Imagine this: you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, but your oven is already full with a roast, and your microwave is only good for reheating yesterday’s leftovers. What if there was a kitchen superhero that could do both, all while saving precious counter space? That’s where the over-the-range convection microwave swoops in to save the day!
Choosing the right one, however, can feel like navigating a culinary maze. You want more than just a basic microwave, but understanding all the extra features like convection cooking, sensor cooking, and different power levels can be overwhelming. You might be wondering if it’s truly worth the investment and how it will fit into your busy kitchen routine. We get it – it’s a big decision with a lot of moving parts.
By the end of this post, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to confidently pick an over-the-range convection microwave that fits your cooking style and your budget. We’ll break down what makes these appliances so special, explore the key features to look for, and help you understand how they can actually make your cooking faster, easier, and more delicious. Get ready to transform your kitchen experience!
Our Top 5 Over Range Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Range Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes is a versatile kitchen helper. Its stainless steel finish looks great above your stove. This appliance does more than just heat up leftovers. It can air fry, bake, and even roast your favorite meals. With 900 watts of power, it cooks food quickly.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.5 cubic feet capacity, so it fits big dishes. The 13.6-inch turntable spins food evenly.
- It’s a 6-in-1 appliance! You can use it as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, for grilling, baking, and roasting. This means you can cook almost anything.
- The Air Fry mode makes your food crispy with less oil. It’s a healthier way to enjoy fried favorites.
- Sensor Reheat Mode keeps your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious. No more dry, sad food.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong. It removes cooking smells and smoke. The light also helps you see what you’re doing while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, some users might find the sheer number of options a little overwhelming at first.
- The exterior, being stainless steel, can show fingerprints and smudges, requiring regular cleaning to maintain its shine.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering many cooking options in one appliance. It makes preparing meals faster and more exciting.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. Its stainless steel finish looks great, and it offers a lot of cooking options. This microwave makes preparing meals quick and simple.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto-cook menus. This means you can easily make things like popcorn, pizza, and even cook potatoes with just one touch.
- The large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable fit big dishes, like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000 watts of power and 10 different power levels, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It effectively removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen, with adjustable fan speeds.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove, so you can see what you’re cooking clearly.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users found the initial setup a little tricky.
- While the ventilation is strong, some wished for even more power on the highest setting.
This Midea microwave is a fantastic option for busy kitchens. It combines convenience, power, and helpful features to make cooking easier.
3. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 9.1/10
The GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, making it easy to heat up meals or cook a variety of foods. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great above your stove, and the over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- The air fry feature is a game-changer, letting you make crispy fries and chicken wings right in your microwave.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt cooking system, so your food heats up quickly and evenly.
- The sensor cooking automatically adjusts cooking time and power, taking the guesswork out of meal prep.
- It’s surprisingly quiet when in operation, which is nice if you’re in the same room.
- The price is very competitive for the features it packs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel can be a little busy at first, with many buttons to learn.
- While it has air fry, it doesn’t replace a dedicated air fryer for very large batches.
- The interior light could be a bit brighter.
This microwave truly offers great tools at a great price, making it a smart buy for busy households.
4. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven, a super handy kitchen helper that does a lot more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel beauty is built to make cooking faster and easier, all while looking great on your counter. It’s like having a mini-chef in a box, ready to tackle everything from popcorn to perfectly roasted chicken.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler all in one!
- The air fry mode lets you make crispy snacks the healthy way.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown finish.
- Broiling is easy and perfect for searing or caramelizing food.
- Preset buttons take the guesswork out of cooking common items like fries.
- It’s compact, fitting easily in small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices.
- The child lock feature adds extra safety for families.
- The glass turntable makes sure your food cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.0 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for very large meals or big families.
- While it has many features, some users might find mastering all the modes takes a little practice.
This GE® oven is a fantastic option for anyone looking to save space and cook a wider variety of foods. It offers a lot of cooking power and versatility in a compact package.
5. Sharp R1874T 1.1 cu. ft. 850W Sharp Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Transform your kitchen with the Sharp R1874T 1.1 cu. ft. 850W Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance does more than just heat food; it offers a full cooking experience right above your stovetop. Its powerful 850-watt convection capability lets you brown, bake, broil, crisp, and roast, making it a versatile addition to any home chef’s arsenal.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, convection oven, vent hood, and light.
- The convection feature allows for baking, roasting, and broiling, not just microwaving.
