Imagine this: you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen, and the delicious aromas are filling the air. But then, that greasy smoke starts to creep towards the ceiling, and the lingering smells just won’t go away. Sound familiar? For many home cooks, this is a common kitchen woe.
Choosing an over-the-range microwave with a vent might seem like a simple task, but it can quickly become confusing. You want something that cooks your food perfectly, but you also need it to clear the air effectively. Finding that balance, while also fitting your budget and kitchen style, can feel like a puzzle.
That’s where we come in! This post will break down everything you need to know about over-the-range microwaves with vents. We’ll help you understand what makes them tick, what features really matter, and how to pick the one that’s just right for your home. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen.
Our Top 5 Over Range Microwave With Vent Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Range Microwave With Vent Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.3/10
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 for quick cooking. It makes meal prep a breeze with its smart auto-cooking features and a strong venting system to keep your kitchen fresh.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for lots of common foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and even frozen dinners.
- The 1000-watt power and ten settings cook food fast and evenly.
- The 30-second express cook button is super handy for quick reheating.
- Bright LED lights under the microwave illuminate your stovetop, making cooking easier.
- The 400-CFM venting fan quickly removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is great for cooking large dishes or when you need to fit something oddly shaped.
- It has a child lock to keep little hands safe.
- The large 1.9 cu.ft capacity fits plenty of food.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation instructions are available online, some users might prefer a physical manual included in the box.
- The “one touch” feature is great, but exploring all the auto-cook options might take a little time to learn.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience and power to simplify your cooking tasks.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek and powerful BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty is more than just a microwave; it’s your kitchen’s new best friend, ready to tackle any cooking task with ease. Its generous size means you can heat up family-sized meals or prepare a feast for friends. Plus, the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh, making cooking a more enjoyable experience.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cubic feet capacity easily fits larger dishes and multiple servings.
- It offers 10 different cooking power levels, including helpful presets for popcorn, beverages, and defrosting.
- Speedy cooking options let you heat food for 1, 2, or 3 minutes with just one touch.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time and effort.
- The 300 CFM vent fan with a light efficiently removes cooking smells and provides good lighting over your stovetop.
- Its stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for the multi-stage cooking a bit tricky.
- The vent fan, while effective, could be quieter for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both style and serious cooking power. It makes preparing meals faster and easier, from quick snacks to full dinners.
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 comes with a special 2-year extended protection plan. It’s designed for easy cooking and features convenient controls. Plus, it includes a charcoal filter replacement, so you can keep your kitchen smelling fresh. This microwave is a smart addition to any home.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Convenience cooking buttons make meal prep simple.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- The controls, while convenient, might take a little time to get used to for some users.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and functionality. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to improve their kitchen.
4. 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 fantastic addition to any kitchen. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave boasts a powerful 1000-watt output, making it capable of handling all your cooking and reheating needs with ease. Its sleek white design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space. Plus, the built-in vent fan and light make it a true all-in-one appliance.
What We Like:
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits big dishes and meals.
- The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even cooking and heating.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food quickly.
- One-touch auto cooking with 6 handy presets simplifies meal prep.
- Speedy cooking options let you microwave for 1, 2, or 3 minutes at full power.
- Multi-stage cooking allows you to set different power levels for one cooking cycle.
- The 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The integrated light illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit loud for some users.
- The control panel could be more intuitive for first-time users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a powerful and convenient appliance. It simplifies cooking with its smart features and keeps your kitchen fresh with its effective vent system.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.1/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It offers a large capacity and smart features that make cooking a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design fits well in most kitchens.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature is amazing. It comes with 18 Auto Menus. You can easily cook popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food. It also softens cream cheese and cooks rice and potatoes perfectly. You can make delicious meals quickly and without fuss.
- It has a generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable fits large items. You can easily heat up a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power, it heats food quickly. It offers 10 power levels. This lets you adjust the heating for different foods and recipes.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It has adjustable fan speeds. It effectively clears your kitchen of cooking smells and smoke.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view while you cook.
- The Smart Touch Panel is easy to use. It makes selecting cooking options simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit confusing. Instructions could be clearer for absolute beginners.
- While the ventilation is strong, the fan can be a little noisy on its highest setting.
This Midea over-the-range microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It combines convenience, power, and useful features to simplify your cooking experience.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: Over-the-Range Microwaves with Vents
An over-the-range microwave with a vent is a super handy appliance. It cooks your food and helps clear out cooking smells and steam. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep an eye out for these important things:
- **Cooking Power (Wattage):** Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with at least 900 watts. Some go up to 1200 watts.
- **Ventilation Power:** This is how strong the fan is. It’s measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A higher CFM clears out smoke and smells better. Aim for 300 CFM or more.
- **Size and Capacity:** Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove. Most are around 30 inches wide. The inside capacity is measured in cubic feet. A 1.7 cubic foot microwave is a good size for most families.
- **Convection Cooking:** Some microwaves can bake and roast like a regular oven. This is called convection cooking. It’s a great feature for more cooking options.
- **Sensor Cooking:** This feature senses how much moisture is in your food. It then adjusts the cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- **Ease of Cleaning:** Look for a microwave with a smooth interior. A non-stick coating makes cleaning much easier.
- **Lighting:** A good cooktop light is important. It helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove below.
Important Materials
Most over-the-range microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or enamel-coated steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also pretty durable. Enamel-coated steel is more budget-friendly. It can be a good choice too.
The interior is usually made of enamel or stainless steel. Enamel is easy to clean. Stainless steel is very durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality microwaves often have:
- **Stronger motors for the fan:** This means better ventilation.
- **Better heating elements:** This leads to more even cooking.
- **More durable construction:** The appliance will last longer.
- **Quieter operation:** A noisy microwave can be annoying.
Things that can reduce quality include:
- **Weak fan motors:** The vent won’t work as well.
- **Cheap plastic parts:** These can break easily.
- **Uneven cooking:** Food might not cook properly.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-range microwave is perfect for busy kitchens.
- **Quick meals:** Heat up leftovers or cook frozen dinners fast.
- **Steaming vegetables:** Many models have steam functions.
- **Ventilation:** It clears smoke, grease, and cooking smells from your kitchen. This keeps your air fresh.
- **Saving space:** It combines two appliances into one. This frees up counter space.
Using one is simple. You place your food inside, select the cooking time and power, and press start. The vent fan can be turned on separately. You can choose different fan speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of an over-the-range microwave with a vent?
A: The most important features are cooking power (wattage) and ventilation power (CFM). Good wattage cooks food well. Good CFM clears out kitchen smells and steam.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most are 30 inches wide. You also need to check the height and depth.
Q: What does CFM mean?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means the fan is stronger.
Q: Can an over-the-range microwave replace my oven?
A: Some models have convection cooking. These can bake and roast. But they are not a full replacement for a large oven.
Q: How do I clean an over-the-range microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Some have removable racks that can be washed. Clean the filter regularly.
Q: What is the difference between a recirculating vent and an external vent?
A: An external vent blows air outside your home. A recirculating vent filters the air and blows it back into the kitchen.
Q: How much noise should I expect from the fan?
A: Fans make some noise. Higher CFM fans can be louder. Look for reviews that mention noise levels.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints. You can use a special cleaner for stainless steel to keep it looking good.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam. It then automatically sets the cooking time and power for your food.
Q: Where can I find the dimensions of a microwave?
A: The dimensions are usually listed on the product page online or on the packaging. You can also find them in the owner’s manual.
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.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!