Ever feel like your kitchen air gets a little too… *interesting* after cooking? That lingering smell of last night’s stir-fry or the steam cloud from boiling pasta can be a real mood killer. You’re not alone! Many kitchens face this challenge, and that’s where the humble microwave with an exhaust fan steps in, promising a breath of fresh air.
But finding the *perfect* one can feel like a culinary quest in itself. Should it be powerful? Quiet? Does the size even matter? These questions can leave you scratching your head, and the wrong choice means dealing with smoky kitchens and less-than-ideal airflow for years to come. It’s a common problem that impacts your cooking experience every single day.
This guide is here to make that decision a breeze. We’ll break down what makes a great microwave with an exhaust fan, helping you understand the key features that matter most. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick a model that keeps your kitchen smelling fresh and your cooking enjoyable.
Our Top 5 Microwave With Exhaust Fan Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave With Exhaust Fan Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS Over the Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity and powerful cooking features. The sleek stainless steel design looks modern. This microwave makes cooking and meal prep much easier.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is spacious. It easily fits large dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable. This means you can cook bigger meals or heat up multiple items at once.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently. It has 10 different power levels. You can also use quick menus for common foods like popcorn and leftovers.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Need food fast? Press buttons 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes. This is perfect for a quick snack or reheating.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook at different power levels for different times. This helps food cook more evenly. For example, it can cook at 90% power then switch to 50% power automatically.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan: The powerful vent fan has two speeds. It effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen. The built-in light helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be a bit clearer on some of the advanced cooking settings.
- While powerful, the vent fan might not be strong enough for extremely smoky cooking situations.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience and power for everyday cooking needs.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CF-BK is a spacious and powerful over-the-range microwave that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze. Its large capacity and 1000-watt cooking power handle everything from quick snacks to family dinners. Plus, the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 12.4-inch turntable fit large dishes easily, making it great for families or entertaining.
- One-Touch Cooking: Six quick-cook menus, including popcorn, reheat, and defrost, simplify everyday cooking with just a touch.
- Speedy Cooking Options: The 1-3 minute power cook feature is perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set different power levels and times for a single cooking cycle, offering more control and better results.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 2-speed, 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and odors, and the light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Quick Menus: While there are six quick menus, some users might want more pre-set options for specific foods.
- Vent Fan Noise: Like many over-the-range microwaves, the vent fan can be a bit loud at its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a versatile and efficient appliance. It offers excellent features for its price point.
3. 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 powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. interior, perfect for families. It makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart auto-cooking features and efficient venting system.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: The 1000-watt heating power quickly cooks and reheats food. It has ten different power levels so you can get the perfect heat.
- Convenient Auto Menus: Easily cook popular items like popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, and frozen meals with pre-programmed settings.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: The LED lights under the microwave shine brightly on your stovetop, making it easier to see and cook.
- Efficient Venting: The 400 CFM fan quickly removes smoke and smells from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh.
- Flexible Cooking Space: The turntable can be turned off, letting you fit larger dishes and cookware inside.
- Easy to Use Features: A 30-second express cook button and a kitchen timer add extra convenience.
- Safety First: The child lock feature keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Venting Noise: Some users mention the fan can be a bit loud.
- Installation Complexity: While instructions are provided, installing an over-the-range microwave can be a bit tricky and might require professional help for some.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering a great balance of power, convenience, and features.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great above your stovetop. This microwave makes cooking a breeze with its smart touch panel and helpful auto cooking features.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature comes with 18 different auto menus. This means you can easily make things like popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato with just a few taps. It also has a defrost and soften function for cream cheese. This makes preparing meals much faster and simpler.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable inside can fit big items. You can easily heat up a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza without any problems.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you can adjust the heating for all your cooking needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It has adjustable fan speeds to quickly remove cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view of what you’re cooking on the burners below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customization options for very specific recipes.
- The user manual could be more detailed regarding some of the advanced settings for those who enjoy exploring all the features.
This Midea over-the-range microwave is a fantastic choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience, power, and a modern look to make your cooking experience better.
5. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers plenty of space for your meals. It’s a GE USA authorized product, meaning you get reliable quality. Plus, this bundle comes with a special 2-year extended protection plan for extra peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which keeps your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for cooking a variety of foods.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to heat up meals quickly.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and fits well in most kitchens.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan provides excellent value and security.
- A charcoal filter replacement is included to help keep your kitchen smelling clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- While it has convenience cooking, more advanced features might be desired by some users.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of capacity, style, and protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: A Microwave With an Exhaust Fan Buying Guide
Is your kitchen a battleground of cooking smells and steam? A microwave with an exhaust fan is your secret weapon! This handy appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It cooks your food and helps keep your kitchen fresh and clean. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Why a Microwave With an Exhaust Fan?
Imagine this: you’re cooking up some delicious garlic shrimp. Without an exhaust fan, that strong smell might linger for hours. A microwave with a built-in fan sucks up smoke, steam, and smells. It pushes them out of your kitchen, leaving the air clean. This is especially great for small kitchens or apartments where smells can spread easily.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Fan Speed and Power (CFM): This tells you how much air the fan can move. Look for a higher CFM number. It means the fan is stronger and will clear the air faster.
- Ventilation Type: Some microwaves vent upwards, others vent to the back or the side. Make sure it fits your kitchen setup. If you can’t vent outside, look for one with a charcoal filter that cleans the air and sends it back into the kitchen.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): This is how fast your food cooks. Higher wattage means quicker cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts.
- Size and Capacity: Measure the space where the microwave will go. Also, think about how much food you usually cook. Do you need a big microwave for family meals or a smaller one for snacks?
- Cooktop Lighting: A good light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stove. Some lights are brighter than others.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to use? Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens. Choose what feels comfortable for you.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean your microwave is.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is strong. It’s also easy to wipe clean. However, it can show fingerprints.
- Enamel Coating: This is often found on the inside. It’s smooth and simple to clean.
- Plastic: Some parts, like the control panel, might be made of plastic. Look for sturdy, good-quality plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a big difference in how well your microwave works.
- Fan Noise: Some fans can be quite loud. Check reviews to see if people complain about the noise. A quieter fan makes cooking more enjoyable.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a simple control panel is much easier to keep clean. Removable filters that can be washed are a plus.
- Build Quality: Does the microwave feel solid and well-made? A flimsy microwave won’t last as long.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Researching brands can give you peace of mind.
User Experience and Use Cases
These microwaves are super useful for many situations.
- Small Kitchens: If you don’t have space for a separate range hood, a microwave with an exhaust fan is perfect. It saves space and does two jobs.
- Apartment Living: Keep your apartment smelling fresh, even when you’re cooking up a storm.
- Busy Families: Quickly heat up meals and clear the air at the same time.
- Home Chefs: Get rid of cooking odors so you can enjoy the smell of your food, not just the fumes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is CFM?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the exhaust fan can move. A higher CFM means a stronger fan.
Q: Do I need to vent outside?
A: Not always. If you can’t vent outside, choose a microwave with a charcoal filter. This filter cleans the air and blows it back into your kitchen.
Q: How do I clean the exhaust fan filter?
A: Most filters are removable. You can usually wash them with soap and water. Always check your microwave’s manual for specific instructions.
Q: Are microwaves with exhaust fans noisy?
A: Some can be. It’s a good idea to read reviews to find out how noisy a specific model is before you buy.
Q: What size microwave should I get?
A: Measure your space first. Then, consider how much food you typically cook. Common sizes are 1.6 cubic feet, 2.0 cubic feet, and 2.2 cubic feet.
Q: Can I use the microwave and the exhaust fan at the same time?
A: Yes, you can. This is the main benefit! You can cook and clear the air all at once.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I need?
A: For most everyday cooking, 900 to 1000 watts is good. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: What if my kitchen doesn’t have a vent opening?
A: You’ll need a microwave that can recirculate air using a charcoal filter. Make sure it has this option.
Q: How often should I replace the charcoal filter?
A: It depends on how often you use the fan. Usually, you replace them every 6 to 12 months. Check your manual.
Q: Are these microwaves more expensive than regular microwaves?
A: They can be a little more expensive because they have the added fan and ventilation system. However, they offer great value by combining two appliances in one.
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!