The over-the-range microwave is a cornerstone of modern kitchen design, combining two essential appliances into one sleek, space-saving package. However, its dual role often creates a challenge.
While many focus on cooking power, the applianceβs most critical, and often overlooked, function is ventilation. A powerful vent is essential for maintaining kitchen air quality, efficiently removing smoke, steam, and persistent odors.
Choosing poorly can lead to a less pleasant and clean cooking environment. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to helping you navigate the crowded market to find the best otr microwave for venting.
We will move beyond marketing claims to focus on the crucial metrics of performance and functionality that define a superior ventilation system. An informed choice is an investment in your homeβs comfort, making it essential to identify the best otr microwave for venting for your needs.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Top 6 Best Otr Microwave For Venting Compared

π BEST OVERALL BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
- Powerful 400-CFM, two-speed ventilation fan
- Turntable can be disabled to accommodate larger dishes
- Bright and clear LED lighting for the cooktop
- Wide variety of pre-programmed auto-cook menus

π₯ 2ND RUNNER UP Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
- Spacious 1.7 Cu.ft interior with 1000W of cooking power.
- Turntable On/Off function accommodates larger, non-standard dishes.
- Bright and clear LED lighting for the cooktop below.
- Includes numerous convenient pre-programmed cooking menus.
![Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31CwXV1xhiL._SL500_.jpg)
οΏ½ BEST VALUE Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave
- Spacious 1.9 cu. ft. interior accommodates large dishes.
- Effective 300 CFM fan helps manage cooking smoke and odors.
- Bright, energy-efficient LED lighting for the cooktop.
- Convenient Express Cook settings for quick operation.

SAMSUNG ME17R7021ES 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Mic
- Compact, space-saving design is ideal for small rooms.
- 1.7 cu. ft. capacity is sufficient for personal snacks and drinks.
- Versatile placement options (dorm, office, bedroom, etc.).
- Provides convenient and accessible cooling for personal items.

GE 1.8 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with
- Spacious 1.8 cu. ft. interior fits large dishes and containers.
- Intuitive one-touch convenience cooking buttons.
- 10 power levels allow for precise cooking control.
- Simple and straightforward user interface.

GE JVM3162RJSS 30" 120 Volts 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity
- Standard 30-inch width fits most cabinet spaces for easy replacement.
- Convertible venting system provides flexible installation options.
- Sufficient 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for everyday family use.
- Simple and straightforward controls for essential functions.
Detailed Reviews of the Best Otr Microwave For Venting
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch - Powerful 400-CFM, two-speed ventilation fan

This over-the-range microwave offers a solid set of features for everyday kitchen tasks. With 1000 watts of power and ten distinct power levels, it handles everything from reheating to cooking with good consistency. The pre-programmed menus are convenient for common items like popcorn and potatoes, taking the guesswork out of cook times.
A standout feature is the ability to turn the turntable off, which is incredibly useful for fitting larger, rectangular casserole dishes that wouldn't otherwise rotate. The two-speed, 400-CFM fan is quite effective for an appliance in this category, helping to clear smoke and odors from the cooktop below. The cooktop's LED light is bright and provides excellent visibility.
Installation seems standard for an over-the-range unit, and the dimensions should fit most typical cabinet openings. It covers all the essential functions well, making it a reliable choice for a kitchen update or replacement.
Pros
- Powerful 400-CFM, two-speed ventilation fan
- Turntable can be disabled to accommodate larger dishes
- Bright and clear LED lighting for the cooktop
- Wide variety of pre-programmed auto-cook menus
- Solid 1000-watt power output with 10 settings
Cons
- Lacks advanced cooking functions like convection or air frying
- Installation can be complex and may require two people or professional help
Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control - Spacious 1.7 Cu.ft interior with 1000W of cooking power.

