A wall-mounted microwave with a vent can save counter space while giving you a way to heat food and help clear cooking odors above your range. Most models in this guide are over-the-range units, so fit, ventilation setup, and the room available above your stove matter as much as cooking features. Our picks range from a compact smart model to a larger-capacity option; compare their dimensions and vent details before choosing.
Quick Comparison
| Microwave | Capacity | Cooking power | Vent details | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000 watts | 300 CFM, two speeds | A balanced set of everyday features |
| MAGNAVOX HOME 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. | 1,000 watts | 300 CFM, dual speed; supports ductless installation | A ductless setup and straightforward controls |
| KoolMore 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.6 cu. ft. | 1,000 watts | 300 CFM recirculation vent | Recirculating ventilation and simple cook options |
| Samsung 1.1 Cu. Ft. Smart Slim Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.1 cu. ft. | Not specified | 550 CFM hood vent | A slim design with smart features |
| COSMO 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave | 1.9 cu. ft. | 1,000 watts | Vent fan; airflow rating not specified | A larger interior and sensor cooking modes |
Our Picks: Best Wall Mounted Microwave With Vent reviews
BLACK+DECKER: A Well-Rounded 1.7-Cubic-Foot Option
This BLACK+DECKER over-the-range microwave combines a 1.7-cubic-foot cavity with 1,000 watts of cooking power. Its 12.4-inch turntable and six quick menus cover common jobs such as reheating, defrosting, and making popcorn. The multi-stage cooking setting also lets you program two power levels in sequence.
The two-speed, 300 CFM vent fan and integrated light add useful range-area functions. At about 30 inches wide, this model may suit a standard-width cooking area, but check the listed dimensions against your cabinets and installation space before ordering. The product information does not specify its venting configuration, so confirm whether it fits your duct setup.
Compared with the other 1.7-cubic-foot pick here, the BLACK+DECKER offers clear quick-cook and multi-stage options. It is a practical choice if you want a familiar set of microwave functions alongside a vent, rather than smart-home features or the highest stated airflow in this group.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable
- 1,000 watts and 10 cooking levels
- 300 CFM fan with two speeds and an integrated light
- Quick menus and multi-stage cooking
Cons:
- Vent installation details are not specified in the supplied product information
- Its 29.9-inch width and other dimensions need to be checked against your space
Verdict: Choose the BLACK+DECKER if you want a full-size 1.7-cubic-foot microwave with useful presets and a two-speed 300 CFM fan.
MAGNAVOX HOME: A 1.7-Cubic-Foot Pick for Ductless Setups
This MAGNAVOX HOME model offers a 1.7-cubic-foot interior and 1,000 watts of power, with 11 power levels for adjusting how food heats. Its listed functions include defrost by weight or time, plus presets for popcorn, beverages, and melting. The keypad includes an English/French language option, and the product description also lists a child lock and multi-stage cooking.
Its 300 CFM, dual-speed vent supports ductless installation, which may be helpful when your kitchen does not have an exhaust duct leading outside. A ductless setup recirculates air, so check the installation instructions and required filters to make sure it suits your kitchen. The stainless-steel trim and handle contrast with the black door.
This option has a similar capacity and vent rating to the BLACK+DECKER, but emphasizes additional power levels and ductless installation support. The listing supplied for this model indicates that it may not be available, so check the product page before making plans around it.
Pros:
- 1.7-cubic-foot capacity and 1,000 watts of power
- 11 power levels and weight- or time-based defrost
- 300 CFM dual-speed fan supports ductless installation
- Child lock and English/French language options
Cons:
- Availability may be limited; confirm the listing before purchase
- Ductless ventilation may not suit kitchens that require an outside exhaust
Verdict: Consider the MAGNAVOX HOME if you need a ductless-compatible 1.7-cubic-foot microwave and can confirm that it is available and fits your installation.
KoolMore: A Recirculating Vent with Convenient Cook Settings
The KoolMore is a 1.6-cubic-foot over-the-range microwave with 1,000 watts of output. It has six pre-programmed cooking selections, 10 power levels, a 30-second express-cook option, and defrost functions. A child safety lock is also listed.
Its 300 CFM vent is described as a recirculation function. That makes the vent setup a key point to consider: recirculating ventilation does not send air outdoors, so verify that this arrangement works for your kitchen and cooking needs. The product description also mentions an oven lamp, which can provide light over the cooking area.
Compared with the BLACK+DECKER and MAGNAVOX HOME, the KoolMore has slightly less listed capacity and is more explicit about recirculation. It could suit a household looking for basic cooking controls and a vent function without needing the largest cavity in this group.
Pros:
- 1,000 watts, 10 power levels, and six cooking selections
- 30-second express cook and defrost functions
- 300 CFM recirculation vent and oven lamp
- Child safety lock
Cons:
- 1.6-cubic-foot capacity is smaller than the BLACK+DECKER and COSMO options
- Recirculating ventilation may not meet your needs if you want air exhausted outdoors
Verdict: Pick the KoolMore if its 1.6-cubic-foot size works for you and you specifically want a microwave with a recirculation vent.
Samsung Smart Slim: A Compact Model with a 550 CFM Hood Vent
This Samsung is a slim over-the-range microwave with a 1.1-cubic-foot capacity. Its listed features include Wi-Fi, voice control, an LED light, and a 550 CFM hood vent. That stated vent capacity is higher than the 300 CFM ratings given for the BLACK+DECKER, MAGNAVOX HOME, and KoolMore models.
