Imagine this: you’ve just finished a delicious meal, and now you face the cleanup. Where do you store your microwave? If you’re like many people, it’s taking up precious counter space. This is where the magic of an above-range microwave comes in!
Choosing the perfect above-range microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks your food well, looks great in your kitchen, and fits your budget. But with so many brands and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might worry about installation, noise levels, or if it will even be powerful enough for your needs.
Don’t sweat it! This post is here to be your guide. We’ll break down what makes a great above-range microwave, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking the one that’s just right for your kitchen and your cooking.
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave 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 sleek and powerful BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic foot stainless steel appliance is designed to be your ultimate kitchen helper, from quick snacks to full meals. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits larger dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable that spins your food evenly. It’s like having an extra hand in the kitchen!
- Versatile Cooking Options: With 1000 watts of power and 10 different cooking levels, this microwave handles everything. Six quick menus for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting make everyday tasks simple.
- Speedy Cooking Features: Need food fast? Press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Smart Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting it to cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then automatically switch to 50% power for 5 minutes. It does the work for you!
- Effective Venting and Lighting: The 300 CFM vent fan has two speeds and powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke. A bright light shines down on your stovetop, making cooking safer and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel can be a bit busy with all the options.
- Some users might prefer a slightly quieter vent fan.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition for any home chef looking for convenience and power. It blends essential features with smart technology to make cooking a breeze.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty offers plenty of space for your meals and comes with a smart bundle. You get the microwave itself and an awesome 2-year extended protection plan. Plus, it includes a charcoal filter replacement, so your kitchen stays fresh. This microwave makes cooking easy with its convenient controls.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for cooking family meals.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan gives you peace of mind.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for cleaner air.
- Convenience cooking controls make using it super simple.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks fantastic in any kitchen.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a tight fit for some smaller kitchens, so measure carefully.
- While convenient, some might prefer more advanced smart features.
This GE microwave bundle is a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable performance and added protection. It’s a great way to get a quality appliance with long-term support.
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
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel model is not only stylish but also packed with features to make cooking a breeze. Plus, this bundle comes with an extra layer of security thanks to the Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you peace of mind for years to come. It’s a smart addition for any home chef.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Special melt feature makes it easy to melt butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Steam clean interior makes cleanup quick and effortless.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit for better air quality.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, offering excellent value and security.
- GE USA authorized ensures you’re getting a genuine product with proper support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might be larger than some compact kitchens can accommodate.
This GE microwave bundle offers a fantastic combination of convenience, capacity, and protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range microwave.
4. Frigidaire FFMV1846VB 30″ Black Over the Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.3/10
The Frigidaire FFMV1846VB 30″ Black Over the Range Microwave offers a generous 1.8 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for cooking and reheating a variety of foods. Its sleek black finish and over-the-range design help save counter space in your kitchen. This microwave is designed to be a practical addition to any busy household.
What We Like:
- Large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
- Simple controls make it easy to operate.
- Black finish complements many kitchen styles.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific feature details were not provided, making it hard to highlight advanced cooking options.
- The “N/A” for features suggests a basic model, which might not appeal to users seeking high-tech functions.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for those needing a spacious and functional appliance. It delivers on core microwave needs with an attractive design.
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 in stainless steel brings convenience and power to your kitchen. Its smart touch panel and auto-cooking menu make preparing meals a breeze. With 1000 watts of cooking power and 300 CFM ventilation, it handles everything from quick snacks to full meals efficiently.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus takes the guesswork out of cooking. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, defrost food, soften cream cheese, and cook rice or potatoes. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want delicious meals fast.
- Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity means you can fit larger items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside. The 12.5-inch turntable ensures even cooking for all your dishes.
- With 10 power levels and 1000W output, you have great control over heating. This lets you cook delicate items or quickly reheat leftovers.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds powerfully removes cooking odors and fumes. Your kitchen stays fresh and clean.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stovetop, giving you a clear view for safe and efficient cooking below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more customization options beyond the pre-set choices.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This Midea microwave oven is a solid choice for those seeking a feature-rich and powerful appliance for their kitchen. It effectively combines cooking power with smart convenience for everyday use.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Above-Range Microwave
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen? An above-range microwave is a smart choice. It saves counter space and adds a powerful cooking tool right where you need it. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.
