Imagine this: you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen, the delicious aromas filling the air. But then, a puff of smoke drifts towards the ceiling. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably dreaming of a kitchen that stays fresh and clean while you cook. That’s where the magic of an over-the-stove microwave with a vent comes in!
Choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. There are so many types, and each one promises to be the best. You want a microwave that heats your food perfectly, but you also need it to be a powerful fan that sucks up smoke and smells. It’s tough to figure out which features really matter and which ones are just extra bells and whistles. We get it – it’s a big decision for your kitchen.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll be a pro. We’ll break down what to look for, from fan power to cooking settings, so you can pick the perfect over-the-stove microwave. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen smells and hello to a cleaner, more enjoyable cooking space!
Our Top 5 Over Stove Microwave With Vent Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Stove Microwave With Vent Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is perfect for busy households. It fits right over your stove, saving counter space. The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. It cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is spacious. It easily fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable. This makes cooking for your family a breeze.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food fast. It has 6 one-touch auto cooking programs. These include options for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting.
- Speedy Cooking: Need food fast? Press the numbers 1, 2, or 3. This starts the microwave at 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook in stages. For example, it can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes. This helps cook food perfectly.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The strong 2-speed vent fan clears cooking smells and smoke. It has a powerful suction. A built-in light shines down on your stovetop for better visibility while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The multi-stage cooking feature can be a little tricky to set up at first.
- The vent fan, while powerful, can be a bit loud on its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers great features for its price. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for efficiency and style.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a large capacity, powerful cooking, and helpful ventilation. This microwave makes cooking and meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is roomy enough for big meals and has a 12.4-inch turntable that fits many dishes.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Convenient One-Touch Cooking: Six quick menus like Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, and Defrost make everyday cooking simple.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set it to cook at different power levels and times in one go, saving you time.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan: The strong, two-speed fan clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- Built-in Light: An integrated light shines down on your stovetop, making it easier to cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are quite large, so measure your space carefully before buying.
- While it has many features, the interface might take a little getting used to for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy cooks who want convenience and performance. It’s a great all-around appliance for your kitchen.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.2/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel is a great addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating meals super easy and fast. This microwave has a modern look with its stainless steel finish and a handy touch panel for controls.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto-cook menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato with just one touch.
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity fits big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can adjust the power level from 1 to 10, giving you 1000W of cooking power for different needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation fan is strong. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
- The smart touch panel is easy to understand and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some of the more advanced features.
- While the ventilation is strong, some users might prefer even more speed options.
This Midea microwave oven offers a lot of convenience and power for its price. It’s a solid choice for busy households that want to simplify meal preparation.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack offers a great way to upgrade your kitchen. This bundle makes cooking easier and gives you peace of mind with an extended warranty. It’s a smart addition for busy households.
What We Like:
- You get a GE USA AUTHORIZED product.
- It comes with a 2-year extended protection plan. This is extra!
- It includes a charcoal filter replacement for the microwave.
- The microwave has a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity. This is a good size for many meals.
- It has convenient cooking controls. They are easy to understand and use.
- The stainless steel finish looks very nice in any kitchen.
- The bundle includes the microwave and the 2-year premium extended service protection plan.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are listed as 13″D x 16″W x 9″H for the microwave. It’s important to check if this fits your space.
This GE microwave bundle is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable appliance with added protection. It simplifies cooking and provides long-term value.
5. GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in classic white. This microwave is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a bundle designed for peace of mind and convenience. It comes with an extended protection plan, giving you extra security beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty. This GE microwave offers ample space for your meals and powerful cooking capabilities.
What We Like:
- Extended Protection: You get a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack on top of the full manufacturer’s warranty. This means your investment is well-protected for a long time.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.6 cu. ft. interior is spacious enough to heat up large dishes or multiple items at once.
- Powerful Cooking: With 1000 watts of power, this microwave cooks your food quickly and efficiently.
- Effective Venting: The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system does a great job of clearing smoke, steam, and unwanted odors from your kitchen.
- Flexible Defrosting: You can use the auto defrost or time defrost options to thaw your frozen foods perfectly.
- Simple Operation: Convenience cooking controls make it super easy to select cooking times and power levels.
- Easy Filter Replacement: Changing the charcoal filter for odor removal is a breeze, located conveniently behind the door grille.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Options: This bundle is only available in white. More color choices would be nice for matching different kitchen decors.
