Imagine this: you’re cooking a delicious meal, and you need to quickly reheat some leftovers or melt some butter. Where do you turn? For many kitchens, the answer is the trusty over-the-stove microwave. These handy appliances are a staple, but choosing the *right* one can feel like a culinary puzzle. Do you need a powerful fan? How much space do you have? The choices can be overwhelming, leaving you scratching your head and wishing for a simpler solution.
That’s where this guide comes in. We understand the frustration of sifting through endless specs and features. You want a microwave that fits your kitchen, cooks your food perfectly, and even helps clear the air. We’re here to cut through the confusion and make your decision-making process a breeze. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear picture of what matters most and feel confident in picking the best over-the-stove microwave for your home.
Let’s dive into the world of over-the-stove microwaves and discover how to find the perfect fit for your cooking adventures.
Our Top 5 Over The Stove Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Stove Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering powerful cooking and convenient features. This 1.9 cu.ft microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, making it a speedy and efficient appliance. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stovetop, saving valuable counter space. With its user-friendly interface and smart cooking options, preparing meals becomes simpler and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus make cooking common foods a breeze.
- The 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
- The turntable On/Off function offers flexibility for cooking larger dishes.
- A child lock feature provides peace of mind for families.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity handles family-sized meals.
- 10 power settings allow for precise cooking control.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the installation process a bit challenging without professional help, though instructions are provided.
- While the auto-menus are convenient, they might not cover every specific cooking need.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven combines performance and convenience, making it a valuable asset for busy households. Its thoughtful features and robust power make cooking and ventilation tasks straightforward.
2. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers plenty of space for all your cooking needs. It’s designed to make your life easier with smart features and a durable, easy-to-clean interior. Plus, this bundle comes with an amazing extended protection plan for extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes.
- The melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and more.
- Steam clean makes tidying up a breeze.
- Includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit for better air quality.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan from CPS, adding to the full manufacturer’s warranty.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, ensuring quality and support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might require careful measurement for installation.
- While it has a charcoal filter, some users might prefer a more advanced ventilation system for heavy cooking.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and advanced features for any home chef. You can cook and clean with confidence, knowing you’re covered by a top-notch protection plan.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It’s designed to make cooking and meal prep simpler and faster. This stainless steel microwave offers a generous capacity and smart features that help you whip up meals with ease.
What We Like:
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus: You can easily cook things like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. It even softens cream cheese. This makes preparing a variety of dishes quick and effortless.
- 1.7 cu.ft. capacity with 12.5 inch turntable: This large size fits big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. You won’t have to worry about fitting your favorite meals inside.
- 1000W outcome power: This microwave cooks food quickly and efficiently. It has 10-level power settings to meet all your heating needs.
- 300 CFM strong suction power: The powerful ventilation fan quickly removes cooking smells and smoke. It has adjustable fan speeds to handle different cooking situations.
- Bright cooktop light: A bright light shines down on your stovetop. This gives you a clear view of what you’re cooking below.
- Smart Touch Panel: The touch panel is easy to use. It makes selecting cooking options straightforward.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the auto menus are easy, some users might find mastering all the advanced settings takes a little time.
- Installation Complexity: Like most over-the-range microwaves, installation can be a bit tricky. It might require professional help for some.
This Midea microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power for everyday cooking needs.
4. 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The ThermoMate 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. Its large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food. The stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. It’s packed with features to make cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly and evenly with 11 power levels.
- One-touch cooking and 9 auto-cook programs make preparing popular foods a breeze.
- The spacious 1.9 cu. ft. interior and removable rack handle large meals and multiple dishes.
- Strong 400 CFM, 2-speed ventilation clears smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen.
- Built-in LED lighting brightens your stovetop for better visibility.
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results every time.
- The 13.5″ glass turntable rotates food for uniform heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions are slightly different from the external dimensions, which could be confusing.
- While it has many features, some advanced users might want more customization options.
This ThermoMate microwave is a solid choice for families needing a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range appliance. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen fresh.
5. GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven White Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160DFWW 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in crisp white. This bundle not only gives you a powerful microwave but also peace of mind with an extra-long protection plan. It’s designed to make cooking and kitchen cleanup easier.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food.
- Powerful 1000 watts cook your meals fast.
- The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system clears smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is handy for larger dishes.
- Auto and time defrost options make getting frozen food ready simple.
- Convenience cooking controls are easy to use for quick meals.
- It comes with a fantastic 2-year extended CPS protection plan in addition to the full manufacturer’s warranty, giving you great coverage.
- The charcoal filter is easy to replace when needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has auto defrost, some users might prefer more advanced sensor cooking features found on higher-end models.
- The 300-CFM venting is good, but for extremely heavy cooking, a higher CFM might be desired.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great balance of features and value, especially with the added protection. It’s a solid choice for everyday kitchen needs.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Over-the-Stove Microwave
An over-the-stove microwave, also called a microwave range hood, is a smart way to save space in your kitchen. It cooks your food and also helps clear the air while you cook. This guide will help you find the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove. You need to make sure the microwave fits. Most over-the-stove microwaves are around 30 inches wide. The inside capacity is measured in cubic feet. A bigger capacity means you can cook larger meals or fit bigger dishes. Think about what you usually cook. A family might need a larger capacity than a single person.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. For most everyday cooking, 1000 watts is a good choice. If you cook a lot of frozen meals or want to reheat food quickly, aim for higher wattage.
3. Ventilation System
This is a super important feature! The microwave’s vent hood takes away smoke, steam, and smells from your cooking. Look at how many fan speeds it has. More speeds give you better control. Also, check if it vents to the outside (ducted) or recirculates air with filters (ductless). Ducted systems are usually more powerful at clearing the air.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves have special buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or reheating. These make cooking easier. Some have sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time. Others have a turntable that spins your food for even heating. Think about which features you’ll actually use.
5. Lighting
Good lighting under the microwave is helpful. It illuminates your stovetop. Look for bright LED lights. Some have different brightness settings.
Important Materials
The outside of the microwave is usually made of stainless steel or enamel.
- Stainless Steel: This looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable. However, it can show fingerprints easily.
- Enamel: This is a painted finish. It’s usually less expensive. It can be easier to clean than stainless steel for some people.
The inside is typically made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- Strong Venting: A powerful fan that really gets rid of smoke and smells.
- Even Cooking: Food is cooked all the way through, with no cold spots.
- Easy Controls: Buttons are clear and simple to understand.
- Durable Build: The microwave feels sturdy and well-made.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good?
- Weak Venting: Smells and steam stay in your kitchen.
- Uneven Heating: Some parts of your food are hot, while others are cold.
- Confusing Buttons: It’s hard to figure out how to use the different settings.
- Cheap Materials: The microwave feels flimsy or breaks easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-stove microwave is perfect for small kitchens. It combines two appliances into one. You can use it to reheat leftovers, cook quick meals, or defrost frozen food. The vent hood is great for clearing the air when you’re frying or sautéing. Some people use the cooking presets a lot. Others prefer to manually set the time and power. Think about how you use your kitchen. This will help you pick the right features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-stove microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to cook food and also to vent smoke and smells from your stovetop.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most are 30 inches wide, but check your measurements.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage shows how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: What’s the difference between ducted and ductless venting?
A: Ducted vents push air outside your home. Ductless vents use filters to clean the air inside your kitchen.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints easily, but it’s also durable and looks nice.
Q: What are cooking presets?
A: These are special buttons that automatically cook common foods like popcorn or potatoes.
Q: Do I need a powerful vent fan?
A: Yes, a good vent fan helps clear smoke, steam, and cooking smells from your kitchen.
Q: How long do over-the-stove microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, they can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or more.
Q: Can I install an over-the-stove microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. Many people hire a professional to install it safely.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture and automatically adjust cooking time and power.
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!