Imagine this: you’re cooking a delicious meal, and your countertop is cluttered with appliances. Your microwave takes up precious space, making it hard to chop veggies or spread out ingredients. Does this sound familiar? Many kitchens face this space crunch, and that’s where a microwave under cabinet becomes a kitchen hero.
Choosing the right microwave that tucks neatly under your cabinets can feel overwhelming. You want something that fits perfectly, cooks your food well, and looks great with your kitchen’s style. But with so many models, features, and sizes, it’s easy to get lost. You might worry about installation, how much space it really saves, or if it will be powerful enough for your needs.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you navigate the world of under-cabinet microwaves. We’ll break down what makes a great one, what to look for, and how to pick the best fit for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what you need to free up your countertops and make your kitchen more functional and beautiful.
Our Top 5 Microwave Under Cabinet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Under Cabinet 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: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle gives you a stylish stainless steel microwave and a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind. It’s from GE USA, so you know it’s made well. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating quick and easy.
What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, meaning quality you can trust.
- You get a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, which is a great bonus for extra security.
- The bundle also includes a charcoal filter replacement, which is super handy.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is a good size for most kitchens.
- It has convenient cooking controls that are easy to understand and use.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit compact for very large dishes.
- While it offers convenience cooking, it may not have as many advanced features as some high-end models.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value with its included protection plan and thoughtful extras. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish over-the-range microwave.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.3/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven in stainless steel is a smart addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze with its advanced features. This microwave is designed to simplify your busy life.
What We Like:
- The “one-touch-cook” feature is fantastic. It has 18 auto menus for things like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. You can make delicious food quickly and easily.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable easily fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of power and 10 power levels, you can heat food perfectly. You have lots of control over how your food is cooked.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is very strong. It sucks up cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. You can also adjust the fan speed.
- A bright light shines on your stovetop. This lets you see clearly while you’re cooking below.
- The Smart Touch Panel is user-friendly and makes setting the microwave simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are great, sometimes a bit of trial and error is needed to get the perfect results for certain dishes.
- The user manual could be a little clearer on some of the more advanced settings.
This Midea over-the-range microwave offers a great balance of convenience and performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a reliable and feature-rich appliance.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s a stainless steel microwave with a large capacity, making it perfect for families or anyone who loves to cook. This microwave is designed to make your cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- The 1.7 cubic feet interior is spacious enough for large dishes and even a 12.4-inch turntable. It’s like having an extra helper in the kitchen!
- You get 10 different cooking power levels, plus 6 handy quick menus for things like popcorn and reheating.
- It cooks fast! You can press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 1-minute, 2-minute, or 3-minute cooking at full power.
- The multi-stage cooking feature lets you set up two different cooking times and power levels at once, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is powerful and has two speeds to clear out smoke and smells. The light above the stovetop is bright and helpful.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the quick menus are great, some users might want even more specialized presets.
- The vent fan is strong, but ensuring it’s properly installed for maximum effectiveness is important.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers powerful performance and convenient features that simplify meal prep.
4. COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS 30 in. Stellar Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Slim Over the Range Microwave
Rating: 9.4/10
The COSMO COS-3012ORLP1SS 30 in. Stellar Collection 1.2 cu. ft. Slim Over the Range Microwave in Black is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen. Its slim design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. This microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of power and offers a generous 1.2 cubic feet of cooking space. You’ll love the convenient touch controls and automatic presets that make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking with 11 power levels gives you great control for perfect meals.
- Seven convenient auto cooking options, including popcorn and potato, simplify meal prep.
- Smart sensor cooking automatically detects when your food is ready.
- Smart defrosting options make it easy to thaw food by weight or time.
- The slim design saves counter space, and the black finish looks sleek.
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty and USA-based customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the touch controls are convenient, some users might prefer physical buttons for tactile feedback.
- The 1.2 cu. ft. capacity, while decent, might be a bit small for very large dishes or family gatherings.
This COSMO microwave is a smart choice for those seeking both style and efficiency in their kitchen. Its user-friendly features and powerful performance make it a reliable appliance for everyday cooking.
5. GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven is a smart choice for any kitchen. It offers 700 watts of power in a compact 0.7 cubic feet size. This makes it great for cooking and reheating food without taking up too much counter space. Its sleek stainless steel design also looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still powerful enough for everyday cooking.
- The glass turntable spins your food for even heating.
- You can place it on the counter or install it under a cabinet.
- It has easy-to-use buttons for quick cooking.
- Defrosting is simple with both automatic and manual options.
