Whirlpool Microwave Oven

I recently moved into a newly constructed spec-house. My builder selected the appliances for the house, so I did not have any input into the decision making. The kitchen was heavily upgraded on this house, with a Moenstone sink, Whirlpool Gold appliances (Microwave Oven, Double Oven, Refrigerator), Granite countertops and Merillat Cabinets. I like Whirlpool products and trust the brand name having owned this brand in the past. Having all of the appliances match is an added bonus. The stainless finish adds a touch of class to the look of the kitchen.

The Microwave Oven is a Whirlpool MH1170XS. This microwave mounts to the bottom of the cabinets. Because the appliances were purchased with the house, I was not involved in the installation process. However, it does not appear that installation would have required any exceptional skills or tools. This microwave oven is equipped with an exhaust fan and is designed to be used in conjunction with a stove top. For that reason, my microwave oven is attached to the cabinets situated directly above my gas range.

I have read other opinions regarding this Microwave and there seems to be a consensus that the Microwave exhaust system is both noisy and anemic. In terms of removing steam, I have not experienced any issues with that up to this point. My kitchen is well ventilated and this unit is located several feet above the cooking surface. As a result of previous reviews, I have been keeping careful watch on the steaming process to ensure that it is not going to negatively affect my cabinets. It would be a shame to allow an inexpensive exhaust system ruin costly cabinets. If I had been in a position to select the microwave, I may have gone with a product that had a higher rating as an exhaust system. As of this writing, the exhaust has not been an issue. I have currently been using this combination for about a month and a half. In terms of noisiness, I would equate this microwave to any other exhaust fan I have ever owned. I have yet to find a quiet system. There are three settings on this exhaust fan. The lowest setting is actually pretty reasonable, with the higher settings providing the type of noise I normally associate with exhaust fans. In a nutshell, I agree that the exhaust on this microwave is noisy. Probably not any noisier than regular range hoods that I have owned previously.

My microwave has the stainless steel finish. They are also available in Black over black, white and biscuit finishes. The stainless version is listed at the Whirlpool website as $319.00. Epinions has the basic model number (the last digit identifies the finish...for the stainless it is an additional S on the model number). The other finishes are listed at Whirlpool with an MSRP of $269. Epinions’ partner websites are showing this microwave starting around $249. In terms of microwave ovens, this places it in a moderate to inexpensive price range. Especially considering the added feature of the exhaust system. This unit has a 1.7 Cubic Foot capacity with 1000 watts of cooking power. The approximate dimensions (30W X 16D X 17H) fit adequately in the space above my range. The LED lighting and cooking controls provide an attractive addition to the sharp stainless steel finish. In terms of appearances, this microwave is sharp. The stainless finish will show fingerprints, but cleans easily. The unit appears to be well constructed.

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