Imagine this: you’re cooking a delicious meal, and you need to heat something up quickly. You glance at your kitchen counter, but it’s cluttered with appliances. You wish you had more space and a way to keep your cooking area tidy. This is where an over-the-range microwave shines!
Choosing an over-the-range microwave can be tricky. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider. You want one that fits your kitchen, cooks food well, and looks good too. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices and worry about making the wrong pick.
But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a great over-the-range microwave. We’ll explore different types and what to look for. You’ll discover how to find the perfect microwave that saves you space and makes cooking a breeze. Get ready to transform your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Over Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft capacity, making it ideal for families and busy households. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. You’ll love the convenience of its one-touch cooking and pre-programmed settings.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking gets meals ready fast.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity fits large dishes.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for popular items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- The 400 CFM venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
- The Turntable On/Off function allows you to cook oversized dishes without them hitting the sides.
- Ten power settings give you precise control for different foods.
- A 30-second express cook button is handy for quick heating.
- The child lock feature provides peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation instructions, while available online, could be more readily accessible within the product packaging.
- The 1.9 cu.ft capacity is large, but some users might prefer even more space for very large meals or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen fresh.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.6/10
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 a good amount of space for heating up meals and is designed to be mounted conveniently above your stove. This bundle also includes extra peace of mind with an extended protection plan.
What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, so you know it’s from a trusted brand.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan, which is great for added security.
- The bundle includes a charcoal filter replacement, which is useful for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
- It has a 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, which is a good size for most families.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to use.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit specific, so it’s important to measure your space first.
- The “convenience cooking controls” could be more detailed in their description of what they do.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience. The included protection plan makes it a smart and worry-free purchase for your home.
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: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is designed to make cooking and cleaning a breeze. It comes with an amazing bundle that includes a premium 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, it’s an officially authorized GE USA product, so you know you’re getting the real deal.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more super easy and worry-free.
- Steam clean interior means cleaning up spills is quick and simple.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit, perfect for kitchens without external venting.
- The bundle includes a 2-year extended service protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty for ultimate coverage.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are quite specific, so be sure to measure your space carefully before purchasing.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features, though this model focuses on core cooking functions.
This GE microwave bundle offers fantastic value and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use over-the-range microwave.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and spacious addition to any kitchen. Its sleek black design saves valuable counter space and offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of room. With 1000 watts of cooking power, it heats food quickly and evenly. This microwave is packed with features that make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has 1000W of power for fast and even cooking.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits many 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 handy.
- Melt and soften features are great for butter and cheese.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The bright LED display and vent fan are very useful.
- You can adjust the volume of the alerts.
- Its over-the-range design saves lots of counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some functions.
- The stovetop light could be brighter.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for busy households. It combines power, space, and smart features to make meal prep simple.
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.0/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its generous 1.8 cu. ft. capacity easily handles large dishes, and the powerful 1000 cooking watts get meals ready fast. This microwave also features a handy child lock, keeping little hands safe. Plus, the 300 CFM fan helps clear out cooking smells.
What We Like:
- Large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity fits big meals.
- 1000 cooking watts heat food quickly.
- 300 CFM fan efficiently removes smoke and odors.
- Easy-to-use touch pad with 27 buttons offers many options.
- Child lock adds an extra layer of safety.
- Auto Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately, adding an extra cost if you don’t have a ducted vent.
- Some users might prefer a quieter fan operation at lower speeds.
Overall, this Frigidaire over-the-range microwave offers a great balance of power, capacity, and convenient features for busy home cooks. It’s a solid choice for upgrading your kitchen.
The Smart Kitchen Upgrade: Your Over-the-Range Microwave Buying Guide
Looking to add convenience and cooking power to your kitchen? An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a fantastic choice. It saves counter space and often doubles as a ventilation system for your stovetop. Let’s dive into what makes a great OTR microwave.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an OTR microwave, keep these important features in mind. They make a big difference in how well it works and how easy it is to use.