What to Look For: Key Features to Consider
When you shop for an above-range microwave, several features make a big difference.
Power (Wattage)
Microwaves use wattage to cook food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. For example, 1000 watts cooks food quickly. Lower wattage might take longer.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
This is how much space is inside the microwave. Think about what you cook. If you reheat leftovers or pop popcorn, a smaller one (around 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet) works well. If you cook large dishes or a whole chicken, you need a bigger one (2.0 cubic feet or more).
Ventilation System
This is super important! Above-range microwaves have fans to remove smoke, steam, and smells from your stovetop. Look for a good CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. Higher CFM means stronger ventilation. Also, check if it vents outside or recirculates air.
Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves come with special buttons. These are for things like popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating pizza. Sensor cooking adjusts cooking time automatically. Some have convection cooking, which uses a fan to bake and roast like a regular oven.
Ease of Cleaning
Kitchen messes happen. Look for a microwave with a smooth interior. Stainless steel or ceramic enamel interiors are usually easy to wipe down. Removable turntables and filters also help with cleaning.
Built to Last: Important Materials
The materials used affect how long your microwave lasts and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most are made of stainless steel. This looks modern and is strong. Some have a powder-coated finish, which can be less expensive but might scratch.
- Interior: Stainless steel or ceramic enamel are common. They resist stains and are easy to clean. Plastic interiors can sometimes stain or warp over time.
- Door: Glass doors let you see your food. Make sure the glass feels sturdy.
Quality Matters: What Improves or Reduces Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others can make it worse.
- Good Quality:
- A strong, quiet fan for ventilation.
- Even cooking without hot spots.
- Intuitive controls that are easy to understand.
- Durable construction that feels solid.
- Lower Quality:
- A weak fan that doesn’t clear smoke well.
- Food that cooks unevenly.
- Buttons that are hard to press or confusing.
- Materials that feel cheap or bend easily.
Your Kitchen Helper: User Experience and Use Cases
An above-range microwave changes how you use your kitchen.
- Space Saver: It frees up your countertops. This gives you more room to chop veggies or prepare meals.
- Convenience: It’s right above your stove. You can easily reheat sauces or melt butter while you’re cooking.
- Versatility: Beyond reheating, you can cook entire meals, bake, or even toast with convection features.
- Family Meals: It’s great for busy families. Quick meals and snacks are easy to make.
- Small Kitchens: It’s a perfect fit for apartments or smaller homes where space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Above-Range Microwaves
Q: How much space do I need for an above-range microwave?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most microwaves are about 30 inches wide. You also need enough height for it to fit comfortably above your range. Check the product dimensions before buying.
Q: Do I need to vent my microwave outside?
A: Not always. Some microwaves recirculate air and use charcoal filters. Vents that go outside are better at removing smoke and smells. Check your kitchen setup to see what works best.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints. However, most are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Some have special coatings to resist fingerprints.
Q: What is convection cooking on a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This cooks food more evenly and can make things crispy, like a regular oven. It’s great for baking and roasting.
Q: How do I know if a microwave has good ventilation?
A: Look for the CFM rating. Higher CFM means a stronger fan. Also, read reviews to see what other users say about its ability to clear smoke and smells.
Q: Can I install an above-range microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting it securely and connecting it to your home’s ventilation system. Many people hire a professional to ensure it’s installed safely and correctly.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a range hood?
A: A range hood’s main job is to remove smoke and smells. An above-range microwave does that *and* cooks food. It’s a two-in-one appliance.
Q: How long do above-range microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, most above-range microwaves last between 7 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and following the user manual helps them last longer.
Q: Are there microwaves that are quieter than others?
A: Yes. Some models are designed to be quieter. Look for noise level ratings or read reviews that mention how loud the fan is.
Q: What is a sensor cooking feature?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam or humidity from your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results. This means you don’t have to guess how long to cook.
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!