Ever feel like your kitchen is becoming a sauna after a good cooking session? You’re not alone! That lingering smell of last night’s stir-fry or the steam from your morning oatmeal can really take over your kitchen. That’s where the unsung hero of kitchen appliances comes in: the venting over-the-range microwave.
But choosing the right one? That can feel like a recipe for confusion! You want something that works well, fits your space, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s a big decision, and there are so many features and types to consider. We get it – finding the perfect balance between powerful ventilation and convenient cooking can be tricky.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key things to look for, from CFM ratings to filter types, and feel confident in picking a microwave that will keep your kitchen fresh and your cooking enjoyable. Let’s dive in and find the perfect ventilation partner for your stove!
Our Top 5 Venting Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Venting Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper! This stainless steel microwave is designed to make cooking faster and easier. It fits right over your stove, saving valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly. Plus, it has a vent fan to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- It has a large capacity, 1.7 cubic feet, so you can fit big dishes. The 12.4-inch turntable spins your food evenly.
- It comes with 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus for popcorn, drinks, and reheating.
- You can cook food super fast with the speedy cooking option. Just press 1, 2, or 3 for instant power.
- The multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for different times, making complex meals simpler.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and has two speeds to clear out smoke and smells. The light underneath helps you see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky.
- The control panel could be more intuitive for those not familiar with newer microwave features.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers great features for busy households.
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 brings convenience and power to your cooking. With 1000 watts of cooking power and smart auto-cooking features, it makes meal prep a breeze. It fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-Watt Cooking: Heats and cooks food quickly and evenly.
- One-Touch Auto Cook Menus: Simple to use for popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more. Just press a button!
- Generous 1.9 Cu.ft Capacity: Fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Bright LED Cooktop Lighting: Illuminates your stovetop for safer and easier cooking.
- Strong 400-CFM Venting System: Removes smoke and odors from your kitchen effectively.
- Turntable On/Off Option: Great for cooking large or oddly shaped items.
- Child Lock Feature: Keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Venting Fan Noise: Some users find the fan to be a bit loud.
- Control Panel Placement: The buttons are located on the bottom, which might be a stretch for shorter individuals.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers great features at a reasonable price, making it a valuable addition to your home.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel bundle offers a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space, perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking quick meals. It also comes with a special 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, you get a charcoal filter replacement to keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits many dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep easy.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- It’s from GE, a trusted brand for appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit tight for some cabinet spaces.
- “Convenience cooking controls” could be more specific about what they do.
This GE microwave bundle is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and well-protected kitchen appliance. It brings convenience and a touch of style to your cooking routine.
4. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 8.9/10
The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 Over the Range Microwave Oven is a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and the screen touch control makes it easy to use. This microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for family-sized meals. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. The 300 CFM venting fan helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh while you cook.
What We Like:
- It has a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. interior, so you can fit large dishes.
- The 1000-watt power with 10 settings heats food fast.
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts cooking time for perfect results.
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking common foods simple.
- The two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan clears smoke and smells.
- The cooktop LED lighting shines brightly on your stovetop.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for big platters.
- It comes with a 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty, which is longer than most.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some features.
- The exterior can show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping.
This Empava microwave oven offers a great blend of power, convenience, and style for your kitchen. Its user-friendly features and robust warranty make it a solid choice.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a white, 1.7 cubic foot powerhouse designed to simplify your kitchen tasks. It offers ample space for all your cooking needs and boasts 1000 watts of cooking power.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is roomy, fitting a 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for larger dishes and family meals.
- Convenient Auto Cook Options: Six quick menus make cooking common items like popcorn, beverages, and defrosting super easy.
- Speedy Cooking: Just press a number for instant cooking at full power for up to three minutes.
- Efficient Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan quickly removes smoke and smells, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set it to cook at different power levels for different times all at once, saving you time and attention.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Vent Fan Speeds: While it has two speeds, some users might prefer more customization options for ventilation.
- White Finish: While classic, the white finish might show smudges more easily than stainless steel or darker options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze.
Your Guide to Venting Over-the-Range Microwaves
An over-the-range microwave is a great way to save counter space. It also helps cook your food. But not all of them are the same. Some can vent cooking smells and smoke out of your kitchen. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Venting Power (CFM)
This is how much air the fan can move. CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. A higher CFM means the fan is stronger. It will clear out smoke and smells faster. For most kitchens, 200-300 CFM is good. If you cook a lot, you might want 400 CFM or more.
2. Venting Type
There are two main types: recirculating and external venting. Recirculating microwaves filter the air and send it back into the kitchen. External venting microwaves push the air outside. External venting is much better at removing smells and smoke. Check if the microwave can be set up for external venting. This usually means it needs to connect to a duct that goes outside.
3. Size and Capacity
Measure the space above your stove. Microwaves come in different widths, usually 27 or 30 inches. The inside capacity is measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity means you can fit bigger dishes. Think about what you usually cook. Do you heat up leftovers or cook full meals?
4. Cooking Power (Wattage)
Wattage tells you how fast the microwave heats food. Most microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food quicker. Look for a microwave that has different power levels. This helps you cook delicate foods without burning them.
5. Features and Presets
Many microwaves have helpful presets. These are buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes. Some have sensor cooking. This means the microwave senses how much moisture is in the food and cooks it perfectly. Others have convection cooking. This is like a small oven that can roast or bake.
Important Materials
The outside of the microwave is usually made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. It can be a bit more expensive. Coated metal is cheaper but can scratch. The inside is usually a non-stick enamel or stainless steel. Stainless steel is very durable. Enamel is easy to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better:
- Stronger fan (higher CFM) for better ventilation.
- Ability to vent outside (external venting).
- Durable materials like stainless steel.
- Good cooking power (high wattage).
- Smart features like sensor cooking.
What Makes it Less Good:
- Weak fan (low CFM) that doesn’t clear smells.
- Only recirculating the air.
- Cheap materials that scratch easily.
- Low cooking power that takes a long time.
- Flimsy buttons or controls.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good venting microwave makes your kitchen a more pleasant place. When you’re frying bacon or searing steak, the smells can be strong. A powerful vent fan clears these smells quickly. This is great for people who love to cook or who have open-plan living spaces. You won’t have lingering cooking odors. It also helps keep your kitchen cleaner by removing grease and smoke.
For busy families, presets and sensor cooking save time. You can heat up meals quickly and easily. For those who like to bake, a convection option adds versatility. It means you can use your microwave for more than just reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is CFM and why is it important?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means the fan is stronger and removes smoke and smells better.
Q: Should I get a recirculating or external venting microwave?
A: External venting is better. It pushes smoke and smells outside your home. Recirculating microwaves just filter the air and send it back into the kitchen.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most microwaves are 27 or 30 inches wide. Check the height and depth too.
Q: What is the difference between wattage and cooking presets?
A: Wattage is the power of the microwave to heat food. Presets are buttons for specific foods that set the time and power for you.
Q: Can I install a microwave that vents outside if I don’t have a duct?
A: You may need to have a duct installed. Some microwaves can be converted to recirculating if external venting isn’t possible.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture in your food. It then adjusts the cooking time and power automatically for perfect results.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a good material. It looks nice, is easy to clean, and is very durable.
Q: How often should I clean the vent filters?
A: You should clean the vent filters regularly, usually once a month. This keeps the fan working well and prevents grease buildup.
Q: What is convection cooking on a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This bakes and roasts food more evenly, like a small oven.
Q: Can a venting microwave help with kitchen odors?
A: Yes, a good venting microwave with a strong fan can significantly reduce cooking odors in your kitchen.
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.