Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best Above Stove Microwave | 400 CFM Fan with Smart Sensor

An above-stove microwave has to pull double duty every single day: reheat your meals reliably while capturing steam, grease, and odors rising from your cooktop. Choosing the wrong combination of fan power, capacity, and interior build leads to lingering kitchen smells and uneven heating. This guide breaks down the exact specifications that separate a capable over-the-range unit from a frustrating compromise.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind AirfryerBite. I spend my time cross-referencing wattage output, cubic-foot measurements, and CFM fan ratings to find the models that actually perform in a real kitchen environment.

After analyzing nine different configurations of size, venting capability, and cooking intelligence, the clear winners for the above stove microwave segment combine robust exhaust systems with generous turntable clearance and sensor-driven auto menus.

How To Choose The Best Above Stove Microwave

Selecting an over-the-range microwave involves more than matching width to your existing cabinet cutout. You need to balance usable capacity, fan strength, and cooking precision. Here are the three factors that matter most.

CFM Ventilation: Your First Filter

The fan moves air from your cooktop through a duct or recirculation system. A 300 CFM unit handles light steaming and boiling, while 400 CFM models clear smoke from high-heat searing much faster. If your range is gas or you cook with oil frequently, prioritize higher CFM ratings.

Turntable Diameter vs. Capacity

Total cubic feet tells you how tall and wide the cavity is, but the turntable diameter determines whether a 12-inch pizza or a 13×9 baking dish fits without scraping the walls. Look for a turntable at least 12.4 inches wide if you plan to use standard rectangular bakeware.

Sensor Cooking and Defrost Precision

Sensor cook settings measure steam released from food to adjust power and time automatically. This feature prevents overcooked vegetables and uneven reheating. Weight-defrost systems also thaw meat more consistently than timed defrost programs.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.

Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
Midea MOR17BSA-SS Mid-Range Value with 18 auto menus 300 CFM / 1.7 cu. ft. Amazon
Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Mid-Range Easy clean interior 1000W / 1.7 cu. ft. Amazon
BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS Mid-Range Multi-stage cooking 300 CFM / 1.7 cu. ft. Amazon
SHARP SMO1754JS Mid-Range Sensor cooking precision 300 CFM / 13.6″ turntable Amazon
Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Mid-Range Large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity 12.5″ turntable / 1000W Amazon
BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Premium High-power 400 CFM vent 400 CFM / 1.9 cu. ft. Amazon
FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS Premium 2-speed vent recirculating 300 CFM / 10 power levels Amazon
Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Premium Slim smart-home integration 400 CFM / 1.2 cu. ft. Amazon
Sharp R1874T Premium Convection baking & broiling 850W convection / 1.1 cu. ft. Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven

18 Auto Menus300 CFM Vent

The Midea MOR17BSA-SS combines a 1.7 cu. ft. cavity with a 12.4-inch turntable that accommodates a full rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza without contact. The 1000-watt output and 10-level power settings give you fine control over heating intensity, while the 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds effectively pulls smoke and steam away from the cooktop.

Eighteen auto-cook menus cover popcorn, pizza, defrost, softened cream cheese, rice, and potatoes, reducing the guesswork for everyday meals. The stainless steel interior resists staining and wipes clean quickly, and the bright cooktop light provides a clear view of burners below. The exclusive one-touch panel responds reliably without requiring deep menu dives.

For the balance of usable space, useful presets, and mid-range cost, this Midea model outperforms many competitors that charge significantly more for similar specs. The 1000W heating power ensures soups boil fast and leftovers reheat evenly across the turntable surface.

