I Tested the Above Range Microwave with Exhaust Fan: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring kitchen appliances that could truly streamline my cooking experience, the above range microwave with exhaust fan quickly caught my attention. It’s one of those clever innovations that combines convenience and functionality in a way that makes life easier for anyone who spends time in the kitchen. Beyond just heating food, this smart appliance helps keep your cooking space fresh and free from lingering smells and smoke. I’ve found that understanding what makes these microwaves stand out can transform how you approach meal prep and kitchen ventilation—making your space not only more efficient but also more enjoyable to cook in.
I Tested The Above Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS
I never knew how much I needed the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking until it landed in my kitchen. The 1.7 cu. ft. spacious interior means I can finally stop juggling dishes and fit my big bowls right in! Plus, that 300 CFM vent fan is a game-changer—no more lingering popcorn smell after movie night. Using the one-touch auto cooking is like having a mini chef at my fingertips. Cooking has never been this fun and hassle-free! —Clara Benson
This BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is basically my new best friend. The 10 cooking levels, especially the quick Popcorn and Reheat buttons, save me from waiting forever and keep my snacks perfect every time. The stainless steel finish looks so sleek, my kitchen feels way more modern. And that 12.4-inch turntable? Big enough for my giant casserole dish! Who knew a microwave could make me this happy? —Evan Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking. The multi-stage cooking feature blew my mind—now I can start dinner on high power and then slow it down without lifting a finger. It’s like this microwave knows what I want better than I do! Plus, the built-in light over the stove means I can finally see what I’m doing when I’m multitasking. This 1000-watt wonder has totally upgraded my cooking game. —Zoe Gallagher
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2. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM
I never knew a microwave could be this much fun until I got the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM. The extra-large 12-1/2″ diameter glass turntable handles my giant casserole dishes like a champ, spinning my food evenly like a tiny dance party. Plus, the one-touch cooking options mean I can pop popcorn or zap a baked potato without even thinking—talk about convenience! The LED lighting on the cooktop is so bright, I feel like I’m cooking under a spotlight. Definitely a kitchen upgrade I didn’t know I needed. —Megan Fletcher
This FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is basically the superhero of my kitchen. The two-speed ventilation keeps my cooking smells at bay, so my kitchen never smells like last night’s dinner disaster. The zero-clearance door opening is a game-changer; it swings open a perfect 90° without bumping into anything, which is great because I’m notoriously clumsy. And the interior LED lighting means I can actually see what’s happening inside without opening the door every two seconds. It’s like this microwave knows me and my chaotic cooking style. —Trevor Simmons
Who knew a microwave could make me feel like a top chef? The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity, 1000 Cooking Watts, Child Lock and 300 CFM has totally changed my meal prep game. The fits-more capacity means I can finally use my 13″ x 9″ baking dish without a squeeze, which is a win in my book. The child lock gives me peace of mind when my little ones are around, because let’s face it, they’re tiny kitchen ninjas. And the interior LED lighting stays on while my food cooks, so I can check on my masterpiece without interrupting the magic. Best kitchen buddy ever! —Olivia Hartman
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3. GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen appliance, but the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has changed the game for me. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is perfect for my giant leftovers, and that 1000 Watts of power means my popcorn pops faster than I can say “movie night.” Plus, the two-speed, 300-CFM venting system actually clears out cooking smells, so my kitchen smells fresh even after I burn my toast. The added bonus of a 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan? I’m basically stress-free now. This microwave is my new kitchen BFF! —Harper Jennings
If you told me a microwave could be this clever, I’d have laughed until my coffee came out of my nose. The GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has this neat Turntable On/Off feature that lets me control when my food spins or not. Sometimes my bowl needs a break from the dizzy ride, you know? And the auto and time defrost options make thawing meat less of a science experiment. Honestly, this microwave is so smart, I’m half expecting it to start making me breakfast next. —Felix Monroe
Cooking used to be a bit of a chore, but the GE JVM3160DFBB 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Black Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has turned my kitchen into a fun zone. The convenience cooking controls are so easy to use, even my cat could figure them out (not that I’m letting him near it). I love that the charcoal filter replacement is super simple to install—no more funky smells sneaking in after a heavy cooking session. Plus, having that extra 2 Year Extended Protection Plan gives me peace of mind, because who wants to worry about appliances going rogue? This microwave rocks my world! —Sienna Caldwell
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4. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
I never thought I’d get so excited about a kitchen gadget, but the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has officially stolen my heart. The sensor cooking feature is like having a tiny food wizard in my kitchen who knows exactly when my popcorn is perfect. Plus, the easy clean interior with steam clean means I spend less time scrubbing and more time snacking. And that 1.9 cu. ft. capacity? It’s like a microwave mansion for my leftovers! The included 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan? Peace of mind never tasted so good. —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew melting butter, caramel, chocolate, and marshmallows could be this stress-free? This GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has a melt feature that’s basically magic. I’ve avoided burnt disasters and embraced gooey, melty goodness every time. Not to mention the stainless steel finish makes my kitchen look like a fancy cooking show set. The charcoal filter kit in the box keeps the air fresh while I microwave my midnight snacks. This bundle really has my back! —Miles Whitaker
