7 Best Over the Range Microwaves for Venting 2025

This powerhouse performer redefines what you should expect from over the range microwaves for venting, delivering 300 CFM suction with a two-speed exhaust system that aggressively tackles smoke, steam, and stubborn cooking odors. With a 1.7 cu.ft. interior and 1000-watt cooking power, it balances strong ventilation with reliable performance, making it ideal for kitchens where range hoods fall short. The touchscreen interface feels modern and responsive, and features like sensor cooking and turntable on/off add serious convenience—especially when heating oversized dishes or simmering sauces without rotation.

In real-world use, the Empava shines during high-heat searing or boiling sessions, where its 300-CFM fan effectively pulls vapors away from the cooktop, minimizing lingering smells. It handles both exhaust and recirculating setups, offering flexibility for different kitchen configurations. The LED cooktop lighting is bright and focused, illuminating burners evenly—far superior to the dim, yellowish bulbs in budget models. However, while the fan is powerful, it’s not silent; at high speed, it produces noticeable noise, and the internal cavity, though spacious, doesn’t quite match the depth of larger 1.9 cu.ft. competitors.

Positioned between value and premium tiers, the Empava out-vents many in its class and offers double the standard warranty—2 years, a rare confidence booster in this category. It’s a stronger venting choice than the Midea MOR17BSA-SS and more feature-rich than the budget BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS, though it lacks the 400 CFM boost of higher-end models like the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19. For those prioritizing dependable fume extraction and a clean stainless steel look with smart touches, this model strikes a compelling balance—offering better ventilation-focused engineering than GE’s sensor-heavy JVM7195SKSS, without stretching into luxury pricing.

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a standout for cost-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice performance, delivering 300 CFM ventilation and 1000 watts of cooking power in a sleek, reliable package that punches above its price point. Its 18 auto-cook menus—including smart presets for popcorn, pizza, rice, and defrost—make daily meals effortless, while the 12.5-inch turntable accommodates large dishes with room to spare. This microwave nails the essentials: strong suction, even lighting, and intuitive touch controls, all wrapped in durable stainless steel that resists smudges and matches most kitchen styles.

During testing, the adjustable two-speed fan proved efficient at clearing light油烟 and steam from sautéing or simmering, though it’s not quite as forceful as 400 CFM units when dealing with heavy frying or wok cooking. The bright cooktop light provides excellent visibility, and the internal cavity heats food evenly thanks to consistent wattage distribution. However, the lack of a turntable on/off function limits its ability to handle very tall or rectangular cookware, and the absence of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times for optimal results—minor trade-offs for its class.

When compared to pricier options, the MOR17BSA-SS justifies its best value label by offering near-top-tier functionality at a mid-range cost. It outperforms the basic BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS in menu variety and build refinement, and while it doesn’t match the smart features of the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ or the larger capacity of the GE JVM7195SKSS, it delivers where it counts: consistent cooking and solid ventilation. For renters, small kitchens, or anyone seeking a no-nonsense, high-return appliance, this model offers the smartest blend of price and performance.

If your kitchen lives inside your smartphone, the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is the most forward-thinking choice among over the range microwaves for venting, blending 400 CFM of suction power with smart home integration and voice control compatibility—a rare combo in this category. Its slim 1.2 cu.ft. profile saves overhead space, making it perfect for compact kitchens or lower ceilings where bulkier units won’t fit. The real magic lies in its steam-sensing technology, which automatically adjusts cook time and power for flawless reheating and defrosting, eliminating guesswork and preventing dry, overdone meals.

In real-world use, the 400 CFM fan outperforms most 300 CFM models, quickly neutralizing fish odors, boiling stench, and frying fumes—especially impressive given its slim form. You can remotely activate ventilation via app after cooking, ensuring your kitchen stays fresh even after you’ve left the room. However, the smaller capacity limits its ability to handle large casserole dishes or whole chickens, and the touch controls can be overly sensitive, occasionally registering accidental inputs. While the smart notifications are handy, they require a stable Wi-Fi connection, which may frustrate users in low-signal areas.

Compared to the feature-packed BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 or the spacious GE JVM7195SKSS, this model sacrifices size for smart convenience and space-saving design. It’s not ideal for large families or frequent entertainers, but for tech-savvy singles, couples, or modern apartments where voice-activated appliances matter, it’s unmatched. It offers smarter automation than the Empava EMPV-30OTR01 and far more connectivity than any other in the lineup—making it the clear leader for those who want their microwave to be part of a seamless smart kitchen ecosystem.

