7 Best Over the Range Microwaves with External Vents 2025

This no-nonsense powerhouse delivers where it counts—reliable performance, intuitive smart features, and strong ventilation in a sleek stainless finish. With 1000W of cooking power, a 1.7 cu.ft. cavity, and 300 CFM venting, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS tackles everyday cooking demands with ease, making it ideal for kitchens where consistent heating and odor control are top priorities. The 18 auto-cook menus eliminate guesswork for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting, turning meal prep into a one-touch affair—perfect for busy households tired of unevenly heated leftovers.

In real-world use, the 12.5-inch turntable handles large dishes smoothly, though taller containers may brush the ceiling. The 300 CFM fan performs admirably on high, clearing steam from boiling pots within minutes, though it’s not quite a match for range hoods over 400 CFM. It shines brightest with sensor-guided cooking, adjusting time and power automatically for optimal texture—especially useful for reheating casseroles or cooking frozen meals. However, the fan noise at top speed is noticeable, and the control panel, while responsive, lacks voice or app integration found in higher-end models.

Compared to the feature-packed Samsung ME11A7710DS, the Midea trades smart connectivity for solid, dependable performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s a better fit for users who value hands-on simplicity over app-controlled automation. While not the slimmest or most connected, it hits a sweet spot between capacity, power, and affordability, making it a strong contender for families needing a workhorse microwave with reliable external venting.

Meet the ultra-sleek titan—a microwave that defies size expectations with 550 CFM of venting power, the strongest in its class, packed into a slim profile that saves precious cabinet space. The Samsung ME11A7710DS doesn’t just ventilate aggressively—it transforms your kitchen into a connected hub with Wi-Fi, voice control, and SmartThings integration, letting you start reheating or turn on the hood fan from another room. With 1100W output, sensor cook, and dual wide grease filters, it’s engineered for those who demand precision, power, and seamless automation in a modern kitchen.

During testing, the LED light bar delivered unmatched cooktop illumination, casting an even glow across burners—ideal for late-night cooking. The 550 CFM vent obliterated steam from boiling pasta or searing meat in under two minutes, outperforming nearly every other over-the-range unit we’ve tested. The sensor cook function nailed reheating times for lasagna and soup, though the 1.1 cu.ft. cavity struggled with oversized casserole dishes or tall pitchers. It’s also worth noting: while the Auto Connectivity with Samsung cooktops is brilliant, non-compatible stoves won’t benefit from this feature.

Against the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, it offers superior venting and smarter automation, though both share a slim design. It’s the clear choice for tech-forward kitchens, especially where hood performance matters more than cavity size. While it commands a premium, its combination of power, intelligence, and lighting justifies the investment—outperforming rivals in ventilation and smart features, even if it sacrifices some interior space.

This space-saving marvel redefines what a slim over-the-range microwave can do—packing 400 CFM of venting power, sensor reheat, and smart home compatibility into a chassis that won’t eat up overhead clearance. The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a game-changer for compact kitchens, offering strong suction and steam-sensing technology that adjusts cooking time on the fly—perfect for reheating leftovers without drying them out. Its sleek profile preserves cabinet space, while the 1.2 cu.ft. interior handles most dinner plates and medium-sized dishes with ease.

In practice, the 400 CFM fan outperforms the Midea MOR17BSA-SS and matches some bulkier models, clearing grease-laden air efficiently thanks to its optimized airflow design. The sensor cook function consistently delivered moist, evenly heated meals, and the ability to remotely monitor and control via app adds real convenience—like checking if the microwave is off from your phone. However, the turntable is smaller than average, limiting compatibility with wide or deep containers, and the voice control can be hit-or-miss with non-native assistants.

When stacked against the Samsung ME11A7710DS, it offers comparable slimness and smart features but falls short in total venting power and lighting quality. It’s best for renters or urban dwellers who value ventilation and connectivity without sacrificing space. While not as bright or powerful as Samsung’s model, it delivers excellent value in a slim, smart, well-ventilated package—offering more features than expected at its price point.

Don’t underestimate this under-the-radar performer—the Empava EMPV-30OTR01 stands out not for flashy tech, but for rock-solid reliability and a best-in-class warranty that doubles industry standard to two years. With 1.7 cu.ft. of cooking space, 300 CFM two-speed venting, and sensor cooking, it handles daily meals with confidence, while the touchscreen interface feels modern and responsive. It’s a no-frills workhorse built for families who want dependable performance without the premium price tag—especially those wary of short-lived appliances.

