Best Microwave with Exhaust Fan and Light

Today, more than 100 new models of microwaves have entered the market. I spent 50+ hours testing and evaluating the best microwave with an exhaust fan and light for you. 

I took into consideration a number of factors including exhaust fan speeds, exhaust maximum CFM, charcoal filter, and lighting settings.

The Frigidaire FFMV1645TS 30, of all microwaves, performs the very best while the GE JVM3162RJSS 30 over-the-range microwave is easy to use. Here’s the list of the best over-the-range microwaves. 

What Is A Microwave With Exhaust Fan And Light?

A microwave oven with an exhaust fan and light is a unit that comes with an exhaust fan to get rid of fumes and smoke. 

It also has a lighting system that illuminates the cooking space evenly for better viewing.

Our Top Picks Best for Microwaves with Exhaust Fan and Light

FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1645TS 30”Over-the-Range Microwave

If you’re looking for the best value microwave with an exhaust fan and light, FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1645TS 30” is the ideal option for you. It is affordable and boasts everything you need.

The 2-speed ventilation system with 220 CFM effectively removes the smoke and fumes while cooking.

This over-the-range microwave with an exhaust fan and light runs on a 1000-watt motor for a fast and efficient cooking process.

The 10 power level settings and auto-reheat options add convenience as you can make or reheat your favorite dishes with ultimate ease.

Its cooktop LED light offers you a clear and brighter view of the cooking area. So you’ll find cooking and preparing meals super easy.

With the interior LED lighting system, you can see how your food is cooking while doing other chores.

The stainless steel casing and black door provide a stylish design. Therefore this unit promises to give your kitchen a touch of class. 

Pros

• Easy-to-use touch options allow for efficiency
• Multiple heating settings to suit different foods
• Excellent ventilation system for easy removal of fumes and smoke
• Impressive lighting system for better visibility while cooking

Cons

• Some users claim that the turntable failed after 40 days of usage
• It’s also noisy 

GE JVM3162RJSS 30” Over-the-Range Microwave

The GE JVM3162RJSS 30” is the best microwave over the range with an exhaust fan and light that’s easy to use overall.

For one, the LED light illuminates your entire cooking space, making cooking even better.

This best over-the-range microwave with an exhaust fan and light boasts 10 power level settings. So you can adjust the power depending on what you are cooking.

The 2-speed 300 CFM exhaust system is impressive as it removes smoke, steam, and odors faster.

GE JVM3162RJSS 30” boasts a 1.6 cubic foot microwave capacity. So you can easily cook for less than 5 people without any problems.

The sleek design of this unit is impressive as it adds elegance to your kitchen decor. The Stainless steel construction gives the unit durability, and it promises to last long.

Safety is also an important factor and GE JVM3162RJSS 30” comes with a child safety lock feature. So you do not need to worry about your children taking dangerous microwaves.

Pros

• Sleek design and powerful ventilation system
• 10 power level settings and a 2-speed fan make cooking easier for everyone
• Comes with LED lighting to improve cooking visibility
• Easy-to-use touch control
• Child safety lock for added safety

Cons

• The ventilation is not sufficient if you are cooking something very smoky or having burning problems

Black + Decker EM044KJN-P1 Over-the-Range Microwave

The Black + Decker EM044KJN is your ideal choice for those looking for over-the-range microwaves. 

It is an affordable three-in-one unit that works as a hood, range, and microwave. So it’ll save up space in your kitchen if your cooking area is limited.

The 2-speed 400 CFM ventilation system helps quickly remove smoke and steam coming from the stovetop for a safe cooking environment.

Black + Decker EM044KJN oven has 10 power levels and 4 Ventilation settings to help you cook your favorite dishes just right.

This best over-the-range microwave oven with a fan has easy-to-use touch buttons so that you can cook your meals without any problems.

Pros

• Very affordable price point ideal for fixed budgets
• Sleek design for modern homes
• 3-in-1 functionality saves up space in your kitchen
• Good ventilation and lighting system for efficiency

Cons

• It’s not very powerful, and the ventilation system is very weak.

Sharp Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

Sharp carries a unique 30” Over-the-Range Microwave with a fan and light to help you cook your favorite dishes more easily.

