Ever found yourself staring at a cluttered kitchen counter, wishing for more space? Or maybe you’ve struggled to cook and clean at the same time because your stovetop and microwave are in totally different spots? If you’re nodding your head, then you know the frustration of kitchen limitations. That’s where the over-the-hood microwave, also known as a range microwave or microwave hood combo, swoops in to save the day!
Choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands, sizes, and features! You want something that cooks your food perfectly, looks great in your kitchen, and fits your budget. But sifting through all the choices can be overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to start. It’s a big decision for your kitchen!
But don’t worry! This post is here to make things easy. We’ll break down exactly what you need to know to pick the best over-the-hood microwave for your home. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to upgrade your kitchen.
Let’s dive in and explore what makes these handy appliances so great and how to find the perfect one for you.
Our Top 5 Over The Hood Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Hood Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Midea MOR17BSA-SS, a sleek stainless steel over-the-range microwave designed to make your kitchen tasks a breeze. This microwave isn’t just for reheating; it’s a helpful cooking assistant with a smart touch panel and a variety of auto-cook options.
What We Like:
- The One-Touch-Cook feature is fantastic. With 18 different auto menus, you can easily cook popcorn, pizza, or even defrost and soften ingredients like cream cheese. It makes cooking delicious meals quick and simple.
- Its 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is generous. The 12.5-inch turntable easily fits large items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it great for family meals.
- You have excellent control over cooking with 10 power levels, including a powerful 1000W output. This means you can heat things just right, from gentle warming to rapid cooking.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It effectively removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. The adjustable fan speeds let you choose how much power you need.
- The bright cooktop light is a thoughtful touch. It illuminates your stovetop, giving you a clear view of what you’re cooking below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might find the programming a bit less intuitive than expected at first.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping to maintain its shine.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a feature-rich microwave that adds convenience and power to your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This awesome package not only gives you a stylish and functional microwave but also includes a 2-year extended protection plan. It’s a smart choice for busy families who need quick and easy meal solutions.
What We Like:
- It has a good 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, so you can heat up larger dishes.
- The “convenience cooking controls” make it super simple to heat things up perfectly.
- The stainless steel finish looks really modern and classy in any kitchen.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan, which offers great peace of mind.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement, so you can keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
- This is a GE USA AUTHORIZED product, meaning it’s built with quality in mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit tight for some smaller kitchens, so measure carefully.
- While it has convenience controls, some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This bundle offers excellent value and convenience for any kitchen. You get a reliable microwave and extra protection, making it a worry-free purchase.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove, and it packs a powerful punch with 1000 watts of cooking power. This microwave makes reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and even defrosting a breeze. It’s designed to save space while giving you plenty of room inside for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and evenly thanks to its 1000W power.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. interior is large enough for big dishes.
- It has many cooking options like auto cook and a potato program.
- Defrosting is easy with its smart time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is super handy for busy moments.
- The melt and soften features are great for butter or ice cream.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- The LED display and helpful vent fan and light make it easy to use.
- You can adjust the alert sounds to your liking.
- It saves counter space by mounting over your range.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the operation a bit complex at first.
- The user manual could be clearer for some features.
This Farberware microwave offers a great blend of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s a space-saving solution that can handle all your daily cooking tasks efficiently.
4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave. This spacious microwave boasts 1.8 cu. ft. of cooking room, perfect for fitting even your largest dishes. Its powerful 1000 cooking watts ensure your food heats up quickly and evenly. Plus, the sleek stainless steel design adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Bright LED lighting under the microwave helps you see your cooktop better.
- The interior LED light makes it easy to check on your food while it cooks.
- Its Fits-More Capacity means you can easily fit large casserole dishes and baking pans.
- One-Touch Cooking options are super simple to use for common foods like baked potatoes and popcorn.
- The Zero-Clearance Door opens wide without bumping into cabinets.
- Two Speed Ventilation effectively removes cooking smells and steam from your kitchen.
- The Extra-Large 12-1/2″ Glass Turntable spins your food for perfect, even cooking.
- A handy Child Lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 300 CFM ventilation a bit less powerful than professional-grade hoods.
- While one-touch buttons are great, more advanced cooking presets could be a nice addition.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a great balance of convenience and performance for busy kitchens. It’s a solid choice for making everyday cooking a breeze.
5. COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan
Rating: 9.2/10
The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of power and features to make cooking easier and faster. This microwave is also designed to fit over your stove, saving you valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave heats food quickly and evenly. You can choose from 10 different power levels, so you have great control over how your food is cooked. The 1.34 cu. ft. capacity is large enough for most dishes.
