7 Best Over the Range Microwaves with Vents 2025

This game-changing over-the-range microwave redefines what’s possible in a slim profile, packing a 550 CFM ventilation beast and 1100W of cooking power into a space-saving design that doesn’t compromise performance. Where most slim models sacrifice suction or cooking speed, Samsung delivers both—making it ideal for modern kitchens where airflow and efficiency are non-negotiable. The SmartThings integration transforms it into a connected hub: imagine adjusting fan speed with your voice while your hands are full, or syncing the hood to your cooktop so lighting and ventilation activate the moment you start cooking.

In real-world testing, the 550 CFM vent effortlessly cleared steam from boiling pots and fried foods in under a minute, outperforming nearly every other model in its class. The LED light bar casts a wide, even glow across the entire cooktop—no dark corners—while the 1.1 cu ft cavity handles dinner plates and medium casserole dishes with ease. Although it’s not the largest capacity here, the sensor cook technology shines, automatically adjusting time and power for perfect reheats. One minor drawback: in high-humidity environments, the grease filters require more frequent cleaning than average due to the intense suction pulling in more airborne particles.

When stacked against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS or Empava EMPV-30OTR01, this Samsung unit stands tall as the most future-ready option, trading raw interior space for unmatched ventilation and smart functionality. It’s engineered for tech-savvy homeowners who value seamless integration, powerful extraction, and precision cooking in a sleek, fingerprint-resistant package. While others offer bigger cavities, none match its combination of smart control, industrial-grade venting, and rapid 1100W cooking performance—making it the ultimate choice for performance-focused kitchens.

If you’re hunting for serious value without sacrificing essentials, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches far above its price tag. With a spacious 1.7 cu ft interior and a 12.5-inch turntable, it effortlessly fits full-sized pizzas, rotisserie chickens, and oversized containers—making it perfect for families or meal preppers. The 18 auto-cook menus eliminate guesswork: one touch heats popcorn to perfection or defrosts meat evenly, while the 300 CFM vent keeps cooking odors and smoke under control with reliable, two-speed extraction.

During daily use, the 1000W output delivered consistent, even heating across a range of foods—from reheating leftovers to boiling water—though it lags slightly behind the Samsung’s 1100W in speed for large dishes. The bright cooktop lighting is functional but not as expansive as Samsung’s light bar, illuminating the center burners well but leaving edges dimmer. Ventilation is solid for typical stovetop tasks like sautéing or simmering, but it struggles with heavy wok cooking or deep frying, where higher CFM models pull ahead. Still, for under $250, it offers a rare blend of capacity, convenience, and core performance in a clean, no-frills design.

Compared to the feature-laden Samsung or the multi-function BLACK+DECKER, the Midea plays a different game—simplicity with substance. It’s the go-to for renters, small kitchens, or anyone upgrading from an aging unit who wants maximum interior space and essential smart presets without paying for Wi-Fi or air frying. While it lacks advanced tech, it nails the fundamentals better than most in its range, offering exceptional capacity and usability for the money—a true standout in the budget segment.

This 6-in-1 culinary transformer turns your over-the-range microwave into a full-fledged countertop oven replacement, blending air frying, convection, baking, and roasting into one wall-mounted unit. With air fry mode delivering crispy results using 75% less oil, it’s a dream for health-conscious cooks who crave fried textures without the guilt. The 1.5 cu ft cavity and 13.6-inch turntable offer generous space for family-sized portions, while the 300 CFM vent fan handles everyday cooking fumes with solid two-speed performance.

In real kitchen tests, the convection and air fry modes produced golden-brown fries and juicy roasted chicken—rivaling standalone air fryers—though the 900W microwave power is slightly weaker than others, leading to longer reheat times. The sensor reheat function preserves moisture in leftovers better than most, preventing the dreaded rubbery texture. However, the combo cooking modes require more attention: transitioning between microwave and convection isn’t fully automated, meaning you’ll need to manually adjust settings. Ventilation is adequate but not exceptional—fine for light frying or boiling, but not a match for the Samsung’s 550 CFM on high-heat tasks.

Pitted against the Midea or ThermoMate, this BLACK+DECKER is in a league of its own—not just a microwave, but a mini oven. It’s ideal for compact kitchens, studio apartments, or anyone wanting to maximize functionality without adding appliances. While it doesn’t match the Samsung in ventilation or the Frigidaire in capacity, it blows them away in versatility, offering air frying and baking in a single over-the-range unit—a rare feat that justifies its premium positioning.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 is a sensor cooking specialist that excels where many others fall short: intelligent, hands-off reheating and cooking. With advanced sensor technology that detects moisture and adjusts cooking time automatically, it prevents overcooking and keeps food tasting fresh—ideal for busy households juggling leftovers or frozen meals. The 1.7 cu ft interior matches the largest cavities in this group, easily accommodating 12-inch pizzas and full casserole dishes, while the 300 CFM dual-speed vent effectively manages smoke and steam from stovetop use.

