Imagine a kitchen where delicious meals are ready in minutes, and the counter space stays clutter-free. That’s the magic a good over-the-range (OTR) microwave can bring! But stepping into the world of OTR microwaves can feel overwhelming. You’re probably wondering, “Which one will actually fit my kitchen and my cooking needs?”
Choosing an OTR microwave isn’t just about heating up leftovers. It’s about finding a powerful tool that can vent your kitchen, provide extra cooking options, and look great above your stove. Many people struggle with figuring out the right size, the best features, and how much they should spend. It’s easy to feel lost in a sea of watts, CFM, and fancy buttons.
This post is here to guide you through it all. We’ll break down what makes a great OTR microwave and help you understand the key things to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in picking the perfect OTR microwave that makes your kitchen work better and your cooking easier. Let’s get started on finding your ideal kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Otr Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Otr Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven offers a spacious 1.9 cubic feet of cooking space, making it ideal for families or anyone who loves to cook. With 1000 watts of power and convenient one-touch auto-cooking options, it simplifies meal preparation. This microwave also acts as a ventilation system for your stovetop, keeping your kitchen fresh.
What We Like:
- Lots of space inside (1.9 cu.ft.) for big meals.
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food fast.
- Easy auto-cooking menus for popcorn, pizza, and more.
- Bright LED light under the microwave helps you see while cooking on the stove.
- Strong 400 CFM fan clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- Turntable can be turned off for cooking oddly shaped dishes.
- Quick 30-second express cooking is a handy feature.
- Child lock keeps little hands safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation instructions are only available online, not in print.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering both power and helpful features. It makes cooking and ventilation easy.
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
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of space for cooking and reheating your favorite meals. Plus, it comes with an extended protection plan for extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA AUTHORIZED product, meaning you get quality you can trust.
- The bundle includes a 2-year extended protection plan, which is more than the standard warranty.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement, so your microwave stays fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is roomy enough for most dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to use.
- 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 over-the-range spaces, so measure carefully.
- While it has convenience controls, some users might prefer more advanced features.
This bundle provides a great value with its extended warranty and included filter. You can cook and reheat with confidence knowing it’s protected.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu. Ft. – 1000W – Auto Reheat, Multi-Stage Cooking, Melt/Soften Feature, Child Safety Lock, LED Display – Space Efficient & Powerful – Stainless Steel is a kitchen workhorse. It cooks food fast and evenly. Its large size fits a lot of food. This microwave helps you cook many different things easily.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power. This makes cooking quick and thorough.
- The 1.7 cubic feet space is big. It can hold large dishes and family meals.
- You can cook vegetables, snacks, and potatoes. It even has an auto-cook option.
- Defrosting is smart. You can choose time or weight for thawing.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is handy. Melting and softening foods is simple.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out. It makes the kitchen safer.
- It has an LED timer and a light for the stovetop. The vent fan cleans the air.
- You can change the alert sounds. This lets you pick your own volume.
- It hangs over your stove. This saves counter space and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the control panel a bit busy.
- While powerful, the highest input wattage is 1550W, which is standard but worth noting for electrical needs.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. It offers great features and saves valuable space.
4. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven is a sleek, stainless steel microwave that fits perfectly above your stove. Its slim design gives you more room in your kitchen cabinets. This microwave is packed with smart features to make cooking easier and more fun.
What We Like:
- Slim for more space: The slim body gives you extra room for your kitchen cabinets. You won’t feel crowded anymore.
- Voice control & Smarthome compatible: You can control your microwave with your voice! It also works with a SmartHome APP for even more convenience.
- Notifying and remotely control: The app lets you control cooking and the vent fan from anywhere. It even tells you when your food is ready.
- Sensor Cook & Sensor Reheat: For the best taste: Smart steam sensing technology cooks your food perfectly every time. It figures out the best time and power without you guessing.
- Auto cook menu: Making delicious meals is as easy as pushing a button. Choose from a variety of pre-set options.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the smart features are great, some users might find the initial setup of the app a little tricky.
- The vent fan is powerful, but very loud noises can occur if it is not cleaned regularly.
This Midea microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and smart cooking. It helps you save space and cook delicious meals with ease.
5. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s a countertop appliance that does more than just microwave your food. You can use it to air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. This stainless steel microwave is 0.9 cubic feet and has 900 watts of power, making it a strong choice for busy kitchens.
