Imagine this: You’re cooking a delicious meal, and you need to heat something up fast. Where do you look? For many, it’s the sleek appliance hanging above the stove – the microwave oven over range. These handy helpers are kitchen workhorses, but picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle.
Let’s be honest, wading through all the different sizes, power levels, and features can be overwhelming. You want a microwave that fits your space, cooks your food just right, and maybe even looks good too. But sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start, and you might end up with something that’s too big, too small, or just doesn’t do what you need it to.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about microwave ovens over range. We’ll help you understand the important things to look for so you can choose a microwave that makes your kitchen life easier. Get ready to discover how to find the perfect fit for your cooking needs!
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Over Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Over Range 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 1.9 cu.ft microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power and smart auto-cooking features. It makes meal prep a breeze, from heating up leftovers to cooking frozen dinners. Plus, its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking: Heats food quickly and evenly.
- One-touch auto-cooking menus: Takes the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity: Fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting: Illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking and easier cleanup.
- Two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan: Effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Turntable On/Off function: Gives you flexibility to cook larger or oddly shaped items.
- Convenient features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Venting noise: Some users might find the fan a bit loud on its highest setting.
- Limited installation support: While English instructions are available online, professional installation might be recommended for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It simplifies cooking tasks and adds a modern touch to your cooking space.
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. This sleek stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition for any home cook. It offers plenty of space for your meals and comes with a special bundle that includes an extended protection plan for your peace of mind. This deal also includes a charcoal filter, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- It has a generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for heating up family-sized meals.
- The convenience cooking controls make it super easy to use for all your reheating and cooking needs.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan, which is a great bonus for added security.
- The bundle includes a charcoal filter replacement, so you can keep your kitchen air clean.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, so make sure it fits your space before buying.
- While the controls are convenient, some users might prefer more advanced features.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value with its capacity and extended protection. It’s a practical and stylish choice for any kitchen.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, with its spacious 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and powerful 1000W cooking, is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek black design not only saves valuable counter space but also adds a modern touch to your cooking area. This microwave is built for efficiency and convenience, making meal preparation a breeze.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and evenly with 1000W of power.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. interior holds plenty of food, from snacks to big meals.
- You can cook many different things with its special cooking options like vegetables and potatoes.
- It has smart defrosting that works by time or weight.
- The Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften features are super handy.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- It includes a bright LED timer, a helpful vent fan, and a light for your stovetop.
- You can change how loud the alerts are to suit your preference.
- Mounting it over the range saves space and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about all the cooking options.
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit tricky.
This Farberware microwave is a real workhorse for any kitchen. It offers a great mix of power, capacity, and user-friendly features that make cooking and reheating simple.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS Over the Range Microwave Oven is a stylish and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and it offers plenty of room for all your cooking needs. This microwave is designed to make your life easier with its smart features.
What We Like:
- The 1.7 cubic feet capacity is really big. It easily fits large dishes and has a 12.4-inch turntable that spins your food evenly.
- It has 10 power levels and 6 quick menus for things like popcorn, reheating, and defrosting. This makes cooking simple and fast.
- You can cook food super quickly with the 100% power setting for 1 to 3 minutes. Just press 1, 2, or 3!
- The multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking session. This is great for more complex recipes.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and has two speeds. It sucks up smoke and smells from your stove. The light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 1000-watt power is good, some users might prefer even faster cooking times.
- The vent fan, while effective, could be quieter for some kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It combines useful features with a sleek design, making meal prep a breeze.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance boasts a smart touch panel and an auto-cooking menu, making meal prep a breeze. It’s designed to be both functional and stylish, fitting perfectly above your stovetop.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus simplifies cooking. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or defrost food. It even softens cream cheese and cooks potatoes and rice perfectly.
- Its generous 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable easily fit large items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10-level settings, you get precise heating for all your cooking needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system powerfully removes cooking odors and fumes. It has adjustable fan speeds, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright cooktop light illuminates your stovetop, allowing you to see clearly while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customizable options for advanced cooking.
- The installation process for over-the-range microwaves can sometimes be complex and may require professional help.
