Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter? Imagine reclaiming that precious space while still having a powerful cooking tool at your fingertips. That’s the magic of a microwave that hangs right over your stove! But with so many models out there, how do you pick the perfect one? It can feel like a maze trying to figure out which one is best for your cooking needs and your kitchen layout.
Choosing the right rated over-the-range microwave isn’t just about heating up leftovers. It’s about finding a reliable appliance that can handle everything from quick snacks to full meals, all while adding a sleek touch to your kitchen. You want something that’s easy to use, cleans up nicely, and fits your budget. We get it – the sheer number of features, sizes, and brands can make your head spin.
That’s why we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great over-the-range microwave. We’ll look at the most important things to consider, like power, size, and special features. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a microwave that works hard for you and makes your kitchen a more enjoyable place to be. Let’s get started on finding your kitchen’s new best friend!
Our Top 5 Rated Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power and smart auto-cooking features. It’s designed to make meal prep easier and faster for busy households.
What We Like:
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 400 CFM venting system efficiently removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface below.
- The Turntable On/Off function lets you fit larger dishes.
- It has a 30-second express cook button for quick reheating.
- The child lock feature adds safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions might be a bit tight for very large casserole dishes, even with the turntable off.
- While auto-cook menus are helpful, some users might prefer more manual control options beyond the ten power settings.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for its convenience and power. It efficiently handles daily cooking tasks and keeps your kitchen air fresh.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
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. It offers plenty of space for your cooking needs and comes with a great protection plan. This microwave makes meal prep and reheating super easy.
What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA authorized product.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan.
- It includes a charcoal filter replacement.
- The microwave has a good 1.6 cu. ft. capacity.
- Convenience cooking controls are easy to use.
- The stainless steel look is stylish.
- The bundle includes the microwave and the extended service plan.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- The “behind the door grille” mention for the filter replacement is a bit unclear without seeing the microwave itself.
This bundle offers great value with its included protection plan and useful features. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen cooking experience.
3. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack brings convenience and peace of mind to your kitchen. This powerful microwave boasts a generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for cooking family meals. It comes with a special melt feature that makes melting butter, chocolate, and marshmallows a breeze. Cleaning is also simple thanks to its easy-clean interior with steam clean. Plus, you get a 2-year extended protection plan in addition to the standard manufacturer warranty, ensuring your investment is covered.
What We Like:
- Large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles big meals.
- Special melt feature simplifies tricky tasks.
- Steam clean makes interior cleanup easy.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
- This bundle is from a GE USA authorized dealer.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions are quite specific, so measure your space carefully.
- The bundle price might be higher upfront, but the extended warranty adds value.
This GE microwave bundle offers a fantastic combination of features and protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-maintain over-the-range microwave.
4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 8.9/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for family-sized meals. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and evenly. The sleek stainless steel design looks modern, and the over-the-range placement saves valuable counter space. Plus, the child lock feature gives parents peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.8 cu. ft. capacity fits large dishes.
- 1000 cooking watts means fast and efficient heating.
- The 300 CFM fan powerfully removes smoke and odors.
- 10 power levels offer precise cooking control.
- Auto Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing.
- Child Lock keeps little hands safe.
- The stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately, which is an added cost.
- It requires a non-ducted setup, meaning it vents air back into the kitchen unless you purchase the separate kit.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines powerful performance with user-friendly features, making meal preparation a breeze.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.8/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking and reheating a breeze with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature is a real time-saver. It has 18 automatic menus for things like popcorn, pizza, and even potatoes. You can cook your favorite foods easily.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable fits big items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You get 10 different power levels, including a powerful 1000W output. This lets you heat food perfectly.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. You can adjust the fan speed too.
- A bright light is built-in under the microwave. It shines down on your stovetop, so you can see clearly while you cook.
- The Smart Touch Panel is easy to use and looks modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might want more customization options for advanced cooking.
- The installation process for over-the-range microwaves can be tricky and might require professional help for some.
