Imagine this: you’re cooking up a storm, the delicious aromas filling your kitchen. But then, a cloud of smoke starts to rise. Where does it go? If you don’t have a good vent, it just hangs around, making your kitchen smell and feel less than fresh. That’s where an over-the-stove microwave with a built-in vent swoops in to save the day!
Choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. You want a microwave that heats your leftovers perfectly, but you also need it to be a powerful fan that sucks away grease and steam. It’s a lot to think about! Many people get stuck wondering if they need a strong fan, how much space they have, or what features are truly important. It can be overwhelming, and you might end up with a microwave that doesn’t quite do the job.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important features, explain how the vents work, and help you find an over-the-stove microwave that makes your kitchen a cleaner, more pleasant place to cook. Get ready to say goodbye to smoky kitchens and hello to fresh air!
Our Top 5 Over Stove Microwave With Vent Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Stove Microwave With Vent 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 great addition to any kitchen. It’s a 1.7 cubic feet microwave with a sleek stainless steel finish. This microwave offers 1000 watts of power, making it efficient for all your cooking needs. It also features a powerful vent fan to keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable handle large dishes easily.
- Quick Cooking Options: 6 one-touch auto cook menus and speedy 1-3 minute power cooking get meals ready fast.
- Versatile Power Levels: 10 different cooking power levels offer control for various foods.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Program two different cooking stages at once to save time.
- Effective Ventilation: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds removes smoke and smells.
- Built-in Light: An integrated light illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
- Stylish Design: The stainless steel finish looks modern and fits well in most kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- User Manual Clarity: Some users might find the instruction manual a bit complex for advanced features.
- Vent Fan Noise: While powerful, the vent fan can be a bit noisy on the higher setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering both convenience and performance. Its features make everyday cooking and meal prep much simpler.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
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 heating up family meals or cooking your favorite dishes. Its powerful 1000-watt output and 10 cooking levels make meal prep a breeze, while the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh. It’s a great addition for busy cooks.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable for even heating.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave heats food quickly and efficiently.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six convenient pre-set menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting simplify cooking.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Use the 1-3 minute settings for instant 100% power cooking.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Program two cooking power levels and times for perfect results every time.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan: A powerful, two-speed fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Integrated Light: The built-in light illuminates your stovetop for safe and easy cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While simple options are easy, mastering multi-stage cooking might take a little practice.
- Ventilation Noise: Some users may find the vent fan to be a bit noisy at its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic appliance that combines power, convenience, and essential kitchen features.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty is more than just a microwave; it’s a cooking companion. It offers convenience and style, making meal prep a breeze. Plus, this bundle includes an extended protection plan for your peace of mind.
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What We Like:
- It comes with a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra security.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is great for keeping your kitchen air fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for most of your cooking needs.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to heat up food or cook meals.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit snug for some over-the-range spaces.
- While it has convenience cooking, it might lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of functionality and protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s cooking capabilities.
4. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek and powerful Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty offers 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. interior, making it perfect for all your reheating and cooking needs. The intuitive screen touch control panel and sensor cooking features take the guesswork out of meal prep.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking with 10 power levels for precise control.
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking popular items like popcorn and pizza a breeze.
- A roomy 1.7 cu.ft. interior easily fits large dishes, and the turntable can be turned off for oddly shaped items.
- The 300 CFM venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface.
- Includes convenient features like a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock.
- Comes with a generous 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the overall dimensions (29.88″W x 15″D x 15.75″H) a bit large for smaller kitchens.
- While the venting is good, it may not be powerful enough for extremely heavy cooking.
This Empava microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, combining advanced features with user-friendly operation.
5. 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 great addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks sleek. This microwave helps you cook delicious meals quickly and easily.
What We Like:
- The one-touch auto cooking menu has 18 options. You can make popcorn, pizza, and even cook potatoes. It makes cooking simple.
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit big dishes like rotisserie chicken and 12-inch pizzas.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke. It has adjustable fan speeds to fit your needs.
