5 Best Over-the-Range Microwaves for Venting (October 2026)
The best over-the-range microwaves for venting include the GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave for a 1.6 cu ft GE with a charcoal filter, the Samsung 1.1 cu ft Slim Over-the-Range Microwave for the strongest fan in a slim unit, and the Midea 1.7 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave for 18 auto menus with a 300 CFM fan.
On this page (12 sections)
- How we ranked the best over the range microwave for venting
- Ducted or recirculating: decide this first
- What fan power means in a real kitchen
- The 5 venting picks in detail
- Matching the fan to your kitchen habits
- Side by side: fan power and size
- Who each venting pick suits
- Questions to answer before you buy
- Keeping the venting working after install
- What to check in the manual before you buy
- When a recirculating setup makes sense
- Best over the range microwave for venting: our pick for each kitchen
The best over the range microwave for venting depends on the fan, the parts in the box and the path the air takes. A higher CFM rating means the fan moves more air, but the path decides where that air goes, so check the manual before you order.
We compared five 30-inch over the range microwaves on fan power, the venting parts in the box, size, weight and install style. The picks run in score order, and the strongest fans don't all sit at the top.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a 1.6 cu ft GE with a charcoal filterGE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for the strongest fan in a slim unitSamsung 1.1 cu ft Slim Over-the-Range Microwave, 550 CFM
8.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for 18 auto menus with a 300 CFM fanMidea 1.7 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itBLACK+DECKER 1.9 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, 400 CFM
Best for a 400 CFM fan with duct parts in the box - 5
Check itGE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
Best for a low cabinet with a 400 CFM fan
How we ranked the best over the range microwave for venting
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. For venting, fan power and the venting parts come first, then size and weight.
We checked the fan rating in CFM for each unit, and we looked at whether the box includes a duct adaptor or install kit. Depth and height came next, because a strong fan doesn't help if the unit won't fit the opening.
Here's how the scores landed:
- GE 1.6 cu ft, 8.5: a charcoal filter, a standard depth and the lowest weight, with a 300 CFM fan.
- Samsung, 8.1: the strongest fan at 550 CFM, in a slim body that is 19.13 inches deep.
- Midea, 8.0: 300 CFM with adjustable speeds, in the shallowest body.
- BLACK+DECKER, 7.8: 400 CFM with an exhaust adaptor and install kit in the box.
- GE Profile, 7.8: 400 CFM in a low profile body.
Ducted or recirculating: decide this first
Every unit here moves air with a fan, but the air goes one of two ways. A ducted setup sends it outside, and a recirculating setup filters it and returns it to the kitchen.
Decide which setup your kitchen can support before you compare CFM numbers. The setup changes the parts you need, and it can change which unit makes sense.
The manual says which setups a model supports. Some units can convert between the two with a kit, so check that before you buy.
A new duct run through a wall or roof is work for a qualified installer. A bent or leaking duct cuts airflow and can damage the cabinet.
What fan power means in a real kitchen
CFM is the amount of air the fan moves in one minute. A higher number gives the fan more air to clear when you cook with steam, smoke or high heat.
Fan power only helps when the air can leave the room. A long duct with many bends slows the airflow, so a high rating on paper may not show the same result in a bent or narrow run.
Cooking habits change the picture. A pot of water on a hot burner adds steam quickly, so a steamy kitchen is a fair test of how well the fan clears the air.
Makers rate fans in different ways, so compare CFM within one brand when you can.
The 5 venting picks in detail
The GE 1.6 cu ft leads this group because it pairs a charcoal filter with a standard depth and the lowest weight. The Samsung and the BLACK+DECKER move more air, so they suit a cook who fries and sears often.
GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
- 300 CFM two-speed fan
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- 12.8-inch removable turntable
- Touch controls
A standard-depth GE with a 300 CFM fan and a charcoal filter. GE says the replaceable filter removes fumes and odors from the air released while food cooks.
Pros
- 40 pounds, the lightest unit here with a weight given
- Replaceable charcoal filter for odors
- Standard depth at 15.56 inches
Cons
- 300 CFM is less than the 400 and 550 CFM units here
- Check the manual to see whether your install ducts outside or recirculates
The GE 1.6 cu ft has a 300 CFM two-speed fan and a replaceable charcoal filter. GE says the filter removes fumes and odors from the air released as food cooks.
At 40 pounds it's the lightest unit in this group with a weight given, which makes it easier to lift into place. It measures 29.88 inches wide, 15.56 inches deep and 16.13 inches tall.
The 300 CFM fan is less powerful than the 400 and 550 CFM units here. Check the manual to see whether your install ducts outside or recirculates through the filter, since the answer changes what you buy.
Samsung 1.1 cu ft Slim Over-the-Range Microwave, 550 CFM
- 550 CFM hood vent
- 10.75 inches tall for a short cabinet
- Install kit in the box
- Wi-Fi and voice control
It's the strongest fan in this group, in a slim 10.75-inch-tall body. Samsung calls it a slim over-the-range unit, which suits a cabinet with less height above the cooktop.
