Imagine a kitchen where your microwave doesn’t just heat up leftovers, but also helps keep your air fresh and clean. Sounds pretty neat, right? That’s the magic of a microwave hood combination, a clever appliance that does double duty in your cooking space.
But let’s be honest, picking out the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks food well, looks good, and actually cleans the air effectively. It’s easy to get lost trying to figure out which features matter most and what will fit your kitchen and your budget. You might be wondering if it’s really worth it, or if a separate microwave and range hood are better.
This post is here to clear the air! We’ll break down what makes a great microwave hood combination, what to look for, and how to find the one that’s just right for your home. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about making a smart choice.
Our Top 5 Microwave Hood Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Hood Combination Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers a spacious interior and smart features to make cooking a breeze. Plus, it comes with a fantastic protection plan for added peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Extended Protection: You get a full manufacturer’s warranty PLUS an extra 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Plan. That’s a lot of coverage!
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size is big enough to heat family-sized meals or cook multiple items at once.
- Melting Made Easy: The special melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and more. No more burnt messes!
- Simple Cleaning: The interior features steam clean technology. Just add water and let it do the work to remove tough splatters.
- Complete Package: This bundle includes the microwave, a recirculating charcoal filter kit, and the extended protection plan. It’s everything you need to get started.
- Stylish Design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: While the product itself is great, remember that over-the-range microwaves often require professional installation.
- Specific Cooking Presets: While it has a melt feature, some users might prefer more pre-programmed cooking options for specific foods.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value with its large capacity, easy-to-use features, and superior protection plan. It’s a smart addition that will serve your kitchen well.
2. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave offers powerful cooking and a large capacity, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: It has 1000 watts of power. This means your food cooks quickly and evenly. It’s perfect for families on the go.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: The 1.7 cubic feet of space is generous. You can fit large dishes or multiple items inside.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COOKING: It comes with special settings for vegetables, snacks, and even potatoes. Auto cook options make cooking simple.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: Defrosting meat or other frozen items is easy. You can use time or weight settings.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: The Quick +30 seconds button is very handy. The melt and soften features are great for butter or chocolate.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: This feature keeps little hands safe. It prevents accidental starts.
- USER-FRIENDLY ADDITIONS: An LED timer helps you keep track of cooking times. The vent fan and stovetop light are also useful.
- VOLUME CONTROL: You can adjust the sound of the microwave alerts. This lets you set it to your preference.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Installing it over the range saves valuable counter space. It also gives your kitchen a clean, modern look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some advanced features.
- While powerful, some users might find the initial learning curve for all the cooking modes a bit steep.
This Farberware microwave oven is a powerful and space-saving solution for your kitchen needs. It offers a great balance of features and performance for everyday cooking.
3. COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent Fan
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek black and stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.34 cu. ft. capacity and a powerful 1000 watts of cooking power. It fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space and helping to keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000 watts of cooking power ensures quick and efficient meals.
- 1.34 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized portions with ease.
- Integrated vent fan effectively removes smoke, odors, and moisture from your kitchen.
- Convenient touch presets simplify common cooking tasks like melting, softening, and defrosting.
- Sensor Reheat and Cook Mode automatically detects when food is ready, preventing overcooking.
- The RV-friendly design makes it a versatile option for mobile living.
- The 24-inch size fits standard over-the-range spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity for very large meals.
- The exterior dimensions are important to check for exact fit in your kitchen.
The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both powerful performance and smart features. It’s a great choice for simplifying your cooking and improving your kitchen environment.
4. GASLAND 30 Inch Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The GASLAND 30 Inch Over the Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and versatile addition to any kitchen. This 1.9 cu.ft. stainless steel microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power with 11 different levels, giving you control over how you heat your food. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, making your kitchen feel more open and organized. Plus, it doubles as a ventilation hood, helping to keep your air fresh while you cook.
What We Like:
- Precise Cooking: With 11 power levels and multi-stage cooking, you can get the perfect results for any dish.
- Easy One-Touch Cooking: The 9 preset options and 30-second add-on feature make cooking quick and simple, even for beginners.
- Efficient Ventilation: The 400 CFM fan quietly removes cooking odors, and the LED lights brightly illuminate your stovetop.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.9 cu.ft. capacity and removable rack allow you to cook larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
- Flexible Turntable: You can turn the turntable on or off, giving you more control over how your food is heated.