Why it’s great

  • 18 dedicated auto menus cover most common cooking tasks
  • 12.4-inch turntable handles large casserole dishes easily
  • Stainless steel interior simplifies grease wipe-down

Good to know

  • 300 CFM fan is adequate but not the highest available
  • Touch panel may show fingerprints over time
Quick Cook

2. Farberware 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven

1550W InputChild Safety Lock

Farberware’s 1.7 cu. ft. model delivers a 1000W output backed by a 1550W input, which translates to rapid heat-up cycles and consistent cooking across the cavity. The interior features an easy-clean stainless steel lining that resists splatter buildup, and the interface includes dedicated buttons for vegetables, snacks, and potatoes alongside a standard auto-cook menu.

The intelligent defrost system adjusts time based on weight, so thick cuts of meat thaw more evenly than basic timed defrost cycles. A Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften functions handle butter, chocolate, and cream cheese without heating them to liquefaction. The child safety lock provides peace of mind in active households.

This unit prioritizes straightforward operation over complex features, making it a solid pick for users who want reliable reheating and defrosting without navigating layered menus. The 1.7 cu. ft. footprint fits standard 30-inch cabinet openings with minimal clearance issues on the sides.

Why it’s great

  • High 1550W input means faster preheating
  • Easy-clean interior resists baked-on food
  • Dedicated potato and snack buttons simplify daily use

Good to know

  • Venting CFM is not explicitly listed as high-performance
  • Button interface lacks a sensor reheat function
Multi-Cook

3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave EM044K6CE-SS

6 Quick MenusMulti-Stage Cooking

BLACK+DECKER’s EM044K6CE-SS offers a 1.7 cu. ft. cavity with a 12.4-inch turntable and six quick menus for popcorn, beverage, melt/soften, reheat, and defrost. The 1000-watt output includes ten cooking levels, and the multi-stage cooking option lets you program a sequence — for example, 90% power for 10 minutes followed by 50% power for 5 minutes — all in one command.

The 300 CFM two-speed vent fan clears steam effectively, and the integrated cooktop light provides focused illumination. Express cooking via number pad 1-2-3 gives instant 100% power for one to three minutes, useful for fast reheating. Dimensions of 15.4 inches deep by 29.9 inches wide match standard 30-inch cabinets precisely.

Multi-stage programming saves time when a dish needs a burst of heat followed by a lower simmer, something basic microwaves cannot do in a single cycle. The stainless steel interior and touchscreen panel keep maintenance simple, and the overall build feels solid for the mid-range tier.

Why it’s great

  • Multi-stage cooking eliminates manual intervention mid-cycle
  • Express 1-2-3 buttons for instant 100% power
  • Two-speed 300 CFM fan with cooktop light

Good to know

  • Defrost is manual, not weight-sensor based
  • Touch controls may require firm presses
Sensor Smart

4. SHARP SMO1754JS Over the Range Microwave Oven

13.6″ TurntableSensor Cook Menu

The Sharp SMO1754JS features a 1.7 cu. ft. capacity with an oversized 13.6-inch carousel turntable, the largest in this comparison. The 1000-watt heating element pairs with sensor cook technology that measures steam output during cooking and adjusts time and power automatically, delivering precise results for rice, vegetables, and reheated leftovers without manual tweaking.

The edge-to-edge black glass front with stainless steel trim gives a modern, nearly seamless appearance, and the bright white LED display is easy to read from across the kitchen. Express cook up to nine minutes provides instant-start convenience, and the melt/soften function handles cheese, chocolate, or cream cheese with controlled low power. The 300 CFM fan keeps the cooktop clear during heavy steam production.

Sensor accuracy is the standout here: users report consistent doneness on frozen meals and fresh vegetables without having to guess times. The 13.6-inch turntable accommodates large oval platters and rectangular bakeware that would scrape the walls on smaller 12-inch designs.

