Tired of your bulky microwave taking up too much precious counter space? You love the convenience of an over-the-range microwave, but wish it didn’t feel like it was looming over your stove? You’re not alone! Many kitchens feel cramped, and finding appliances that fit perfectly without sacrificing style or function can be a real challenge.
Choosing a low profile over-the-range microwave adds a whole new layer of things to consider. You want something that cooks your food well, vents smoke and steam effectively, and, of course, actually fits under your cabinets without looking awkward or being too small. It can feel overwhelming to sort through all the different sizes, features, and brands.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what makes a low profile microwave the right choice for your kitchen. We’ll break down the key features to look for, discuss common problems and how to avoid them, and help you find the perfect microwave that will make your cooking space feel bigger and brighter. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen clutter and hello to a more streamlined cooking experience!
Our Top 5 Low Profile Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Low Profile Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven w/ 550 CFM Hood Vent
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the SAMSUNG 1.1 Cu Ft Smart SLIM Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliance is packed with smart features and powerful performance, making it a game-changer for your cooking space.
What We Like:
- The 550 CFM hood ventilation is the strongest in its class, clearing steam and smells quickly.
- You can control settings and ventilation with your voice using Wi-Fi and popular assistants like Bixby, Alexa, or Google.
- A wide LED light bar shines brightly over your entire cooktop.
- Sensor Cook automatically sets the right cooking time for your food.
- It has a generous 1.1 cu. ft. capacity for larger dishes and a fingerprint-resistant finish.
- Auto Connectivity lets your microwave, hood, and cooktop work together automatically.
- 1100W of power cooks food fast and evenly.
- A large dual grease filter keeps the hood working well.
- SmartThings Cooking helps you find recipes, plan meals, and add groceries to your cart.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “anywhere” control with Wi-Fi requires a stable internet connection.
- Auto Connectivity depends on owning other compatible Samsung appliances.
- The “save time” claim for 1100W power is a general benefit of high wattage.
- SmartThings Cooking features are dependent on app services and may require subscriptions for some advanced functions.
This Samsung microwave is a smart addition to any modern kitchen, offering convenience and powerful features. It’s a great way to make cooking and kitchen cleanup easier.
2. COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS 30 in. Stellar Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Slim Over the Range Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS 30-inch Stellar Collection Slim Over-the-Range Microwave is a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. It boasts a 1.2 cubic foot capacity and a 1000-watt heating power, making it ideal for quickly preparing meals and snacks. Its slim design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. The microwave also features user-friendly touch controls and convenient automatic presets for effortless cooking.
What We Like:
- 1000 Watts of Power: This microwave heats food quickly and evenly with 11 power levels, giving you great control for delicious results every time.
- Convenient Touch Presets: With 7 auto cooking options, including popcorn, potato, sensor cook, and sensor reheat, cooking is made super easy. Just select your food, and the microwave does the rest.
- Smart Defrosting: Defrosting food is a breeze with weight and timed options, ensuring your ingredients are perfectly prepped for cooking.
- Smart Sensor: The smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking. It detects when your food is hot and adjusts the cooking time automatically.
- Slim Design: This microwave has a slim profile, which is great for saving space above your stove.
- USA-Based Customer Support: You get a 1-year limited warranty with customer support proudly based in the USA, which offers peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited cu. ft. Capacity: While slim, the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items at once.
- Black Color Only: This model is only available in black, which might not match all kitchen decors.
Overall, this COSMO microwave offers a fantastic blend of power, convenience, and space-saving design. It’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen with a smart and efficient appliance.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This 1.2 cubic foot, 1000-watt microwave is a powerful and space-saving solution for any home. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove, and it comes packed with features to make cooking and reheating a breeze.
What We Like:
- The compact 1.2 cu. ft. size is perfect for over-the-range installation, saving valuable counter space.
- 1000 watts of power cook food quickly and evenly.
- Smart sensor technology automatically adjusts cooking times for perfectly cooked meals.
- It offers handy presets for popcorn, potatoes, and eggs.
- The melt/soften feature is great for butter and chocolate.
- Targeted defrosting options make thawing food simple.
- An integrated stovetop light improves visibility.
- The powerful vent fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh by removing smoke and odors.
- Adjustable volume and a child lock add convenience and safety.
- The modern LED display is easy to read and adds a stylish touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1.2 cu. ft. capacity a bit small for larger dishes.
- While powerful, the vent fan might not be sufficient for very heavy cooking smoke in all kitchens.
This Farberware microwave offers a great blend of power, convenience, and space-saving design. It’s an excellent addition to any kitchen looking for an efficient and user-friendly appliance.
4. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven is a smart and space-saving addition to any kitchen. This stainless steel microwave not only looks sleek but also offers powerful 1000W heating and a 400CMF vent fan to keep your kitchen air fresh. Its slim design is a game-changer for smaller kitchens, giving you more cabinet space.
What We Like:
- Slim Design: This microwave’s slim body means more room above it for your cabinets. You get extra storage space, which is great for any kitchen.
- Smart Home Ready: Control your cooking and ventilation with the SmartHome APP. You can even get notifications when your food is ready, all from your phone.
- Sensor Cook & Reheat: No more guessing! The smart steam sensing technology figures out the best cooking time and power for your food, ensuring it’s always cooked perfectly.
- Auto Cook Menu: Making delicious meals is easy. Just select a dish from the auto cook menu, and the microwave does the rest with a simple touch.
