Imagine this: You’re prepping dinner, and your kitchen counter is overflowing with ingredients. Where do you put that boiling pot of pasta? If you’re like many homeowners, the answer might be above your stove, thanks to a handy appliance called the Microwave Over The Range (or OTR). These units are super popular because they save precious counter space and often do double duty as a vent hood. But with so many different models out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a maze!
So many choices! Do you need a powerful fan? What about fancy cooking presets? And how do you know if it will even fit in your kitchen? We get it. The sheer number of features and styles can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’re making the best choice for your cooking habits and your home. It’s a big decision for such a central part of your kitchen.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help you navigate this decision. By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key things to look for. We’ll break down the important features, explain what they mean, and help you figure out what’s truly essential. Get ready to become an OTR microwave expert and find the perfect fit for your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Microwave Over The Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Over The Range Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to make cooking easier and faster with its powerful 1000-watt output and convenient one-touch settings. This spacious 1.9 cubic foot microwave can handle large meals and offers a bright LED light to illuminate your cooktop below.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- A 400 CFM venting system effectively removes smoke and odors.
- The Turntable On/Off function is great for cooking large dishes that might not fit on the turntable.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting improves visibility.
- Easy-to-understand installation instructions are available.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user interface could be more intuitive for some basic functions.
- The fan speed settings might be limited for very heavy cooking.
This microwave oven offers a great balance of power and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for efficiency and convenience.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of space for your cooking needs. This bundle also comes with an extra protection plan for your peace of mind. It’s designed for easy use and convenience.
What We Like:
- It includes a 2-year extended protection plan, which is a fantastic bonus.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement, so you’re ready to go.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is a good size for most meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make heating up food simple.
- It’s a GE product, so you know it’s from a trusted brand.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit tight for some spaces, so measure carefully.
- While it has convenience cooking, some advanced features might be missing for expert chefs.
This bundle offers excellent value with its long protection plan and useful accessories. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable over-the-range microwave.
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: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is a fantastic addition to any home, offering ample space and smart features to make cooking easier. It even comes with a special protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
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 makes it simple to melt butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Easy Cleaning: The interior is designed for easy cleaning, and the steam clean option takes the hassle out of tough messes.
- Extended Protection: You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus an additional 2-year extended protection plan, so you’re covered for a long time.
- Complete Package: The bundle includes everything you need, like a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can be a bit tricky to install yourself.
- Sensor Sensitivity: While the sensor is helpful, sometimes it might need a little adjustment for perfect results.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality and style.
4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave. This microwave offers a spacious 1.8 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for cooking or reheating family-sized meals. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and efficiently. The sleek stainless steel design adds a modern touch to any kitchen. Plus, a child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.8 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes.
- Powerful 1000 cooking watts heat food fast.
- Easy-to-use 27 touch pad buttons simplify operation.
- Two fan speeds (105/300 CFM) effectively clear smoke and odors.
- Auto Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing.
- Child Lock provides peace of mind for families.
- Sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately, adding to the initial cost.
- This model is non-ducted, meaning it vents air back into the kitchen unless a separate ducting system is installed.
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS is a capable over-the-range microwave that brings convenience and power to your cooking. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for a reliable appliance.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.0/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s sleek stainless steel design looks modern. This microwave offers a lot of useful features that make cooking faster and simpler.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature is amazing. It has 18 auto menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato. It makes preparing meals really efficient.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. This means you can fit big items inside, like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.5-inch turntable helps it spin evenly.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you have great control over heating. This lets you cook or reheat food perfectly.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. It has adjustable fan speeds too.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view when you are cooking on the stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart touch panel might take a little getting used to for some users.
- While the ventilation is strong, some users might prefer even quieter operation.
This Midea over-the-range microwave combines style and functionality. It’s a smart choice for busy kitchens looking for convenience and performance.
Choosing Your Perfect Over-the-Range Microwave
An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a fantastic appliance. It saves counter space and cooks your food quickly. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best OTR microwave for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts.
- Capacity: Measure the space where the microwave will go. OTR microwaves come in different sizes. A standard size is around 1.7 cubic feet.
- Ventilation System: This is super important! It pulls smoke and steam away from your stove. Check if it has multiple fan speeds and how powerful it is (measured in CFM – cubic feet per minute). A higher CFM is better for busy kitchens.
- Cooktop Lighting: Most OTR microwaves have a light to help you see while you’re cooking on your stove. Some have brighter LED lights.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature senses how much moisture is in your food and adjusts cooking time and power. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. Some OTR microwaves have a large turntable, which is great for bigger dishes.
- Control Panel: Look for a control panel that is easy to understand and use. Some have touch controls, while others have buttons.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and easier to clean. The outside can be stainless steel, black stainless steel, or enamel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. Enamel is a good budget-friendly option.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes an OTR microwave great?
- Build Quality: A sturdy build means it will last longer. Feel the weight of the door and the controls.
- Fan Power: A strong ventilation fan is crucial. It needs to clear smoke and smells effectively.
- Even Cooking: Does it heat food evenly? Look for reviews that mention this.
- Easy Cleaning: Smooth surfaces and removable turntables make cleaning a breeze.
What can make an OTR microwave less ideal?
- Weak Fan: If the fan isn’t strong enough, your kitchen will smell like whatever you cooked.
- Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your food are frustrating.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap might not last long.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not a good buy.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR microwave is perfect for small kitchens. It frees up valuable counter space. You can use it for quick meals, reheating leftovers, or even for more complex cooking with sensor functions. Families with kids will appreciate the speed and ease of use for snacks. Anyone who loves to cook will benefit from the extra ventilation while using their stovetop.
Think about how you use your kitchen. Do you cook a lot on the stove? Then a powerful vent is a must. Do you mostly reheat meals? Then simpler controls might be fine. Reading user reviews can give you a real idea of how an OTR microwave performs in everyday life.
By considering these points, you can confidently choose an OTR microwave that fits your needs and makes your kitchen experience better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of an OTR microwave?
A: The most important feature is usually the ventilation system. It keeps your kitchen air clean and fresh.
Q: How much space do I need for an OTR microwave?
A: You need to measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your stove. Standard OTR microwaves are about 30 inches wide.
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 is better for removing smoke and odors.
Q: Are OTR microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be noisy, especially on higher fan settings. Check reviews for noise levels if this is a concern.
Q: Can I install an OTR microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It involves mounting it securely and connecting it to an electrical outlet and the kitchen vent. Many people hire a professional.
Q: What is the difference between a recirculating and a vented OTR microwave?
A: A vented microwave pushes air outside your home. A recirculating microwave filters the air and sends it back into the kitchen. Vented is generally more effective.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my OTR microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can be washed in the sink or dishwasher.
Q: Do OTR microwaves have convection cooking?
A: Some OTR microwaves offer convection cooking, which allows them to bake and roast like a regular oven.
Q: How long do OTR microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, an OTR microwave can last between 7 to 15 years.
Q: Should I buy an OTR microwave with a handle or a push-button door?
A: This is a matter of personal preference. Handles can be easier to grip, while push-button doors offer a sleeker look.
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!