Cooking Power (Wattage)
- Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most OTR microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or making popcorn, 1000 watts is usually enough. If you plan to cook more complex meals or need food to heat quickly, aim for 1100-1200 watts.
Capacity (Cubic Feet)
- Size matters for what you can fit inside. OTR microwaves come in various sizes. Smaller ones are around 1.5 cubic feet, while larger ones can be 2.0 cubic feet or more. Think about the dishes you usually cook. Do you need to fit a large casserole dish? A bigger capacity is better for families or those who entertain.
Ventilation System
- This is a big one! OTR microwaves often have built-in fans and filters to remove smoke, steam, and odors from your cooktop.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This tells you how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM is better for powerful ventilation. Look for at least 300 CFM for good performance.
- Ducting: Some microwaves vent outwards (ducted), while others recirculate air with charcoal filters (non-ducted). Ducted systems are more effective.
Convenience Features
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. It prevents overcooking or undercooking.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves have buttons for common tasks like “Popcorn,” “Potato,” or “Beverage.” These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures even heating of your food. Most OTR microwaves have this.
- Interior Lighting: Good lighting helps you see inside and monitor your food.
- Child Lock: This safety feature prevents little ones from accidentally starting the microwave.
Important Materials
The materials used in an OTR microwave affect its durability and appearance.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It’s durable, looks sleek, and resists fingerprints better than some other finishes.
- Plastic: The interior is usually made of durable plastic. Some higher-end models might have a ceramic enamel interior, which is easy to clean and scratch-resistant.
- Glass: The door window is made of tempered glass, which is strong and safe. The turntable is also made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an OTR microwave better or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should have a satisfying click. Cheaper models might feel flimsy.
- Brand Reputation: Trusted brands often use better components and have more reliable products. They also tend to offer better customer support.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud when operating. Look for reviews that mention noise levels if this is a concern for you.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior surface, like ceramic enamel, makes cleaning much easier. Fingerprint-resistant exteriors are also a plus.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product. Look for at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave will guide your purchase.
- Quick Meals and Reheating: For busy individuals or families, an OTR microwave is perfect for quickly reheating leftovers, making instant meals, or heating up snacks.
- Stovetop Ventilation: If you cook a lot, the ventilation feature is invaluable. It keeps your kitchen air fresh and clean while you’re cooking.
- Defrosting: Most OTR microwaves have effective defrosting settings for meats, vegetables, and other frozen foods.
- Small Kitchens: OTR microwaves are a space-saver. They combine two appliances into one, freeing up valuable counter space.
- Easy Cooking: Sensor cooking and pre-programmed settings make cooking simple, even for beginners.
Over-the-Range Microwave FAQs
Q: What is the main benefit of an over-the-range microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. It also often acts as a ventilation system for your stovetop.
Q: How much wattage do I need for an OTR microwave?
A: For most everyday tasks, 1000 watts is sufficient. For faster cooking or more complex meals, aim for 1100-1200 watts.
Q: What does CFM mean for ventilation?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means better ventilation.
Q: Should I choose a ducted or non-ducted ventilation system?
A: Ducted systems vent air outside and are more effective. Non-ducted systems recirculate air with filters.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses moisture sensors to automatically adjust cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: How do I know if an OTR microwave is good quality?
A: Look for solid build quality, a reputable brand, and good reviews about performance and durability.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves easy to clean?
A: Stainless steel is durable, but it can show fingerprints. Some models have fingerprint-resistant finishes.
Q: How large should my OTR microwave be?
A: Consider the size of the dishes you cook. Capacities typically range from 1.5 to over 2.0 cubic feet.
Q: Is an OTR microwave good for defrosting food?
A: Yes, most OTR microwaves have effective defrosting settings for frozen items.
Q: What is a good warranty period for an OTR microwave?
A: A warranty of at least one year for parts and labor is generally considered good.
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!