This Midea microwave oven offers a great combination of convenience, power, and style for any home cook. It’s an excellent addition that simplifies your daily cooking tasks.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? An over-the-range (OTR) microwave oven can be a real game-changer. It saves counter space and often replaces your old range hood, giving you two appliances in one! Let’s dive into what you need to know to pick the perfect one for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features. They make a big difference in how you use your microwave.
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Most OTR microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. If you cook a lot or heat up meals often, aim for 1000 watts or more.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food you can fit inside. Smaller families might be happy with 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet. Larger families or those who cook big dishes will want 1.6 cubic feet or more.
- Ventilation System: This is super important!
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This measures how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means it’s better at clearing smoke and steam. Look for at least 300 CFM for good performance.
- Venting Type: Some microwaves vent upwards through your cabinet, while others vent out the back of your cabinet. Make sure it matches your kitchen setup. Some can even recirculate air with a charcoal filter if you can’t vent outside.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature! The microwave detects the humidity from your food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Turntable: Most OTR microwaves have a glass turntable that rotates your food for even heating. Some larger models offer a recessed area that doesn’t spin, giving you more usable space.
- Presets and Cooking Modes: Look for buttons that make cooking easy. Popular ones include popcorn, potato, reheat, and defrost. Some have more advanced modes like convection cooking or air frying.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how easy the microwave is to clean.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is very popular. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also strong. Other options include black or white enamel, which are more budget-friendly.
- Interior: The inside is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to wipe clean.
- Door: Most doors have a glass window so you can see your food. The handle is usually made of metal or durable plastic.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make an OTR microwave a joy to use or a source of frustration.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should be responsive.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others when running. Check reviews to see if a particular model is known for being quiet.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior surface and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier. Fingerprint-resistant finishes on stainless steel models are a big plus.
- Ventilation Effectiveness: A weak fan won’t do a good job of clearing your kitchen of cooking smells and steam. This is a major quality indicator.
- Durability of Controls: Touchpads can sometimes wear out over time. Physical buttons might last longer.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your OTR microwave every day.
- Saving Space: The biggest win is freeing up counter space. This is perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Replacing Two Appliances: It combines a microwave and a range hood, simplifying your kitchen layout.
- Quick Meals: It’s ideal for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or quickly heating up snacks.
- Convenience: Sensor cooking and preset buttons make meal preparation faster and simpler.
- Cooking Variety: Some advanced models offer convection baking or air frying, allowing you to roast or crisp foods. This adds versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in an OTR microwave?
A: You should look for cooking power (wattage), capacity (cubic feet), a good ventilation system (CFM and venting type), sensor cooking, a turntable, and useful preset cooking modes.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for an OTR microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a durable and attractive material for both the exterior and interior. It’s also easy to clean.
Q: How important is the CFM rating for the ventilation system?
A: The CFM rating is very important. A higher CFM means the fan can remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen more effectively.
Q: What is sensor cooking and why is it useful?
A: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to automatically adjust cooking time and power. It helps prevent your food from being overcooked or undercooked.
Q: How do I know what capacity microwave I need?
A: Consider how many people are in your household and what you typically cook. Smaller families might need 1.0-1.5 cubic feet, while larger families or those who cook big meals will want 1.6 cubic feet or more.
Q: Can I install an OTR microwave if I don’t have an external vent?
A: Yes, many OTR microwaves can recirculate air using a charcoal filter if you can’t vent outside. This is called ductless or recirculating ventilation.
Q: What’s the difference between a turntable and a recessed cooking area?
A: A turntable rotates your food for even heating. A recessed cooking area offers more usable space because it doesn’t spin, but you might need to stir your food more often.
Q: Are OTR microwaves good for cooking full meals?
A: They are great for reheating and quick cooking. Some advanced models with convection or air frying features can also handle more complex cooking tasks.
Q: How can I tell if an OTR microwave is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy build quality, smooth operation, effective ventilation, and easy-to-clean surfaces. Reading user reviews can also give you insights.
Q: What is the typical wattage range for OTR microwaves?
A: Most OTR microwaves have a wattage between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
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!