Imagine your kitchen. Is there a bulky microwave taking up precious counter space? For many home cooks, this is a common problem. Finding a microwave that fits neatly above your stove, called an over-the-range microwave, can solve this. But with so many choices, how do you pick the best one for your needs?
Choosing an over-the-range microwave can feel overwhelming. You want something that cooks well, vents smoke and smells from your stove, and looks good in your kitchen. It’s easy to get lost in all the different features and sizes. You might worry about installation or if it will actually work for your cooking style.
This guide is here to help! We’ll break down what you need to know to choose the perfect over-the-range microwave. You’ll learn about important features, how to measure, and what to look for to make sure your new microwave makes cooking easier and your kitchen more organized. Get ready to find a microwave that’s just right for you.
Our Top 5 Microwave For Over The Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave For Over The Range Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. With 1000 watts of cooking power and a spacious 1.9 cubic feet of interior space, this microwave makes meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stovetop, adding both style and functionality to your cooking area.
What We Like:
- One-Touch Auto Cooking: Easily prepare popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and frozen breakfasts with pre-programmed settings.
- Powerful 1000 Watts: Heats and cooks food quickly and efficiently, thanks to ten adjustable power settings.
- Bright LED Cooktop Lighting: Illuminates your stovetop, giving you a clear view while you cook below.
- Strong Venting System: The two-speed, 400-CFM fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Flexible Cooking Space: The Turntable On/Off function lets you cook larger dishes that might not fit on the rotating plate.
- Convenient Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for added safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Interior Dimensions: While the overall capacity is large, some users might find the internal height a bit limiting for very tall items.
- Installation Instructions: While English instructions are available online, they are not included in the physical packaging.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a great balance of features and performance for busy households. It simplifies cooking and keeps your kitchen fresh and well-lit.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. 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 JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This package gives you more than just a microwave; it comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for extra peace of mind. It’s designed to make cooking easier with its user-friendly controls and a good-sized capacity for most meals. Plus, it includes a charcoal filter to help keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- It’s an authorized GE product, meaning you get a trusted brand.
- The 2-year extended protection plan is a great bonus. It adds extra security for your purchase.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is spacious enough for most family needs.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to heat up meals or snacks.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement, which is helpful for odor control.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are listed for the grille, not the full unit, which might be confusing for some.
- The product description doesn’t specify the exact wattage, which is a key feature for microwaves.
This bundle offers a solid microwave and valuable extended protection. It’s a smart choice for adding convenience and reliability to your kitchen.
3. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for families and busy households. It also comes with an impressive 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. This microwave is designed to make cooking and cleaning easier.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size easily fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Smart Melting: The special melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and more.
- Effortless Cleaning: The easy-clean interior with steam clean makes tidying up a breeze.
- Complete Protection: You get both the full manufacturer’s warranty and a 2-year extended CPS protection plan, all from a GE USA authorized seller.
- Included Filter: A recirculating charcoal filter kit is included, making installation simpler.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size for Small Kitchens: For very compact kitchens, the 29 7/8″ width might be a consideration.
- Learning Curve for Sensor Cooking: While helpful, sensor cooking might require a little practice to get perfect results every time.
This GE microwave bundle is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering both powerful cooking features and excellent long-term protection.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easier and faster. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave is packed with features to help you cook a variety of meals.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus is super handy. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato without guessing.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. This means you can fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside.
- The 1000W power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- With 10 power levels, you have control over how your food is heated.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen effectively.
- The bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This makes it easy to see while you’re cooking.
- The smart touch panel is easy to understand and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are great, some users might want even more customization options for specific recipes.
- The user manual could be more detailed in explaining advanced features for beginners.
This Midea microwave oven offers a great balance of convenience and power. It’s a smart choice for busy households that want to simplify meal preparation.
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 8.8/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers plenty of space for cooking and reheating, and its sleek design looks good above your stove. This microwave makes cooking easier with its bright lights and simple controls. It also helps keep your kitchen air clean with its built-in fan.
What We Like:
- Bright LED lights make it easy to see your food while it cooks and also light up your stovetop for better visibility.
- The extra-large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity fits big dishes, like a 13″ x 9″ baking pan.