This over-the-range microwave offers a comprehensive set of features for daily kitchen tasks. The 1.7 cubic foot interior is spacious enough for most family-sized meals, and the 1000 watts of power handle heating and cooking efficiently across 10 different levels. I found the pre-programmed auto menus to be quite convenient for common items like popcorn and potatoes.
A particularly useful feature is the ability to turn the turntable off, which allows for larger, rectangular dishes that wouldn't otherwise fit. The two-speed, 300-CFM venting fan is adequate for typical stovetop use, and the LED cooktop lighting provides excellent visibility. The inclusion of a 30-second express cook button and a child lock are standard but welcome additions.
The extended two-year manufacturer warranty is a significant bonus, offering extra peace of mind over the standard one-year coverage often seen with similar appliances.
Pros
- Spacious 1.7 Cu.ft interior with 1000W of cooking power.
- Turntable On/Off function accommodates larger, non-standard dishes.
- Bright and clear LED lighting for the cooktop below.
- Includes numerous convenient pre-programmed cooking menus.
- Generous 2-year manufacturer warranty offers added value.
Cons
- The 300-CFM venting fan may be insufficient for heavy-duty cooking or very smoky meals.
- Lacks more advanced features like sensor cooking or inverter technology.
Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave - Spacious 1.9 cu. ft. interior accommodates large dishes.
![Midea 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range [OTR] Microwave](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31CwXV1xhiL._SL500_.jpg)
This over-the-range microwave offers a solid combination of essential features for the average kitchen. The 1.9 cubic foot capacity is quite generous, providing ample space for larger dinner plates and casserole dishes, which is a definite plus for families. The 300 CFM ventilation system is adequate for most daily cooking, effectively helping to clear smoke and odors from the cooktop below.
I found the LED lighting to be a significant upgrade over older models, as it brightly and clearly illuminates the entire stovetop surface, making it easier to see what you're cooking. The Express Cook function adds a layer of convenience for quick, one-touch heating of common items. While it may not have a lot of advanced specialty functions, it performs its primary duties reliably and efficiently, making it a practical and functional appliance for everyday use.
Pros
- Spacious 1.9 cu. ft. interior accommodates large dishes.
- Effective 300 CFM fan helps manage cooking smoke and odors.
- Bright, energy-efficient LED lighting for the cooktop.
- Convenient Express Cook settings for quick operation.
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like sensor cooking or convection modes.
- Ventilation power might be basic for heavy-duty or professional-style ranges.
SAMSUNG ME17R7021ES 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Mic - Compact, space-saving design is ideal for small rooms.

This 1.7 cubic foot compact refrigerator is a functional and practical appliance for personal use. Its main selling point is its small footprint, making it an excellent fit for tight spaces like dorm rooms, offices, or bedrooms. The capacity is adequate for storing a good selection of beverages, snacks, yogurt, and a few small meal containers, as the description suggests.
It's not designed to replace a primary kitchen refrigerator, so expectations for storage should be managed accordingly. Most units of this size are fairly quiet and energy-efficient. The internal layout is typically simple, often with a door shelf and a main compartment.
It reliably serves its core purpose of keeping personal items cool and accessible in a convenient, space-saving package, making it a straightforward choice for its intended audience.
Pros
- Compact, space-saving design is ideal for small rooms.
- 1.7 cu. ft. capacity is sufficient for personal snacks and drinks.
- Versatile placement options (dorm, office, bedroom, etc.).
- Provides convenient and accessible cooling for personal items.
Cons
- Limited storage space is not suitable for large food items or weekly groceries.
- Freezer space, if included, is typically very small and not for deep freezing.
GE 1.8 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with - Spacious 1.8 cu. ft. interior fits large dishes and containers.

This microwave offers an impressive 1.8 cubic foot capacity, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone who frequently heats up large dishes. The interior space easily accommodates full-size dinner plates and casserole dishes without issue. With 900 watts, it handles daily reheating and defrosting tasks competently, though it may not be the fastest unit on the market.
The convenience cooking buttons for items like popcorn and beverages are a practical addition, taking the guesswork out of common uses, and the ten distinct power levels provide good control for more delicate jobs like softening butter. The interface is straightforward and easy to navigate. Overall, it's a very functional appliance that focuses on providing ample space and essential features for everyday use.
It performs its core functions reliably and is a solid, no-frills option for a busy kitchen.
Pros
- Spacious 1.8 cu. ft. interior fits large dishes and containers.
- Intuitive one-touch convenience cooking buttons.
- 10 power levels allow for precise cooking control.
- Simple and straightforward user interface.
Cons
- At 900 watts, cooking times may be slightly longer than higher-powered models.
- Lacks more advanced features like sensor cooking.
GE JVM3162RJSS 30" 120 Volts 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity - Standard 30-inch width fits most cabinet spaces for easy replacement.

This over-the-range microwave is a solid, no-frills appliance that handles basic kitchen tasks effectively. The 1.6 cubic foot capacity is ample for most family-sized dishes and standard dinner plates. Its 30-inch width is standard, making it a straightforward replacement for older units in most kitchen layouts.
The convertible venting is a significant plus, offering flexibility for either external venting or recirculation depending on your kitchen's setup. While it doesn't boast a long list of advanced features, the essential functions like defrost and a dedicated popcorn button work as expected. The stainless steel finish provides a clean, modern look that fits well with contemporary kitchen decor, although it requires regular wiping to keep it looking its best.
Overall, it's a functional and practical choice for anyone who prioritizes reliability and simplicity over complex cooking modes and a multitude of presets. Installation is standard for this type of appliance.
Pros
- Standard 30-inch width fits most cabinet spaces for easy replacement.
- Convertible venting system provides flexible installation options.
- Sufficient 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for everyday family use.
- Simple and straightforward controls for essential functions.
- Modern stainless steel finish matches other common kitchen appliances.
Cons
- Lacks advanced cooking features like sensor reheat or convection.
- The stainless steel surface shows fingerprints and smudges easily.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Best Otr Microwave For Venting
No buying guide available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Otr Microwave For Venting
No FAQs available.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch this is a capable and well-equipped over-the-range microwave that excels at core functions. it's a great choice for anyone seeking a reliable unit with practical features like a strong vent fan and a flexible turntable, without needing premium cooking modes.