Imagine this: you’re cooking a quick meal, and your old microwave just isn’t cutting it. It’s slow, it doesn’t heat evenly, and it’s taking up valuable counter space. You know it’s time for an upgrade, but the world of over-the-range microwaves feels overwhelming. So many brands, so many features, and what does “ventilation power” even mean?
Choosing the perfect over-the-range microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want one that cooks food fast and well, but you also need it to look good in your kitchen and, most importantly, do a great job of clearing out cooking smells and smoke. It’s a big decision that affects your daily cooking and the look of your whole kitchen.
Don’t worry, though! This guide is here to make your life easier. We’ll break down what really matters when picking an over-the-range microwave. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what features to look for, understand the different types of ventilation, and feel confident in choosing a model that’s perfect for your home and your cooking needs.
Our Top 5 Over Range Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Range Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This 1.9 cubic foot microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, adding both style and functionality to your cooking space.
What We Like:
- Effortless cooking with pre-programmed auto menus for a variety of foods like popcorn, potatoes, pizza, and more.
- Powerful 1000-watt heating ensures food is cooked quickly and evenly.
- The 400 CFM venting fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safer and more enjoyable cooking.
- The spacious 1.9 cu.ft. interior and turntable On/Off function accommodate large dishes.
- Convenient features like 30-second express cooking and a kitchen timer simplify daily use.
- A child lock provides peace of mind for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be less convenient for some users.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more manual control options for advanced cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a great blend of convenience and performance for any home cook. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s efficiency.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.7/10
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. This microwave offers a good amount of space with its 1.6 cubic feet capacity, making it easy to heat up a variety of foods. It’s designed to be mounted over your range, saving valuable counter space. Plus, this bundle comes with a special 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which helps keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for cooking various meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to use.
- The over-the-range design saves precious counter space.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter for a fresher kitchen environment.
- It’s an authorized GE product, ensuring quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- Specific details on “convenience cooking controls” could be more descriptive.
This bundle offers great value and convenience for your kitchen needs. You get a reliable GE microwave and extra protection for your investment.
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: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is a powerhouse, offering ample space for all your cooking needs. It’s designed for convenience and durability, making meal prep a breeze. Plus, you get peace of mind with an extended protection plan.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity fits large dishes.
- Special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more easy and safe.
- Steam clean interior makes cleanup super simple.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
- You get a fantastic bundle: the microwave and a 2-year premium extended service protection plan.
- It’s GE USA Authorized, meaning you’re getting a quality product.
- The extended protection plan is in addition to the full manufacturer’s warranty, giving you extra security.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are a bit specific, so measure your space carefully before buying.
- While the bundle is great, the total price might be higher than a microwave alone.
This GE microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering great features and excellent protection. You’ll enjoy easier cooking and cleaning for years to come.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu. Ft. in sleek stainless steel is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. It packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power, making it great for quickly heating up meals or snacks. Its spacious 1.7 cubic foot interior easily fits larger dishes, and the over-the-range design saves valuable counter space. This microwave is designed to make cooking and reheating simple and efficient.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking heats food quickly and evenly.
- Large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity holds a variety of dishes.
- Many cooking options like auto cook and a potato program add flexibility.
- Smart defrost settings by time or weight make thawing easy.
- Quick +30 seconds and melt/soften features are super convenient for everyday use.
- Child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- Built-in vent fan and stovetop light are very handy.
- Adjustable volume control lets you set alert levels.
- The over-the-range design saves counter space and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1550W input might be a bit high for some older electrical systems.
- While generally user-friendly, some might find the multi-stage cooking a little complex at first.
This Farberware microwave offers a great blend of power, space, and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a reliable and stylish choice for any home chef.
5. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 8.6/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a large 1.8 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for cooking family meals. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and evenly. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, and the over-the-range design saves valuable counter space. This microwave also includes helpful features like a child lock and a 300 CFM fan to keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- The 1.8 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes and family-sized portions.
- 1000 cooking watts provide fast and efficient heating.
- The 300 CFM fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to clean.
