepping into the world of OTR microwaves can feel like navigating a maze. So many features, so many brands, and the big question: which one actually *vents* properly?
Choosing the right venting OTR microwave can be a real headache. You want something that actually clears out smoke and smells, not just pushes them around. You might be worried about installation, noise levels, or if it will even fit above your stove. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by technical jargon and end up with a microwave that doesn’t quite do the job. This can lead to a less enjoyable cooking experience and a kitchen that never feels truly clean.
But don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to look for. We’ll break down the important features, explain how venting works, and help you find an OTR microwave that will make your kitchen a more pleasant place to be. Get ready to say goodbye to smoky kitchens and hello to fresh air!
Our Top 5 Venting Otr Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Venting Otr Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food super easy with its smart features.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.7 cubic feet capacity, so you can fit big dishes inside. The 12.4-inch turntable spins your food evenly.
- You get 10 different cooking power levels. This means you can cook and defrost food just right.
- There are 6 handy quick-cook menus for things like popcorn, drinks, and reheating leftovers.
- You can cook food super fast. Just press a number for instant power for a few minutes.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set two cooking times and power levels at once. This saves you time and effort.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong. It sucks up cooking smells and smoke. An LED light shines brightly on your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the control panel a bit busy with all the options.
- While the vent is strong, it might be a little noisy for some people.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers great convenience and cooking power. It’s a solid choice for busy kitchens that need a reliable and multi-functional appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a powerful 1000-watt punch, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving counter space. Enjoy quick and easy cooking with one-touch options and smart auto-cooking features. This microwave is designed to simplify your busy life.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- 10 power settings offer great control for different foods.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop.
- A strong 400-CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The turntable On/Off option is perfect for large dishes.
- Express cooking adds convenience for quick reheating.
- A child lock feature provides safety for families.
- Generous internal dimensions accommodate large meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the installation instructions could be more detailed.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers excellent value and functionality for any home cook. It’s a smart addition that makes cooking and kitchen ventilation easier than ever.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek, black microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for handling all your cooking needs. It’s designed to fit conveniently over your stove, saving valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The spacious 1.7 cu. ft. interior easily fits large dishes and includes a 12.4-inch turntable to ensure even cooking.
- Convenient Auto Cooking: Six quick-touch menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting make everyday cooking simple.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Use the 100% power level for 1 to 3 minutes with just a press of the number keys.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook at different power levels for specific times in one go, saving you time and effort.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM, 2-speed vent fan effectively removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. An integrated light illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 10 cooking levels are quite a few, and it might take some practice to find the perfect setting for every food item.
- While the vent fan is strong, some users might prefer even more customization for fan speed options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, blending powerful performance with user-friendly features.
4. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek, silver stainless steel appliance is packed with features to make cooking easier. Its spacious interior and powerful 1000-watt cooking capacity handle all your meal prep needs. The intuitive screen touch control and sensor cooking take the guesswork out of preparing your favorite foods.
What We Like:
- It has lots of pre-programmed auto menus for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 1000 watts of power with 10 different settings cooks food quickly and perfectly.
- The 300 CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh by removing smoke and odors.
- The cooktop LED light provides clear visibility for cooking on your stovetop.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for cooking large dishes.
- It comes with a generous 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty, showing confidence in its quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overall dimensions might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced smart technology.
The Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven offers a great balance of power, convenience, and thoughtful features for any home cook. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality.
5. Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave
![Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31CwXV1xhiL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 8.7/10
The Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a large cooking space and powerful features to make meal prep a breeze. This microwave sits right above your stove, saving valuable counter space. Its sleek design also helps update your kitchen’s look.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cubic feet of space means you can easily heat up large dishes, bake potatoes, or even pop popcorn for the whole family. It fits almost anything you need to cook.
- Powerful Ventilation: The 300 CFM ventilation system is a real lifesaver. It quickly removes smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh and clean.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: The LED lights under the microwave shine brightly on your stovetop. This makes it easy to see what you’re cooking, even at night.
- Quick Cooking Options: Express Cook buttons let you start cooking with just one touch. You can quickly set cooking times for 1-6 minutes without having to program anything.