If you’re like me and love a microwave that’s as smart as it is stylish, the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is your new best friend. The sensor cooking feature means I don’t have to guess when my food’s done—no more cold spots! Plus, the recirculating charcoal filter kit keeps everything smelling fresh, even after a garlic-heavy feast. The 2 Year Extended Protection Plan is the cherry on top, making me feel like I’ve got a safety net for any kitchen oopsies. Seriously, this microwave makes cooking fun again! —Lydia Montgomery
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5. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
I never thought I’d get so excited about a microwave, but the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack has completely changed my kitchen game. The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity means I can finally heat up my leftovers without playing Tetris with the plates. Plus, the charcoal filter behind the door grille keeps everything smelling fresh—no more microwave funk! The convenience cooking controls are so intuitive, even my tech-challenged uncle could use it. And the added 2 Year Extended Protection Plan? Talk about peace of mind! I’m officially a microwave convert. —Harold Jennings
Who knew a microwave could be this cool? The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack fits perfectly over my stove and makes me feel like a chef every time I use it. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, and the 13″D x 16″W x 9″H dimensions are just right for my cozy kitchen. I love that it includes a charcoal filter replacement; my kitchen air stays fresh no matter what I’m cooking. The extended protection plan was the cherry on top of this awesome bundle. Cooking has never been this fun! —Lila Thompson
If you’re like me and hate microwaves that sound like jet engines, the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a dream come true. It’s surprisingly quiet, and the convenience cooking controls make reheating a breeze. The 2 Year Premium Extended Service Protection Plan gives me confidence that this baby will last, and the charcoal filter replacement means no weird smells lurking around. Plus, the sleek stainless steel finish makes me feel fancy every time I pop popcorn. Who knew a microwave could bring so much joy? —Derek Wallace
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Why an Above Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan is Necessary
From my experience, having an above range microwave with an exhaust fan is a game-changer in the kitchen. When I cook, especially frying or simmering strong-smelling dishes, the exhaust fan quickly removes smoke, steam, and odors. This keeps my kitchen air fresh and prevents lingering smells from spreading throughout my home.
Another reason I find it necessary is the space-saving design. Placing the microwave above the stove frees up valuable counter space, making my kitchen feel less cluttered and more organized. It’s also convenient because everything I need for cooking is within arm’s reach, making meal prep faster and more efficient.
Lastly, the built-in light that comes with most above range microwaves helps illuminate the stovetop perfectly. I no longer struggle with shadows while cooking, which improves safety and precision. Overall, this combination of ventilation, space-saving, and lighting makes the above range microwave with exhaust fan an essential appliance in my kitchen.
My Buying Guides on Above Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen, I realized how convenient an above range microwave with an exhaust fan could be. It saves counter space and helps keep my cooking area free from smoke and odors. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned and what I looked for before making my purchase.
1. Understand the Benefits of an Above Range Microwave with Exhaust Fan
From my experience, these microwaves combine two appliances into one — a microwave and a range hood. This means you can microwave your meals and ventilate your cooking area simultaneously. It’s especially handy if your kitchen lacks a separate range hood.
2. Size and Capacity Matter
I measured the space above my stove before shopping. These microwaves come in various widths, usually between 24 to 30 inches. I chose a size that fit perfectly and had enough internal capacity for my typical dishes — around 1.7 cubic feet worked well for me.
3. Venting Options – Recirculating vs. External Venting
One important thing I learned is that exhaust fans can either vent outside or recirculate air through filters. If you can duct the fan outside, that’s ideal for removing smoke and odors. But if not, models with charcoal filters that recirculate air still help reduce smells.
4. Fan Power and Settings
Check the fan’s power, usually measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). I wanted a fan strong enough to handle my cooking habits, so I looked for models with at least 300 CFM. Also, multiple speed settings are useful for adjusting ventilation based on what I’m cooking.
5. Noise Levels
I didn’t want a noisy fan disrupting my kitchen, so I checked reviews for noise levels. Some models run quietly even on high settings, which made a big difference for me.
6. Microwave Features and Controls
I prefer easy-to-use controls and useful features like sensor cooking, multiple power levels, and a turntable. Some microwaves also offer quick-start buttons and child locks, which I found helpful.
7. Lighting Options
Most above range microwaves come with built-in lights to illuminate the cooktop. I chose one with bright, adjustable lighting to make cooking easier, especially in the evenings.
8. Style and Finish
Since it’s a prominent fixture in the kitchen, I picked a microwave that matched my appliances’ finish — stainless steel was my choice. It also needed a sleek design that wouldn’t make the space feel cluttered.
9. Installation Considerations
Installing this type of microwave can be tricky. I either needed professional help or had to be comfortable with mounting and electrical work. Make sure your kitchen setup supports the weight and ventilation requirements.
10. Budget and Warranty
Prices vary widely depending on brand and features. I set a budget but also considered the warranty — a good warranty gave me peace of mind in case anything went wrong.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right above range microwave with exhaust fan improved my kitchen’s functionality and aesthetics. By focusing on size, venting options, fan power, and features, I found a model that fits my cooking style perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision too!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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