Imagine this: you’re cooking up a storm, the delicious aromas filling your kitchen, but then… smoke and steam start to take over. If your current kitchen setup leaves you battling airborne cooking messes, you’re not alone. Many kitchens feel incomplete without a powerful solution to clear the air, and that’s where the humble yet mighty Over The Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan And Light steps in.
Choosing the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. You need a microwave that heats your leftovers perfectly, an exhaust fan that actually sucks up grease and odors, and a light that illuminates your cooking space. But with so many features and brands, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure which one will truly make your kitchen life easier. We understand the frustration of buying an appliance that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a great Over The Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan And Light, focusing on the features that matter most for everyday cooking. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for and feel confident picking the right one for your home. Get ready to transform your cooking experience and say goodbye to smoky kitchens!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan And Light Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan And Light Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. With 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. interior, it handles everything from quick snacks to family meals with ease. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the integrated features make cooking simpler than ever.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-Watt Cooking: Heats and cooks food quickly and evenly.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Pre-programmed settings for popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and frozen breakfast take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Generous 1.9 Cu.Ft. Capacity: Fits larger dishes and multiple servings.
- Bright LED Cooktop Lighting: Illuminates your stovetop for safe and easy cooking below.
- Efficient 400-CFM Venting System: Removes smoke and odors from your kitchen with two fan speeds.
- Turntable On/Off Option: Gives you flexibility to cook larger, rectangular dishes.
- Convenient Features: Includes clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Instructions: While English instructions are available online, a physical copy included in the box would be helpful.
- Venting Noise: Some users might find the 400-CFM fan to be a bit loud on its higher setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a fantastic blend of power, capacity, and smart features to simplify your cooking routine. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for an efficient and user-friendly over-the-range microwave.
2. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for families and busy households. Plus, with this bundle, you get peace of mind thanks to an included 2-year extended protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and your kitchen look great.
What We Like:
- Huge 1.9 cu. ft. capacity fits all your cooking needs.
- Special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more a breeze.
- Steam clean interior makes cleanup super simple.
- Includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit right in the box.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan plus the full manufacturer’s warranty for extra security.
- GE USA authorized means you’re getting a trusted product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might be a tight fit for some smaller kitchens.
This GE microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and extended protection. You’ll love how easy it is to use and clean.
3. COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent Fan
Rating: 9.1/10
The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent Fan is a great addition to any kitchen. It combines a microwave and a vent hood into one appliance. This saves space above your stove. Its sleek black and stainless steel finish looks modern. It’s also RV friendly, making it versatile.
What We Like:
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and evenly. It has 10 power levels for precise cooking. The 1.34 cu. ft. capacity is generous for family meals.
- Integrated Range Hood: The powerful vent fan removes smoke, odors, and moisture from your cooking area. This keeps your kitchen air fresh and clean.
- Convenient Touch Presets: Easy-to-use touch presets make common tasks simple. Melt butter, soften ice cream, defrost food, or pop popcorn with just a touch.
- Sensor Reheat and Cook Mode: This smart feature detects when your food is perfectly cooked. It automatically shuts off, preventing overcooking.
- RV Friendly: Its compact size and efficient design make it suitable for recreational vehicles.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior dimensions are 23.8″ (W) x 16.1″ (D) x 17″ (H). Make sure it fits your cabinet space before buying.
This COSMO microwave offers powerful cooking and effective ventilation. It brings convenience and style to your kitchen.
4. GE PVM9005SJSS Profile 2.1 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9005SJSS Profile over-the-range microwave. This stainless steel beauty offers a huge 2.1 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. It comes with 10 different power levels, so you can cook everything just right. Plus, the sleek bottom control panel with an integrated handle makes it easy to use and looks great.
What We Like:
- Huge 2.1 cu. ft. capacity handles big meals.
- 10 power levels give you control for all your cooking needs.
- Bottom control with a built-in handle looks stylish and is easy to reach.
- You get a full manufacturer warranty PLUS a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind.
- It comes with a charcoal filter kit for recirculating air.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stainless steel finish might show fingerprints easily.
- This is a larger microwave, so make sure you have enough space above your range.
This GE Profile microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both great cooking features and excellent value with its extended warranty. You’ll love the convenience and power it brings to your cooking routine.
5. SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM Hood Vent
Rating: 9.3/10
The SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven is a game-changer for your kitchen. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a smart cooking hub designed to make your life easier. Its sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish looks great above any stovetop. This microwave packs a punch with powerful ventilation and smart features that let you control it with your voice or phone.