- Space-Saving Design: It combines a microwave and a range hood, freeing up counter space and improving kitchen airflow.
What Could Be Improved:
- Control Panel Film: While noted, users might forget to peel off the protective film on the control panel, causing initial confusion.
This GASLAND microwave is a smart choice for busy families who want convenience and functionality in their kitchen. It simplifies cooking and keeps your kitchen environment pleasant.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cu. ft. microwave packs a powerful 1000W punch, making it ideal for busy households. Its sleek black design saves valuable counter space and adds a modern touch to your cooking area.
What We Like:
- It has a strong 1000W cooking power for fast and even heating.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is large enough for big meals and dishes.
- You can cook many different foods with its auto cook and special programs, like for vegetables and potatoes.
- Defrosting is easy with time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften feature are super handy.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out of harm’s way.
- It includes a bright LED display, a useful vent fan, and a stovetop light.
- You can adjust the volume of the alerts.
- Mounting it over the range saves counter space and looks great.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit complex.
- The exterior can show fingerprints easily, requiring frequent wiping.
This Farberware microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It’s a great way to make cooking and reheating meals faster and easier.
Microwave Hood Combination: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Microwave hood combinations are super handy appliances. They save space by combining a microwave and a vent hood into one unit. This makes them perfect for smaller kitchens or for anyone who wants a cleaner look. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave hood combination, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster and more even cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food you can fit inside. Smaller families might be fine with 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet. Larger families might need 1.6 cubic feet or more.
- Ventilation Power (CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute): This is how well the hood pulls smoke and smells out of your kitchen. For most stovetops, 150-300 CFM is good. If you do a lot of heavy cooking, you might want 300 CFM or higher.
- Sensor Cooking: These features automatically adjust cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. This helps prevent over or undercooking.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates your food for even heating. Some models let you turn it off if you need to fit larger dishes.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating leftovers.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave hood combination affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for both the interior and exterior. It looks sleek and modern. Stainless steel is also pretty tough.
- Plastic: Some interior parts and control panels are made of plastic. Look for durable, heat-resistant plastic that won’t warp or scratch easily.
- Glass: The turntable is usually made of glass. It’s easy to clean and safe for microwave use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave hood combination better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built unit feels solid. Doors should open and close smoothly. Buttons should have a good feel. Cheaply made units might feel flimsy.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and removable parts make cleaning much easier. Non-stick interiors are a big plus. Hard-to-reach nooks and crannies can be annoying.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Some models are quieter than others. Check reviews for feedback on noise.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Researching brands can help you avoid lemons.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product. Look for at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a microwave hood combination is generally straightforward. They are designed to be user-friendly.
- Everyday Cooking: You’ll use it to reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or heat up drinks.
- Quick Meals: It’s great for making a quick snack or a simple lunch.
- Ventilation: The hood part is essential. It sucks up steam, smoke, and cooking odors. This keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Space Saving: For apartments or small homes, this appliance is a lifesaver. It gives you a microwave and a vent without taking up extra counter space.
- Easy Installation: Most are designed to be installed above your range. This usually requires some basic DIY skills or a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a microwave hood combination?
A: The main benefit is that it saves space by combining two appliances into one. It also keeps your kitchen looking neat.
Q: How much power should the vent hood have?
A: For most cooking, 150-300 CFM is good. If you cook a lot, aim for 300 CFM or higher.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a good choice. It looks nice and is usually easy to clean.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking helps your microwave cook food perfectly. It senses the food’s moisture and adjusts the time and power automatically.
Q: How do I know if the microwave capacity is right for me?
A: Consider how many people are in your household. Smaller families might need 1.0-1.5 cubic feet, while larger families might need 1.6 cubic feet or more.
Q: Are microwave hood combinations noisy?
A: Some can be noisy. It’s a good idea to check product reviews for comments on the noise level.
Q: What does CFM stand for?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the vent hood can move.
Q: Can I remove the turntable in my microwave?
A: Many models allow you to turn off or remove the turntable. This is useful for fitting larger dishes.
Q: What is the typical warranty for these appliances?
A: Most come with at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Always check the specific warranty details.
Q: Are these appliances hard to install?
A: They are usually installed over a range. Some people can install them themselves, but many hire a professional.
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!