Finding a 24-inch over-the-range microwave with an exhaust fan can be tricky: many popular models are nearly 30 inches wide and may not fit a 24-inch opening. Of the five options below, the COSMO Stellar and GE are about 24 inches wide. The other three are wider alternatives, so treat them as options only if your available space and installation requirements allow. Compare the full dimensions—not just the product name—before you buy.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Width and capacity | Ventilation | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| COSMO Stellar 24-inch Over-the-Range Microwave | 23.8 inches; 1.34 cu. ft. | Integrated range hood; CFM not listed | Sensor cooking, touch presets, 1000 watts |
| GE 24-inch Over-the-Range Microwave | 23.81 inches; 1.4 cu. ft. | 300 CFM; recirculating and venting options | Sensor cooking, LED lighting, auto-on vent |
| BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave | 29.88 inches; 1.9 cu. ft. | 400 CFM, two speeds | Auto menus, turntable on/off, cooktop LED |
| Midea Over-the-Range Microwave | 29.9 inches; 1.7 cu. ft. | 300 CFM, adjustable fan speeds | 18 auto menus, 10 power levels |
| COSMO Stellar Slim Over-the-Range Microwave | 30 inches; 1.2 cu. ft. | Vent fan; CFM not listed | Slim profile, sensor cooking, touch controls |
Our Picks: Best 24 Over The Range Microwave With Exhaust Fan reviews
1. COSMO Stellar: A compact 24-inch fit with sensor cooking
The COSMO Stellar is a true narrow-width option, measuring 23.8 inches wide. It has a 1.34-cubic-foot interior, 1000 watts of cooking power, and a built-in range hood designed to remove smoke, odors, and moisture. Its size and RV-friendly designation make it worth considering for a compact kitchen, though the listed exterior dimensions are still important to check against your installation space.
Touch presets cover tasks such as popcorn, defrosting, melting, and softening. Sensor cook and reheat modes are designed to detect when food is done and stop automatically. The stainless-steel exterior and black glass give it a modern look, while the included installation kit and exhaust adapter may help with setup. The microwave can be installed with venting, but routing the exhaust to an existing duct may take planning.
Its main trade-off is ventilation information: the supplied specifications do not state a CFM rating. If you cook often with high heat or need a specific level of exhaust performance, confirm that the fan and duct setup meet your needs before choosing it. The 13.6-inch turntable also gives you less room for oversized cookware than the larger models in this list.
Pros:
- 23.8-inch width suits many narrow openings
- Sensor cooking and reheat modes
- Touch presets and 10 power levels
- Installation kit and exhaust adapter included
Cons:
- CFM rating is not provided in the supplied specifications
- Smaller capacity than the wider alternatives
Verdict: Choose the COSMO Stellar if you need a roughly 24-inch microwave and value sensor cooking, but verify the venting arrangement and cabinet fit before ordering.
2. GE 24-inch: A narrow model with a stated 300 CFM vent
GE’s over-the-range model is 23.81 inches wide and offers 1.4 cubic feet of capacity, making it one of the two options here that may suit a 24-inch installation. It has 1000 watts of microwave output, 10 power levels, and a 300 CFM hood vent. For shoppers comparing narrow models, having a listed ventilation rating makes it easier to assess the fan against your cooking habits.
The unit supports both recirculating and vented installation, and a charcoal filter is included for recirculating use. Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time and power level, while LED lighting illuminates the cooktop and microwave interior. The hidden vent gives the front a cleaner appearance, and an auto-on feature can activate the fan if the unit senses excess heat from the cooking surface below.
Its 1.4-cubic-foot capacity is a modest step up from the COSMO Stellar, but the turntable is about 13.57 inches, so large dishes may still be a tight fit. Check the required clearances and the installation instructions for your specific kitchen. The product information lists a 1550-watt figure under wattage, while also specifying 1000 watts of microwave cooking power; these describe different listed power details, so confirm electrical requirements in the manual before installation.
Pros:
- 23.81-inch width and 1.4-cubic-foot capacity
- 300 CFM ventilation with recirculating or vented options
- Sensor cooking and auto-on vent feature
- Interior and cooktop LED lighting
Cons:
- Turntable size may limit use with wide dishes
- Installation clearances still need to be checked carefully
Verdict: The GE is a strong narrow-format pick if you want a stated 300 CFM vent and flexible installation options in a microwave that is about 24 inches wide.
