Ever felt like your kitchen is a smoky, greasy mess after cooking? You’re not alone. Choosing the right over-the-range microwave vent can be a real headache. There are so many types, and it’s tough to know which one will actually keep your air clean and your cabinets grease-free.
This decision is more important than you might think! A good vent protects your walls and ceiling from steam and smells, making your kitchen a more pleasant place to be. But picking the wrong one means dealing with lingering odors, greasy buildup, and maybe even not enough airflow. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what’s best for your home.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different kinds of over-range microwave vents and know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the options so you can confidently choose the perfect vent to keep your kitchen fresh and clean. Let’s dive in and make this decision easy!
Our Top 5 Over Range Microwave Venting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Range Microwave Venting Detailed Reviews
1. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek and powerful Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty offers a generous 1.7 cu.ft. interior, perfect for handling family-sized meals. Its intuitive screen touch control makes cooking a breeze, while the 1000 watts of power ensure quick and efficient heating. Plus, the built-in 300 CFM venting system keeps your kitchen fresh and clean.
What We Like:
- Effortless Cooking: Enjoy pre-programmed auto menus for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity easily fits large dishes, and the turntable can be turned off for oversized items.
- Powerful Ventilation: The two-speed, 300-CFM fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: Illuminate your cooking surface with the clear and bright LED lights.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
- Exceptional Warranty: A 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty provides peace of mind and shows confidence in its quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Color Options: Currently available only in silver stainless steel.
- Power Cord Length: The power cord length might be a consideration depending on your outlet location.
This Empava microwave combines style, functionality, and reliability, making it a smart addition to any modern kitchen.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave packs 1000 watts of power, making it a workhorse for all your cooking needs. Its sleek design fits perfectly above your stove, and with features like one-touch cooking and auto menus, preparing meals becomes a breeze. Plus, the built-in venting system helps keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- A 400 CFM two-speed venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface for better visibility.
- The turntable can be turned off, allowing you to cook larger dishes that might not fit on it.
- Includes a clock and kitchen timer for added convenience.
- 30-second express cooking gets your food ready in a flash.
- A child lock feature adds safety for households with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions might be a bit snug for very large casserole dishes, even with the turntable off.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more manual control over cooking times and power levels for specific recipes.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering a great blend of power, convenience, and helpful features. It makes meal prep faster and your kitchen environment cleaner.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition to any home. It’s designed for convenience and makes cooking a breeze. Plus, this bundle comes with a special 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. You’ll also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is important for keeping your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity holds plenty of food.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to heat meals.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan offers great value.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product, meaning quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- More specific information about the “convenience cooking controls” would be helpful.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and functionality for your kitchen. It’s a reliable choice for your everyday cooking needs.
4. GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek black microwave is not only a powerful cooking tool but also comes with an extended protection plan, giving you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- You get a fantastic bundle! It includes the microwave and a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack. This is on top of the regular manufacturer’s warranty.
- It has a generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, so you can heat up larger dishes easily.
- With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly.
- The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system is great. It removes smoke, steam, and odors, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
- You can turn the turntable On or Off. This is helpful for cooking certain dishes.
- Auto and time defrost features make thawing food simple and effective.
- Convenience cooking controls make operating the microwave quick and easy.
- Replacing the charcoal filter is simple. It’s located behind the door grille.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the protection plan is a huge plus, some users might prefer a longer standard warranty period.
- The black finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value with its large capacity, powerful performance, and excellent protection plan. It’s a solid choice for any kitchen.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Black, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CF-BK brings convenience and power to your kitchen. This large microwave is designed to fit over your stove, saving valuable counter space. It offers many features to make cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable. It handles any meal size with ease.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six quick menus, including Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost, make cooking simple. Just press a button!
- Speedy Cooking: Use the 1, 2, or 3 buttons for 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes. This is perfect for quick snacks or heating up leftovers.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook at different power levels for different times. For example, it can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes. This helps food cook evenly.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The strong vent fan removes cooking smells and smoke effectively. The built-in light shines brightly on your stovetop, making it easier to cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Cooking Levels: While it has 10 power levels, the quick menus only cover a few common tasks. More specialized auto-cook options could be helpful.
- Vent Fan Noise: Some users might find the vent fan to be a bit loud at its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering ample space and powerful cooking capabilities. Its smart features and efficient venting system make it a great choice for busy households.