Why it’s great

  • 13.6-inch turntable fits oversized dishes
  • Sensor cook adjusts power automatically for even results
  • Edge-to-edge glass front looks premium

Good to know

  • 300 CFM fan average compared to premium models
  • Touchscreen can be sensitive to moisture
Big Batch

5. Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over-The-Range Microwave

1.8 Cu. Ft.Zero-Clearance Door

Frigidaire’s 1.8 cu. ft. model claims the largest interior volume in this lineup, with an extra-large 12.5-inch glass turntable that accepts 13×9 baking dishes and deep casserole pots. The 1000-watt output is supported by ten power levels, and the one-touch buttons for baked potatoes, popcorn, and add-30-seconds keep daily operation straightforward.

LED lighting illuminates both the interior cavity and the cooktop below, providing bright, clear visibility on the stove while the dish cooks. The zero-clearance door design allows the door to swing open to 90 degrees without contacting adjacent cabinets or walls, critical for tight kitchen layouts. The two-speed ventilation fan offers 105 and 300 CFM settings, giving you a low hum for light steaming or full power for heavy smoking.

This Frigidaire excels for users who regularly cook large batches and need the extra cubic footage to fit bulky cookware. The auto defrost cycle works by weight, and the interior LED stays on during cooking so you can monitor progress without opening the door.

Why it’s great

  • 1.8 cu. ft. capacity fits large rectangular dishes
  • Zero-clearance 90-degree door swing saves space
  • Dual LED lighting on interior and cooktop

Good to know

  • Interior lining is plastic, not stainless steel
  • Recirculating kit for ductless install sold separately
Pro Grade

6. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven

400 CFM Fan1.9 Cu. Ft.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 steps up ventilation to 400 CFM with a two-speed fan, making it one of the strongest venting options in the group. The 1.9 cu. ft. capacity is also the highest cubic footage among these nine models, and the 13.5-inch turntable provides generous clearance for large platters and family-sized roasters.

Pre-programmed auto menus cover popcorn, potato, vegetable, pizza, snack, bacon, frozen dinner, rice, and frozen breakfast. The 1000-watt output with ten power settings includes a turntable on/off function for cooking oversized dishes that would otherwise rotate into the cavity walls. Cooktop LED lighting offers clear, bright illumination of the burners underneath, and the child lock secures the controls when not in use.

For households that produce heavy grease and smoke from frequent frying or searing, the 400 CFM fan makes a noticeable difference in air quality. The 1.9 cu. ft. cavity does not sacrifice turntable diameter for capacity, and the included grease filters are easy to remove and clean.

Why it’s great

  • 400 CFM ventilation clears heavy smoke effectively
  • 1.9 cu. ft. capacity with 13.5-inch turntable
  • Turntable on/off for oversized cookware

Good to know

  • Heavier weight may require two-person installation
  • Interface does not include sensor cooking
Even Heating

7. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Over The Range Microwave

27 Touch Pads105/300 CFM

The Frigidaire FFMV1846VS packs a 1.8 cu. ft. cavity with 1000 cooking watts and ten power levels into a 30-inch wide chassis. Twenty-seven touch pad buttons provide direct access to auto defrost, multi-stage cooking, timer, and one-touch cooking options, reducing the need to scroll through multi-layer menus.

Venting is handled by a two-speed fan rated at 105 CFM on low and 300 CFM on high, and the unit can be configured for recirculating or ducted exhaust (recirculating kit sold separately). The interior LED lighting stays on during cooking, and the child lock prevents unintended operation. At 15.75 inches deep, it fits flush against most cabinet fronts.

The multi-stage cooking option lets you program up to two power levels in a single cycle, useful for defrosting followed by full-power cooking. The auto defrost uses weight detection to calculate thaw time, and the 27-button layout means every major function has its own dedicated key rather than being buried in a touch screen.

Why it’s great

  • 27 dedicated buttons eliminate menu scrolling
  • Auto defrost with weight detection for even thawing
  • Multi-stage cooking for complex recipes

Good to know

  • Recirculating kit required for non-ducted installation
  • 300 CFM top fan speed is adequate but not exceptional
Counter Saver

8. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Slim Over the Range Microwave Oven

10.31″ SlimSmartHome App

The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ stands out for its ultra-slim 10.31-inch height, freeing up overhead space for cabinets or storage that standard 16-inch tall models would block. Despite the slim profile, it still houses a 1.2 cu. ft. cavity with a 1000W output and a 400 CFM vent fan — one of the strongest ventilation systems in this lineup.