What We Like:
- The 550 CFM hood ventilation is super strong. It quickly gets rid of cooking smells and steam.
- You can control it with your voice using Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant. You can also use the SmartThings App to control it from anywhere.
- The wide LED light bar brightens your whole cooktop evenly.
- Sensor Cook automatically figures out the best cooking time for your food.
- It has a good 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for larger meals.
- The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel keeps it looking clean.
- Auto Connectivity syncs your microwave with your Samsung cooktop. The fan and light turn on and off automatically.
- 1100W power cooks food fast and thoroughly.
- The dual wide grease filter captures more grease and oil, making the hood work better.
- SmartThings Cooking helps you find recipes, plan meals, and even order groceries.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “anywhere” control requires a Wi-Fi connection and a compatible smart device.
- Auto Connectivity only works with compatible Samsung appliances.
- SmartThings Cooking features may require a subscription or additional setup.
This Samsung microwave oven is a smart and powerful addition to any kitchen. It offers convenience, efficiency, and advanced features that simplify cooking.
Choosing Your Perfect Over-the-Range Microwave: A Smarter Kitchen Upgrade
An over-the-range microwave is a fantastic way to save counter space. It’s a microwave, a vent, and a light all in one! This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
- Microwave Power (Wattage): More watts mean faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Ventilation Power (CFM): This is how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM is better for clearing smoke and smells. Aim for 300 CFM or more.
- Fan Speeds: Multiple fan speeds let you adjust the ventilation to how much cooking you’re doing.
- Light Brightness: A good under-microwave light helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop.
- Sensor Cooking: These settings automatically adjust cooking time and power for different foods.
- Turntable Size: Make sure it’s big enough for your plates.
- Control Panel: Easy-to-use buttons or a touch screen make a difference.
Important Materials
Most over-the-range microwaves have stainless steel exteriors. This is a popular choice because it looks modern and is easy to clean. Some models also have glass doors and control panels. The interior is usually made of enamel or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable but can be harder to clean. Enamel is easier to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- Build Quality: A sturdy build means the microwave will last longer. It shouldn’t feel flimsy.
- Quiet Operation: A loud fan or microwave can be annoying. Look for reviews that mention noise levels.
- Even Cooking: The microwave should heat food evenly.
- Effective Ventilation: The fan should really get rid of cooking smells and smoke.
- Durable Components: Buttons and doors should feel well-made.
What Can Make It Less Good?
- Cheap Plastic Parts: These can break easily.
- Weak Ventilation: If the fan isn’t strong, your kitchen will still smell like dinner.
- Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your food are frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: A complicated control panel makes it hard to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Over-the-range microwaves are perfect for busy families. You can quickly heat up leftovers or cook meals. The ventilation is a lifesaver when you’re frying or cooking strong-smelling foods. The light is very helpful for nighttime snacks or early morning cooking.
Imagine this: You’re making stir-fry. The fan pulls away the steam and delicious smells. You can see your pan clearly under the bright light. Then, you quickly reheat your rice in the microwave. It’s a true kitchen helper.
For smaller kitchens, this appliance is a game-changer. It gives you more counter space for prep work. It also keeps your stovetop clear.
Some people use it for more than just reheating. You can bake potatoes, steam vegetables, and even defrost meat. The sensor cooking features make these tasks much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-range microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to save counter space by combining a microwave, exhaust fan, and light into one appliance above your stove.
Q: How powerful should the exhaust fan be?
A: Look for a fan with at least 300 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) to effectively clear smoke and odors.
Q: What does CFM stand for?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for the exterior?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a popular choice because it looks good and is easy to wipe clean.
Q: What’s the difference between enamel and stainless steel interiors?
A: Enamel interiors are easier to clean, while stainless steel interiors are more durable.
Q: How do I know if the microwave will cook food evenly?
A: Check product reviews. Many reviews will mention if a microwave heats food unevenly.
Q: Are these microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be noisy, especially the fan. Reading reviews will help you find quieter models.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to automatically adjust the cooking time and power based on the food you’re heating.
Q: Can I replace my old range hood with an over-the-range microwave?
A: Yes, if you have the correct ducting in place or can install it. Some models recirculate air instead of venting outside.
Q: How much space is usually needed above my stove?
A: Most over-the-range microwaves need about 13 inches of clearance from the bottom of the microwave to the stovetop. Always check the specific model’s dimensions.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!