- The stainless steel and black glass look very stylish.
- It includes helpful features like a kitchen timer and a child lock.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts is not the highest wattage available, meaning some cooking tasks might take slightly longer than with a higher-wattage model.
Overall, this GE microwave is a solid and stylish addition to your kitchen. It provides essential features in a space-saving design.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Under-Cabinet Microwave Buying Guide
Tired of your countertop looking cluttered? An under-cabinet microwave can be a game-changer for your kitchen. It saves precious counter space and keeps your cooking area neat. Let’s find the perfect one for you!
Why Choose an Under-Cabinet Microwave?
- Space Saver: This is the biggest win! It frees up your counter for food prep or display.
- Sleek Look: It blends into your kitchen design for a cleaner aesthetic.
- Convenient Access: It’s easy to reach for quick reheating.
- Ventilation Option: Many models include vent fans to help with cooking smells and smoke.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind.
Size and Capacity
- Dimensions: Measure the space where you plan to install it. Microwaves come in different widths, heights, and depths. Make sure it fits snugly.
- Interior Cubic Feet: This tells you how much food you can fit inside. Common sizes range from 0.9 to 2.2 cubic feet. A family might need a larger one than a single person.
Cooking Power (Wattage)
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under-cabinet microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. 900 watts is a good average for most needs.
Ventilation System
- Exhaust Options: Some microwaves vent outwards (ducted), while others recirculate air inside (non-ducted). Ducted is better for removing smoke and smells. Check if your kitchen has a vent duct.
- Fan Speed: More fan speeds give you better control over ventilation.
Control Panel and Features
- Digital Display: Easy to read and use.
- Preset Cooking Options: Buttons for popcorn, pizza, or specific vegetables make cooking simple.
- Timer and Clock: Standard features.
- Child Lock: A safety feature to prevent little hands from turning it on.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how easy the microwave is to clean.
- Exterior: Stainless steel looks modern and is durable. Coated metal is also common.
- Interior: The inside is usually a ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is easy to wipe clean. Stainless steel is very durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Think about what makes a microwave great and what can be a drawback.
Quality Enhancers
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built microwave feels solid and lasts longer.
- Efficient Ventilation: A powerful fan makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Smooth interiors save you scrubbing time.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves are much louder than others.
Quality Reducers
- Flimsy Materials: Thin metal or plastic can feel cheap and dent easily.
- Weak Ventilation: A weak fan won’t clear the air effectively.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
- Short Cord: A short power cord can limit where you can place it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your new microwave?
- Everyday Reheating: Warming up leftovers, making popcorn, or heating up drinks.
- Quick Meals: Cooking frozen meals or simple snacks.
- Kitchen Helper: Using the vent fan while cooking on the stovetop.
- Small Kitchens: Perfect for apartments, dorm rooms, or RVs where space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Under-Cabinet Microwave Q&A
Let’s answer some common questions about under-cabinet microwaves.
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Key features include the microwave’s size and capacity, cooking power (wattage), the type of ventilation system, and the ease of use of its control panel with helpful preset options.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space where you want to install it carefully. Also, consider how much food you usually heat at once. Larger families might need more cubic feet inside.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage cooks food faster. Most models are between 700 and 1200 watts.
Q: Should I get a ducted or non-ducted vent?
A: If your kitchen has a vent duct that leads outside, a ducted vent is best. It removes smoke and smells from your home. Non-ducted microwaves recirculate air inside.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves better?
A: Stainless steel exteriors look nice and are quite durable. The interior can also be stainless steel, which is very strong, or ceramic enamel, which is very easy to clean.
Q: How can I tell if a microwave is good quality?
A: Look for sturdy construction, a powerful and quiet ventilation fan, and easy-to-clean surfaces. A simple, clear control panel also adds to good quality.
Q: What are some common use cases for an under-cabinet microwave?
A: They are great for saving counter space, reheating leftovers, cooking quick meals, and using their vent fan while you cook on the stove.
Q: Are under-cabinet microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can vary. Some are simpler to hang than others. It’s a good idea to check the installation instructions or consider professional help if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects.
Q: Can I use my under-cabinet microwave if I don’t have a vent duct?
A: Yes, many models work as non-ducted microwaves. They recirculate the air inside the kitchen. Make sure the model you choose offers this option if you need it.
Q: How do I clean an under-cabinet microwave?
A: For the interior, a damp cloth with mild soap or a baking soda and water paste works well. Wipe down the exterior with a soft cloth. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
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!