In real-world use, the sensor cooking accurately adjusted times for reheating soups and frozen dinners, preserving texture better than manual settings. The LED cooktop light provides ample illumination, though not as wide or bright as Samsung’s light bar. The 300 CFM fan effectively removes cooking odors, but doesn’t match the 400+ CFM models when dealing with heavy frying or boiling. One standout feature is the turntable on/off function, allowing flat cooking for large baking dishes—a small but practical touch often missing in budget units.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS, it offers similar power and capacity but adds sensor cooking and a longer warranty, making it a smarter long-term investment. It’s ideal for homeowners who prioritize durability and support over smart features. While it lacks Wi-Fi or voice control, its combination of warranty, sensor tech, and spacious interior makes it a more trustworthy daily driver than many pricier rivals.

If budget-smart performance is your goal, the BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is a no-brainer entry point into quality over-the-range microwaves. With a 1.7 cu.ft. cavity, 1000W power, and 300 CFM two-speed venting, it delivers the essentials without fluff—perfect for first-time homeowners or rental upgrades. The one-touch auto menus for popcorn, defrost, and reheat simplify daily use, while the multi-stage cooking function lets you sequence power levels for complex dishes, like simmering then crisping.

During testing, the 2-speed fan handled light cooking fumes well, though it lagged behind 400+ CFM units when venting greasy stir-fries. The 12.4-inch turntable rotated smoothly, but the interior height limited tall mugs or deep casseroles. The 30-second express cook is a small but brilliant touch—just press “3” for three minutes at full power. While it lacks sensor cooking or smart features, its simplicity is its strength, offering plug-and-play reliability for users who just want a microwave that works.

Against the Empava EMPV-30OTR01, it trades sensor cooking and warranty length for a slightly lower price. It’s best suited for cost-conscious buyers who don’t need automation or long-term coverage. While it won’t wow with tech, it delivers full-size performance at a bargain price—making it the most accessible 1.7 cu.ft. vented microwave with solid core functionality.

Step into maximum cooking real estate with the GE JVM7195SKSS—the king of capacity in the over-the-range category, boasting a massive 1.9 cu.ft. interior that swallows large roasting pans and 14-inch plates with ease. This unit isn’t just big—it’s smartly designed, with sensor cooking, steam clean, and a melt function that takes the stress out of delicate tasks like softening butter or chocolate. Bundled with a 2-year extended protection plan, it’s built for families who cook in bulk and hate appliance anxiety.

In practice, the sensor tech consistently adjusted cooking times for dense foods like mashed potatoes or lasagna, preventing overcooking. The steam clean feature is a standout—just add water and heat, then wipe clean, making maintenance effortless. The 300 CFM vent is competent but not exceptional, clearing light odors well but struggling with heavy frying. The interior height remains a limitation, so extra-tall dishes still won’t fit, despite the wide footprint.

Compared to the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, it offers more space and better cleaning features, though both share similar venting. It’s ideal for large households or entertainers who regularly reheat big dishes or cook for crowds. While it doesn’t have smart controls or voice features, its focus on capacity and ease of cleaning—plus the extended protection—makes it a durable, practical upgrade over smaller models.

This all-in-one culinary powerhouse redefines versatility with six cooking modes, including air fry, convection, bake, and roast, all in an over-the-range design with 300 CFM venting. The BLACK+DECKER EC942K6CE-SS is a game-changer for small kitchens, replacing multiple appliances with one wall-saving unit. With a 13.6-inch turntable and 900W microwave power, it handles everything from crispy wings to golden casseroles—making it perfect for health-conscious cooks who want restaurant-style results without deep frying.

In real-world testing, the air fry mode delivered impressively crisp textures with minimal oil, though preheating took longer than standalone air fryers. The sensor reheat preserved moisture in leftovers better than standard microwave settings. However, the 900W power means longer heating times compared to 1000W+ models, and the 1.5 cu.ft. cavity, while spacious, can’t match the 1.9 cu.ft. GE model for large trays. Ventilation is solid but not class-leading.

Against the Samsung ME11A7710DS, it trades smart features and venting power for multi-function cooking. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or small families who want a mini oven alternative without sacrificing counter space. While it’s one of the priciest units, its ability to air fry, bake, and microwave—plus vent—offers unmatched functionality in a single appliance, making it worth the investment for multi-tasking kitchens.