Imagine your kitchen. You want it to be both stylish and super useful, right? But sometimes, fitting everything you need into your kitchen space can feel like a puzzle. Especially when you’re trying to add a microwave and a vent hood without taking up too much room. It can be tricky to find a solution that looks good and works perfectly.
That’s where the microwave hood combo comes in! These clever appliances do double duty, saving you precious counter and cabinet space. But with so many different kinds available, figuring out which one is best for your home can feel a little overwhelming. You might be wondering about size, power, or even how well it actually vents. We get it, and we’re here to help!
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about microwave hood combos. We’ll explore what makes a great one, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to pick the perfect fit for your kitchen. Get ready to discover how this one appliance can make a big difference!
Our Top 5 Microwave Hood Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Hood Combo Detailed Reviews
1. 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
This GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers ample space for your cooking needs and comes with a great protection plan. It’s designed to make your daily cooking easier and more convenient.
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What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, so you know it’s good quality.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan, which is a really good deal.
- It also includes a charcoal filter replacement, so your microwave stays fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is a good size for most families.
- It has convenient cooking controls that are easy to figure out.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in your kitchen.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are listed as 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, which might be a bit confusing as depth is usually the largest measurement.
This bundle offers great value with the microwave and the extended protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable over-the-range microwave.
2. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu. Ft. – 1000W – Auto Reheat, Multi-Stage Cooking, Melt/Soften Feature, Child Safety Lock, LED Display – Space Efficient & Powerful – Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a blend of power and convenience, making cooking and reheating a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design also adds a touch of modern style to your cooking space.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and evenly with its 1000W power.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. size is generous, fitting large dishes easily.
- It has many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- Defrosting is smart, working by time or weight.
- You can add 30 seconds instantly or gently melt and soften foods.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- It includes a helpful LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light.
- You can adjust the sound of the alerts.
- Mounting it over the range saves counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some of the advanced features.
- The vent fan’s highest setting is a bit loud.
This microwave oven is a powerful and smart choice for busy households. It simplifies meal preparation and fits perfectly into your kitchen.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven in stainless steel is a kitchen workhorse. It brings convenience and power to your cooking space, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly above your range.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus makes cooking simple. You can easily make popcorn, bake a potato, or even soften cream cheese.
- It boasts a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable easily fits large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of cooking power and 10 power levels, you have control over your heating needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke. Its adjustable fan speeds handle different needs.
- A bright cooktop light shines down, giving you a clear view of your stovetop while you cook.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use and understand.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many auto menus, some users might want even more specialized options.
- The installation might require a bit of DIY skill or professional help for some.
This Midea microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a great blend of features and performance, making everyday cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a large capacity and powerful performance to make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes thanks to its 12.4-inch turntable. It’s great for cooking family meals or heating up leftovers.
- Convenient Auto Cooking: With 1000 watts of power and 10 cooking levels, this microwave simplifies meal prep. Six quick menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting are readily available.
- Speedy Options: Need food fast? Use the 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes with just a press of a button (1, 2, or 3).
- Smart Cooking: Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle. This saves you time and ensures your food cooks perfectly.
- Powerful Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan has two speeds to effectively remove cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. An under-microwave light illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functions are easy, mastering multi-stage cooking might take a little practice.
- Ventilation Noise: Some users might find the 300 CFM fan to be a bit noisy at its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, combining powerful features with user-friendly operation. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their cooking experience.
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.4/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.8 cu. ft. of cooking space, perfect for family-sized meals. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and efficiently. Plus, features like a child lock and powerful 300 CFM ventilation make it both safe and functional.
What We Like:
- Bright LED lighting illuminates your cooktop, making meal prep easier.
- The interior LED light stays on while your food cooks, so you can easily check its progress.
- Its extra-large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity fits big dishes, even a 13″ x 9″ baking pan.
- One-touch cooking buttons simplify common tasks like baking potatoes or popping popcorn.
- The zero-clearance door opens to a 90° angle without hitting nearby cabinets.