It has an impressive 800 CFM ventilation system that helps eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen quickly. 

The powerful lighting system illuminates the entire cooking space. So you can prepare meals more easily.

Sharp Over-the-Range Microwave comes with 10 power levels to suit different foods. This helps you cook your meals evenly without any problems.

The advanced inverter technology maintains the temperature once it is set, so your food always cooks perfectly.

This best over-the-range microwave oven features a child safety lock, an end-of-cycle signal, and express cook settings. 

Pros

• Unbeatable price point for the features it comes with
• The inverter technology ensures that your food is cooked evenly
• Touch controls are very easy to use without any problems
• A good ventilation system ensures safety when cooking smoky foods or burning something on the stovetop.

Cons

• It is a bit pricey

FRIGIDAIRE FGMV17WNVF Over-the-Range Microwave

Frigidaire FGMV17WNVF has a stylish silver design that fits perfectly in modern kitchens. It is an affordable unit with many great features to improve your cooking experience.

It comes with a powerful 1700 CFM ventilation system that quickly removes the smoke and steam from the kitchen for safe cooking conditions.

The four-speed fan has a 3-way venting system to help you cook your favorite dishes just the way you like them.

You’ll find this microwave with a turbo defrost option for thawing frozen food quickly and evenly. 

It also offers 10 power levels and 4 Ventilation settings to make cooking easier for everyone in the family.

Pros

• Stylish design fits perfectly in any modern or traditional kitchen
• The powerful 1700 CFM ventilation system is very effective and moves the air evenly throughout the space
• Turbo defrost ensures that your food is ready quickly and conveniently without compromising its taste
• Good oven temperature for better-tasting meals

Cons

• You can’t turn off the beep sound that is very loud and annoying

How We Tested the Best Microwave with Exhaust Fan and Light

Always check for basic specifications like power output, cooking capacity, material construction, and power levels.

There are also other key things you should consider before buying a microwave with a fan and light.

They include:

Maximum CFM exhaust 

The maximum CMF is the maximum ventilation capacity of a unit. Most microwaves offer maximum CMF ranging from 150-400 CFM. 

This depends on the number of fans the unit has.

Consider an over-the-range microwave with an exhaust fan that has at least 200 CFM.

The more powerful the vent, the better it will be to quickly remove smoke and steam from your kitchen during cooking for safe results. 

This will help ease the cleanup process as it can remove all the steam and smell while cooking. 

Exhaust fan speeds

Most over-the-range microwaves come with at least 2 fan speeds. A single fan speed may not be sufficient enough to handle a variety of tasks in your kitchen.

You should buy a unit that has at least 2-3 speeds. This will help you control the amount of air coming out based on your kitchen’s smoke and steam level.

Lighting settings

You should always buy a microwave oven with sufficient lighting. This is very important if you want to avoid straining your eyes while cooking in the dark.

The best unit will have at least 2-3 light settings for maximum convenience when cooking different types of food.

Some models come with a night light feature, which illuminates the kitchen evenly but leaves one corner dark for a romantic dinner setting.

Charcoal filter

This feature comes in handy if you engage in heavy cooking tasks. It’s an excellent add-on accessory as it collects and stabilizes grease and odor produced as you cook.

By doing so, your kitchen stays fresh, especially when your home’s venting system cannot get rid of the odor, grease, and other contaminants from the outdoors.

Ease of use

The unit should be easy to install without requiring the help of an expert. It shouldn’t be difficult to uninstall and reinstall, so you can replace it with another unit if needed.

You should also check for ease of use when making your purchase. Look for features like preset cooking options, power levels, venting systems, etc.

A unit with easy-to-access touch buttons and dials is more convenient than one with complicated controls.

Price

Invest in a reliable microwave oven with the best features without overspending on an expensive unit. 

Buy from a reputable store that offers a warranty and full after-sales support.

And lastly, consider units by top brands like Panasonic, Samsung, GE, etc. 

These reliable manufacturers offer the best in terms of quality, design, and performance.

FAQs 

Do Microwaves With Exhaust fans work Better Than Regular Ovens?

Yes. Microwaves with an exhaust fan work better than regular ovens as they can quickly remove all steam and smoke to keep the kitchen clear of contaminants.