- Venting Power: While 300-CFM is good, some users with very smoky cooking might prefer an even stronger venting option.
This GE over-the-range microwave offers a fantastic combination of features, capacity, and excellent protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality and enjoy worry-free operation.
Your Guide to Over-the-Stove Microwaves with Vents
An over-the-stove microwave with a vent, often called a microwave range hood, is a smart choice for many kitchens. It saves space and cooks your food. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
Microwave Power (Wattage)
- Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most models have between 900 and 1200 watts.
- Think about what you cook. If you reheat a lot, 900 watts is fine. For more complex meals, aim higher.
Ventilation System
- Exhaust Type:
- Vented (External): This blows smoke and smells outside your home. It’s the best for removing odors.
- Recirculating (Non-Vented): This filters the air and blows it back into your kitchen. It’s good if you can’t vent outside.
- Fan Speed: More fan speeds give you better control over how well it clears the air. Look for at least two speeds.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This tells you how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM is better for powerful cooking. You need at least 100 CFM for a small stove.
Capacity and Size
- Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove carefully.
- Common sizes are 1.7 to 2.2 cubic feet. Bigger sizes fit larger dishes.
Turntable
- A turntable helps food cook evenly. Most over-the-stove models have one.
- Some turntables are removable for easy cleaning.
Cooktop Light
- A light under the microwave helps you see while you cook on the stove.
- Some lights have different brightness settings.
Control Panel
- Look for easy-to-use buttons or a touchscreen.
- Preset cooking options (like popcorn or reheat) are very helpful.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean the microwave is.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also strong and lasts a long time. However, it can show fingerprints.
- Enamel Coating: This is often found on the inside and sometimes the outside. It’s easy to wipe clean.
- Glass Turntable: The glass plate inside is usually made of tempered glass. This makes it strong and safe for use in the microwave.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make an over-the-stove microwave better or worse.
Improves Quality
- Strong Build: A microwave that feels solid and well-made will last longer.
- Quiet Operation: A good fan and motor won’t be too loud. This makes your kitchen a nicer place to be.
- Even Cooking: The microwave should heat food without hot or cold spots.
- Effective Ventilation: The fan should do a good job of removing steam, smoke, and smells.
- Easy Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and removable parts make cleaning simple.
Reduces Quality
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might break easily.
- Loud Fan: A very noisy fan can be annoying.
- Uneven Heating: If food doesn’t cook evenly, it’s frustrating.
- Weak Ventilation: If the fan doesn’t clear the air well, your kitchen will smell like food.
- Difficult to Clean: Stubborn grease or hard-to-reach spots make cleaning a chore.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your kitchen affects which microwave is best.
Space Saving
- This is the biggest benefit. It combines a microwave and a range hood. It frees up counter space.
Cooking and Reheating
- You can quickly reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or defrost food.
- Many models have sensor cooking. This adjusts cooking time and power automatically.
Kitchen Air Quality
- The vent hood helps clear the air while you cook on the stovetop. This keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- It’s great for busy cooks who make a lot of different foods.
Small Kitchens
- These are perfect for apartments or smaller homes where every inch of space counts.
Beginner Cooks
- Preset buttons and easy controls make cooking simple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main job of an over-the-stove microwave with a vent?
A: Its main job is to cook and reheat food, and also to vent smoke, steam, and odors from your stovetop.
Q: Do I need to vent outside if I buy one?
A: Not always. Some models recirculate air, but venting outside is better for removing smells.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I need?
A: Most models are 900-1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks faster. 900 watts is usually enough.
Q: What does CFM mean for the fan?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It tells you how much air the fan moves. A higher CFM means a stronger fan.
Q: How do I know what size to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove before you shop. Make sure the microwave will fit.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material?
A: Yes, stainless steel is strong, looks nice, and lasts a long time. It can show fingerprints, though.
Q: What is a turntable, and why is it important?
A: A turntable is a spinning plate inside the microwave. It helps your food cook evenly.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave will cook food evenly?
A: Look for reviews that mention even cooking. A good turntable and strong wattage help with this.
Q: Can I use this if I don’t cook much?
A: Yes! They are great for reheating leftovers or making quick snacks, even if you don’t cook full meals often.
Q: How often should I clean the vent filter?
A: You should clean the filter regularly, maybe once a month, or more often if you cook greasy foods. This helps the vent work its best.
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!