A dedicated range hood almost always vents better than an over-the-range (OTR) microwave—it can move more air, more often vents outdoors, and covers the front burners a microwave leaves exposed. The OTR microwave's real edge is space, combining two appliances in one. This guide compares the two on the factors that decide air quality—airflow, ducting, capture coverage, and noise—using independent lab data, and explains when to keep your microwave hood and when to upgrade. More