Imagine a kitchen where every appliance has its perfect spot, freeing up precious counter space. Does your current kitchen feel a little cluttered? Many of us dream of a more organized and functional cooking area, and a key player in achieving that dream is often overlooked: the under-cabinet microwave oven. But wading through the sea of models, features, and installation guides can feel like a daunting task. You want one that fits perfectly, cooks your food well, and looks great, but where do you even begin?
Choosing an under-cabinet microwave isn’t just about picking the cheapest or the prettiest. It’s about finding a solution that truly works for your kitchen’s layout and your cooking habits. You might be wondering about ventilation, size, or how it will actually attach. These are real questions that can make the buying process feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate these waters with ease. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what makes a great under-cabinet microwave and how to choose the one that’s just right for you.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to transform your kitchen with the perfect under-cabinet microwave oven, making your cooking experience smoother and your kitchen tidier than ever before.
Our Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Under Cabinet Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a powerful 1000-watt punch, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. Enjoy effortless cooking with its one-touch features and pre-programmed auto menus.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking gets food ready quickly.
- 1.9 cu.ft. capacity holds large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- The 400 CFM venting fan efficiently removes cooking odors and smoke.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safe cooking.
- Turntable On/Off option lets you heat up large rectangular dishes without them hitting the sides.
- Convenient 30-second express cooking gets you your food faster.
- Child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- While it has many auto-cook options, some users might prefer more customizable settings for advanced cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great blend of power, convenience, and thoughtful features for any busy kitchen. It’s a solid choice for simplifying your daily cooking routine.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek and powerful BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty is more than just a microwave; it’s your new kitchen helper, designed to make cooking easier and faster. With a large capacity and plenty of smart features, it’s ready for any meal.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits big dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable. It’s perfect for cooking family meals or trying new recipes.
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave heats food quickly and efficiently.
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Six easy-to-use presets for popcorn, beverages, melting, reheating, and defrosting take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Buttons 1, 2, and 3 let you cook at full power for 1 to 3 minutes with just one touch.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Set the microwave to cook at different power levels for different amounts of time. You can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes all in one go.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 300 CFM vent fan has two speeds. It sucks up smoke and smells from your stove. An LED light shines brightly on your cooking surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, could be a little quieter for some users.
- While the auto-cook menus are convenient, some users might prefer more customizable options for specific dishes.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience, power, and style. It truly makes everyday cooking a breeze.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition for any home chef. It offers a good amount of space at 1.6 cubic feet, perfect for heating up meals or cooking snacks. The easy-to-use controls make it simple to select your cooking options. Plus, this bundle comes with a great bonus: a 2-year extended protection plan for extra peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen fresh.
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What We Like:
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous for most kitchen needs.
- Convenience cooking controls make it super easy to use.
- It comes with a 2-year extended protection plan, which is a great value.
- The included charcoal filter replacement is a thoughtful addition.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, ensuring quality.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern in any kitchen.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a tight fit for some over-the-range spaces.
- More specific details on the “convenience cooking controls” would be helpful.
This GE microwave bundle offers a solid combination of functionality and protection. It’s a reliable choice for your kitchen.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is designed for modern convenience and efficiency, making meal preparation a breeze.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature is amazing. It has 18 auto menus for things like popcorn, pizza, and even defrosting. You can cook many different foods easily.
- It has a big 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable fits large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can choose from 10 power levels, including a powerful 1000W output. This means you can heat food exactly how you want it.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. You can even adjust the fan speed.
- A bright light shines on your stovetop. This makes it easy to see what you’re cooking underneath.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 18 auto menus a bit overwhelming at first.
- While the ventilation is strong, some very strong cooking odors might still linger slightly.
This Midea microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers great features and performance for everyday cooking needs.
5. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a true kitchen workhorse. It’s a countertop appliance that can do it all. You can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use it for combi cooking. This makes it super handy for all sorts of meals.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so it handles many cooking tasks.
- It has 10 different power levels, including helpful auto menus.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for easy cooking of popular foods like fries and chicken wings.
- You can start cooking instantly at full power for 30 seconds.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- The stainless steel finish looks nice on any counter.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit.
Choosing the Right Under-Cabinet Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
An under-cabinet microwave is a smart way to save counter space in your kitchen. It hangs neatly above your stove or counter, giving you more room for cooking and prepping food. Let’s explore what makes a great under-cabinet microwave.
Key Features to Look For
- Ventilation System: This is super important. It needs to pull smoke and steam away from your cooking area. Look for good CFM (cubic feet per minute) numbers. Higher CFM means better airflow.
- Lighting: A bright light under the microwave helps you see what’s cooking on your stove.
- Control Panel: Easy-to-use buttons and a clear display make cooking a breeze. Some have touch controls, others have knobs.
- Size and Capacity: Measure the space where you plan to put it. Microwaves come in different widths and depths. Think about how much food you usually heat up.
- Power Levels: More power levels give you more control over how your food cooks.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. This makes cooking quick and easy.
Important Materials
The outer casing is usually made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. The inside of the microwave is typically a ceramic or enamel coating. These are durable and resist scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Better?
- Strong Ventilation: A powerful fan that really clears the air.
- Durable Build: Solid construction means it will last longer.
- Quiet Operation: A good microwave won’t be too noisy when it’s running.
- Even Cooking: It heats food evenly without hot spots.
- Easy Cleaning: Smooth interior surfaces make wiping up spills simple.
What Makes a Microwave Less Good?
- Weak Ventilation: If the fan is weak, smoke and steam can linger.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might not last.
- Noisy Motor: A loud fan can be annoying.
- Uneven Heating: Some microwaves don’t cook food all the way through.
- Hard-to-Clean Interior: Stubborn stains can be a pain.
User Experience and Use Cases
Under-cabinet microwaves are perfect for small kitchens or anyone who wants more counter space. They are great for quickly reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or even cooking simple meals. Families can use them to heat up snacks for kids. Busy professionals appreciate the speed and convenience for quick lunches.
Installation can sometimes be a bit tricky. You might need to mount it securely to the underside of your cabinets. Some come with all the hardware you need. Reading the instructions carefully is key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I measure the space for an under-cabinet microwave?
A: Measure the width, depth, and height of the area where the microwave will go. Make sure to leave a little extra room for airflow.
Q: What is CFM, and why is it important?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the microwave’s fan can move. A higher CFM means better ventilation for your stove.
Q: Can I install an under-cabinet microwave myself?
A: Yes, many people do. It’s important to follow the installation instructions carefully and make sure it’s mounted securely. If you’re not comfortable, consider hiring a professional.
Q: How much power should my under-cabinet microwave have?
A: Most under-cabinet microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage generally means faster cooking.
Q: What’s the difference between a recirculating and externally vented microwave?
A: Recirculating microwaves filter air and send it back into the kitchen. Externally vented microwaves push air outside your home through a duct.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my under-cabinet microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are under-cabinet microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be, especially when the fan is on high. Look for models that are advertised as quiet if this is a concern.
Q: What kind of warranty should I expect?
A: Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Some may offer longer warranties on specific components.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in my under-cabinet microwave?
A: No, never use aluminum foil in a microwave. It can cause sparks and fire.
Q: What are the most common problems with under-cabinet microwaves?
A: Common issues include weak ventilation, uneven cooking, and control panel malfunctions. Regular cleaning and proper use can help prevent many problems.
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!