- Integrated Range Hood: The built-in vent fan is a big help. It pulls smoke, smells, and moisture out of the air while you cook. This keeps your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
- Convenient Touch Presets: You can easily melt butter, soften ice cream, defrost food, or pop popcorn with just a touch. These presets take the guesswork out of common cooking tasks.
- Sensor Reheat and Cook Mode: This smart feature knows when your food is perfectly cooked. It automatically stops the microwave, so your food never gets overcooked or dried out.
- RV Friendly: This microwave is designed to work in RVs. It runs on 120V and 60Hz power, making it a versatile option for campers and travelers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the touch presets are helpful, some users might prefer physical buttons for a more tactile feel.
- The 17-inch height might be a bit tall for some over-the-range installations, so it’s important to check your cabinet spacing.
This COSMO microwave is a powerful and smart choice for your kitchen. Its helpful features and space-saving design make cooking and ventilation a breeze.
Your Guide to Over-the-Hood Microwaves
What is an Over-the-Hood Microwave?
An over-the-hood microwave, also called a microwave range hood combo, is a special kind of microwave. It sits right above your stove. It cooks your food and also helps clear out smoke and smells from your kitchen. This saves space because you don’t need a separate hood vent. It’s a smart choice for many kitchens.
Key Features to Look For
1. Venting Power
This is super important. The microwave needs to pull smoke and smells away from your stove effectively. Look for a good CFM (cubic feet per minute) number. Higher CFM means it vents better. Some models vent upwards, some vent out the back, and some recirculate air with filters. Make sure it matches your kitchen setup.
2. Size and Capacity
Measure the space above your stove carefully. Microwaves come in different widths, usually 30 inches. Also, think about how much food you cook. A larger interior capacity means you can fit bigger dishes. Check the turntable size too. It needs to be big enough for your plates.
3. Cooking Features
Most over-the-hood microwaves do more than just reheat. Look for sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time automatically. Preset buttons for popcorn, baked potatoes, or defrosting are handy. Some have convection cooking, which is like a small oven and can bake or roast food.
4. Lighting
Good lighting under the microwave makes cooking easier. Most have a light to illuminate your stovetop. Some have two levels of brightness. Check if the light bulbs are easy to replace.
5. Ease of Cleaning
Kitchens get messy. Look for a microwave with a smooth interior that’s easy to wipe down. Removable filters for the vent system are also a plus. Some have a steam clean feature to help loosen grime.
Important Materials
Most over-the-hood microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. Enamel is often more budget-friendly. The interior is usually a non-stick coating that makes cleaning easier. The fan and vent parts are typically made of durable plastic or metal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Good One?
- Strong venting system (high CFM).
- Even cooking and reheating.
- Durable build quality.
- Intuitive controls.
- Quiet operation.
What Can Make it Less Good?
- Weak fan that doesn’t clear smoke well.
- Uneven cooking.
- Parts that feel flimsy or break easily.
- Confusing buttons.
- Loud fan noise.
User Experience and Use Cases
These microwaves are great for small kitchens or apartments where space is limited. They make cooking and ventilation a one-stop shop. Families use them for quick meals and reheating leftovers. Busy cooks appreciate the sensor cooking and preset options. Homeowners who like a tidy look find them appealing because they hide the vent system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-hood microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to cook food and also vent smoke, steam, and smells from your stovetop.
Q: Do I need special installation for an over-the-hood microwave?
A: Yes, it needs to be mounted securely above your stove. You might need to connect it to a vent system or a recirculating filter.
Q: How powerful should the vent fan be?
A: Look for a CFM of at least 100 for basic cooking. If you do a lot of frying or stir-frying, a higher CFM (200 or more) is better.
Q: Can I use it if I don’t have an outside vent?
A: Yes, many models have a recirculating option that uses charcoal filters to clean the air before sending it back into the kitchen.
Q: How do I clean the filters?
A: Grease filters are usually metal and can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand. Charcoal filters are typically disposable and need to be replaced every few months.
Q: Are over-the-hood microwaves as good as regular microwaves?
A: They offer the same cooking power as many countertop microwaves. The added benefit is the ventilation.
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, allowing the microwave to bake, roast, and brown food like a regular oven.
Q: How do I measure for the right size?
A: Measure the width of the space above your stove. Most standard models are 30 inches wide.
Q: How much noise do they make?
A: Fan noise can vary. Check reviews for specific models to see how loud they are on different settings.
Q: Are they hard to use?
A: Most have user-friendly control panels with clear buttons and digital displays, making them easy for most people to operate.
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!