Tired of juggling countertop appliances and wishing for more cooking space? That sleek, powerful appliance hanging above your stove might just be the kitchen superhero you need. Over-the-range microwaves are incredibly popular for a reason – they save precious counter space and offer a convenient way to heat up leftovers, defrost ingredients, or even cook full meals.
But let’s be honest, choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. Do you need a powerful fan to clear smoke and steam? What about the size and features? It’s easy to get lost in all the options and end up with a microwave that doesn’t quite fit your needs or your kitchen. This can lead to frustration and a less-than-ideal cooking experience.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the key things to look for, from cooking power and ventilation to special features that can make your life in the kitchen much easier. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking the perfect over-the-range microwave that will transform your cooking routine.
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is more than just a cooker; it’s a helpful kitchen assistant. With a large 1.7 cubic feet capacity, it easily fits big dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable. It’s designed to make your cooking faster and easier, handling everything from quick snacks to full meals.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior and 12.4-inch turntable handle big meals and dishes with ease.
- 1000 Watt Power: This microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six helpful presets like Popcorn, Beverage, and Reheat take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Use the 1-3 minute settings for instant power at the touch of a button.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Program two different power levels and times for more complex cooking tasks.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM, 2-speed fan effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- Built-in Light: An integrated light shines down on your stovetop, making cooking safer and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about the advanced cooking features.
- Some users might find the vent fan’s highest setting a bit loud.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen, offering power, convenience, and style. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
2. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design not only looks great but also saves valuable counter space. With a powerful 1000W of cooking power, it heats and cooks food quickly and evenly. This microwave is packed with features that make cooking and reheating a breeze, from its smart auto reheat to its handy melt and soften functions.
What We Like:
- It has a high-power 1000W output for fast and even cooking.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes.
- It offers many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- Defrosting is easy with time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is super convenient.
- It has a child safety lock for peace of mind.
- The LED display and timer are easy to read.
- You can adjust the volume of alerts.
- Its over-the-range design saves counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan could be more powerful for some cooking tasks.
- While it has multiple cooking functions, some might prefer more specialized presets.
This Farberware microwave is a powerful and space-saving solution for your kitchen needs. It offers great features for everyday cooking and reheating.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers ample space for your cooking needs. It’s designed for convenience and makes meal prep a breeze. Plus, this bundle includes a special protection plan for added peace of mind.
What We Like:
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous for most families.
- Convenience cooking features make heating and preparing food simple.
- It comes with a 2-year extended protection plan, offering great value and security.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is essential for keeping your kitchen air fresh.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens, so measure your space carefully.
- While the controls are convenient, exploring all the options might take a little getting used to.
This GE microwave bundle provides a great combination of style, functionality, and long-term protection. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for an upgrade.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of space for cooking and reheating your favorite meals. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and complements most kitchen decor.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: With 1.6 cu. ft. of space, you can easily fit larger dishes and plates.
- Powerful Cooking: 1000 Watts of cooking power means your food heats up quickly and evenly.
- Smart Defrosting: Auto and time defrost options make preparing frozen foods simple and effective.
- Convenient Turntable: The option to turn the turntable on or off gives you flexibility for different dish sizes.
- Efficient Venting: The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system effectively removes smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Customization: While defrosting is programmed, some users might prefer more manual control over all cooking settings.
- Standard Features: The features are solid for everyday use, but it doesn’t include some of the more advanced smart or convection cooking options found in higher-end models.
This GE microwave is a reliable choice for busy households. It handles everyday cooking tasks with ease and keeps your kitchen fresh with its effective ventilation.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS Over The Range Microwave. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers a spacious 1.7 cu.ft. capacity, perfect for cooking larger meals. Its smart touch panel and auto cooking menus make preparing your favorite foods easier than ever.
What We Like:
- Effortless cooking with 18 one-touch auto menus for items like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes.
- Large 1.7 cu.ft. interior with a 12.5-inch turntable easily fits big dishes, including a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Powerful 1000W output for quick and efficient heating.
