Imagine a kitchen where your stove is clear, your counter space is free, and a handy appliance cooks your popcorn or reheats your leftovers with the push of a button. That’s the magic of an over-the-range microwave! These powerful gadgets are more than just a place to warm food; they’re a smart solution for busy kitchens, offering convenience and saving precious space.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like a maze. You want something that fits your cooking needs, looks good with your cabinets, and doesn’t break the bank. With so many features and styles out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What if it’s too big? What if it’s not strong enough? These are the real questions that pop up when you’re trying to upgrade your kitchen.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know to find your ideal over-the-range microwave. We’ll explore what makes them great, what to look for, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to discover how this kitchen workhorse can make your cooking life a whole lot easier and your kitchen a whole lot tidier.
Our Top 5 Microwave Ovens Over The Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Ovens Over The Range Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.6/10
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 chef. It offers plenty of space for most of your cooking needs. Plus, it comes with helpful convenience cooking controls to make meal prep a breeze. This bundle also ensures peace of mind with an extended protection plan.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to heat food.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some spaces.
- Some users might prefer more advanced or specialized cooking presets.
This GE microwave bundle is a solid choice for reliable performance and extended protection. It’s a smart investment for your kitchen.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, making it ideal for cooking family meals or preparing quick snacks. Its powerful 1000-watt output and 10 different cooking levels ensure you can handle any recipe. Plus, the built-in vent fan keeps your kitchen fresh while you cook.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior with a 12.4-inch turntable easily fits larger dishes.
- Versatile Cooking: Enjoy 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus for everyday meals like popcorn and reheating.
- Speedy Cooking Options: Use the 1-3 minute power boost for instant heating.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by setting up two different power levels and times for one cooking cycle.
- Effective Venting: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds removes cooking smells and smoke.
- Integrated Lighting: A bright light illuminates your stovetop for better visibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for beginners.
- Some advanced features might take a little practice to master.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for an efficient and user-friendly over-the-range microwave.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a real kitchen helper. It’s designed to fit right over your stove, saving valuable counter space. This stainless steel microwave is both powerful and good-looking, making it a great addition to any kitchen. With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: It has 1000W of power for fast and even cooking.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: The 1.7 cu. ft. size fits big dishes and meals.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL COOKING: You can cook vegetables, snacks, and even potatoes with special settings.
- ADVANCED DEFROSTING: It defrosts food smartly using time or weight.
- RAPID COOKING FEATURES: The Quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften options are very handy.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: This feature keeps your little ones safe.
- USER-FRIENDLY ADDITIONS: An LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light make it easy to use.
- VOLUME CONTROL: You can adjust the sound alerts to your liking.
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Installing it over the range saves space and looks nice.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the vent fan is a nice addition, its strength might vary depending on individual needs.
- The multi-stage cooking feature, while present, may require a learning curve for some users to master fully.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens needing a powerful and space-saving cooking solution.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.5/10
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 more enjoyable with its smart features and powerful performance. This microwave is designed to handle all your cooking needs, from reheating leftovers to preparing full meals.
What We Like:
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus: Easily make popcorn, pizza, defrost food, soften cream cheese, cook rice, potatoes, and much more. You can create delicious meals quickly and without any fuss.
- Spacious 1.7 cu.ft. Capacity: The large interior, with a 12.5-inch turntable, easily fits a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. This means you can cook bigger dishes without any problem.
- 1000W Power: With 10 different power levels, including a strong 1000W output, you can precisely control the heating for all your recipes.
- Powerful 300 CFM Ventilation: The strong suction power and adjustable fan speeds effectively remove smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh.
- Bright Cooktop Light: A bright light under the microwave illuminates your stovetop, giving you a clear view while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart touch panel might require a slight learning curve for some users to master all its functions.
- While the stainless steel finish is sleek, it may show fingerprints and require regular cleaning to maintain its shine.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS offers a great combination of convenience, power, and style. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances.
5. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition to any home. It’s designed for easy cooking and makes meal prep a breeze. Plus, this bundle comes with an extra layer of security for your peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity fits large dishes.
- Special melt feature makes cooking with butter, caramel, chocolate, and marshmallows simple.
- Easy-clean interior with steam clean saves you scrubbing time.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product.
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan in addition to the standard manufacturer’s warranty, offering great value and security.
- The recirculating charcoal filter kit is included, making installation easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might be a tight fit for some kitchens, so measure carefully.
This GE microwave offers a great blend of features and protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient kitchen appliance.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: Over-the-Range Microwaves
An over-the-range microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen. It saves counter space and offers convenient cooking and ventilation. Choosing the right one makes a big difference. This guide will help you find the perfect fit.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Power (Wattage)
Microwaves come in different power levels, measured in watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good models are between 900 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food more evenly and quickly.
2. Capacity (Cubic Feet)
Think about what you’ll cook. Do you heat up small snacks or cook full meals? Microwaves range from about 1.5 to 2.2 cubic feet. A larger capacity is good for families or if you cook often.
3. Venting Options
These microwaves have built-in fans to remove smoke and smells. They can vent air outside or recirculate it with charcoal filters. Check if the model vents externally or recirculates. Make sure it fits your kitchen setup.
4. Sensor Cooking/Reheating
Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out. It detects steam from food and adjusts cooking time. This helps prevent over or undercooking. It’s a great feature for busy cooks.
5. Turntable or Rotating Rack
A turntable or rotating rack helps cook food evenly. It spins your food as it heats. Some models have a rack that can be removed for larger dishes.
6. Preset Cooking Options
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These presets make cooking simple. They offer quick and easy ways to prepare your favorite meals.
Important Materials
Over-the-range microwaves are usually made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. It resists fingerprints well. Other models might have enamel coatings. These are also durable and simple to wipe down.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Durable Construction: Sturdy materials mean the microwave lasts longer.
- Efficient Venting: A strong fan clears your kitchen air effectively.
- Even Cooking: Good power distribution heats food uniformly.
- User-Friendly Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make it easy to use.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Build: Thin materials can break or dent easily.
- Weak Venting: A weak fan won’t remove odors well.
- Uneven Heating: Food might be hot in some spots and cold in others.
- Confusing Controls: Complicated buttons can make it hard to operate.
User Experience and Use Cases
These microwaves are perfect for small kitchens. They free up valuable counter space. Families use them for reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and defrosting food. They also act as range hoods, improving air quality while you cook on the stovetop.
Imagine heating up a quick lunch or reheating dinner for the family. The over-the-range microwave does this easily. Its built-in light helps you see what you’re cooking below. The fan keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-range microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to cook food quickly and efficiently while also serving as a ventilation system for your stovetop, removing smoke and odors.
Q: How much cooking power do I need?
A: Most people find 900 to 1200 watts to be sufficient for most cooking tasks. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Do I need to vent my over-the-range microwave outside?
A: Not always. Some models recirculate air using charcoal filters. If you can’t vent outside, look for a recirculating model.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out when food is done. It adjusts cooking time automatically to prevent over or undercooking.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: Yes, a turntable helps food cook more evenly by rotating it. This ensures all parts of your meal get heated.
Q: What are the common materials used?
A: They are typically made from stainless steel or coated metal. Both are durable and easy to clean.
Q: How do I choose the right size?
A: Consider how much space you have and what you plan to cook. Larger capacities are better for families or frequent cooking.
Q: Are preset cooking options useful?
A: Yes, presets for foods like popcorn or potatoes make cooking fast and simple. They take the guesswork out.
Q: What’s the difference between external venting and recirculating?
A: External venting pushes air and smoke outside your home. Recirculating models filter the air and send it back into the kitchen.
Q: How do I clean an over-the-range microwave?
A: Wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth. Most interiors can be cleaned with mild soap and water. The exterior can be cleaned with a stainless steel cleaner if applicable.
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!