The secret to finding the best Microwaves with exhaust fan setup is ignoring the shiny buttons and focusing entirely on the CFM rating. After all, a quiet ventilation system that actually clears out cooking smoke saves kitchen walls from grease buildup.
Let us compare four strong contenders that handle both heating and venting duties efficiently. Keep reading to see which unit fits your cooking space.
Key Takeaways
- Match the CFM rating of the exhaust fan to the intensity of your cooking habits and stovetop BTU output.
- Measure the cabinet cutout space and mounting clearance very carefully before purchasing an over the range model.
- Prioritize a 1000 watt power output to ensure quick and even food preparation for daily meals.
- Consider stainless steel finishes if you want a fingerprint resistant surface that matches existing kitchen appliances.
- Check the grease filter design for easy removal and dishwasher safety to simplify routine kitchen maintenance.
| Overall Top Choice |  |
GE 30 Inch Over the Range Microwave | Trusted brand name | Standard 1000 watt output | Classic stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Budget Friendly Black |  |
BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave | Generous 1.7 capacity | Sleek black finish | Reliable 1000 watt motor | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Modern Stainless Value |  |
Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Microwave | Spacious cooking interior | Modern stainless steel look | Strong heating performance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Heavy Duty Ventilation |  |
BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu. Ft. 400 CFM Microwave | Powerful 400 CFM fan | Extra large 1.9 capacity | Efficient 1000W cooking power | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Black Appliance |  |
Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave | Trusted appliance brand | Versatile 1.7 capacity | Simple control interface | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Capacity Cooker |  |
TOSHIBA 1.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Microwave | Extra large 1.9 capacity | Smart sensor cooking functions | Durable stainless steel build | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Stainless Staple |  |
Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Microwave | Attractive stainless steel housing | Standard 1.7 capacity size | Dependable Kenmore engineering | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Efficient Fan Combination |  |
ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. 300 CFM Microwave | Integrated 300 CFM fan | Bright LED cooktop lights | Practical 1.7 capacity size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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GE 30 Inch Over the Range Microwave
Kitchen upgrades can feel overwhelming, but this model offers a reliable cooking solution for busy households. You get a spacious 1.6 cubic foot interior paired with 1000 watts of power for daily meals.
The classic stainless steel finish adds a clean, professional look above your stove. But you should note that the capacity leans slightly smaller than some competing models.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.6 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Integrated exhaust fan
- Additional Feature:Over the stove design
- Additional Feature:Easy clean interior
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BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave
Finding appliances that match a dark kitchen aesthetic without costing a fortune is tricky. This option brings a larger 1.7 capacity to your kitchen setup.
You gain efficient 1000W heating capability for quick weeknight dinners. However, the all-black exterior tends to show fingerprints quite easily.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Material:Black
- Additional Feature:Built-in ventilation fan
- Additional Feature:Turntable plate included
- Additional Feature:Convenient touch controls
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Midea 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Microwave
Updating your cooking space requires a balance of style and function. This stainless steel unit delivers 1000 watts of cooking power for everyday reheating tasks.
The generous 1.7 cubic foot cavity easily accommodates dinner plates and casserole dishes. Just keep in mind that the control panel layout takes a few days to master.
- Brand:Midea
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Integrated exhaust hood
- Additional Feature:Multi-stage cooking options
- Additional Feature:Interior glass turntable
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BLACK+DECKER 1.9 Cu. Ft. 400 CFM Microwave
Heavy cooking produces stubborn smoke, making high airflow ventilation an absolute priority for your kitchen. This model steps up with a powerful 400 CFM exhaust fan to clear cooking odors quickly.
You also benefit from a spacious 1.9 capacity for large family meals. Be sure to check your cabinet clearance because the larger size requires precise installation space.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.9 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Airflow:400 CFM
- Additional Feature:High speed exhaust system
- Additional Feature:Digital display clock
- Additional Feature:Easy access grease filters
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Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft. Black Microwave
Traditional kitchen designs often call for a solid black finish that blends into existing cabinetry. This Kenmore unit provides a reliable 1.7 capacity for standard baking dishes and bowls.
You can count on straightforward operation for daily meal prep. On the downside, the lighting underneath the unit tends to run a bit dim.
- Brand:Kenmore
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Material:Black
- Additional Feature:Built-in exhaust fan
- Additional Feature:Cooktop lighting included
- Additional Feature:Glass turntable plate
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TOSHIBA 1.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Microwave
Cooking for a crowd demands plenty of interior room. This Toshiba model offers a massive 1.9 cubic foot cavity for oversized cookware.
You receive 1000 watts of power along with intuitive sensor cooking menus. One minor drawback is that the exterior footprint requires significant wall space.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.9 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Integrated ventilation hood
- Additional Feature:Eco mode power saving
- Additional Feature:Express cook buttons
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Kenmore 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Microwave
Matching your existing kitchen appliances is simple with this brushed stainless finish. It features a practical 1.7 capacity that fits comfortably above standard ranges.
You get dependable heating performance for everyday snacks and meals. The beep alerts are quite loud, which might bother light sleepers nearby.
- Brand:Kenmore
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Exhaust fan functionality
- Additional Feature:Removable grease filters
- Additional Feature:One-touch cooking presets
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ThermoMate 1.7 Cu. Ft. 300 CFM Microwave
Balancing proper ventilation with microwave capability is essential for small kitchens. This ThermoMate option includes a solid 300 CFM exhaust fan to clear kitchen smoke.
You also get bright LED lighting to illuminate your stovetop workspace clearly. Keep in mind that the brand is less familiar than legacy kitchen appliance names.
- Brand:ThermoMate
- Type:Over the Range
- Capacity:1.7 Cu. Ft.
- Power:1000W
- Airflow:300 CFM
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Ten distinct power levels
- Additional Feature:One touch cooking buttons
- Additional Feature:Modern digital display
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
You can definitely do it yourself if you have a helper and basic tools. Removing an old unit and securing the mounting bracket to wall studs takes about two hours. Because these appliances weigh 50 pounds or more, having a second person to lift the microwave onto the wall plate is essential. If wiring or ductwork needs major modification, hiring an electrician is safer.
How often should I change the exhaust filters?
Aluminum grease filters should be washed in warm soapy water every month or two. Charcoal filters in recirculating setups cannot be washed and need total replacement every six months. Ignoring the filters lets grease build up in the fan motor. That buildup reduces airflow and can become a serious fire hazard over time.
What does CFM mean and how much do I need?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, measuring how much air the fan moves. A 300 CFM fan works fine for light cooking and occasional boiling. If you use a high-output gas range or sear meat frequently, look for 400 CFM or higher. More power means less lingering kitchen odor after dinner.
Do all over-the-range microwaves vent to the outside?
Not all of them exhaust outdoors right out of the box. Many units are set up to recirculate air by default. You can usually reconfigure the internal blower fan during installation to direct air upward through external ductwork. Always check the manufacturer instructions before hanging the unit.
How much space do I need between the stove and the microwave?
Standard building codes usually require at least 13 inches of clearance between your cooktop and the bottom of the microwave. Check your specific stove manufacturer guidelines because some high-output gas ranges demand more vertical space. Ignoring this clearance can damage the microwave plastic housing or create a fire hazard. Safety always comes first when dealing with open flames.