- Strong 300 CFM ventilation with adjustable fan speeds effectively clears cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- The bright cooktop light illuminates your stovetop for better visibility while cooking.
- 10 power levels allow you to customize heating for different food types.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user interface might take a little getting used to for some users.
- While efficient, the fan noise could be a concern for those sensitive to sound.
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, combining convenience and power. It makes everyday cooking a breeze and helps keep your kitchen fresh.
Your Guide to Over-the-Range Microwaves
Why an Over-the-Range Microwave?
An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a super handy kitchen appliance. It sits above your stove. This saves valuable counter space. It also often includes a vent fan and lights. This makes it a 3-in-1 helper for your kitchen!
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove. Make sure the microwave will fit. Think about how much food you usually cook. A bigger microwave can hold larger dishes.
- Width: Most are 30 inches wide.
- Capacity: Measured in cubic feet. 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet is common.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most OTR microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts. More watts is usually better.
3. Venting Options
This is a big one! OTR microwaves help clear smoke and smells from your stove. They can vent in a few ways:
- Recirculating (ductless): Air is filtered and sent back into the kitchen. This is good if you can’t vent outside.
- Venting outside (ducted): This is the best option for removing smoke and smells. It requires an outside vent.
Check if the fan is strong enough for your cooking. Look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods. These are called presets. They can cook popcorn, bake potatoes, or reheat leftovers. Some have sensor cooking. This automatically adjusts cooking time. Others have convection cooking. This lets you bake or roast food too!
5. Lighting
A good OTR microwave has a light that shines down on your stovetop. This helps you see what you’re cooking. Some have bright LED lights. Others have dimmable options.
Important Materials
The outside of most microwaves is made of stainless steel or enamel-coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Enamel is easy to clean. The inside is usually a non-stick coating. This makes cleaning spills simple.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Strong Vent Fan: Effectively removes smoke and odors.
- Even Cooking: Food cooks thoroughly without hot or cold spots.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Buttons are clear and simple to understand.
- Quiet Operation: Doesn’t make too much noise when running.
- Durable Build: Feels solid and well-made.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Great:
- Weak Vent Fan: Doesn’t clear the air well.
- Uneven Cooking: Some parts of the food are cooked more than others.
- Complicated Controls: Hard to figure out how to use different features.
- Noisy Operation: Very loud when the microwave or fan is on.
- Cheaply Made: Feels flimsy or breaks easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR microwave is perfect for small kitchens. It’s also great for busy families. You can quickly heat up meals. You can also use it to steam vegetables. The vent fan helps keep your kitchen fresh. The light makes cooking on the stove easier. Some people use the convection feature for baking cookies or roasting chicken. It’s a versatile appliance!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if my microwave is ducted or recirculating?
A: Look at the back of the microwave. If you see a place where a vent hose can connect, it’s likely ducted. If there are no vents to the outside, it’s recirculating. Some microwaves can do both.
Q: What is the best wattage for an OTR microwave?
A: Higher wattage means faster cooking. A microwave with 1000 watts or more is generally considered good.
Q: How do I clean my OTR microwave?
A: You can wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough messes, heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes. The steam will loosen the gunk.
Q: Can I use my OTR microwave for baking?
A: Only if it has a convection feature. Regular microwaves just heat food with waves.
Q: What does CFM mean for the vent fan?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means a stronger fan.
Q: How tall should an OTR microwave be?
A: Most are about 16-17 inches tall. Measure the space above your stove to be sure.
Q: What is the lifespan of an OTR microwave?
A: With good care, an OTR microwave can last 7-10 years.
Q: Should I get a microwave with presets?
A: Presets are helpful for common tasks like popcorn or potatoes. They make cooking faster and easier.
Q: How important is the interior light?
A: A good interior light is important for seeing your food while it cooks on the stovetop below.
Q: What are the benefits of stainless steel?
A: Stainless steel is durable, looks nice, and is easy to clean.
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!