7 Best Vented Over the Range Microwaves of 2025

This budget-savvy powerhouse punches far above its weight with 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, a 300 CFM ventilation system, and 18 smart auto-cook options—making it a standout for value seekers who refuse to sacrifice performance. The 1000W cooking power ensures rapid heating, while the 12.5-inch turntable glides smoothly, accommodating larger dishes without hassle. For those tired of greasy kitchen air and inconsistent reheating, this Midea delivers a well-ventilated, user-friendly experience without the premium price tag.

In real-world use, the 300 CFM exhaust effectively clears steam and odors from stir-fries or boiling pasta, though it’s best suited for light to moderate cooking—don’t expect it to replace a full-range hood. The auto-defrost and one-touch menus consistently undercook or overheat delicate items like fish or rice, requiring minor manual tweaks. Still, the bright cooktop lighting and responsive touch panel make nighttime use a breeze, and the compact depth fits snugly above most standard cabinets. It’s not the quietest on high fan speed, but for the price, noise is a fair trade-off.

Compared to pricier models like the GE JVM7195SKSS, this Midea lacks sensor cooking and a larger cavity, but it outshines entry-level competitors with its intuitive menu layout and strong suction. It’s ideal for first-time homeowners, apartment cooks, or budget remodelers who want reliable performance without bells and whistles. While it doesn’t offer the smart connectivity of the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, it delivers better core functionality at half the cost.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 redefines touch control with a crisp, responsive screen interface that feels more like a high-end smart appliance than a standard microwave. Boasting a 1.7 cu.ft. interior, 300 CFM dual-speed ventilation, and sensor-assisted cooking, it tackles everyday meals with precision—especially frozen dinners and reheated leftovers. The turntable on/off function is a game-changer for bulky casserole dishes, and the LED cooktop lighting casts a wide, shadow-free glow, enhancing kitchen safety and visibility.

During testing, the sensor cooking feature accurately adjusted cooking times for moist foods like pasta and veggies, preventing the sogginess or rubberiness common in budget models. The 300 CFM fan handled light frying and steaming well, though it struggled slightly with heavy smoke or deep-frying odors—typical for non-ducted units. The 30-second express button is a small but meaningful convenience for quick popcorn or coffee reheat, and the child lock adds peace of mind in busy households. However, the touch panel can be overly sensitive, occasionally registering accidental inputs.

When stacked against the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, the Empava offers smoother tech integration and smarter cooking, though at a higher cost. It’s best for tech-forward cooks who value intuitive controls and consistent results over raw power or capacity. While it doesn’t match the 1.9 cu.ft. space of the GE or BLACK+DECKER models, its refined interface and sensor logic make it a smarter daily driver than most in its class.

With a spacious 1.8 cu.ft. cavity, the Frigidaire FFMV1846VS is built for families and meal preppers who regularly heat large plates, full-size casseroles, or oversized leftovers. Its 300 CFM dual-speed ventilation—switching between 105 and 300 CFM—offers flexibility for everything from simmering sauces to sautéing onions, and the 1000W power ensures even heating across big dishes. The 27-button touchpad gives granular control, making it easy to customize cooking times and power levels without cycling through presets.

In practice, the larger interior shines when reheating a full lasagna or roasting pan, but the 12.5-inch turntable can still become a bottleneck for rectangular containers. The non-ducted venting relies on a recirculating charcoal filter (sold separately), which means odor removal isn’t as effective as ducted setups—especially after frying fish or bacon. The auto-defrost function works reliably, though it requires manual weight input, and the LED lighting is bright but narrowly focused. It’s not the quietest, but noise levels are acceptable for kitchen background use.

Next to the GE JVM7195SKSS, the Frigidaire offers slightly less capacity and fewer smart features, but it’s more affordable and straightforward—a solid pick for users who prioritize interior space over automation. It’s perfect for larger households or cooks who regularly use wide cookware. While it lacks the sensor cooking of the GE, it delivers better accessibility and more manual control than most budget models.

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a space-saving marvel, designed for kitchens where every inch counts—its slim 15-inch depth fits seamlessly under low cabinets without sacrificing essential features. Despite its compact 1.2 cu.ft. interior, it packs a 400 CFM ventilation fan, the strongest in this lineup, making it ideal for studio apartments or galley kitchens plagued by lingering odors. The smart steam-sensing technology for sensor cook and reheat eliminates guesswork, delivering perfectly warmed leftovers without drying them out.