This Midea microwave offers a great blend of convenience and performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: Choosing the Right Over-the-Range Microwave
An over-the-range microwave is a kitchen powerhouse. It cooks your food, vents your kitchen, and lights up your stovetop. It saves counter space and makes your kitchen feel bigger. Let’s find the perfect one for your home.
Why an Over-the-Range Microwave?
These microwaves hang above your stove. This frees up your countertops. They also often have a built-in vent fan. This fan pulls smoke and smells from your cooking. Many also have a light for your stovetop. It’s a smart way to get more done in your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
1. Wattage: The Power Behind the Cooking
Wattage tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves have at least 1000 watts. This is enough for most tasks.
2. Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?
Microwave sizes are measured in cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually cook. A family might need a larger one, maybe 2.0 cubic feet or more. A single person might be fine with 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet.
3. Venting Options: Keeping Your Kitchen Fresh
Most over-the-range microwaves have a vent fan. Some vent upwards, while others vent out the back. Some can even recirculate air if you can’t vent outside. Make sure the fan is strong enough to clear out smoke and smells. Look for CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. A higher CFM means a stronger fan.
4. Sensor Cooking: Let the Microwave Do the Work
Sensor cooking uses humidity to figure out how long to cook your food. You choose the food type, and the microwave does the rest. This stops overcooking and undercooking.
5. Preset Cooking Options: Easy Meals at Your Fingertips
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods. Think popcorn, baked potatoes, or frozen dinners. These presets make cooking simple and quick.
6. Turntable: Even Cooking for Everyone
A turntable rotates your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one. Some larger models might have a larger turntable. Make sure it’s easy to clean.
7. Lighting: See What You’re Cooking
A light under the microwave helps you see your stovetop. Some lights are brighter than others. Some have different brightness settings.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how your microwave looks and lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks modern and is easy to clean. It resists fingerprints well.
- Black or White Enamel: These are classic finishes. They are usually less expensive. They can show smudges and scratches more easily.
- Control Panel: Look for a control panel that is easy to read and use. Buttons should feel sturdy. Some have touch controls, which look sleek.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, and some make it worse.
Quality Boosters:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable microwaves.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company stands by its product.
- User Reviews: Reading what other people say is very helpful.
- Quiet Operation: A quiet microwave is more pleasant to use.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might not last long.
- Poor Venting: If the fan isn’t strong, your kitchen will still smell like cooking.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons make it hard to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave every day.
Everyday Cooking:
You’ll use it to reheat leftovers, pop popcorn, and cook quick meals. A user-friendly interface is important here.
Stovetop Support:
The light and vent fan are crucial if you cook a lot on your stovetop. A good vent fan keeps your kitchen air clean.
Entertaining:
When you have guests, you might need to reheat multiple dishes. A larger capacity and quick cooking times are helpful.
Small Kitchen Solutions:
For small kitchens, an over-the-range microwave is a space saver. It combines three appliances into one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Key features include wattage, capacity, venting options, sensor cooking, preset cooking options, turntable, and lighting.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: Most good microwaves have at least 1000 watts for fast cooking.
Q: What does cubic feet mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet measures how much food can fit inside the microwave. Larger families need more cubic feet.
Q: What is CFM in a microwave vent?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It shows how strong the vent fan is. Higher CFM means better air cleaning.
Q: Is sensor cooking worth it?
A: Yes, sensor cooking helps prevent overcooking by automatically adjusting cooking time based on food moisture.
Q: What are the best materials for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Stainless steel is popular for its look and ease of cleaning. Enamel finishes are also common.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for reputable brands, good warranties, positive user reviews, and sturdy construction.
Q: What are some common use cases for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Common uses include reheating food, cooking quick meals, supporting stovetop cooking with light and venting, and saving space in small kitchens.
Q: Do I need a special installation for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Yes, these microwaves need to be mounted securely above your stove. Professional installation is often recommended.
Q: How do I clean my over-the-range microwave?
A: Clean the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Wipe down the exterior regularly, especially stainless steel, to prevent smudges.
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!