Tired of your old microwave taking up precious counter space, but dreading the thought of a complicated installation? You’re not alone! Choosing a Microwave Over The Counter (also called an over-the-range microwave) can feel like a puzzle. So many models exist, and figuring out which one fits your kitchen and your needs can be a real headache.
Many people want the extra counter space a microwave oven provides, but they worry about finding one that’s easy to install or that looks good in their kitchen. You might be wondering about ventilation, size, and even how powerful it needs to be. It’s a big decision that affects your cooking and your kitchen’s style.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for. We’ll break down the important features and help you understand what makes a great over-the-counter microwave. Get ready to discover the perfect microwave to make your kitchen work better for you.
Our Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Over The Counter Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet microwave is a real workhorse, perfect for busy families. It has a sleek stainless steel finish that looks great in any kitchen. Plus, it’s designed to fit right over your stove, saving you valuable counter space. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its powerful 1000-watt output and smart features.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cubic feet capacity and 12.4-inch turntable easily fit large dishes, making it great for family meals.
- Convenient Auto Cooking: Six quick menus for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Pressing 1, 2, or 3 instantly sets the microwave to full power for 1-3 minutes, perfect for quick heating.
- Time-Saving Multi-stage Cooking: You can set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, like 90% power for 10 minutes followed by 50% power for 5 minutes.
- Powerful Venting and Lighting: The 2-speed, 300 CFM vent fan effectively removes smoke and smells, while the built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While easy for basic tasks, mastering the multi-stage cooking might take a little practice for some users.
- Vent Fan Noise: Some users might find the vent fan a bit noisy on its highest setting.
Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and performance. It’s a solid choice for everyday cooking needs.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.5/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This microwave offers ample space with its 1.6 cubic feet capacity, making it perfect for heating leftovers or cooking meals. It features convenient cooking controls that make operation a breeze. Plus, this bundle comes with a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is essential for keeping your microwave smelling fresh. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great above your range.
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What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for families or larger portions.
- Convenience cooking controls simplify meal preparation.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Stylish stainless steel design complements modern kitchens.
- This is a GE USA Authorized product, ensuring quality.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The specific dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) are for the filter, not the entire microwave, which could be confusing.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and functionality for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient cooking appliance.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. It boasts a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space and a powerful 1000-watt cooking capacity, making it ideal for everything from heating leftovers to preparing full meals. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space and adds a modern touch to your kitchen’s look.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast and evenly with its 1000W power.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits large plates and dishes.
- It has many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- Defrosting is easy with time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is super handy for fast heating.
- The melt and soften features are great for butter or chocolate.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The LED display is clear and easy to read.
- It has a built-in vent fan and a light for your stovetop.
- You can adjust the sound of the alerts.
- Installing it over the range saves counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan power could be stronger for heavy cooking smoke.
- The user manual could be clearer on some advanced features.
This Farberware microwave is a powerful and space-saving solution that makes cooking easier. It’s a solid choice for families and anyone who wants a reliable appliance.
4. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 8.5/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS is a powerful and smart microwave that makes cooking and reheating a breeze. It has a large 1.2 cubic feet capacity, which is big enough to fit a 12-inch pizza, and a 12.4-inch turntable that spins your food evenly. This microwave also features a smart humidity sensor that helps cook your food perfectly. Plus, it has 12 auto-cook menus for popular foods, so you can just press a button and let the microwave do the work.
What We Like:
- The 1000W power cooks food quickly.
- The smart humidity sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- It has 12 auto-cook menus for convenience.
- The large interior fits even big plates and pizzas.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps.
- The ECO mode helps save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- It looks stylish in black.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel might take a moment to get used to.
- Remember to peel off the protective film from the keypad before use.
This Toshiba microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering both power and smart features for everyday use. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient way to heat their food.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience and power. Its sleek stainless steel design and smart touch panel make it a stylish and easy-to-use appliance for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto-cooking menus, so you can easily make things like popcorn, pizza, or cook potatoes with just one touch.
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you can heat food just right.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable speeds powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke.
- A bright light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the smart touch panel a little sensitive at first.
- While it has many features, a more detailed user manual could be helpful for some of the advanced settings.
Overall, this Midea microwave oven makes cooking and kitchen ventilation much easier. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for a reliable and feature-rich appliance.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Microwave
Microwaves are super helpful in the kitchen. They heat up food fast. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs. We will talk about important things to look for.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy a microwave, think about these main things:
- Size and Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for small kitchens or just heating snacks. Bigger ones can cook more food at once. Check the inside space.
- Wattage: This tells you how strong the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. These make cooking easier.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some microwaves have them, and some don’t.
- Control Panel: Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens. Pick what you find easy to use.
- Special Functions: Some microwaves have convection cooking or grilling. These let you do more than just heat.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of metal. The outside can be plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nice and is easy to clean. Plastic is usually cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means your microwave will last longer and work well. Here’s what helps:
- Build Quality: A sturdy microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Even Cooking: A good microwave heats food evenly. You won’t have cold spots.
- Easy Cleaning: The inside should be easy to wipe down. Some have special coatings that make cleaning simple.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you don’t like noise, look for a quieter model.
- Durability: A well-made microwave will not break easily. Read reviews to see what other people say about how long theirs lasted.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters. Think about what you’ll do with it:
- Quick Meals: If you just need to heat up leftovers or make instant noodles, a basic microwave is fine.
- Snack Station: For popcorn lovers or heating up coffee, a smaller microwave works well.
- Family Cooking: If you have a family, you might need a bigger microwave with more power and cooking options.
- Baking and Grilling: If you want to bake small things or grill chicken, look for a microwave with these extra features.
A good user experience means the microwave is simple to operate. The buttons make sense. The cooking times are accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best size microwave for a small kitchen?
A: For small kitchens, a compact microwave (around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet) is usually best. It takes up less counter space.
Q: Does wattage really make a difference in cooking time?
A: Yes, higher wattage means faster cooking. A 1000-watt microwave will cook food quicker than a 700-watt one.
Q: Are microwaves with convection features worth the extra cost?
A: If you plan to bake or roast small items, yes. Convection microwaves can brown food and cook more evenly, acting like a small oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice or vinegar inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet measures the inside cooking space. A larger cubic feet number means more room for bigger dishes.
Q: Should I get a microwave with a glass or metal interior?
A: Most microwaves have metal interiors. Glass interiors are less common and might be harder to clean.
Q: How important is the turntable?
A: A turntable is important for even cooking. It rotates the food so all sides get heated properly.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What are some common microwave cooking presets?
A: Common presets include popcorn, pizza, baked potato, and defrost. These help you cook specific foods easily.
Q: How long should a microwave typically last?
A: A good quality microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years with proper care and use.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!