- The interactive 2-color display is easy to read and use.
- Smart and Easy sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1.1-cubic-foot capacity is spacious enough for most meals.
- The stainless steel interior is durable and easy to clean.
- A 13-inch turntable ensures your food heats evenly.
- The built-in exhaust system with a powerful fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- Included low and high racks give you more cooking options.
What Could Be Improved:
- The outer dimensions might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- While it has many features, the learning curve for all convection settings could be a slight challenge for some users.
This Sharp convection microwave oven offers a fantastic blend of convenience and cooking versatility. It’s an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen space and cooking capabilities.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Buying Guide
Tired of a cluttered countertop? Want to cook more than just popcorn? An over-the-range (OTR) convection microwave is a fantastic way to save space and expand your cooking abilities. It’s a microwave, a regular oven, and a fan all rolled into one! This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Convection Microwave?
These appliances hang above your stove. This frees up valuable counter space. They also vent cooking smells and smoke from your stovetop. Plus, the convection feature means you can bake, roast, and broil just like a regular oven. It’s a real kitchen workhorse!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you need to cook? Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. A family of four might need a larger one (1.7 cu. ft. or more). A single person or couple might be fine with a smaller one (1.0-1.5 cu. ft.).
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage (1000 watts or more) means faster cooking. Lower wattage might take a little longer.
- Convection Cooking Options: Look for different convection settings. Some have presets for things like roasting chicken or baking cookies. Others let you set your own temperature and time.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures your food heats evenly. Most OTR microwaves have this. Make sure it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Ventilation System: This is super important! Check the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. A higher CFM means it can clear the air in your kitchen faster. Also, decide if you need a recirculating vent (uses charcoal filters) or an external vent (ducts air outside).
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a smooth interior surface that’s easy to wipe down. Some have special non-stick coatings.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to understand and use? Touch controls can look sleek, but sometimes buttons are more reliable.
Important Materials
Most OTR convection microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or enameled steel. Stainless steel looks modern and is durable. Enameled steel is also strong and often comes in different colors.
The interior is usually made of metal with a non-stick coating or enamel. This makes cleaning up spills much easier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Brand Reputation: Sticking with well-known brands often means better quality and customer support. Research brands that have good reviews.
- Build Quality: Does the microwave feel sturdy? Open and close the door. Does it feel solid? A well-built unit will last longer.
- User Reviews: Always read what other people say! They can tell you about common problems or amazing features you might not have noticed.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the manufacturer stands behind their product. Look for at least a one-year warranty.
User Experience and Use Cases
Imagine this: You’re making dinner. You need to cook chicken, steam some veggies, and reheat leftovers.
With an OTR convection microwave, you can:
- Roast Chicken: Use the convection setting to get a perfectly browned and cooked chicken.
- Bake Cookies: The convection feature bakes them evenly, just like your regular oven.
- Microwave Meals: Quickly reheat your pasta or soup.
- Vent Smoke: Turn on the fan to clear the air while you’re searing steak on the stovetop.
- Save Space: Your counters are clear for prepping your ingredients.
It’s perfect for busy families, small kitchens, or anyone who wants more cooking options without taking up extra room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air inside the microwave. This cooks food more evenly and can make it crispy, like in a regular oven.
Q: Do I need a special exhaust system for an over-the-range microwave?
A: You have two choices: a recirculating vent that filters air or an external vent that blows air outside. Check what works best for your kitchen setup.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for an OTR microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves are about 16 inches tall. Always measure the space above your stove to make sure it fits. You also need enough clearance for the door to open fully.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, unlike a regular microwave, you can use metal cookware (like baking pans) when using the convection or broil settings. However, always check your specific model’s manual to be sure.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my OTR microwave?
A: Most interiors are easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen grime.
Q: Are over-the-range microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. It involves mounting the unit to the wall and connecting it to power and your ventilation system. Many people hire a professional for this.
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave has both microwave heating and a heating element with a fan for baking and roasting.
Q: How important is the CFM rating for the vent?
A: The CFM rating tells you how well the vent removes smoke and odors. A higher CFM is better for kitchens where you do a lot of cooking.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection features at the same time?
A: Yes, many models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This can speed up cooking times while still getting great results.
Q: How long do over-the-range convection microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care, an OTR convection microwave can last between 7 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding overuse of the convection feature can help it last longer.
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!