3. BLACK+DECKER: A wider microwave with a powerful 400 CFM fan
This BLACK+DECKER is not a 24-inch microwave: it measures about 29.9 inches wide. It is included as a wider alternative for kitchens with a standard-width opening. Its larger 1.9-cubic-foot capacity gives you more room for dishes than either narrow model, and its two-speed ventilation system is rated at 400 CFM.
The microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power, 10 power settings, and preset menus for common foods such as popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, and frozen meals. A turntable on/off function lets you make use of the interior for larger dishes, and cooktop LED lighting helps illuminate the range below. The supplied information also lists a child lock, timer, and 30-second express cooking.
The extra capacity and stronger listed fan make this model appealing if both cooking space and ventilation matter more than a compact footprint. However, its nearly 30-inch width rules it out for most 24-inch spaces. Measure the cabinet opening, depth, height, and mounting area before considering it, and make sure its vent arrangement is compatible with your kitchen.
Pros:
- Large 1.9-cubic-foot capacity
- 400 CFM fan with two speeds
- Turntable can be switched off for larger dishes
- Multiple auto menus and cooktop LED lighting
Cons:
- Nearly 30 inches wide, so it is not a 24-inch replacement
- May be too large for compact kitchens or narrow cabinetry
Verdict: Consider the BLACK+DECKER only if you have room for a roughly 30-inch microwave and want more capacity plus a higher stated CFM rating.
4. Midea: A spacious 30-inch model with 18 cooking menus
The Midea is about 29.9 inches wide, so it does not meet a strict 24-inch width requirement. For a kitchen with room for a wider appliance, it pairs a 1.7-cubic-foot interior with 1000 watts of microwave output and a 300 CFM vent. Its 12.4-inch turntable is specified to hold items such as a 12-inch pizza, according to the product details.
There are 18 one-touch auto menus for foods and tasks that include popcorn, pizza, rice, potatoes, defrosting, and softening. Ten power levels offer more control than relying only on presets. The fan has adjustable speeds, and the cooktop light provides visibility over the range.
Compared with the BLACK+DECKER, the Midea has less interior capacity and a lower stated CFM rating. It may still be a practical fit for shoppers who want preset cooking options and a wider-than-24-inch unit without needing the maximum listed capacity in this group. Its dimensions are the deciding factor: do not assume it will fit just because it is an over-the-range model.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot interior with 1000 watts of cooking power
- 18 auto menus and 10 power levels
- 300 CFM fan with adjustable speeds
- Cooktop light for visibility
Cons:
- 29.9-inch width does not suit most 24-inch openings
- Smaller turntable than some buyers may want for broad dishes
Verdict: The Midea is a useful mid-size alternative if your opening is close to 30 inches and you want plenty of cooking presets, but it is not a direct 24-inch replacement.
5. COSMO Stellar Slim: A low-profile option for a 30-inch opening
This COSMO Stellar Slim is another wider alternative, measuring 30 inches across. Its slim 10.3-inch listed height may appeal if you want to preserve more visible space above the range, but it still needs a 30-inch-wide installation area. The microwave has a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity and a listed 1000 watts of cooking power.
Controls include seven auto-cooking options, sensor cooking and reheating, and timed or weight-based defrosting. It has 11 power levels and a turntable measuring 12.4 inches. The product is described as having a vent fan, but the supplied details do not state its CFM rating, so shoppers who need a specific ventilation level should confirm that information before buying.
The slim profile comes with less interior capacity than the other models here. It could suit a household that mainly reheats plates or cooks smaller portions, but it may feel restrictive if you often use large dishes. It is also not a solution for a narrow 24-inch opening despite the compact height.
Pros:
- Low-profile design with a listed 10.3-inch height
- Sensor cooking and sensor reheat
- 11 power levels and multiple defrost options
- Touch controls and auto-cooking presets
Cons:
- 30 inches wide, not suitable for most 24-inch spaces
- Smallest capacity in this comparison, with no CFM rating listed
Verdict: Choose the COSMO Stellar Slim if you have a 30-inch opening and prioritize a lower-profile body over a larger cooking cavity.