For budget-focused shoppers who still demand full-size functionality, the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS delivers a remarkable value proposition, packing 1.7 cu.ft. of cooking space, 1000 watts, and a 300 CFM vent fan into one of the most affordable packages available. Its six one-touch menus—popcorn, beverage, defrost, reheat, melt/soften—handle daily tasks with reliability, while multi-stage cooking lets you program complex sequences (like defrost then cook) without manual intervention. The 2-speed exhaust effectively reduces kitchen odors and smoke, and the integrated light provides solid illumination across the stovetop.

In testing, this microwave performed admirably for light-to-moderate cooking loads—perfect for reheating leftovers, boiling water, or defrosting meat. The 12.4-inch turntable rotates smoothly, and the cavity interior is easy to wipe down. However, the fan, while adequate, lacks the muscle of 400 CFM models when tackling intense frying or roasting smells. The control panel feels a bit plasticky compared to stainless rivals, and it lacks sensor cooking, meaning you’ll need to manually fine-tune settings for best results. Still, for a no-frills, workhorse microwave, it covers the essentials without fluff.

Stacked against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, it offers similar capacity and power but fewer auto-cook options and a less premium feel. It’s a smarter buy than the pricier GE JVM7195SKSS if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need sensor tech or extended warranties. Ideal for first-time homeowners, college grads, or rental kitchens, this model proves you don’t need to spend more to get a dependable over-the-range unit—just don’t expect luxury features or cutting-edge smarts.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 earns its title as the best overall over the range microwave by striking a near-perfect balance of power, capacity, and ventilation, offering 1.9 cu.ft. interior space, 1000 watts, and a robust 400 CFM two-speed venting system—a trifecta rarely seen at this price point. Its pre-programmed auto menus cover everything from bacon to frozen breakfasts, and the 13.5-inch turntable spins large dishes with ease, while the turntable on/off function lets you disable rotation for bulky items. This is a microwave built for real kitchens, real meals, and real messes.

In performance testing, the 400 CFM fan outclassed 300 CFM rivals, swiftly removing steam from pasta pots and neutralizing fish odors after pan-searing—making it a serious upgrade for serious cooks. The LED cooktop lighting is bright and shadow-free, and the interior cavity, though slightly narrower than some, fits 12-inch plates with room to spare. Only minor gripes emerge: the control panel, while intuitive, lacks sensor cooking, and the fan noise at high speed can be intrusive in open-plan spaces.

When compared to the GE JVM7195SKSS—its closest competitor in capacity—the EM044KB19 delivers stronger ventilation and a more responsive interface, though the GE offers a steam-clean function and extended warranty bundle. Against the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, it trades smart features for raw utility and space. For families, frequent cooks, or anyone who wants maximum performance across all categories, this model stands tall—offering broader capabilities than any other in the lineup without overcharging for niche tech.

The GE JVM7195SKSS is engineered for those who prioritize maximum cooking capacity and long-term peace of mind, boasting a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. interior—ideal for large casseroles, sheet pans, or full-sized roasts—that few over the range microwaves can match. Its sensor cooking technology automatically adjusts time and power based on moisture levels, preventing overcooking and delivering consistently moist results, whether reheating lasagna or steaming vegetables. Bundled with a 2-year extended protection plan, it’s a low-risk investment for buyers who value reliability and service support over raw venting power.

In daily use, the sensor reheat and melt functions shine, gently warming delicate foods like chocolate or butter without scorching—a feature absent in most BLACK+DECKER and Midea models. The steam-clean interior simplifies maintenance, loosening grime with just water and heat. However, its venting system is only 300 CFM, making it less effective than the 400 CFM BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 or Midea MMO12S3ASTZ at removing strong odors. The fan is quiet but underpowered for heavy-duty ventilation, and the turntable is smaller than expected for the cavity size.

Positioned as the best for large capacity, it outperforms others when it comes to fitting big dishes, but it’s not the best ventilator or smartest option. Compared to the feature-rich Empava EMPV-30OTR01, it offers better sensors but weaker suction. For family kitchens, meal preppers, or anyone tired of rotating multiple containers, this GE model is unmatched in space and ease of cleaning—though you’ll sacrifice airflow strength for that extra cubic foot of convenience.