Imagine a kitchen helper that can reheat leftovers in a flash, bake cookies to golden perfection, and even roast a chicken – all while saving precious counter space! Does that sound like a dream appliance? For many, the decision of which convection microwave over the range to bring into their home feels more like a puzzle. You want the convenience of a microwave, the power of a convection oven, and the space-saving design, but sifting through all the features, brands, and price tags can be overwhelming. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon and end up with something that doesn’t quite fit your needs.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to demystify the world of convection microwaves over the range. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes these appliances so special, what key features to look for, and how to choose the one that will transform your cooking experience. Get ready to discover how to make the smartest choice for your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Convection Microwave Over The Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Convection Microwave Over The Range Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes, 1.5 cu.ft., Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, EC942K6CE-SS is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do much more than just heat up leftovers. It’s designed to be your all-in-one cooking companion.
What We Like:
- This microwave boasts a large 1.5 cubic feet of space, which is great for bigger meals or multiple dishes. The 13.6-inch turntable fits most standard plates.
- It’s a 6-in-1 appliance! You get a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, grill, bake, and roast. This means you can cook almost anything with it.
- The air fryer mode lets you make your favorite fried foods much healthier. You can get them nice and crispy with less oil.
- Sensor Reheat mode is a smart feature. It keeps your leftovers tasting fresh, like they were just cooked.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is powerful. It pulls smoke and smells out of your kitchen. The built-in light helps you see clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 6-in-1 functionality is great, learning to use all the modes might take a little time for some users.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping to stay looking its best.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options and powerful performance.
2. GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance does more than just heat food; it offers convection cooking and air frying, giving you lots of cooking options. It’s a spacious microwave, perfect for families. Plus, this bundle comes with a special protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It has convection and air fry features, so you can bake, roast, and crisp your food.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. size easily fits larger dishes and meals.
- Fast Cooking: The “Fast Cook” setting quickly heats or cooks your food.
- Added Protection: You get a full manufacturer warranty plus an extra 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Plan, covering you for a total of four years.
- Complete Kit: It includes a recirculating charcoal filter, so it’s ready to install.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can be tricky to install yourself; professional installation might be needed.
- Learning Curve: With multiple cooking modes, it might take a little time to learn all its functions.
This GE Profile microwave oven bundle offers great value and advanced features. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking to expand their cooking capabilities.
3. LG Smart 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Convection Microwave Oven with Air Fry in PrintProof Stainless Steel MHEC1737F
Rating: 8.7/10
The LG Smart 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Convection Microwave Oven with Air Fry in PrintProof Stainless Steel MHEC1737F is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s a powerful appliance that can do more than just heat up leftovers. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It’s a smart appliance, which means you can control it with your phone.
- The convection feature lets you bake and roast just like a regular oven.
- The air fry function makes crispy foods without all the oil.
- It has a large 1.7 cubic feet capacity, so you can fit bigger dishes inside.
- The PrintProof stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, keeping your kitchen looking clean.
- It offers a lot of cooking options for a great price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the smart features a bit complex at first.
- The fan can be a little noisy when the convection or air fry functions are on.
This LG microwave oven truly offers a lot of value. It’s a versatile tool that helps you cook a variety of meals with ease.
4. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven. This 1.5 cubic foot stainless steel unit is designed for life on the road, offering versatile cooking options and durability. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a convection oven that can bake and brown your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- The convection cooking feature is a big plus. It has 10 temperature settings, so you can bake cookies or brown chicken.
- You can easily see the timer, clock, and what cooking mode is on with the bright LED display.
- It offers two ventilation options: exhaust air outside your RV or recirculate it inside for flexibility.
- The built-in 30-watt appliance bulbs light up your cooktop below.
- This microwave is built tough! It’s durable and vibration-resistant, perfect for handling the bumps and shakes of RV travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great all-in-one appliance, some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for cooking bigger meals.
- The installation process might require some DIY skills or professional help for certain RV setups.
This Furrion convection microwave is a smart choice for any RVer looking for a functional and reliable kitchen upgrade. It brings home-style cooking convenience to your adventures.
5. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS is a kitchen workhorse that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s designed to make cooking easier and faster, and it does just that with its handy features. This microwave isn’t just for reheating leftovers; it can actually help you cook full meals.
What We Like:
- The air fry function is a game-changer. You can get crispy foods without all the oil.