The trade-off is the smaller cooking cavity. If you often heat large plates or use taller dishes, compare the interior dimensions and turntable size on the product listing with what you use at home. The product information supplied here does not state its cooking wattage, power levels, or venting configuration, so check those details before buying.
This model stands out for shoppers who value a slim profile, smart controls, and a higher stated hood-vent rating. It is less suited to buyers who want a larger interior or need to choose based on a clearly listed cooking wattage.
Pros:
- Slim over-the-range design with a 1.1-cubic-foot capacity
- 550 CFM hood vent
- Wi-Fi and voice control are listed features
- LED light
Cons:
- Smaller capacity than the other microwaves in this comparison
- Cooking wattage and venting configuration are not specified in the supplied information
Verdict: Choose the Samsung if a slim design and its listed smart features matter more to you than a larger cooking cavity, and verify the missing specifications before ordering.
COSMO: The Largest Listed Capacity in This Group
With a listed capacity of 1.9 cubic feet, the COSMO offers the most interior space among these five options. It provides 1,000 watts and 10 power levels, plus six touch presets. Its sensor reheat and cook modes are designed to adjust cooking based on the food, while an optional rack allows two-level cooking.
The listed exterior dimensions are 29.8 inches wide, 15.4 inches deep, and 16.4 inches high, with a 13.6-inch turntable. Measure your available space carefully and check the installation requirements for your range. The product title includes a vent fan, but the supplied description does not state its airflow rating or venting configuration.
Compared with the smaller-capacity models, the COSMO is a strong fit if you regularly use larger dishes or want more room inside. The sensor functions add convenience, but shoppers who are focused on ventilation should confirm the fan specifications and installation type before choosing it.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity in this comparison at 1.9 cubic feet
- 1,000 watts and 10 power levels
- Sensor reheat and cook modes
- Optional rack for two-level cooking
Cons:
- Vent airflow rating and venting configuration are not specified in the supplied description
- Its larger capacity may not be necessary if you usually heat small portions
Verdict: The COSMO is the best match here if you want the largest listed microwave capacity, provided its vent details and installation dimensions meet your needs.
How to Choose a Wall-Mounted Microwave with a Vent
Measure the Space Above Your Range
Start with the available width, height, and depth, then compare those measurements with the microwave’s exterior dimensions. Check the installation instructions for required clearances and mounting details, too. A microwave that fits between cabinets may still need a specific amount of space above the cooktop or a suitable wall and cabinet setup.
Match the Vent to Your Kitchen
Vent ratings are not the only factor: you also need to know where the air goes. A ducted setup sends air outside, while a recirculating or ductless setup returns filtered air to the room. The KoolMore description specifies recirculation, and the MAGNAVOX HOME description says it supports ductless installation. For models where the vent configuration is not stated, confirm it with the product listing or installation guide before purchase.
Compare Airflow Ratings Carefully
Among the models with a stated airflow rating, the Samsung lists 550 CFM, while the BLACK+DECKER, MAGNAVOX HOME, and KoolMore list 300 CFM. The COSMO description does not provide a CFM figure. Treat these numbers as one part of your decision, and check the unit’s fan settings and installation requirements as well.
Choose a Capacity That Fits Your Usual Dishes
The listed capacities range from 1.1 to 1.9 cubic feet. A larger cavity can be useful for bigger plates or cookware, while a smaller, slim model may make more sense when space is tight. Capacity alone does not tell you whether a specific dish will fit, so check the interior dimensions and turntable size when those measurements are available.
Consider Cooking Controls and Everyday Features
Think about which features you will use often. Presets, express cooking, defrost settings, multiple power levels, and sensor modes can make common tasks easier. If child safety matters in your home, check that a child lock is included; it is listed for the MAGNAVOX HOME and KoolMore models in this guide.
Check Electrical and Installation Requirements
Before ordering, review the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting, electrical requirements, and vent setup. Make sure your kitchen can support the required installation and that the fan configuration fits your existing ductwork—or your plans for a ductless setup. If any specification is missing from the product description, confirm it before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “over-the-range” mean?
An over-the-range microwave is installed above a cooktop or range, combining a microwave with a vent function in one appliance. It can free up counter space, but it must fit the available space and follow the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
Does a microwave vent send air outside?
Not always. Some setups exhaust air through ductwork, while ductless or recirculating setups filter the air and return it to the kitchen. The product details and installation instructions should specify which options a particular model supports.
Is a higher CFM rating always better?
A higher stated CFM means a higher listed airflow capacity, but it does not answer every installation question. Check the vent configuration, fan settings, and requirements for your kitchen before comparing models by CFM alone.
How much capacity do I need?
That depends on the plates and cookware you use. The products here range from 1.1 to 1.9 cubic feet. Compare the interior dimensions and turntable size with your regular dishes rather than relying on the capacity number alone.
Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
Installation depends on the appliance, wall and cabinet setup, electrical connection, and venting arrangement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and consider qualified help if you are unsure about mounting or electrical work.
Which option has the largest stated vent rating?
The Samsung lists a 550 CFM hood vent, the highest stated figure among these picks. Its capacity is 1.1 cubic feet, so weigh the vent rating against the smaller cooking cavity and confirm the installation details.
Final Recommendation
For a balanced combination of cooking capacity, everyday presets, and a clearly stated 300 CFM two-speed fan, the BLACK+DECKER is a practical starting point. Choose the KoolMore if you want a specified recirculation vent, the Samsung if you prefer a slim design and higher stated airflow, or the COSMO if a larger cavity is your priority. Before buying any of them, check the fit, vent configuration, and installation requirements for your kitchen.
