Tired of a countertop microwave hogging all your precious kitchen space? Imagine a kitchen where your countertops are clear, and your cooking is still a breeze. That’s the dream many of us have, and it’s exactly why the over-the-range microwave is such a popular choice. But let’s be honest, sifting through all the different models can feel like a chore in itself. You want one that fits your cooking needs, your budget, and, of course, your kitchen’s style. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the features and jargon.
That’s where we come in! This guide is your secret weapon to finding the perfect over-the-range microwave without the headache. We’ll break down what truly matters, helping you understand the key features and what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident and ready to choose a microwave that not only cooks your food but also makes your kitchen feel more spacious and functional.
Our Top 5 Rated Over The Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Over The Oven Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. With 1000 watts of power and ten different settings, it heats food quickly and evenly. This microwave also simplifies cooking with its pre-programmed auto menus for common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. Plus, the built-in LED cooktop lighting brightens your stovetop for safer meal preparation.
What We Like:
- The 1.9 cu.ft. capacity handles large dishes easily, and the turntable can be turned off for oversized items.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods.
- 1000 watts of power ensures fast and efficient cooking.
- The 400 CFM venting system effectively removes cooking odors and smoke from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting improves visibility below the microwave.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super convenient for quick heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more manual control for precise cooking.
- The installation instructions, while available online, might be clearer if included directly with the product.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Its powerful features and user-friendly design make it a standout choice for your home.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle includes a stylish stainless steel microwave, a charcoal filter for fresh air, and a 2-year extended protection plan from CPS. It’s perfect for cooking meals quickly and easily.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for a cleaner kitchen.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- It’s from GE, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are a bit specific, so measure your space carefully.
- The “behind the door grille” part is a little unclear in its description.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience for your kitchen. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to update their cooking appliances.
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: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a large capacity and smart features to make cooking easier. Plus, this bundle comes with an extra-long protection plan for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size holds plenty of food, perfect for families or big meals.
- Worry-Free Melting: The special melt feature lets you easily melt butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Easy Cleaning: The interior is simple to wipe down, and the steam clean option makes tough messes disappear.
- Extended Protection: You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus an additional 2-year extended service plan, so you’re covered for a long time.
- Complete Kit: The bundle includes a recirculating charcoal filter, so it’s ready to install and use right away.
- Sleek Design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions: While the capacity is large, the depth of 15 9/16 inches might be a bit much for some smaller counter spaces.
This GE microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and durability. The added protection plan makes it an even better value.
4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.1/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.8 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for heating up meals or cooking for your family. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and efficiently. The sleek stainless steel design looks modern and is easy to clean. Plus, the child lock feature gives you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- The 1.8 cu. ft. capacity holds large dishes easily.
- 1000 cooking watts means fast and effective heating.
- The stainless steel finish is stylish and simple to wipe down.
- A child lock is included for safety around little ones.
- It has 10 different power levels for precise cooking.
- The 300 CFM fan effectively removes cooking odors and smoke.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately, which is an extra cost.
- It’s a non-ducted venting type, so it won’t remove steam and smoke as well as a ducted system.
- It weighs 35 lbs, which might make installation a bit tricky for one person.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a good balance of features and capacity for most kitchens. It’s a solid choice for everyday cooking needs.
5. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It does more than just heat food. You can air fry, bake with convection, and even broil. Its sleek black stainless steel design looks good on any counter. This microwave is packed with features to make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more.
- You can enjoy healthier “fried” foods with the air fry function.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
- Its compact size fits easily on your counter, but the 1.0 cu.ft. interior is surprisingly large.
- The 12.4-inch turntable can hold a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food was when you open the door.
- It has a child-lock feature for safety.
- Convenient one-touch buttons like popcorn are included.
- The odor removal mode keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The black stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock requires a specific two-step process to open, which might take a moment to learn.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: Over-the-Range Microwaves
Over-the-range microwaves are super handy. They save counter space and often come with a built-in vent to clear cooking smells. They’re a popular choice for many kitchens. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves are between 1000 and 1200 watts.
- Capacity: How much food can you fit inside? Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much you usually cook or reheat. A family might need a larger one than a single person.
- Venting System: This is a big deal for over-the-range models. Look for a vent that can handle smoke and smells from your stovetop. Some vents blow air out of your house, while others just filter and recirculate it.
- Turntable: A rotating plate helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this, but check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. It senses the steam from your food and adjusts the cooking time and power automatically. This stops overcooking or undercooking.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to understand and use? Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens. Find one that feels comfortable for you.
- Convenience Features: Look for things like quick-cook buttons (for popcorn or baked potatoes), a child lock, and a clock.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave affect its durability and how it looks.
- Exterior: Most over-the-range microwaves have stainless steel exteriors. Stainless steel is strong, looks modern, and resists fingerprints. Some models might have enamel coatings.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more durable. Painted interiors can sometimes chip over time.
- Door: The door should have a sturdy handle and a secure latch. The window should be clear so you can see your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a microwave better or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should have a good feel. Poorly made microwaves might feel flimsy and break down faster.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Doing a little research on brands can help you find a trustworthy microwave.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Some are much quieter than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews to see how loud a model is.
- Ease of Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can be tricky to install. Some come with clearer instructions or offer easier mounting options. If you’re not handy, you might need to hire someone.
- Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to keep clean. Stubborn food splatters can be a real pain to remove from rough surfaces.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave most often.
- Busy Families: If you have a busy household, you’ll want a microwave that cooks fast and can handle larger meals. Sensor cooking is a lifesaver for busy parents.
- Small Kitchens: Over-the-range models are perfect for small kitchens because they free up valuable counter space. The built-in vent is also a huge plus.
- Home Cooks: If you love to cook, you’ll appreciate a microwave with precise power settings and useful presets. A good venting system will also help keep your kitchen smelling fresh while you cook on the stovetop.
- Quick Reheating: For those who just need to reheat leftovers or make a quick snack, a simple, user-friendly model with quick-cook options will be ideal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of an over-the-range microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. It also usually includes a ventilation system.
Q: How important is wattage for a microwave?
A: Wattage is very important. Higher wattage means your food cooks faster.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking detects steam from food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is durable, looks nice, and resists fingerprints.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is good quality?
A: A good quality microwave feels solid and has smooth-moving parts. Check brand reputation too.
Q: Which type of vent system is better: exhaust or recirculating?
A: Exhaust vents push air outside your home, which is better for removing smoke and smells. Recirculating vents filter and send air back into the kitchen.
Q: Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
A: It can be difficult. If you’re not experienced with appliance installation, it’s best to hire a professional.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. A removable turntable makes cleaning easier.
Q: What size microwave is best for a family?
A: A larger capacity microwave is usually better for families to fit more food.
Q: How can I ensure my microwave cooks food evenly?
A: Look for a model with a turntable. Some advanced models also have even-heating technology.
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!