How to Choose a 24-Inch Over-the-Range Microwave With an Exhaust Fan
Measure the full installation space
Start with the available width, then measure the height and depth of the opening and check the space between the cooktop and the bottom of the cabinet or microwave. A model described as 24 inches may be slightly narrower or wider in its actual exterior dimensions. Compare those measurements with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, including required clearances and mounting details.
Confirm the venting method
Over-the-range microwaves may vent outdoors through ductwork or recirculate air back into the kitchen, depending on the model and setup. The GE lists both venting and recirculating options, with a charcoal filter included for recirculating use. The COSMO Stellar includes an exhaust adapter, but its listed details do not give a CFM figure. Check which venting method your kitchen supports and whether any filters or duct parts are needed.
Compare CFM ratings carefully
CFM describes the volume of air a fan moves, and the models here list different figures: 300 CFM for the GE and Midea, and 400 CFM for the BLACK+DECKER. The two COSMO models do not have a CFM figure in the supplied specifications. A higher number can be useful when you need stronger air movement, but installation and the duct path also matter. Confirm the model’s vent performance and setup before choosing.
Match capacity and turntable size to your cookware
Capacity is only part of the fit. A large dish also needs enough clearance to turn, so compare the turntable diameter with the cookware you use most. The COSMO Stellar lists a 13.6-inch turntable, while the GE lists about 13.57 inches. The Midea and slim COSMO list 12.4-inch turntables. The BLACK+DECKER offers a turntable-off function for larger dishes, but its wider body requires a larger installation space.
Consider cooking controls and power
All five models list 1000 watts of microwave cooking power, but their controls differ. Sensor cooking on the COSMO and GE models can adjust or stop cooking based on detected conditions. The Midea and BLACK+DECKER offer a range of automatic menus, while the slim COSMO adds sensor functions and 11 power levels. Pick controls that match how you cook rather than focusing only on the number of presets.
Check electrical and installation requirements
These are heavy appliances, with listed weights around 51 to 57 pounds. Installation may involve a mounting plate, cabinet support, electrical access, and vent routing. Check the included parts and instructions, and consider professional installation if the existing wall, cabinets, or ductwork do not match the required setup. For an RV or a replacement installation, compare the new model’s dimensions and mounting points with the old unit rather than relying on width alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all five microwaves in this guide 24 inches wide?
No. The COSMO Stellar is 23.8 inches wide and the GE is 23.81 inches wide. The BLACK+DECKER, Midea, and COSMO Stellar Slim are approximately 30 inches wide, so they are included as alternatives for kitchens with larger openings.
Which model has the strongest stated exhaust fan?
The BLACK+DECKER lists a 400 CFM, two-speed vent fan. The GE and Midea list 300 CFM. The supplied specifications for the two COSMO models do not give a CFM rating.
Can these microwaves recirculate air instead of venting outdoors?
The GE specifically lists recirculating and vented installation options and includes a charcoal filter. For the other models, check the product instructions or manufacturer information to confirm the supported venting setup and any required filters.
What does 24-inch refer to: the opening or the microwave itself?
It usually describes the general size category, not an exact fit for every cabinet opening. The actual exterior width can differ, and installation also depends on depth, height, clearances, and mounting requirements. Measure the space and compare it with the appliance’s full dimensions.
Which option has the largest cooking capacity?
The BLACK+DECKER has the largest listed capacity at 1.9 cubic feet, but it is nearly 30 inches wide. Among the two roughly 24-inch models, the GE lists 1.4 cubic feet and the COSMO Stellar lists 1.34 cubic feet.
Is a higher CFM rating the only thing to consider for ventilation?
No. The duct route, vent configuration, and whether the unit is installed for outdoor exhaust or recirculation also affect how the system works in your kitchen. Check the installation guide and make sure the appliance supports your intended setup.
Final Recommendation
For a genuine 24-inch installation, focus first on the COSMO Stellar and GE, then confirm their dimensions and required clearances against your kitchen. The GE is the clearest choice if you want a stated 300 CFM fan and recirculating or vented setup. The COSMO Stellar is worth considering for its compact width, sensor features, and included exhaust adapter, though its CFM rating is not listed. Choose one of the wider models only if your space can accommodate a unit close to 30 inches across.