Most over-the-range microwaves get sold on wattage and capacity, while the number that decides whether the appliance actually earns its space, the vent fan rating, sits halfway down the listing in a bullet nobody reads. Buy the wrong one and you end up with a microwave that heats leftovers perfectly and does almost nothing about the steam rolling off a pot of pasta.
I worked through the 7 models in this category and compared the details that show up in daily use: the stated cubic feet against the width of a standard cabinet opening, the vent fan rating in CFM, how many quick-touch presets sit on the keypad, and whether the cooktop light aims where you actually need it. Those findings feed into the BHK Score on each pick, and the weaker listings are called out rather than smoothed over.
My overall pick for best over range microwaves with vent is the BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. A 1.7 cubic foot cavity handles family-size dishes, and the two-speed 300 CFM vent fan means the same appliance deals with both the reheating and the smoke from a pan of sausages. My top picks are just below.
Our Top Picks
| Product | BHK Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Ventilation BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Standard Kitchens BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Over-the-Range Kitchens COSMO 24 in. Stellar Coll Microwave with 1.34 cu | 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Frigidaire FMOS1746BS Microwave with 1.7 Cu. Ft. | 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Mid-Sized Kitchens BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon | |
| Best for Large Meals Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven with 1.7 Cu.Ft | 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Full Reviews
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts power with 10 cooking levels for versatile meal preparation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Dimensions
- 13.9 x 29.9 x 16.4 inches
- Vent Fan
- 300 CFM 2-speed
Pros
- +Large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates family-size cookware
- +Ten power levels including quick menus for common foods
- +Child safety lock adds protection for households with children
- +Two-speed vent fan with light included for stove-top use
Cons
- −Bulky 13.9 x 29.9 x 16.4 inch size may limit small kitchen fit
- −White color option may show stains more readily than stainless steel
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER microwave stands out with its 1.7 cubic feet interior, offering a 12.4-inch turntable that can handle larger dishes common in family cooking. The 1000-watt power and 10 cooking levels provide flexibility for tasks from defrosting to reheating with precise control. The over-the-range design reduces countertop clutter while the 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds helps clear cooking fumes effectively.
I see this model working best in kitchens where space above the stove is available and where a dedicated vent fan is valued. Worth knowing before you buy is its relatively large physical size, which might challenge installation in compact spaces. The white finish may require more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance compared to stainless options.
Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for households needing both microwave cooking and ventilation combined in one appliance.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts power for versatile over-the-range cooking.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Dimensions
- 13.9 x 29.9 x 16.4 Inches
Pros
- +Large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates bigger plates or bowls
- +Multiple quick menus simplify common cooking tasks
- +Integrated light improves stovetop visibility during cooking
- +Two-speed vent fan provides adjustable ventilation power
Cons
- −Relatively deep 16.4-inch height may limit space above stove
- −Limited color option available only in black
- −No explicit dishwasher-safe parts stated for easy cleaning
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER over-the-range microwave stands out with its 1.7 cubic feet capacity and a 1000-watt output, making it suitable for cooking larger meals or reheating sizable dishes. The inclusion of a 12.4-inch turntable supports accommodating bigger plates common in family kitchens. I see this model working best in setups needing effective ventilation, as it features a 300 CFM two-speed vent fan that helps clear cooking odors. Worth knowing before you buy is the fairly tall 16.4-inch height, which could limit clearance above some cooktops. For my money, this suits households looking for a mid-sized microwave with integrated venting but who can accommodate its bulkier dimensions.