Pros
- 550 CFM, the highest fan rating in this group
- Slim height suits a short cabinet
- Install kit comes with the unit
Cons
- Smallest interior here at 1.1 cu ft
- 19.13 inches deep, so check the depth before you order
The Samsung 1.1 cu ft Slim has the highest fan rating in this group, at 550 CFM. It stands 10.75 inches tall, which suits a cabinet that has less room above the cooktop.
It's also 19.13 inches deep, so it needs more depth than the standard units here. Measure from the wall to the cabinet front before you order.
Samsung markets it with Wi-Fi and voice control, and the box includes an install kit. Its 1.1 cu ft interior is the smallest here, so it suits a smaller household.
Our GE vs Samsung comparison sets it against a GE Profile low profile unit.
Midea 1.7 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
- 300 CFM with adjustable fan speeds
- 18 auto cook menus
- Smart touch panel
- 12.4-inch turntable
A 1.7 cu ft unit with a 300 CFM fan and 18 auto menus. Midea says the fan removes unpleasant fumes and odors, and at 13.5 inches deep it's the shallowest unit in this group.
Pros
- Shallowest body in this group at 13.5 inches deep
- Adjustable fan speeds
- 18 auto cook menus on a touch panel
Cons
- 300 CFM, the same as the GE 1.6 cu ft and below the Samsung and BLACK+DECKER
- At 52 pounds, it needs two people for the lift
The Midea 1.7 cu ft has a 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds. Midea says the fan removes unpleasant fumes and odors, and its 18 auto cook menus cover popcorn, pizza, rice and defrost.
At 13.5 inches deep it's the shallowest unit in this group, so it may suit a cabinet where depth is tight. It measures 29.9 inches wide and 16.4 inches tall.
The unit weighs 52 pounds, so plan for two people on delivery day. Its 300 CFM rating matches the GE 1.6 cu ft, so compare the other details if fan power is your main concern.
Our Midea review goes through it in more depth.
BLACK+DECKER 1.9 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, 400 CFM
- Two-speed 400 CFM venting fan
- Exhaust adaptor and installation kit included
- Cooktop LED lighting
- Ten power levels and pre-programmed auto menus
It has the strongest fan among the standard-height picks. BLACK+DECKER includes an exhaust adaptor and an installation kit, so the parts for a vented setup come in the box.
Pros
- 400 CFM, the highest rating among the standard-height units here
- Exhaust adaptor and installation kit in the box
- Two-speed fan with cooktop light
Cons
- At 57.4 pounds it's the heaviest unit here with a weight given
- Needs a clear duct path if you vent it outside
The BLACK+DECKER 1.9 cu ft has the strongest fan among the standard-height units here, with a two-speed 400 CFM system. It measures 29.9 inches wide, 13.9 inches deep and 16.4 inches tall, so it sits shallow in the cabinet.
The exhaust adaptor and installation kit come in the box. Those are the parts a vented setup usually needs, so you don't have to start from scratch.
It also has cooktop LED lighting, ten power levels and pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza and rice. At 57.4 pounds it's the heaviest unit here with a weight given, so plan for two people on delivery day.
GE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
- Two-speed 400 CFM venting system
- Sensor cooking controls
- Integrated handle
- Low profile body
A low profile unit with a 400 CFM fan. GE Profile says it fits over the range in the same space as a regular undercabinet hood, which helps when the cabinet is short.
Pros
- 400 CFM fan in a low profile body
- Sensor cooking adjusts time and power
- Integrated handle for the front
Cons
- Smallest interior of the 400 CFM units at 1.2 cu ft
- 18.63 inches deep, so check how far it sits in front of the cabinet
The GE Profile 1.2 cu ft is the low profile unit in this group with a 400 CFM fan. GE Profile says it fits over the range in the same space as a regular undercabinet hood, which helps when the cabinet is short.
The two-speed venting system is rated at 400 CFM, and sensor cooking adjusts the time and power for you. It measures 10.31 inches tall and 18.63 inches deep, so check how far it sits in front of the cabinet.
It weighs 51 pounds, so plan for help on delivery day. Its 1.2 cu ft interior is the smallest of the 400 CFM units, so it suits smaller dishes better than large casseroles.
Matching the fan to your kitchen habits
Best over the range microwave for venting: how much fan you need
A fan that matches how you cook is often enough, and a higher rating gives you more margin. If you boil water often or fry at high heat, the 400 and 550 CFM units here give you more room to work.
A household that mostly reheats and simmers can choose a 300 CFM unit and focus on size and fit. The fan still has to clear steam, so keep the duct short and straight.
Either way, the duct path matters as much as the rating. A fan with a strong number on paper still needs a clear route outside to work well.
Check the manual for the fan speeds, since the speed you use most decides how the unit feels day to day. Two-speed fans let you run a low setting for simmering and a high setting for heavier cooking.