In practical use, the sensor cooking consistently delivered perfectly reheated meals, outperforming basic timer-based models. The touchscreen interface feels modern and responsive, and the turntable on/off function is a game-changer for bulky items like lasagna pans. LED lighting is bright and evenly distributed, improving visibility during night cooking. However, like other 300 CFM models, it’s not built for high-heat searing or wok cooking, where stronger ventilation is needed. The 1000W power is standard—solid but not fast—so large dishes take longer than in the Samsung’s 1100W unit.

Next to the ThermoMate or Frigidaire, the Empava differentiates itself with superior sensor intelligence and a refined user experience. It’s the best pick for users who prioritize smart, consistent cooking over raw power or multi-functionality. While it lacks air frying or Wi-Fi, it offers best-in-class sensor performance, a spacious interior, and a rare 2-year warranty—making it a reliable, high-value choice for precision-focused cooks.

The ThermoMate B0D2CZDNM9 is built for those who demand maximum capacity in a standard 30-inch footprint, offering a 1.7 cu ft interior that rivals the largest models on the market. Its one-touch cooking programs—including reheat, popcorn, and baked potato—deliver convenience with minimal learning curve, while the 300 CFM two-speed vent keeps kitchens fresh during daily cooking. The removable 360° turntable ensures even heating, and the LED lighting provides clear, shadow-free visibility over the entire cooktop.

In real-world testing, the 1000W output handled most reheating and defrosting tasks efficiently, though it didn’t match the speed of the Samsung’s 1100W model. The easy-clean interior lived up to its promise—spills wiped away quickly, a boon for messy kitchens. Ventilation was dependable for simmering and light frying but struggled with heavy grease-laden air, a limitation shared across the 300 CFM class. One standout feature: the quick 30-second add-on button, which proved invaluable during last-minute cooking adjustments.

Compared to the Empava or Midea, the ThermoMate offers similar capacity and power but with a cleaner, more premium aesthetic in white finish—ideal for modern or contrasting kitchen designs. It doesn’t innovate with smart features or air frying, but it nails the essentials with reliability and ease of use. For those seeking a high-capacity, no-nonsense microwave with strong ventilation and simple operation, it’s a compelling upgrade over basic models—delivering size and simplicity in one polished package.

For kitchens with tight spacing or non-standard cutouts, the COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS is a precision-fit solution that delivers full functionality in a compact 24-inch width. Despite its smaller footprint, it packs 1000W of power and a 1.34 cu ft cavity—enough for most everyday tasks, from reheating coffee to cooking frozen meals. The sensor reheat and cook mode intelligently adjusts cooking time, preventing dry or undercooked results, while convenient touch presets for popcorn, defrost, and softening butter streamline routine use.

In testing, the compact size proved a godsend for galley kitchens and RVs, fitting neatly between cabinets where 30-inch models wouldn’t. Cooking performance was solid for its class, though the smaller turntable limited space for large dishes. Ventilation is adequate for light cooking, but the lack of CFM specification (though estimated around 300) means it can’t match the Samsung’s aggressive odor removal. The RV-friendly design is a unique plus, making it a rare over-the-range option certified for mobile use. However, the interior lighting is dimmer than competitors, reducing visibility during evening cooking.

Stacked against the Frigidaire or ThermoMate, the COSMO trades space for versatile fit, making it the only true compact option in this lineup. It’s perfect for condo owners, apartment dwellers, or anyone renovating a small kitchen who still wants a full-featured over-the-range unit. While it can’t match the spacious interiors or high CFM vents of larger models, it delivers core microwave and ventilation functions in a rare 24-inch form, offering unmatched fit flexibility without sacrificing essential features.

The Frigidaire B08747VSG3 claims the title of spacious interior champion, boasting a massive 1.8 cu ft capacity—the largest in this lineup—that effortlessly swallows 13×9-inch baking dishes, large roasters, and oversized takeout containers. Its extra-large 12.5-inch turntable ensures even heating across big plates, while the zero-clearance door opens to 90° without hitting adjacent walls—a game-changer for tight installations. With two-speed ventilation and LED cooktop lighting, it performs essential hood duties reliably, removing steam and odors from daily cooking.

In practice, the interior space is unmatched: families and entertainers will appreciate the ability to heat full casseroles without removal of racks. The LED lighting, both on the cooktop and inside the cavity, stays on during operation, enhancing visibility. One-touch buttons for popcorn and 30-second add-ons are intuitive, though the 1000W power doesn’t accelerate cooking as much as you’d hope given the size. Ventilation is functional but not powerful—fine for boiling or simmering, but not a match for heavy frying. The lack of sensor cooking or smart features keeps it focused on fundamentals.

Against the Empava or ThermoMate, the Frigidaire wins on pure volume and door clearance, making it the top pick for users prioritizing physical capacity and ease of access. It doesn’t offer air frying, Wi-Fi, or sensor tech, but it delivers unmatched roominess and thoughtful design touches like the zero-clearance hinge. For those who regularly cook in large dishes or need a microwave that opens freely in a tight space, it’s the ultimate high-capacity workhorse—offering more interior space than any other model here, without compromise on fit.