- Two fan speeds provide effective ventilation, doubling as a range hood.
- A large 12-1/2″ glass turntable ensures even cooking for all your dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stainless steel finish can show fingerprints easily and requires regular cleaning.
- While powerful, the 300 CFM ventilation might not be sufficient for very heavy cooking fumes.
This Frigidaire microwave offers great value with its spacious interior and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for convenience and performance.
Microwave Hood Combos: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? A microwave hood combo is a smart choice. It saves space and adds a sleek look. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What is a Microwave Hood Combo?
A microwave hood combo is a kitchen appliance that does two jobs. It’s a microwave. It’s also a vent hood. It sits right over your stove. This saves counter space. It also helps clear smoke and smells from your cooking.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwave hood combos come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove first. Make sure the combo will fit. Think about how much food you usually cook. For a big family, you’ll need a larger one. A smaller one is fine for one or two people.
2. Wattage and Cooking Power
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts. This is good for most everyday tasks.
3. Venting Options
Some combos vent outside. Others recirculate air back into the kitchen. Venting outside is best for removing smoke and smells. If you can’t vent outside, choose one with good charcoal filters for recirculating.
4. Sensor Cooking
Sensor cooking is a great feature. It detects moisture. It adjusts cooking time and power for you. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking food.
5. Turntable or No Turntable
Most microwaves have a turntable. It spins food around. This cooks food more evenly. Some newer models have flatbeds. They offer more usable space. Both work well.
6. Control Panel
Control panels can be simple buttons or touch screens. Touch screens look modern. Buttons are often easier to use. Choose what feels best for you.
Important Materials
Most microwave hood combos have stainless steel exteriors. Stainless steel looks nice. It’s also durable. Some models might have glass or plastic parts. Stainless steel is usually the best choice for the main body.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Combo Great?
- Good airflow for the vent hood.
- Even cooking from the microwave.
- Easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Quiet operation.
- Reliable brand.
What Can Make a Combo Less Good?
- Weak fan power.
- Uneven heating in the microwave.
- Hard-to-use controls.
- Lots of noise.
- Parts that break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a microwave hood combo is easy. You can reheat leftovers. You can cook quick meals. You can use it to melt butter or steam vegetables. The vent hood clears the air while you cook on the stove. It’s perfect for small kitchens. It’s also great for people who want a clean, uncluttered look. Families love the convenience. Busy individuals appreciate the time-saving features.
Imagine cooking dinner. You’re frying chicken on the stove. You turn on the vent hood. Smoke and smells disappear. Then, you pop some popcorn in the microwave for a snack. It’s all in one place!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know what size microwave hood combo to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Also, think about how much food you cook. Most standard sizes fit most stoves.
Q: Is a microwave hood combo as good as a separate microwave and vent hood?
A: For most people, yes. They offer similar features. They save space, which is a big plus.
Q: How powerful should the vent hood fan be?
A: Look for CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings. Higher CFM means stronger airflow. For most kitchens, 300-400 CFM is good.
Q: Do I need special installation for a microwave hood combo?
A: Yes, it’s best to have a professional install it. They ensure it’s safely mounted and properly vented.
Q: How do I clean a microwave hood combo?
A: Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Clean the inside of the microwave with mild soap and water. The filter in the vent hood needs cleaning too. Check your manual for specific instructions.
Q: Can I use metal in my microwave hood combo?
A: Generally, no. Metal can cause sparks. Stick to microwave-safe dishes like glass or ceramic.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture. It automatically sets the cooking time and power for you. It helps make sure food is cooked perfectly.
Q: How often should I replace the charcoal filters?
A: This depends on how often you use the vent hood. Usually, every 3-6 months is recommended. Check your user manual.
Q: Are microwave hood combos noisy?
A: Some can be. Look for models that mention quiet operation. Reading reviews can also give you an idea of noise levels.
Q: What’s the difference between recirculating and external venting?
A: External venting blows air outside your home. Recirculating vents filter the air and send it back into the kitchen. External venting is more effective at removing smoke and odors.
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!