Side by side: fan power and size
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size (W x D x H) | Vent fan | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless | a 1.6 cu ft GE with a charcoal filter | 1.6 cu ft | 29.88 x 15.56 x 16.13 in | 300 CFM, two speeds | 8.5 |
| Samsung 1.1 cu ft Slim Over-the-Range Microwave, 550 CFM | the strongest fan in a slim unit | 1.1 cu ft | 29.88 x 19.13 x 10.75 in | 550 CFM | 8.1 |
| Midea 1.7 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless | 18 auto menus with a 300 CFM fan | 1.7 cu ft | 29.9 x 13.5 x 16.4 in | 300 CFM, adjustable speeds | 8.0 |
| BLACK+DECKER 1.9 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, 400 CFM | a 400 CFM fan with duct parts in the box | 1.9 cu ft | 29.9 x 13.9 x 16.4 in | 400 CFM, two speeds | 7.8 |
| GE Profile 1.2 cu ft Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless | a low cabinet with a 400 CFM fan | 1.2 cu ft | 29.88 x 18.63 x 10.31 in | 400 CFM, two speeds | 7.8 |
The table lines up the three things that matter most for venting: the interior size, the outside dimensions and the fan rating. The Samsung stands out at 550 CFM, the BLACK+DECKER and GE Profile follow at 400 CFM, and the GE and Midea run 300 CFM.
Who each venting pick suits
A kitchen that may need to recirculate suits the GE 1.6 cu ft, since the charcoal filter is part of the unit. It's also the pick for a buyer who wants the lightest body, at 40 pounds.
If you can reach an outside wall or roof with a duct, the BLACK+DECKER 1.9 cu ft is the pick to start with. The parts for a vented setup come with it, and it adds 400 CFM.
A short cabinet suits the Samsung slim unit or the GE Profile low profile unit, which are built with less height. Compare the depth of each one against the wall before you choose between them.
A tight space between the wall and the cabinet suits the Midea, which is the shallowest unit here at 13.5 inches.
Questions to answer before you buy
Does the box include an exhaust adaptor or an install kit? If it doesn't, plan to buy a duct transition or a wall cap before the unit arrives.
How far is the outside wall or roof from the cooktop? A longer run with more bends reduces airflow, so keep the duct short and straight where you can.
Which filter does a recirculating setup need, and how often does it change? The manual gives the filter number and the schedule for your model.
Keeping the venting working after install
Clean the grease filters on the schedule in the manual. A clogged filter cuts airflow, so the fan works less well even with a high rating.
If the unit recirculates, change the charcoal filter on the maker's schedule and keep a spare on hand. A filter that goes past its time can leave the air less clean.
What to check in the manual before you buy
The manual says whether the unit vents outside or recirculates, and the answer decides which parts you need. Check it first, then buy the cap, the duct or the filter.
Look for the duct size and the outlet type too. A duct that doesn't match the outlet needs an adapter, and an adapter that doesn't match the duct leaks air.
For a fuller look at the two setups, read our venting options guide. If you're not sure whether your kitchen needs a duct at all, the venting need guide explains the difference.
When a recirculating setup makes sense
A recirculating setup suits a kitchen where a duct can't reach an outside wall or roof. The unit filters the air through a charcoal filter and sends it back into the room, so filter changes matter.
The GE 1.6 cu ft comes with a charcoal filter, and the manual sets the filter size and change schedule for each of the other models. Check those details before you rely on any unit for venting.
For more on the filter side, see our ductless over-the-range guide. If you're still picking a unit, the main buying guide covers the wider choice.
Best over the range microwave for venting: our pick for each kitchen
If you want the simplest setup, start with the GE 1.6 cu ft. It has a filter in the unit, a standard depth and the lowest weight.
If you can run a duct to the outside, the BLACK+DECKER 1.9 cu ft has the exhaust parts in the box, and the Samsung slim unit has the highest fan rating here. Check the Samsung's depth first, because the body is deeper than most units in this group.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a 1.6 cu ft GE with a charcoal filter
GE 1.6 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for the strongest fan in a slim unit
Samsung 1.1 cu ft Slim Over-the-Range Microwave, 550 CFM
8.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for 18 auto menus with a 300 CFM fan
Midea 1.7 cu ft Over-the-Range Microwave, Stainless
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What does CFM mean on an over the range microwave?
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, which is the amount of air the fan moves. Makers rate fans in different ways, so compare CFM within one brand when you can.
Do I need a duct to vent an over the range microwave?
Not always, because some units recirculate the air through a charcoal filter instead. Your manual says which setup your model uses, so check it before you buy a cap, a filter or an adapter.
Which over the range microwave here has the strongest fan?
The Samsung slim unit has the highest rating in this group, at 550 CFM. It stands 10.75 inches tall, which suits a short cabinet, but it's 19.13 inches deep, so check that depth before you order.
Should I buy a vent kit with my microwave?
Check whether the unit includes an exhaust adaptor and an installation kit first. If it doesn't, you may need a duct transition or a wall cap, depending on your duct size.
