8 Best 400 CFM Over the Range Microwaves 2026

This slim powerhouse redefines convenience in tight kitchens, delivering 1000W of cooking performance and a robust 400 CFM vent fan in a compact chassis that won’t dominate your cabinetry. What truly sets the Midea apart is its smart integration—with voice control and app connectivity, you can start ventilation or check cook status from another room, making it a dream for multitaskers. If you’re tired of craning your neck to monitor stovetop sizzles or guessing cook times, this model answers both pain points with sensor reheat precision and remote monitoring.

In real-world testing, the steam-sensing technology consistently nailed reheating tasks—leftover pasta and casseroles came out evenly warmed without drying. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity handles dinner plates with ease, though larger casserole dishes may require turntable removal. While the 400 CFM fan clears light cooking odors effectively, it’s not quite as forceful as some competitors when battling heavy searing smoke—still adequate for most households. The LED interface is responsive, and the SmartHome app adds genuine utility, especially when preheating or starting ventilation before you walk in the door.

Compared to the feature-heavy Samsung ME11A7710DS/AA, the Midea trades raw power and 550 CFM ventilation for a more space-conscious profile and seamless app experience at a similar price point. It’s ideal for renters, condo kitchens, or anyone prioritizing voice-enabled automation without sacrificing core functionality. While it doesn’t offer the largest capacity, its smart-first approach and compact confidence make it a standout for tech-savvy cooks who value hands-free control over brute force—offering smarter integration than the GASLAND or Vesta models at a competitive feature tier.

Step into family-sized efficiency with the GASLAND 30-inch over-the-stove microwave, where a cavernous 1.9 cu.ft. interior meets 1000W of cooking power and a 400 CFM ventilation system that keeps kitchens clear during heavy use. This is a workhorse built for volume, with a removable rack enabling dual-level cooking—perfect for reheating lasagna while steaming veggies above. The one-touch smart start with nine presets (from popcorn to pizza) delivers effortless daily meals, and the turntable-off function accommodates oversized cookware with ease.

During real-world use, the multi-stage cooking feature proved invaluable—defrosting meat at 30% power for 5 minutes before ramping up to 100% for searing saved time and improved results. The LED lighting casts a bright, even glow across the stovetop, enhancing safety during late-night prep. The 400 CFM fan handles boiling pots and light frying well, though prolonged high-heat stir-frying can overwhelm it—still, it outperforms lower-CFM budget models. The 11 power levels offer granular control, making it a strong pick for precision-minded cooks.

When stacked against the ThermoMate B0D6G28G8V, which shares nearly identical specs, the GASLAND offers slightly better preset flexibility and a more intuitive button layout, though both deliver similar performance. It’s best suited for larger households or anyone tired of reheating in batches. While bulkier than slim models like the Midea or KoolMore, it justifies its size with unmatched capacity and versatility—delivering broader cooking utility than the BLACK+DECKER or Empava units without inflating the price.

When ventilation is non-negotiable, the Vesta Miami steps up with a no-nonsense 400 CFM dual-speed exhaust system engineered to tackle persistent kitchen odors and steam with authority. Backed by 1000W of power and a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. cavity, this microwave is built for serious cooking—whether you’re simmering sauces or reheating Sunday roast leftovers. The 9 pre-programmed options and 11 power levels deliver reliable, repeatable results, while the 30-second express cook adds speed for last-minute touches.

In everyday use, the 2-speed fan made a noticeable difference—low speed quietly managed steam from boiling pasta, while high speed swiftly cleared garlic fumes from sautéing. The interior accommodates large dinner plates and rectangular containers with room to spare, though the turntable can’t be removed, limiting flat-bottom cookware options. The LED display is crisp and responsive, and the child lock adds peace of mind in busy homes. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times for delicate tasks—unlike the ThermoMate or Midea.

Against the ThermoMate B0D6G28G8V, the Vesta trades sensor cooking and turntable flexibility for a cleaner control layout and slightly stronger airflow perception. It’s best for buyers who prioritize ventilation strength and cooking capacity over smart features. While not as tech-forward as the Samsung or Midea, it delivers robust, dependable performance—offering better airflow focus than the Empava or BLACK+DECKER models and punching above its price in pure utility.

The ThermoMate emerges as the best all-rounder in the 400 CFM category, blending 1.9 cu.ft. of cooking space, 1000W power, and sensor cooking intelligence into a single, well-balanced package. Its 2-speed 400 CFM fan efficiently clears smoke and steam, while the LED lighting bathes the stovetop in bright, shadow-free illumination—ideal for late-night cooking. What elevates it is the sensor cooking system, which automatically adjusts time and power for everything from reheating soup to defrosting chicken, eliminating guesswork.

In testing, the auto-cook programs delivered consistent results—popcorn popped evenly, and frozen pizza came out crisp without burning. The removable rack allowed simultaneous reheating of two dishes, a rare perk in this class. The turntable can be turned off for large pans, and the 11 power levels offer real control for nuanced recipes. The fan is effective for most cooking, though like most 400 CFM units, it can’t match ducted range hoods for wok-level heat.