Choosing the Best Over-the-Range Microwave Venting
Over-the-range microwaves are super handy. They cook your food and also help clear out smoky kitchen air. But how do they do that? They use a venting system. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Why Venting Matters
When you cook, especially with lots of steam or grease, your kitchen can get messy. A good venting system sucks up that smoke, steam, and smells. It then pushes them outside your house or filters them. This keeps your kitchen cleaner and fresher. It also protects your cabinets from grease buildup.
Key Features to Look For
1. Airflow Power (CFM)
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This number tells you how much air the vent can move. A higher CFM means it can clear the air faster. For most kitchens, a CFM between 300 and 400 is good. If you cook a lot of greasy foods or have a big kitchen, you might want a higher CFM.
2. Venting Options
- Ducted Venting: This is the best option. It pushes air directly outside your home through a duct. It’s very effective at removing smoke and smells.
- Recirculating (Ductless) Venting: This option doesn’t go outside. It uses filters to clean the air and then blows it back into the kitchen. It’s easier to install but not as good at removing strong odors or grease.
3. Filter Type and Ease of Cleaning
Filters catch grease and particles. Metal mesh filters are common. They are usually washable. Some microwaves have charcoal filters for recirculating systems. These need to be replaced over time. Look for filters that are easy to remove and clean. This makes maintenance much simpler.
4. Noise Level
Microwave vents can be loud. Check the decibel (dB) rating if noise is a concern. Lower dB numbers mean a quieter fan. Some models have multiple fan speeds, so you can use a lower, quieter speed for light cooking.
5. Lighting
Most over-the-range microwaves have lights to illuminate your stovetop. Some offer bright LED lights. Others have dimmer options. Consider how much light you need for cooking.
Important Materials
The housing of the microwave is usually made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. It resists rust and fingerprints. The fan and ducting are typically made of metal. Good quality metal ensures the system lasts longer and doesn’t rattle.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Stronger Motors: A powerful motor helps the fan move more air efficiently.
- Well-Designed Ducts: Smooth, properly sized ducts allow for better airflow.
- Effective Filters: High-quality filters capture more grease and odors.
- Quiet Operation: Advanced fan designs can reduce noise.
Reducing Quality:
- Weak Motors: These can’t move enough air, leaving your kitchen smelling smoky.
- Poorly Made Filters: Cheap filters don’t catch much and need frequent replacement.
- Noisy Fans: A loud fan can be annoying, especially during cooking.
- Plastic Parts: Some internal parts made of plastic might not last as long.
User Experience and Use Cases
When you use an over-the-range microwave with good venting, your kitchen stays clean and fresh. You can cook anything without worrying about lingering smells. For example, if you fry bacon, the vent quickly clears the smoky air. If you boil pasta, it removes the steam. People who love to cook or entertain will find good venting essential. It makes the whole cooking process more enjoyable.
For those with recirculating vents, remember to clean or replace filters regularly. This keeps the system working well. For ducted systems, make sure the ductwork is properly installed. This ensures maximum efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is CFM, and why is it important for microwave venting?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the vent fan can move. A higher CFM means it removes smoke and smells faster. You need enough CFM for your kitchen size and cooking habits.
Q: What’s the difference between ducted and ductless venting?
A: Ducted venting pushes air outside your home through a pipe. Ductless (recirculating) venting uses filters to clean the air and blows it back into the kitchen. Ducted is more effective.
Q: How often should I clean or replace my microwave vent filters?
A: It depends on how often you cook. For metal filters, clean them monthly. For charcoal filters in ductless systems, replace them every 3-6 months.
Q: How can I tell if my microwave vent is working properly?
A: You should feel air being pulled into the vent when the fan is on. If you don’t feel strong suction, or if smells linger, it might not be working well.
Q: Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
A: Installing an over-the-range microwave can be tricky. It involves electrical work and mounting it securely. If you’re not experienced, it’s best to hire a professional.
Q: What’s a good noise level for a microwave vent?
A: Lower is better. Look for a decibel (dB) rating below 60 dB for quieter operation. Some high-powered vents might be a bit louder.
Q: Does the type of food I cook affect the venting I need?
A: Yes. Greasy foods, strong spices, and lots of frying create more smoke and odors. These require a higher CFM vent for effective clearing.
Q: How long do microwave vent filters typically last?
A: Metal mesh filters can last for years if cleaned regularly. Charcoal filters for recirculating systems need replacement every few months.
Q: What are the benefits of LED lighting on a microwave vent?
A: LED lights are energy-efficient and provide bright, clear light over your stovetop. They last longer than traditional bulbs.
Q: Can I convert a ducted vent to a ductless one, or vice versa?
A: Some microwaves are designed for both. You might need to purchase a conversion kit. Check your microwave’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
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.