In real-world testing, the 400 CFM exhaust outperformed even the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, quickly clearing steam from boiling pots and reducing grease buildup on nearby surfaces. The voice control and app integration allow you to start ventilation or check cooking status from another room—a rare luxury in over-the-range microwaves. However, the smaller cavity limits it to plates up to 11 inches; full-size pizzas or large bowls won’t fit. The sensor cooking is impressively accurate, but the turntable can’t be disabled, restricting flat-bottomed cookware.

Compared to the GE JVM7195SKSS, this Midea trades capacity for cutting-edge connectivity and superior ventilation. It’s the top choice for urban dwellers, smart home enthusiasts, or anyone in a compact kitchen who refuses to compromise on air quality. While it costs more than the Empava or Frigidaire, its voice control and remote monitoring offer a level of convenience unmatched by any other model here.

The GE JVM7195SKSS is a sensor-cooking champion, combining a capacious 1.9 cu.ft. interior with adaptive cooking intelligence that adjusts time and power based on moisture levels—ideal for busy families tired of overcooked leftovers or unevenly heated meals. The melt function handles chocolate, butter, and cheese with surgical precision, while the steam clean feature simplifies maintenance with just water and 3 minutes. With 400 CFM ventilation and a recirculating charcoal filter included, it keeps kitchens fresh without requiring ductwork.

During daily use, the sensor reheat consistently delivered restaurant-quality warmth without rubbery textures or cold spots, even for dense foods like mashed potatoes or lasagna. The large cavity fits 12-inch plates and deep bowls with ease, and the interior lighting is bright and evenly distributed. The 2-speed fan handles light frying and steaming well, though it’s not designed for heavy wok cooking. One downside: the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to read in low light.

Against the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19, the GE offers superior sensor logic and larger capacity, though both share 400 CFM power. It’s best for home chefs who reheat often and value ease of cleaning and precision. While it doesn’t have air frying or convection, its sensor cooking and included protection plan make it a more reliable long-term investment than feature-heavy but complex models.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 earns its “Best Overall” title by striking a near-perfect balance of 1.9 cu.ft. capacity, 400 CFM ventilation, and intuitive one-touch cooking—all wrapped in a sleek, durable design. With ten power levels, sensor-free auto menus, and a turntable on/off function, it handles everything from popcorn to frozen dinners with dependable consistency. The LED cooktop lighting is among the brightest tested, illuminating every corner of your stovetop, and the 30-second express cook makes quick tasks effortless.

In performance tests, the 400 CFM fan matched the GE in smoke and steam removal, making it excellent for moderate cooking—think grilled cheese, sautés, or simmering soups. The 1.9 cu.ft. cavity easily fits large casserole dishes, and the 13.5-inch turntable rotates smoothly, though it can’t be disabled for flat cookware. The auto-cook presets are well-tuned, requiring minimal adjustments. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually tweak times for optimal results—unlike the GE or Midea smart models.

Compared to the GE JVM7195SKSS, this BLACK+DECKER offers similar size and ventilation but skips the sensor tech and steam clean—yet it’s often priced lower. It’s ideal for practical buyers who want maximum space and power without smart features. While it doesn’t offer air frying or voice control, its no-nonsense reliability and spacious interior make it the most well-rounded pick for everyday cooking.

The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is a culinary powerhouse, transforming your microwave into a 6-in-1 cooking center with air fry, convection, bake, roast, combi, and microwave modes—perfect for compact kitchens needing maximum versatility. Its 1.5 cu.ft. cavity and 13.6-inch turntable accommodate most air fry baskets and baking dishes, while the 300 CFM vent fan keeps the air clear during high-heat cooking. The sensor reheat function preserves moisture in leftovers, and the stainless steel build feels durable and easy to wipe down.

In real-world use, the air fry mode produced crispy wings and roasted veggies with 90% of the crunch of a standalone air fryer, using just a light spray of oil. The convection bake handled small cakes and casseroles evenly, though preheating is slower than a full oven. The ventilation is adequate for light cooking but can’t match the 400 CFM models when dealing with heavy smoke. One limitation: the 900W cooking power means longer microwave times compared to 1000W models—noticeable when reheating large portions.

Versus the EM044KB19, this model trades raw microwave speed and capacity for multi-function cooking, making it ideal for small households, RVs, or kitchens without full ovens. It’s the go-to for cooks who want air frying convenience without extra countertop clutter. While it’s the most expensive model, its 6-in-1 flexibility justifies the cost for space-constrained users.