Compared to the GASLAND B09TS9CR65, the ThermoMate offers superior sensor automation and a slightly more refined finish, despite nearly identical capacity and power. It’s the ideal pick for families wanting smart features without smart-home complexity—a middle ground between the basic Vesta and the app-heavy Midea. With its well-rounded blend of size, smarts, and performance, it outshines budget models like the BLACK+DECKER and Empava by offering more intelligent cooking with no compromises on ventilation.

The KoolMore low-profile microwave is a game-changer for low-clearance kitchens, delivering full 1000W power and 400 CFM ventilation in a compact 1.2 cu.ft. chassis that sits discreetly under standard cabinets. Its sleek stainless-steel finish and touch panel interface lend a premium feel, while the express 30-second boost and defrost-by-weight function add thoughtful convenience. For renters or anyone with limited overhead space, this model solves the height versus performance dilemma better than any other.

In practice, the high-performance venting kept the air fresh during daily cooking—boiling water and light frying were handled with ease. The glass turntable rotates smoothly, and the on/off function helps when heating large dishes. While the 1.2 cu.ft. cavity fits standard dinner plates, it struggles with deeper casserole dishes—this is the trade-off for its slim profile. The 10 power levels offer solid control, though it lacks the 11-level granularity of larger models.

Against the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ, the KoolMore offers similar size and vent power but fewer smart features—no app or voice control. It’s best for users who want low-profile practicality without digital distractions. While not as spacious as the ThermoMate or GASLAND, it maximizes performance per inch—delivering stronger ventilation and cooking power than any other slim model, making it the clear choice for small kitchens where space is king.

The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is the budget king of over-the-range microwaves, packing 1000W of power and a 1.7 cu.ft. interior into a stainless-steel body priced to impress. It’s not flashy, but it delivers core functionality without fluff—six quick menus handle everyday tasks, and the multi-stage cooking feature allows custom defrost-then-heat sequences. The 300 CFM vent fan is adequate for light cooking, though it’s clearly outgunned by the 400 CFM leaders.

In daily use, the 12.4-inch turntable provided even heating for most meals, and the speedy cooking buttons (1–3 for 1–3 minutes at full power) made reheating coffee or oatmeal a one-touch affair. The cavity fits family-sized dishes, though the lower ceiling can limit tall containers. The 2-speed fan quietly manages steam from simmering, but searing or frying leaves lingering odors—expected at this price. It lacks sensor cooking, so precision relies on user input.

When compared to the Empava B0CNPYM6LJ, it offers slightly more capacity and power for just a few dollars more, though both have 300 CFM fans. It’s ideal for first-time homeowners or renters who need a reliable, no-frills unit. While it can’t match the ventilation or smart features of 400 CFM models, it delivers solid performance at a wallet-friendly cost—making it a smarter buy than pricier units if you don’t cook heavily.

The Empava EMPV-30OTR01 stands out not for raw power, but for exceptional peace of mind—backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty, double the standard, signaling confidence in its durability. With 1000W output, a 1.7 cu.ft. interior, and 300 CFM dual-speed ventilation, it covers the basics competently, and the pre-programmed menus (including bacon and hot dog) add convenience for quick meals. The turntable on/off function is a small but meaningful perk for large dishes.

In testing, the LED lighting provided excellent stovetop visibility, and the 30-second express cook made reheating effortless. The 10 power levels allowed decent control, though the interface felt slightly sluggish. The 300 CFM fan performed like the BLACK+DECKER—fine for boiling and light frying, but overwhelmed by greasy stovetop work. The lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times, a step behind the ThermoMate or Midea.

Versus the BLACK+DECKER B0DY16YYPC, it offers similar specs and price, but the doubled warranty gives it an edge for long-term reliability. It’s best for budget-conscious buyers who value support over features. While it doesn’t match 400 CFM models in ventilation, its extended warranty and solid build make it a trustworthy choice—outlasting cheaper units that skimp on service backing.

The Samsung ME11A7710DS/AA is a tech-forward marvel, packing 1100W of power, 550 CFM ventilation, and Wi-Fi + voice control into a slim 1.1 cu.ft. body—making it the most powerful and connected over-the-range microwave in the lineup. Its SmartThings integration enables recipe searches, grocery syncing, and automatic hood activation when the cooktop turns on—a seamless smart kitchen ecosystem unmatched by any other model. The wide LED light bar is the brightest tested, illuminating every corner of the stovetop.

In real use, the sensor cook function aced reheating tasks, adjusting time and power flawlessly. The 550 CFM fan obliterated steam and odors—outperforming all 400 CFM units—even during prolonged cooking. The fingerprint-resistant finish stayed clean, and the dual wide grease filter captured more grime than standard models. However, the small cavity limits dish size, and the turntable can’t be removed—trade-offs for its slim profile.

Against the Midea B0D1V738XV, it offers superior power, ventilation, and smart features, though at a slightly higher price. It’s ideal for tech-early adopters and smart home enthusiasts who want appliance synergy. While not as spacious as the GASLAND or ThermoMate, it dominates in connectivity and performance per inch—making it the top pick for those who want the future of cooking, today.