- A bright cooktop light lets you see clearly while you’re cooking on the stove below.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use and understand.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit confusing.
- The installation process for over-the-range microwaves can be tricky for some DIYers.
This Midea microwave oven offers a great mix of convenience and power. It’s a solid choice for busy kitchens.
The Smart Kitchen Upgrade: Your Guide to Over-the-Stove Microwaves with Vents
Tired of your kitchen smelling like last night’s fish? An over-the-stove microwave with a vent is a game-changer! It cooks your food and whisks away steam and odors. This guide helps you find the perfect one.
Why Choose an Over-the-Stove Microwave with a Vent?
These microwaves save counter space. They also vent cooking smells and grease out of your kitchen. This keeps your kitchen fresh and clean.
Key Features to Look For
1. Venting Power (CFM)
This tells you how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM means stronger ventilation. Look for at least 200 CFM for good performance. Some models offer higher CFM for serious cooks.
2. Microwave Wattage
Wattage affects cooking speed. Most models are between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly. 1000 watts is a good middle ground.
3. Size and Capacity
Measure the space above your stove. Microwaves come in standard widths, usually 30 inches. Check the interior capacity too. A larger capacity fits bigger dishes.
4. Preset Cooking Options
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier. Some also have sensor cooking, which adjusts time and power automatically.
5. Lighting and Fan Speed Control
A good light helps you see your cooking surface. Adjustable fan speeds let you control ventilation. Look for multiple fan speeds.
Important Materials
Most over-the-stove microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Painted metal is a more budget-friendly option.
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
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Strong Vent Fan: A powerful fan removes smoke and smells effectively.
- Even Cooking: The microwave heats food consistently.
- Easy Controls: Buttons and menus are simple to understand and use.
- Durable Build: The appliance feels sturdy and well-made.
- Good Lighting: The cooktop light is bright and covers the entire stove.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal:
- Weak Vent Fan: Smells linger in the kitchen.
- Uneven Heating: Food is cooked in spots.
- Confusing Controls: It’s hard to figure out how to use it.
- Flimsy Construction: The microwave feels cheap.
- Poor Lighting: The cooktop is dark.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-stove microwave is perfect for busy families. You can reheat leftovers quickly while dinner cooks on the stove. It’s also great for small kitchens where space is limited. Home cooks appreciate the ventilation for keeping their kitchen fresh during cooking.
Imagine this: You’re frying bacon. The greasy smell fills the air. You turn on the microwave’s vent, and poof! The smell is gone. Then, you pop in some leftovers for lunch. It’s a two-in-one wonder!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is CFM, and why is it important for my over-the-stove microwave?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the vent fan can move. A higher CFM means the fan is stronger and better at removing smoke, grease, and odors from your kitchen.
Q: How much wattage do I need for my microwave?
A: Most microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster and more evenly. 1000 watts is a good balance for most needs.
Q: Can I install an over-the-stove microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves electrical work and mounting. Many people hire a professional to ensure it’s installed safely and correctly.
Q: What’s the difference between a recirculating and a vented microwave?
A: A vented microwave pushes air outside your home through a duct. A recirculating microwave cleans the air with filters and sends it back into the kitchen.
Q: How often should I clean the filters in my microwave vent?
A: You should clean or replace the filters regularly, usually every 1 to 3 months, depending on how often you use the vent. This keeps the fan working well.
Q: Will an over-the-stove microwave fit over any stove?
A: Most over-the-stove microwaves are designed to fit standard 30-inch ranges. Always measure the space above your stove and check the microwave’s dimensions before buying.
Q: What are sensor cooking options?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect steam or humidity released by food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results.
Q: How loud are these microwaves?
A: The fan noise can vary. Some models are quieter than others. Check product reviews for noise level information if this is important to you.
Q: Can I use the microwave and the stove at the same time?
A: Yes, you can. The microwave sits above the stove, so both can be used simultaneously. The vent helps clear the air from both appliances.
Q: What kind of warranty should I expect?
A: Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty, typically one year for parts and labor. Some may offer longer warranties on specific components like the magnetron.
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.