- One-touch buttons let you cook common foods like baked potatoes and popcorn with a single press.
- The door opens wide to a 90° angle without hitting nearby cabinets.
- The two-speed ventilation system effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- A large 12-1/2″ glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly.
- The interior LED light stays on so you can watch your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock feature, while useful, might be a bit too sensitive for some users.
- While the ventilation is good, a higher CFM option might be preferred for very heavy cooking.
This Frigidaire microwave is a solid choice for families looking for a reliable and spacious appliance. Its user-friendly features and effective performance make it a valuable kitchen tool.
Your Guide to Over-the-Range Microwaves
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave?
An over-the-range microwave is a smart choice for many kitchens. It saves counter space. It also acts as a ventilation hood. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove. Most over-the-range models are 30 inches wide. The interior capacity is measured in cubic feet. Think about how much food you usually heat. A larger family might need more space.
2. Wattage
Wattage determines how fast your microwave cooks. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most models range from 900 to 1200 watts. For everyday use, 1000 watts is usually enough.
3. Ventilation System
This is a crucial feature. The ventilation hood pulls smoke and steam away from your stovetop. Look for CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). Higher CFM means stronger ventilation. Some hoods have multiple fan speeds. Consider if you cook a lot of smoky or steamy foods.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves have special buttons. These are for common foods like popcorn or baked potatoes. Some have sensor cooking. This adjusts time and power automatically. Other features include convection cooking or grilling. Think about what cooking tasks you do most often.
5. Lighting
A good under-microwave light helps you see your stovetop. Some lights are brighter than others. Some have different brightness settings.
Important Materials
Most over-the-range microwaves have an outer casing made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel looks modern and is durable. Enamel is easier to clean. The interior is usually a ceramic or porcelain enamel coating. This coating is easy to wipe clean. High-quality materials resist scratches and stains.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Durable Construction: A sturdy build means the microwave lasts longer.
- Powerful Fan: A strong ventilation fan improves air quality in your kitchen.
- Even Cooking: Microwaves that distribute heat well cook food evenly.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make operation easy.
Reducing Quality:
- Weak Ventilation: A fan that doesn’t move enough air leaves your kitchen smoky.
- Uneven Heating: Food cooked unevenly is frustrating.
- Flimsy Materials: Thin metal can dent easily.
- Complicated Controls: Too many buttons can be confusing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Over-the-range microwaves are great for reheating leftovers quickly. They are also good for defrosting food. Many people use them to cook simple meals or snacks. Families use them for quick lunches or after-school snacks. They are especially useful in smaller kitchens where counter space is limited.
A good over-the-range microwave makes cooking and cleaning easier. It should fit well above your stove. It should also ventilate your kitchen effectively. Choosing the right features ensures you get a microwave that meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best size for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most over-the-range microwaves are 30 inches wide. You should measure the space above your stove to ensure a good fit. Consider the interior capacity in cubic feet based on your cooking needs.
Q: How much wattage do I need?
A: For most households, 1000 watts is sufficient for fast and efficient cooking. Higher wattage means faster heating times.
Q: What does CFM mean for ventilation?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the ventilation fan can move. A higher CFM rating means stronger ventilation to remove smoke and odors.
Q: Are sensor cooking features worth it?
A: Yes, sensor cooking can be very helpful. It automatically adjusts cooking time and power levels based on the food’s moisture, leading to better results.
Q: How do I clean an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most interiors have a ceramic or porcelain enamel coating that is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. For the exterior, stainless steel cleaner or a mild soap and water solution works well.
Q: Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
A: Installation can be complex and may require electrical work. It’s often recommended to have a professional installer do it for safety and proper function.
Q: What is the difference between a recirculating and vented hood?
A: A vented hood pushes air outside your home. A recirculating hood filters the air and sends it back into the kitchen. Vented hoods are generally more effective at removing odors and steam.
Q: How important is the interior light?
A: The interior light is important for seeing your food while it cooks and for illuminating your stovetop below. Look for models with adjustable brightness.
Q: What are convection features?
A: Convection features add a fan inside the microwave. This circulates hot air, allowing for baking and roasting similar to a conventional oven.
Q: How long do over-the-range microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and use, an over-the-range microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
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!