What Could Be Improved:
- Control Panel Layout: Some users might find the control panel a bit busy at first. It takes a little time to get used to all the buttons and their functions.
- Fan Speed Settings: While the ventilation is powerful, a few more adjustable fan speed options could offer greater control for different cooking situations.
This Midea OTR microwave is a solid choice for busy households. Its large capacity and helpful features make cooking and cleaning up much easier.
Choosing the Best Venting Over-the-Range Microwave
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen? An over-the-range (OTR) microwave with a venting system can be a fantastic addition. It saves counter space and helps keep your kitchen air fresh. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a venting OTR microwave, keep these important features in mind.
Powerful Ventilation
This is the most important feature. Look for a microwave with a strong CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. Higher CFM means it can move more air. A good CFM rating for most kitchens is around 300-400 CFM. Some models offer even higher. This fan helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors.
Ducting Options
Venting OTR microwaves can vent in a few ways.
* Ducted: This is the best option. It sends air outside your home through a duct.
* Recirculating: This is for kitchens without an outside vent. The microwave filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen. It’s not as effective as ducted.
Size and Capacity
Measure the space above your stove. Microwaves come in different widths, usually 30 inches. Also, consider the interior capacity. A larger capacity holds bigger dishes. Most OTR microwaves range from 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet.
Cooking Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most OTR microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. More wattage cooks food more evenly and quickly.
Sensor Cooking
This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power. It senses the steam from your food. It makes cooking easier and prevents overcooking.
Convenience Features
Look for things like:
* Turntable: It spins food for even heating.
* Interior Lighting: Helps you see your food while it cooks.
* Easy-to-Clean Interior: Non-stick surfaces make cleaning simple.
* Preset Cooking Options: Buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, and more.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and ease of cleaning.
Exterior Finish
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is strong. It can show fingerprints, though.
- Black or White Enamel: These are classic options. They are usually less expensive. They can chip or scratch over time.
Interior Material
Most interiors are made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means a microwave that works well and lasts.
What Improves Quality
- Strong Fan Motor: A powerful motor ensures effective ventilation.
- Durable Construction: Sturdy materials and good assembly make the microwave last longer.
- Reliable Electronics: Good internal components prevent breakdowns.
- Good Reviews: Check what other users say about the microwave’s performance and durability.
What Reduces Quality
- Weak Fan: A weak fan won’t remove odors and steam effectively.
- Cheaply Made Parts: This can lead to premature wear and tear.
- Poor User Interface: Buttons that are hard to press or a confusing display make it frustrating to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
Saving Space
The biggest benefit is saving counter space. This is great for smaller kitchens.
Improving Air Quality
A good venting system keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. It removes cooking smells and smoke. This makes cooking more enjoyable.
Everyday Cooking
You can reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, and defrost meats. Sensor cooking makes these tasks simple.
Specific Cooking Needs
Some microwaves have special features. These can include steam cooking or convection baking. These allow for more advanced cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of a venting OTR microwave?
A: The most important feature is the ventilation system. This includes the CFM rating and the ability to vent air outside your home.
Q: Do I need a ducted vent for an OTR microwave?
A: A ducted vent is the best option for removing smoke and odors effectively. If you can’t install one, a recirculating model will filter the air.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most OTR microwaves are 30 inches wide.
Q: What does CFM mean?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures how much air the fan can move.
Q: Is stainless steel better than enamel for an OTR microwave?
A: Stainless steel is more durable and looks modern, but it shows fingerprints. Enamel is less expensive but can scratch or chip.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to automatically adjust cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: Can a recirculating microwave remove all cooking smells?
A: Recirculating models filter air, but they are not as effective as ducted vents at removing all odors and steam.
Q: How much wattage do I need for good cooking performance?
A: Most OTR microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: What are the benefits of an over-the-range microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. It also keeps your kitchen air fresh with its ventilation system.
Q: Where can I find reviews for OTR microwaves?
A: You can find reviews on retailer websites, consumer review sites, and home appliance blogs.
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.