Ever walked into a kitchen and noticed how a sleek appliance just *fits*? That’s often the magic of an above-range microwave. These handy helpers aren’t just for reheating leftovers; they’re the unsung heroes of modern kitchens, saving precious counter space while tackling everything from quick meals to complex recipes. But when it comes time to buy one, the choices can feel overwhelming. How do you pick the one that’s just right for *your* cooking style and *your* kitchen?
Choosing an above-range microwave can be tricky. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and fits your budget. But with so many brands, sizes, and features, it’s easy to feel lost. You might be wondering about ventilation, capacity, or even how much power you really need. It’s a big decision that impacts your daily cooking routine, and we get it!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down what makes a great above-range microwave. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, how to match it to your cooking needs, and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect microwave that will make your kitchen more efficient and your meals more delicious.
Our Top 5 Above Range Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Above Range Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking, 1.7 cu. ft. OTR Over Stove Microwave, Stainless Steel, 1000 Watts, EM044K6CE-SS is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a powerful microwave that helps you cook quickly and efficiently. Its sleek stainless steel design looks modern and fits well above your stove. This microwave makes cooking easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.7 cubic feet capacity, so you can fit big dishes inside.
- The 1000-watt power cooks food fast.
- You get 10 different cooking power levels to choose from.
- Quick menus make cooking popcorn, reheating food, or defrosting simple.
- Speedy cooking options let you microwave at full power for 1-3 minutes with just a few button presses.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels for different times in one go.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and quiet, clearing smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- An under-microwave light shines down on your stovetop, making it easy to see while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about advanced cooking settings.
- While the vent is good, some users might prefer even stronger suction for very smoky cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a smart buy for busy kitchens. It offers lots of features to make cooking a breeze.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is perfect for cooking, reheating, and defrosting your favorite foods. It’s designed to be placed over your range, saving valuable counter space. Plus, this bundle includes a special 2-year protection plan for extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for fresh air.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for worry-free ownership.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- This is a GE USA authorized product, ensuring quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a tight fit for some smaller kitchens.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to add a reliable and stylish appliance to their kitchen.
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 great addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and stylish. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating food simple and fast.
What We Like:
- One-Touch Cooking: It has 18 auto-cook menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook potatoes and rice with just one touch. This makes preparing meals quick and effortless.
- Spacious Interior: With a 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and a 12.5-inch turntable, it fits large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. No more struggling to fit your food!
- Powerful Performance: The 1000W cooking power heats food quickly and evenly. It also has 10 power levels, so you can adjust the heat for different types of food.
- Strong Ventilation: The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds removes cooking smells and smoke effectively. Your kitchen stays fresh and clean.
- Bright Cooktop Light: A bright light shines on your stovetop, making it easy to see while you’re cooking.
- Smart Touch Panel: The smart touch panel is easy to use and adds a modern touch to the appliance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While the auto-cook menus are helpful, some users might need a little time to learn all the functions.
- Ventilation Noise: At its highest setting, the ventilation fan can be a bit noisy for some people.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a versatile and powerful microwave oven. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for convenience and performance in their kitchen.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu. Ft. is a powerful and stylish addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and it’s designed to save valuable counter space. This microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of cooking room, perfect for heating up leftovers or cooking full meals. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly and evenly. You’ll find lots of helpful cooking options, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking heats food fast and evenly.
- Large 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits many dishes, from small snacks to big family meals.
- Lots of cooking options like auto cook, snacks, and a special potato setting.
- Smart defrosting by time or weight makes thawing easy.
- Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften features add everyday convenience.
- Child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- Built-in vent fan and stovetop light are very useful.
- Adjustable volume for beeps and alerts.
- Over-the-range design saves counter space and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about some advanced cooking settings.
- While the vent fan is helpful, it may not be powerful enough for very smoky cooking.
This Farberware microwave oven is a smart choice for busy kitchens. It offers a great combination of power, space, and user-friendly features.
5. Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven with Screen Touch Control
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Empava Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers powerful cooking and efficient venting to make meal prep a breeze. Its modern screen touch control and generous 1.7 cu.ft. interior make it a fantastic addition to any busy household.