This BLACK+DECKER over-the-range microwave offers 1000 watts and a 1.9 cubic foot capacity for typical household cooking needs.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.9 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Venting Fan
- Two-speed 400 CFM
- Dimensions
- 29.9 x 16.4 x 13.9 inches
Pros
- +1000 watts with ten power levels for precise cooking control
- +1.9 cu.ft capacity balances space and cooking volume
- +Two-speed venting fan with 400 CFM clears common kitchen fumes
- +Cooktop LED lighting enhances stove top visibility
Cons
- −Bulky dimensions may challenge installation in smaller kitchen spaces
- −Limited color option restricts style matching to stainless steel kitchens
- −Turntable diameter limits some extra-large dishware compatibility
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER microwave features a 1.9 cubic foot capacity paired with 1000 watts of power and ten power levels which support a range of cooking tasks from reheating to defrosting. I see the two-speed 400-CFM venting fan as useful for kitchens needing moderate ventilation without a separate hood. The LED cooktop lighting is a practical addition that improves stove visibility during cooking. Worth knowing before you buy is the unit’s size of nearly 30 inches wide and over 16 inches tall which requires sufficient over-the-range clearance. I’d consider this model for households wanting a multi-function microwave with venting and lighting integrated but with enough space to accommodate typical dinnerware. The turntable on/off feature adds flexibility but may limit use with very large dishes.
This COSMO 24-inch microwave offers 1000 watts and 1.34 cubic feet capacity with integrated venting and sensor cooking.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.34 cu ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Size
- 24 inch
- Dimensions
- 16.1 x 23.8 x 17 inches
Pros
- +Integrated vent fan improves kitchen air quality
- +Sensor cooking automatically stops when food is done
- +LED light offers clear visibility during cooking
- +Child safety lock enhances kitchen safety
Cons
- −Depth of 16.1 inches may be bulky for small kitchens
- −Limited color options restrict aesthetic choices
- −Weight of 57.3 pounds requires secure mounting
Detailed Review
This COSMO 24-inch over-the-range microwave features a 1.34 cubic foot capacity that accommodates medium to large dishes. It delivers 1000 watts of power across 10 levels, allowing fine control over cooking intensity. The integrated vent fan helps remove smoke and odors, which is useful for stovetop use beneath the microwave. I'd consider this for kitchens needing combined microwave and venting functions in one appliance. The sensor cooking mode is convenient for automatically stopping when food is done, reducing the risk of overcooking.
Worth knowing before you buy is the 16.1-inch depth, which may not fit comfortably in very tight kitchen spaces. The microwave weighs over 57 pounds, so professional installation is advisable for secure mounting. The black glass and stainless steel finish limit color matching options but provide a modern look.
Overall, I see this working best for households needing a moderately sized microwave with built-in ventilation for standard 24-inch over-the-range installations.
Frigidaire FMOS1746BS is an over-the-range microwave with a 1.7 cubic feet interior and stainless steel finish.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Dimensions
- 15.44 x 29.88 x 16.44 inches
- Color
- Stainless Steel
Pros
- +Spacious interior to accommodate bigger plates
- +Stainless steel surface resists common stains
- +Bright lighting enhances countertop illumination
Cons
- −Countertop footprint may be bulky for very small kitchens
- −No wattage or power rating specified in product data
- −Limited color options restricted to stainless steel
Detailed Review
This microwave features a 1.7 cubic feet interior which allows it to handle larger dishes and bowls, a useful detail for bigger meal preparations. The stainless steel finish offers a contemporary look and helps resist fingerprints better than some other finishes. I see this model fitting kitchens where over-the-range mounting saves counter space but users want a reasonably sized cooking cavity.
Bright exterior lighting is an added feature that improves visibility on the cooktop below, which is helpful during cooking. The unit's footprint of just under 30 inches wide means it requires moderate space above the range.
Worth knowing before you buy is the absence of detailed power or wattage information, which makes it harder to predict cooking speed. For my money, this suits cooks who prioritize capacity and lighting over detailed performance specs.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 1000 watts power with 10 cooking levels for varied meal prep.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.Ft
- Power
- 1000 Watts
- Dimensions
- 13.2 x 29.9 x 16.4 inches
- Weight
- 49 pounds
Pros
- +Large 12.4-inch turntable accommodates bigger plates
- +Ten power levels allow precise cooking control
- +Child safety lock adds user protection
- +Multi-stage cooking saves time with programmed power changes
Cons
- −Relatively bulky dimensions may not suit small kitchens
- −Weight of 49 pounds requires sturdy mounting
- −Limited color option to stainless steel only
Detailed Review
This BLACK+DECKER microwave features a 1.7 cubic feet capacity and a sizable 12.4-inch turntable, making it suitable for larger plates and bulkier cookware. Its 1000-watt power output and 10 cooking levels offer flexibility to handle a variety of daily meals and quick reheating tasks. The integrated 300 CFM two-speed vent fan helps clear odors from stovetop cooking while the built-in light improves cooking visibility.
