The KitchenAid KMHS120ESS is a high-end, over-the-range microwave with a big cooking chamber. Its functions include some sensor cooking programs like 'Frozen Entree' and 'Popcorn,' where the microwave detects steam to automatically adjust the cook time. It comes with a cooking rack that can be used for 2-level cooking or with the microwave's 'Steam' mode, a sensor mode that asks you to add a bowl of water to the microwave with your food. Otherwise, it has all the usual features, like a mute function and defrost modes.
Our Verdict
- Big cooking chamber.
- Sensor cooking and mute function.
- Heats food quickly.
- No app, unlike some other high-end microwaves.
The KitchenAid KMHS120ESS is a 1000-watt microwave that heats food quickly, similar to other over-the-range models like the LG MVEM1825F.
- Big cooking chamber.
- Sensor cooking and mute function.
- Heats food quickly.
- No app, unlike some other high-end microwaves.
Changelog
- Updated Mar 04, 2026: Version 1.1 of our microwave test bench adds a score for Internal Capacity and adds tests for Ease of Use and In-Use Noise. For a more detailed breakdown of the changes, see our full changelog.
- Updated Jul 10, 2024: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
This microwave comes in Stainless Steel (KitchenAid KMHS120ESS) or Black Stainless Steel with a 'PrintShield' finish (KitchenAid KMHS120EBS), which is meant to help avoid visible fingerprints. We tested the Stainless Steel variant, and you can see the label here.
You may notice extra digits at the end of the model number on the label (KMHS120ESS11). It's not a different model, but you may need to refer to the extra digits when purchasing replacement parts for your particular machine.
If you come across another variant, let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Microwave Comparisons
The KitchenAid KMHS120ESS is an expensive over-the-range microwave. Unlike the cheaper (but still high-end) LG MVEL2033F, it comes with a cooking rack that you can use with its simmer programs. The cooking chamber is a bit bigger, and the light inside also offers better visibility into the chamber. It heats food quickly, but the fastest over-the-range microwave we've tested is actually the much cheaper LG LMV1764ST.
If you're looking for a recommendation, check out the best over-the-range microwaves and the best microwaves.
Test Results
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