Bump! I, too, am in the market for an OTR microwave. It isn't ideal, but our teeny kitchen doesn't leave us much choice. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

If you can't vent to the outside, I don't think it matters much. There are some OTRs that go up to 450 CFM but that only makes a difference if you're venting to the outside. A good recirculating hood will have a better capture area than an OTR but again I think the difference is minimal. Pick the OTR you want based on the MW features.

I will have it vented to the outside if that is possible. I don't know what factors affect whether it can be vented outside or not. The features of the microwave are not important to me - as long as it pops popcorn effectively and heats leftovers, it will be fine. It is the vent that I am particular about. I use the vent far more than the microwave! I just want the best vent possible.

Oh, I guess I misread your original post. In order to vent to the outside, you need ductwork that goes from your kitchen to the outside and you need an OTR that is capable of venting out. If you don't already have ductwork, you'll need to have it installed - you can either vent out the roof or directly back through the wall if you're on an outside wall. You'll want to match the duct diameter size to the OTR that you're getting - it needs to be at least as large as what the OTR requires. Duct size can be 6" - 10" the larger the better.

As far as the OTR, as I said in my previous post, there are some OTRs that go up to 450 CFMs. I don't know specific models but most MWs are make by Sharp, Panasonic, and GE. You should post on the Appliance forum for specific recomendations.

If all you do with a microwave is heat leftovers and make popcorn, an OTR is really overkill and you're sacrificing having really good vent capacity for some rather unimportant features. I'd recommend going with a small microwave that you can stick in a closet somewhere and pull out for the occasional use, and then get a proper vent hood that will do what you need it to do.

Nope, there's no "closet space" for a small microwave! Can't imagine lugging even a small microwave up from the basement every time I want to heat up leftovers - it just wouldn't happen. The only practical place for a microwave in my kitchen is over the range.

Like you in my Mom's kitchen the best and most convenient location for the microwave was over her smoothtop stove. Hers has 420cfm and is vented to the outside and is much better than her old hood despite the more restricted capture area (it is also quieter). She uses hers quite a bit so this model probably does more than you would need.

Item:
Genius Prestige Inverter Over-the-Range Stainless Steel Microwave (NNSD297S)
Supplier:
Brault & Martineau
Manufacturer:
Panasonic
Manufacturing Region:
China
Specs:
2.0 cu. ft. microwave
up to 420 cfm 2 speed fan
combines steam, convection and microwave features
keep warm menu
sensor reheat and cook capabilities
2 hood light settings
Cost:
$549.99 - Sears Canada Price: $699.99 - suggested US retail price: NA
Warranty:
2 Year Limited
Notes:
- delivery included

In situ:

Her old countertop model was a Panasonic and was still going 10 years in and she had a freind with this exact model who was particularly happy with the fan.