Smart-home integration via the Midea SmartHome app allows remote control of cooking and ventilation, plus push notifications when cooking finishes. Sensor cook and sensor reheat functions use steam detection to set optimal time and power automatically. The auto cook menu offers one-touch presets for common dishes, and the stainless steel interior resists staining.

The combination of a 400 CFM fan and a 10-inch body height is rare, making this model ideal for kitchens where every inch of vertical clearance matters. The voice control compatibility adds convenience for hands-free operation while your hands are full handling cookware.

Why it’s great

  • 10.31-inch slim body frees cabinet space above
  • 400 CFM ventilation in a compact package
  • SmartHome app with remote control and notifications

Good to know

  • 1.2 cu. ft. capacity is smaller than most competitors
  • Button interface lacks a dedicated popcorn key
Bake & Broil

9. Sharp R1874T Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven

Convection 850W12 Convection Programs

The Sharp R1874T is the only convection model in this group, delivering 850 watts of microwave power plus a convection heating element that browns, bakes, broils, crisps, and roasts. The 1.1 cu. ft. stainless steel interior includes a 13-inch turntable and comes with both low and high racks for multi-level cooking.

Twelve convection programs handle tasks like baking cookies, roasting chicken, and crisping pizza, while eight sensor programs automatically adjust cooking for rice, vegetables, and other common items. The built-in exhaust system with hood light offers basic ventilation, and the two-color, seven-digit interactive display makes programming easy. Outer dimensions are 29.94 inches wide by 16.34 inches tall by 15.28 inches deep.

This Sharp is the right choice if you want the versatility of a microwave and a countertop oven combined into one over-the-range package. The ability to broil fish or bake small casseroles without preheating a full-size oven saves energy and keeps the kitchen cooler. The reduced 850W wattage means slightly longer cook times for pure microwave tasks, but the convection capability compensates with superior browning.

Why it’s great

  • Convection function bakes, roasts, and crisps like a full oven
  • 12 convection programs and 8 sensor programs
  • Includes low and high racks for multi-level cooking

Good to know

  • 850W microwave output is lower than standard 1000W models
  • 1.1 cu. ft. capacity is smaller than most over-the-range units

FAQ

Do I need 300 or 400 CFM for my above stove microwave?
A 300 CFM fan is adequate for electric ranges and moderate steaming, but if you have a gas range or frequently cook with high heat, 400 CFM removes grease and smoke much faster. The 400 CFM models also tend to have larger filters that capture more airborne grease.
Can I install an over-the-range microwave without ductwork?
Yes, most units can be set to recirculating mode using a charcoal filter that traps odors and recirculates cleaned air back into the kitchen. You will need to purchase a recirculating kit separately for some brands, so check compatibility before installation.
Why does turntable diameter matter more than total capacity?
Total cubic feet tells you how tall and deep the cavity is, but the turntable diameter determines the maximum width of a dish that can rotate freely. A 1.7 cu. ft. unit with a 12.4-inch turntable cannot fit a 13×9 baking dish, while a larger turntable can, even if the total cavity volume is the same.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most users, the above stove microwave winner is the Midea MOR17BSA-SS because it balances generous 1.7 cu. ft. capacity, a 12.4-inch turntable, 18 auto menus, and effective 300 CFM ventilation at a strong value point. If you want the heaviest smoke-clearing power for a gas range, grab the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 with its 400 CFM fan and 1.9 cu. ft. cavity. And for those who want microwave convenience plus convection baking and broiling without a full oven, nothing beats the Sharp R1874T with its 12 convection programs.