- The child lock feature offers peace of mind for families.
- It has 10 power levels, giving you control over cooking.
- Auto Defrost makes preparing frozen foods simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately, adding an extra cost.
- It’s a non-ducted venting type, meaning it might not be ideal for all kitchen setups without modification.
This Frigidaire microwave offers a good balance of features and capacity for its price. It’s a solid choice for those looking for an efficient and stylish over-the-range option.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Over-the-Range Microwave
An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a super handy appliance. It saves counter space and cooks your food fast. It also acts as a vent hood for your stove. Picking the right one can feel like a big decision. This guide will help you find the perfect OTR microwave for your kitchen.
What to Look for: Key Features
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This is how much food fits inside. Bigger families or those who cook large meals need more space. A capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet is common.
- Ventilation: OTR microwaves have fans to clear smoke and smells from your stove. Look for CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. Higher CFM means better ventilation. Some have recirculating vents, which don’t go outside.
- Cooktop Lighting: A light underneath helps you see while you’re cooking on the stove.
- Turntable: This spins your food for even heating. Most have one, but some larger models might not.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s moisture. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Convection Cooking: Some OTR microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great space-saver.
- Control Panel: Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens. Choose what feels easiest for you to use.
Materials Matter: What Your Microwave is Made Of
The materials used affect durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also strong and resists rust. However, it can show fingerprints.
- Black or White Enamel: These are classic choices. They are usually more affordable. They are easy to clean but can chip or scratch over time.
- Interior Coating: Look for a ceramic enamel or stainless steel interior. These are durable and easy to wipe clean.
Quality Boosters and Reducers
Certain things make an OTR microwave better or worse.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable appliances. They usually have good warranties too.
- Build Quality: A sturdy feel when you open and close the door is a good sign. The buttons should also feel firm and responsive.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Check reviews to see if a model is quieter than others. The fan can also be loud, so look for quieter fan options.
- Ease of Installation: Some OTR microwaves are easier to install than others. If you’re not hiring a professional, this is important.
- User Reviews: Real people’s experiences are valuable. Look for patterns in reviews about performance and reliability.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your microwave.
- Quick Meals: For reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking frozen meals, a basic OTR microwave works well.
- Busy Cooks: Sensor cooking and preset buttons are great for busy people. They make cooking faster and simpler.
- Small Kitchens: The OTR design saves precious counter space. This is a huge benefit in smaller homes.
- Aspiring Chefs: If you like to bake or roast, a convection OTR microwave gives you more cooking options without needing a second oven.
- Families: Larger capacity microwaves are good for families who need to heat multiple items at once.
Choosing an OTR microwave is about finding the right balance of features, size, and price for your needs. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Over-the-Range Microwaves
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-range microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to save counter space by mounting it above your stove. It also cooks food and acts as a vent hood to remove smoke and smells from your cooking.
Q: How much wattage do I need for an OTR microwave?
A: For good performance, aim for at least 900 watts. More wattage means faster cooking.
Q: What is CFM, and why is it important for ventilation?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means the vent hood is better at clearing smoke and smells from your stove.
Q: What’s the difference between a recirculating vent and an external vent?
A: A recirculating vent cleans the air and blows it back into the kitchen. An external vent pushes the air outside your home. External vents are usually more effective.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for an OTR microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a great choice. It looks nice, is strong, and resists rust. It can show fingerprints, though.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the moisture of your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for you.
Q: Can an OTR microwave replace my regular oven?
A: Some OTR microwaves have convection cooking. These can bake and roast, but they are usually smaller than a full-sized oven.
Q: How do I know if an OTR microwave will fit my kitchen?
A: Measure the space above your stove carefully. Check the dimensions of the microwave, especially its width and height, to ensure it fits.
Q: How important are user reviews when buying an OTR microwave?
A: User reviews are very important. They give you honest feedback from people who have actually used the appliance. They can tell you about its reliability and performance.
Q: What is a turntable in a microwave?
A: A turntable is a rotating plate inside the microwave. It spins your food as it cooks to make sure it heats up evenly.
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!