Choosing a microwave range hood which is durable and affordable is very important. This HomeQuicks article contains reviews of such hoods that will definitely help you.
Advancements in technology has pros and cons of its own. Modern living has offered us the privilege of using contemporary home appliances like microwave ovens, but due to the high cost of living, most of us have to adjust in a smaller living space. When it comes to arranging and decorating a smaller living area, one may have to cut back on a few essential kitchen appliances like those space consuming microwave ovens and even kitchen islands.
But what if you could arrange the microwave oven inside a kitchen cabinet or say, as a range hood? You can use a microwave range hood to serve as a microwave as well as a range hood, above the kitchen stove.
Pros and Cons
This is one of the most sought-after home appliances as far as decorating smaller kitchens is concerned. If you are interested in saving a lot of kitchen space, especially the counter space, then you should also choose microwave hoods that are used as range hoods. These microwaves function just the same as the regular countertop microwave ovens and additionally, they act as a range hood or fume hood that we typically install in the kitchen, above the kitchen stove. However, before installing a microwave hood in the kitchen, one needs to make sure that he has enough of clearance or vertical space above the stove. Ideally, you should make sure that your kitchen has at least 30 inches of clearance space before you install a range hood. The process of installation consists of removal of the older range hood, installation of new bracket and finally the range hood.
If you are an amateur and want to purchase a microwave range hood, then you need to consider both positive and negative sides of microwave hoods. The biggest plus point of these range hoods is that they save you a lot of space and perform multiple functions. Hence, if you have a big clearance then you may even think of installing one in our kitchen. However, you need to make a decision whether you want to hire professionals or install the hood in the DIY way. While, the first way of installation is a bit expensive, the latter one is a bit tedious. Apart from saving space, many a time, users have a complain that these hoods fail to perform their function as a range hood, which was the biggest disappointment for them. According to them as well as Consumer Reports, these hoods are not as good as traditional range hoods but they are excellent for original purpose of a microwave, which is good cooking!
Reviews
LG Electronics LMVM2085SW Microhood
Along with 1100 cooking watts, this 2 cu ft microwave oven comes with 300 CFM ventilation system, sensor cook, 10 power levels, halogen lights, etc. Some other features of this LG LMVM2085SW Microhood include defrost, simmer, warm, digital display, timer, popcorn features, cooking complete reminder, etc. The average cost is around USD 410.
Whirlpool WMH1163XVS Over-the-Range Microwave
This model of Over-the-Range Microwave is a good option for range hood that you can try for your kitchen. This 1.6 cu ft microwave hood comes with electronic touch controls, 1000 watts cooking power, 10 cooking levels, defrost, multiple preset and reheat, melt and soften food options, even heating settings, glass window, 2 speed fans, filter and child lock. The average cost of this microhood is also pretty low than many other models. To purchase this model, you may need to pay approximately USD 250.
Maytag MMV5201D
Maytag MMV5201D is one of the best models when it comes to choosing the best microhood features like microwave range hood venting of three speed 300 CFM, 11 power levels, 1100 watts cooking, auto cook, sensor cooking, etc. On an average, this microwave hood gets positive results, except some of the users who complain about cook top lighting of this microwave. The average cost is around USD 350.
As you can see from the above reviews, this product is pretty costly and their installation and re-installation process makes them more expensive than the kitchen countertop microwaves. However, if you are looking for a space-saving option, rather than a fume hood, then these microwaves are a great option available for you!