What We Like:
- Effortless cooking with pre-programmed auto menus for popular foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking power with 10 different power levels for precise control.
- The 300 CFM venting fan quickly removes smoke and odors from your cooktop.
- A spacious 1.7 cu.ft. interior easily fits large dishes, and the turntable can be turned off for bigger items.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your cooking surface.
- Convenient features like 30-second express cooking, a kitchen timer, and a child lock add ease and safety.
- A generous 2-year US-based manufacturer warranty offers great peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overall dimensions might be a bit large for very compact kitchens.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customizable manual cooking options.
This Empava microwave combines style, power, and smart features to simplify your kitchen routine. It’s a reliable and user-friendly appliance that truly enhances the cooking experience.
Choosing the Best Above-Range Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
An above-range microwave is a super useful appliance. It saves counter space. It also helps cook and reheat food fast. Finding the right one can make your kitchen work better. Let’s explore what to look for.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
- Dimensions: Microwaves come in different widths. Most are 30 inches wide, fitting standard stovetops. Measure your space carefully before buying.
- Interior Capacity: This is measured in cubic feet. A smaller family might only need 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet. Larger families or those who cook big meals often want 1.6 to 2.2 cubic feet. Think about the size of plates and dishes you use.
2. Power (Wattage)
- Wattage Matters: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most above-range microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. 1000 watts is a good middle ground for most tasks.
3. Ventilation System
- Built-in Fan: This is super important. The fan pulls smoke, steam, and smells away from your stovetop.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This tells you how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM is better for busy kitchens. Look for at least 200 CFM.
- Ducting: Some fans vent outside (ducted). Others recirculate air through a filter (non-ducted). Ducted systems are more effective.
4. Cooking Functions
- Preset Cooking: Many have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These make cooking easy.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave detects steam and adjusts cooking time and power. It helps prevent overcooking.
- Turntable vs. Recessed Turntable: A turntable spins food for even heating. Some models have a recessed turntable that you can turn off for larger dishes.
5. Other Useful Features
- Child Lock: This keeps little hands from turning on the microwave accidentally.
- Kitchen Timer: Useful for timing other things on the stove.
- Convenience Lighting: A light under the microwave helps you see while cooking.
Important Materials
Most above-range microwaves have exteriors made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. The interior is usually a non-stick enamel or stainless steel. These materials make cleaning easier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable appliances.
- Sturdy Construction: A microwave that feels solid and well-built will last longer.
- Effective Ventilation: A powerful fan that removes odors well is a sign of good quality.
- Even Cooking: The microwave should heat food consistently.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Materials: Thin metal or plastic can break easily.
- Weak Ventilation: A weak fan won’t clear smoke and smells effectively.
- Uneven Heating: Food that is cold in some spots and hot in others shows poor quality.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
An above-range microwave is perfect for small kitchens. It frees up counter space. People use them for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting. Families use them for snacks and after-school treats. Busy cooks appreciate the speed and convenience. If you cook a lot, a powerful model with good ventilation is a great choice.
Installation Note: Many of these units are mounted above the stove. Proper installation is important for safety and performance. Some people hire professionals to install them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size for an above-range microwave?
A: Most are 30 inches wide. Measure your space to make sure it fits.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I need?
A: 1000 watts is good for most tasks. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: What does CFM mean for ventilation?
A: CFM tells you how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM is better for removing smoke and smells.
Q: Should I get a ducted or non-ducted microwave?
A: Ducted microwaves vent outside and are more effective at removing odors. Non-ducted ones use filters to recirculate air.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It helps prevent overcooking.
Q: How do I clean an above-range microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior can be cleaned with a stainless steel cleaner or a damp cloth.
Q: Do I need a special outlet for an above-range microwave?
A: Yes, they typically need a dedicated 120-volt outlet. Check your home’s electrical setup.
Q: Can I cook elaborate meals in an above-range microwave?
A: You can cook many things, but they are best for quick meals and reheating. For very complex cooking, a regular oven might be better.
Q: How long do above-range microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, they can last 7-10 years or more.
Q: Is it hard to install an above-range microwave?
A: Installation can be tricky. It involves mounting the unit securely and connecting it to ventilation and power. Many people hire a professional.
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!