I'd consider this model for kitchens that can accommodate its 29.9-inch width and 49-pound weight, which require proper installation support. Worth knowing before purchase is that the size and weight limit suitability for smaller kitchens or lighter mounting options. The stainless steel finish offers a modern look but limits color choices.
Overall, I rate this a reasonable pick for households needing a mid-sized over-the-range microwave with solid power and ventilation combined.
Midea offers a 1.7 cu.ft stainless steel over-the-range microwave with 1000W power and 300 CFM ventilation.
Key Facts
- Capacity
- 1.7 Cu.ft
- Power
- 1000W
- Ventilation
- 300 CFM
- Dimensions
- 29.88 x 16.41 x 15.41 inches
Pros
- +Large 1.7 cu.ft interior accommodates bigger meals
- +Multiple power levels offer precise heating control
- +Strong 300 CFM ventilation improves kitchen air quality
- +18 preset cooking menus provide cooking convenience
Cons
- −Weight of 52 pounds may require sturdy installation
- −Limited color options restrict design matching
- −No specific cleaning instructions provided in listing
Detailed Review
This Midea over-the-range microwave features a 1.7 cu.ft capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable, which is large enough for items like a rotisserie chicken or 12-inch pizza. Its 1000W power output and 10 power levels allow for tailored cooking settings to meet various heating needs. The built-in 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds is designed to clear cooking odors effectively while the bright cooktop light helps monitor your food without opening the door. I see this microwave working best in kitchens where space is limited but a larger interior is still needed. Worth knowing before you buy is its weight of 52 pounds, which means installation should be done carefully to ensure proper support.
FAQs
What does CFM mean on an over-the-range microwave?
CFM measures how much air the vent fan moves each minute, so a higher number means stronger removal of smoke, steam, and cooking odors. The 300 CFM two-speed fans here suit everyday frying and boiling, while the 400 CFM model moves more air for frequent high-heat cooking.
Does an over-the-range microwave have to vent outside?
Whether the unit vents outdoors or recirculates depends on the model’s supported installation and your kitchen’s duct path, both spelled out in the manufacturer’s instructions. Ducted setups push smoke and moisture outside, while recirculating ones filter and return the air. Confirm which your space allows first.
How much clearance goes between the cooktop and the microwave?
Clearance comes from the manufacturer’s installation instructions, not from the microwave’s cavity size, so read the manual before drilling cabinet holes. Cabinet height, the depth of the unit, and your cooktop’s own requirements all factor in. Measuring the opening first is the cheapest way to avoid a return.
Can an over-the-range microwave replace a range hood?
It can cover both jobs when the vent fan is rated for the cooking you do, though a dedicated hood typically moves more air. A 400 CFM two-speed fan handles routine frying and boiling; heavy wok cooking or frequent searing may still justify a standalone hood. Confirm ducting in the manual.
Final Thoughts
Two specs do most of the work in this category: the vent fan rating and the cavity size. A fan that moves enough air keeps the kitchen from hazing over during a skillet session, and a cavity sized to your dishes decides whether you reach for the microwave or the oven. Control layout matters after that, mostly in how quickly you can hit reheat without scrolling.
For most households, the BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is the best overall choice. The 1.7 cubic foot interior fits standard dinner plates on a 12.4-inch turntable, the two-speed 300 CFM fan keeps up with weeknight frying, and the six quick menus cover popcorn, reheat, and defrost without a manual. It suits a family kitchen that wants one appliance over the stove and does not want to think about it again.
If budget is the tighter constraint, the Midea Over the Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu.Ft is the value pick. It brings the same 1.7 cubic feet and 300 CFM adjustable fan, plus 18 auto menus that make the keypad useful for more than reheating, which fits a small household or a rental kitchen where the microwave handles light duty next to the range. Match the fan rating to how you actually cook and the guesswork about whether the unit can keep up disappears.