Most households find 1.5‑1.7 cu ft sufficient for everyday meals, while larger families may prefer 1.8‑1.9 cu ft to accommodate big dishes like a rotisserie chicken. A larger interior often comes with a bigger turntable (12‑13.6 in) that can handle pizza or casserole dishes. Keep in mind the external dimensions; a deeper unit may require more cabinet clearance.

CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures how quickly the hood can pull steam, smoke, and odors out of the kitchen; higher numbers mean stronger ventilation. For standard cooking, 300 CFM is adequate, but open‑plan kitchens or heavy stovetop use benefit from 400‑550 CFM models like the Samsung 550 CFM unit. Choose a speed‑adjustable fan if you want flexibility for light versus heavy cooking.

Even with identical wattage, features vary: some offer sensor cooking and auto‑menus (GE JVM3160 series), while others include air‑fry or convection functions (Black+Decker 6‑in‑1). Smart connectivity (Samsung) adds voice and app control, which can be a convenience but may increase price. Evaluate which extra functions you’ll actually use versus paying for basic microwave performance.

Air‑fry and convection turn a microwave into a multi‑purpose appliance, letting you crisp foods with little to no oil and bake small trays. If you frequently prepare frozen snacks, vegetables, or small baked items, the convenience can offset buying a separate countertop oven. However, these functions usually have longer cook times than a dedicated air fryer, so consider your kitchen space and cooking habits.

Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on food moisture, reducing the guesswork for reheating leftovers or defrosting meat. Auto menus provide one‑touch settings for common items like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes, speeding up preparation and delivering consistent results. Together they save time and help avoid over‑cooking, especially for busy households.

Most manufacturers include a one‑year limited warranty, but several listings (GE JVM3160, Black+Decker) bundle a two‑year extended protection plan at no extra cost. Extended plans can cover parts, labor, and even accidental damage, providing peace of mind for higher‑priced models. Check if the plan includes on‑site service, as over‑the‑range units can be heavy and tricky to move.

A larger turntable (12‑13.6 in) accommodates bigger plates, pizza, and casserole dishes, ensuring even heating without the need to manually rotate food. Smaller turntables may limit the size of dishes you can use, leading to uneven cooking or the need for additional stirring. If you often cook large meals, prioritize a model with a bigger turntable.

Black+Decker models typically offer solid basic features (1000 W, 300 CFM) at a lower price point, while GE adds sensor cooking and extended warranties for a modest premium. Frigidaire and Samsung provide higher CFM fans and smart connectivity, which can raise the cost but add convenience for tech‑savvy users. Weigh the importance of extra functions against your budget to find the best value.