- Voice Control: Make cooking even easier by using voice commands. This adds a new level of convenience to your kitchen routine.
What Could Be Improved:
- App Interface: Some users might find the SmartHome APP a bit tricky to navigate at first. A simpler design could make it easier for everyone to use.
- Vent Fan Power: While the 400CMF vent fan is good, very strong cooking smells might still linger a bit in larger kitchens.
This Midea microwave offers a great blend of convenience and smart technology. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a modern, efficient appliance.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.7 cu. ft. microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power, making it a powerhouse for any busy household. Its sleek white design fits perfectly above your stove, saving valuable counter space. You’ll love how quickly and evenly it heats your food, thanks to its advanced cooking features.
What We Like:
- It’s super powerful with 1000 watts, so your food cooks fast and well.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. size holds a lot, perfect for family meals or big dishes.
- It has lots of cooking options like Auto Cook and a special potato program.
- Defrosting is easy with time and weight settings.
- Quick cooking features like +30 seconds and melt/soften are very handy.
- The child safety lock keeps little ones safe.
- It saves space by mounting over your range.
- The bright LED display and helpful vent fan and stovetop light are great additions.
- You can adjust the alert volume to your liking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1550W input power a bit high for their electrical setup.
- The “Veggies” and “Snack Menu” presets might not cover every specific food item you cook.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone looking for a powerful, space-saving, and user-friendly cooking solution. It simplifies meal prep and adds modern convenience to your kitchen.
Choosing the Best Low Profile Over-the-Range Microwave
Are you looking to save space in your kitchen? A low profile over-the-range microwave is a fantastic solution. These microwaves are designed to fit snugly above your stove, giving you more counter space. They also act as a vent for your cooktop. Let’s dive into what makes a great low profile microwave and how to pick the right one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Dimensions
The most important feature is the size. Low profile microwaves are typically shorter than standard models. Measure the space above your stove carefully. You want a microwave that fits without touching the cabinets or the cooktop. Check the height, width, and depth. Most low profile models are around 10 inches tall.
2. Venting Options
These microwaves often have a built-in fan to remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. Look for models with good CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. A higher CFM means a stronger fan. Also, decide if you need a recirculating vent (which filters air and sends it back into the kitchen) or an external vent (which pushes air outside). External venting is usually more effective.
3. Cooking Power (Wattage)
Microwave power is measured in watts. More watts mean faster cooking. For everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or popping popcorn, 900-1000 watts is usually plenty. If you plan to do more cooking, like defrosting meats or cooking full meals, look for 1000 watts or higher.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves come with helpful presets for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or beverages. Some also offer sensor cooking, which adjusts cooking time automatically based on the food’s moisture. Other useful features include quick-minute buttons, defrost settings, and child lock. Consider what features you’ll actually use.
5. Interior Turntable
A turntable helps food cook more evenly. Most microwaves have one. Make sure it’s large enough for your common dishes. Some models have a turntable on/off option, which can be handy for larger rectangular dishes.
Important Materials
The exterior of your microwave is usually made of stainless steel or enamel-coated steel. Stainless steel is popular because it looks sleek and is easy to clean. Enamel is durable and comes in various colors. The interior is often a non-stick coating or stainless steel. Non-stick interiors make cleaning up splatters much easier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Strong Fan: A powerful fan with a high CFM rating makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen air clean.
- Even Cooking: Look for microwaves that consistently heat food evenly. Read reviews to see what other users say.
- Durable Build: A well-built microwave will last longer. Check for sturdy door hinges and controls.
- Easy Controls: Simple and intuitive buttons make using the microwave a breeze.
Reducing Quality
- Weak Fan: A fan that doesn’t vent well will leave your kitchen smelling like last night’s dinner.
- Uneven Heating: Food that is hot in some spots and cold in others is frustrating.
- Flimsy Construction: Cheap materials can make the microwave feel less secure and may break more easily.
- Confusing Controls: If you have to read the manual every time you want to heat something, it’s not a quality product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Low profile microwaves are perfect for smaller kitchens or for anyone who wants to maximize counter space. They are ideal for reheating meals, cooking quick snacks, and defrosting ingredients. The built-in vent is a lifesaver for cooking on the stovetop, helping to remove smoke and odors. Families can use them for quick after-school snacks or for busy weeknight dinners. Single individuals can appreciate the space-saving design and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a “low profile” microwave?
A: A low profile microwave is a shorter version of a standard over-the-range microwave. It fits under cabinets without taking up too much vertical space.
Q: How do I measure for a low profile microwave?
A: Measure the height, width, and depth of the space above your stove where the microwave will go. Make sure to account for any cabinet overhang.
Q: What does CFM mean for a microwave vent?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means a stronger vent.
Q: Do I need to vent my microwave outside?
A: You can choose between recirculating vents or external vents. External vents are better at removing smoke and odors from your home.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: For basic reheating, 900-1000 watts is good. For more cooking, 1000 watts or more is better.
Q: Are low profile microwaves as powerful as regular ones?
A: Yes, they offer similar cooking power (wattage) and venting capabilities as standard models, just in a more compact size.
Q: Can I still fit large dishes in a low profile microwave?
A: You might need to check the interior dimensions. Some low profile models have a smaller turntable or less interior height, so larger dishes may not fit.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. For tough spots, use a mild soap and water solution. Many interiors have a non-stick coating to make cleaning easier.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the moisture released by food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for my microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is durable, looks modern, and is generally easy to keep clean. It’s a popular choice for kitchen appliances.
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!