What We Like:
- It offers five cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast. This means you can cook many different kinds of food.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power for quick heating.
- There are 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and frozen pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for foods like chicken wings and French fries. Cooking becomes super easy.
- The speedy cooking feature lets you start cooking at full power with a single button press.
- A child-lock setting keeps little ones from accidentally changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cubic foot size might be a bit small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen looking for more cooking options in one appliance. It makes preparing meals faster and more convenient.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your OTR Microwave Oven Companion
Looking for a new over-the-range (OTR) microwave oven? These handy appliances do more than just heat food; they also vent your stovetop and often act as a second oven. Finding the right one can make your kitchen life much easier. This guide will help you pick the best OTR microwave for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind.
1. Capacity
- Size Matters: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Small families might be fine with a 1.5 cubic foot oven. Larger families or those who cook big meals might need 2.0 cubic feet or more.
- What Fits? A bigger capacity means you can fit larger dishes, like a whole chicken or a casserole.
2. Wattage
- Heating Power: Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. More wattage means faster cooking.
- Good Enough: Most OTR microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. 1000 watts is a good middle ground.
3. Venting Options
- Clean Air: OTR microwaves vent smoke and smells from your stovetop. They can vent up through your cabinets or out through an exterior wall. Make sure the one you choose matches your kitchen setup.
- Fan Speed: Look for multiple fan speeds. Higher speeds clear the air faster.
4. Convection Cooking
- More Than Just Microwaves: Some OTR microwaves have a convection feature. This means they have a heating element and a fan that circulate hot air.
- Bake and Roast: Convection lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or crisp up pizza. It’s like having a second oven.
5. Sensor Cooking
- Smart Cooking: Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to figure out how long to cook your food. You don’t have to guess.
- Perfect Results: It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Important Materials
The materials used in an OTR microwave affect its look and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is easy to clean. Stainless steel is also strong and doesn’t rust.
- Black or White Enamel: These finishes are less expensive. They can be a good option if you’re on a budget. However, they might scratch or chip over time.
- Interior Coating: The inside of the microwave is often made of ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is very durable and easy to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make an OTR microwave better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should feel responsive.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews can help you find out which brands are trustworthy.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be loud. Some models are quieter than others. If noise bothers you, look for quieter options.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s easy to clean saves you time. Features like non-stick interiors or removable turntables make cleaning simpler.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your OTR microwave matters.
- Everyday Heating: Most people use their microwave to reheat leftovers, melt butter, or pop popcorn. A basic model works well for this.
- Busy Families: If you have a busy family, a microwave with sensor cooking and a good capacity can save you time and effort.
- Home Cooks: If you love to cook, a convection OTR microwave is a great addition. It gives you more cooking options.
- Small Kitchens: OTR microwaves are perfect for small kitchens because they save counter space. They also provide important ventilation for your stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best capacity for an OTR microwave?
A: The best capacity depends on your needs. For small families, 1.5 cubic feet is usually enough. For larger families or bigger meals, consider 2.0 cubic feet or more.
Q: How important is wattage?
A: Wattage is important for cooking speed. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most OTR microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts, with 1000 watts being a good standard.
Q: What does “convection cooking” do?
A: Convection cooking uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air. This allows you to bake, roast, and crisp food, similar to a regular oven.
Q: Are OTR microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. They need to be mounted above your stove and connected to ventilation. Many people hire a professional to install them.
Q: How do I know if my kitchen can support an OTR microwave’s venting?
A: You need to check if you have an existing vent hood or if you can install one. OTR microwaves can vent upwards or outwards through a wall.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the steam and humidity released by food as it cooks. The microwave then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for optimal results.
Q: Is stainless steel the best material for an OTR microwave?
A: Stainless steel is popular because it’s durable and easy to clean. However, other materials like enamel can be good options depending on your budget and style preferences.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my OTR microwave?
A: Many OTR microwaves have easy-to-clean interiors like ceramic enamel. You can usually wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables make cleaning easier.
Q: Can an OTR microwave replace my main oven?
A: An OTR microwave with convection can do some baking and roasting, but it doesn’t fully replace a main oven, especially for large meals or complex baking tasks.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an OTR microwave?
A: With proper care and regular use, an OTR microwave can last between 7 to 15 years. Good quality and regular cleaning can help extend its life.
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!