- It has a good amount of space inside, so you can fit larger dishes.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
- It’s very easy to use with a clear control panel.
- The price is very reasonable for all the features it offers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fan could be a bit quieter when it’s on high.
- Some users might find the installation a little tricky if they aren’t used to DIY projects.
This microwave proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get high-quality kitchen appliances. It’s a smart buy for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience without breaking the bank.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
An over-the-range (OTR) convection microwave is a kitchen superhero. It saves counter space and does more than just reheat leftovers. It can bake, roast, and broil! This guide helps you find the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is the star! A good convection feature means you can bake cookies or roast chicken right in your microwave. Look for models with a powerful convection fan. This fan circulates hot air, cooking food evenly and giving it a nice brown crust. Higher wattage generally means faster cooking.
2. Microwave Wattage
This determines how fast your food cooks. Most OTR microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts mean quicker defrosting and heating. Think about how much you use your microwave. If you heat up meals daily, aim for a higher wattage.
3. Capacity and Size
Measure the space above your stove. OTR microwaves come in standard sizes, usually 30 inches wide. The interior capacity is measured in cubic feet. A larger capacity can fit bigger dishes, like a whole chicken or a 9×13 inch baking pan. Consider your family size and the types of meals you prepare.
4. Ventilation System
This is super important! The fan under the microwave pulls smoke and steam away from your cooking area. Look for a powerful CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. Higher CFM means better air cleaning. Also, check if it vents outside or recirculates air with a filter. Vents that go outside work best.
5. Preset Cooking Options
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking. Some advanced models even have sensor cooking. This automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture level.
6. Easy-to-Clean Interior
Nobody likes scrubbing tough messes. Look for models with a non-stick or easy-to-wipe interior coating. Stainless steel interiors are durable and look sleek. Removable turntables make cleaning simple.
Important Materials
Most OTR microwaves have an outer casing made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is popular because it looks modern and resists fingerprints. The interior is usually made of enameled metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer service.
- User Reviews: Real people’s experiences can tell you a lot about a product’s reliability and performance.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic parts or thin metal can wear out quickly.
- Poor Ventilation: A weak fan won’t clear the air effectively.
- Complex Controls: Overly complicated buttons can be frustrating to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR convection microwave is a versatile kitchen tool. You can use it for quick meals, reheating leftovers, or even baking a cake. Families use it for faster weeknight dinners. Busy professionals appreciate its speed and convenience. Home bakers can enjoy the extra oven space for smaller items.
Imagine this: You’re making dinner. You use the microwave to quickly steam some vegetables. Then, you pop a pizza in for its convection-baked crispiness. All this happens while your main dish cooks on the stovetop below. It’s a real space-saver and time-saver!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food using microwaves. A convection microwave adds a fan and a heating element, just like a regular oven. This allows it to bake, roast, and broil food, making it much more versatile.
Q: Can I bake a whole cake in an over-the-range convection microwave?
A: It depends on the size of the microwave’s interior. Smaller cakes or cupcakes are usually fine. You’ll need to check the capacity in cubic feet and compare it to your cake pan size.
Q: Is an over-the-range convection microwave hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. It involves mounting it securely above your stove and connecting the ventilation. Many people hire a professional for this job to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
Q: How do I clean the convection fan?
A: Most models have a removable fan cover or filter that you can take out and wash. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning any internal parts.
Q: Will a convection microwave save me energy compared to a regular oven?
A: Yes, often it does. Convection microwaves preheat faster and cook food more quickly. This means you use less energy overall, especially for smaller meals or baking tasks.
Q: What is CFM and why is it important for ventilation?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the vent fan can move. A higher CFM means the fan is stronger and can remove smoke, steam, and odors more effectively from your kitchen.
Q: Are over-the-range convection microwaves noisy?
A: Like any appliance with a fan and motor, they make some noise. The noise level can vary between models. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how loud a specific model is.
Q: Can I use metal cookware in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can use metal cookware in convection mode, just like in a regular oven. However, you cannot use metal in microwave-only mode, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What are the benefits of having a sensor cooking feature?
A: Sensor cooking is great because it automatically detects the humidity of the food and adjusts the cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking your meals.
Q: How long do over-the-range convection microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality over-the-range convection microwave can last between 8 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and following the user manual will help extend its lifespan.
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!