Imagine this: you’re cooking dinner, and your oven is already full. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a second cooking option that also saved you precious counter space? That’s where over-the-range (OTR) microwave ovens come in. They’re a popular choice for many kitchens, but figuring out which one is best can feel like a maze.
Many people find themselves overwhelmed by all the different features and brands. You want a microwave that cooks food well, vents your kitchen effectively, and looks good too. But with so many choices, it’s easy to get confused about things like wattage, ventilation power, and special cooking modes. This can lead to frustrating purchases that don’t quite meet your needs.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great over-the-range microwave. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, understand the differences between models, and discover how to choose the perfect one for your kitchen and your cooking style. Get ready to make your kitchen smarter and your cooking easier.
Our Top 5 Over Range Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over Range Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave boasts 1000 watts of power, making it a powerhouse for all your cooking needs. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. From reheating leftovers to cooking full meals, this microwave simplifies your kitchen routine.
What We Like:
- It offers a generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity for cooking larger dishes.
- The 1000-watt power level cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular items like popcorn and pizza.
- The 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
- The turntable can be turned off, allowing you to fit larger, rectangular dishes.
- A child lock feature provides extra safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a wider variety of pre-programmed cooking options.
- Installation instructions, while available, could be more prominently displayed.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It makes everyday cooking tasks easier and more efficient.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle offers a sleek stainless steel microwave with a generous 1.6 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up meals or cooking snacks. It also comes with a special 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. This microwave is designed for convenience with easy-to-use controls.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for families.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and stylish in any kitchen.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to use.
- The behind-the-door grille is a smart design feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While it has convenience controls, some users might prefer more advanced features.
This GE microwave bundle provides excellent value and durability. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen with a reliable and stylish appliance.
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: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a spacious interior and smart features to make cooking easier. Plus, it comes with an impressive extended protection plan for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size fits large dishes and family meals.
- Smart Melting: The melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and more.
- Easy Cleaning: The steam clean interior makes wiping up messes a breeze.
- Extended Protection: You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus an additional 2-year CPS enhanced protection plan.
- Complete Kit: It includes a recirculating charcoal filter for vent options.
- Sleek Design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can be tricky to install yourself, so professional help might be needed.
- Sensor Accuracy: While generally good, sensor cooking can sometimes require minor adjustments.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range oven.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. It combines powerful cooking with smart features, all in a space-saving design. This microwave helps you get meals ready quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast with 1000 watts of power.
- The 1.7 cubic foot size fits big dishes easily.
- It has many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes.
- Defrosting is simple with time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is super handy.
- You can melt or soften foods with special settings.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The LED display and vent fan make it user-friendly.
- You can adjust the volume of the alerts.
- It mounts over the stove, saving counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1550W, which is quite high.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking presets.
This Farberware microwave makes cooking easier and more convenient. It’s a powerful and smart choice for your home.
5. 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the ThermoMate 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven. This powerful and spacious microwave is designed to make cooking easier and your kitchen cleaner. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great above any stove.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power and 11 power levels. This lets you cook at different strengths, from 0% to 100%.
- The large 1.9 Cu. Ft. capacity fits a lot of food. You can even use the included rack to cook multiple items at once.
- One-touch cooking buttons and 9 auto-cook programs take the guesswork out of meals like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 400 CFM ventilation fan clears smoke, steam, and smells from your kitchen with two speed settings.
- Bright LED lighting shines down on your stovetop, helping you see what you’re cooking.
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for perfect results every time.
- The removable glass turntable spins food for even heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions are slightly different from the external dimensions, which might require careful measurement during installation.
This ThermoMate microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to add convenience and power to their cooking routine. It’s a smart choice for busy kitchens.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Over-the-Range Microwave
An over-the-range microwave (often called an OTR microwave) is a super handy appliance. It cooks your food and also acts as a vent for your stove. This saves counter space and makes your kitchen feel bigger. Let’s find the perfect one for your home!
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an OTR microwave, keep these important features in mind.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts for good performance.
- Capacity: How much food can you fit inside? OTR microwaves come in different sizes. Measure your space and think about how much you usually cook. A 1.7 to 2.0 cubic foot capacity is common and works for most families.
- Ventilation: This is a big one! The vent needs to be strong enough to clear smoke and smells from your stove. Check the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. Higher CFM means better air cleaning. You’ll want at least 300 CFM.
- Cooktop Lighting: Most OTR microwaves have a light to illuminate your stove. Make sure it’s bright enough to see what you’re cooking. Some also have a fan to help with steam.
- Sensor Cooking: This is a smart feature. The microwave senses the humidity from your food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. It helps prevent over or undercooking.
- Turntable: A rotating plate helps your food cook evenly. Most OTR microwaves have one, but some larger models might offer a turntable-off option if you need to fit a large rectangular dish.
Important Materials
The materials used in an OTR microwave affect its look, durability, and how easy it is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. Stainless steel is also strong and resists rust. However, it can show fingerprints.
- Plastic: Many interior parts and some exterior panels are made of plastic. Good quality plastic is durable and easy to wipe down.
- Glass: The door window is usually glass so you can see your food. The turntable inside is also made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an OTR microwave better, while others can make it less desirable.
What Makes Them Better:
- Stronger Motors: A powerful fan motor means better ventilation.
- Durable Shelving/Racks: If your model has interior racks, sturdy ones are a plus.
- Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Smooth interiors and exteriors make cleanup a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: A quieter microwave is more pleasant to use.
- Good Lighting: Bright, even lighting over the cooktop is very useful.
What Can Make Them Less Good:
- Weak Ventilation: If the fan isn’t strong, your kitchen will still smell like cooking.
- Flimsy Door Hinges: These can wear out over time.
- Hard-to-Reach Controls: If the buttons are awkward to press, it’s annoying to use.
- Poorly Designed Interior: A cramped interior or a turntable that’s hard to remove makes cooking difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your OTR microwave. This helps you choose the right one.
- Quick Meals: For reheating leftovers or making popcorn, any decent microwave will work.
- Everyday Cooking: If you cook often, you’ll want good wattage and sensor cooking.
- Busy Families: You need a spacious microwave with a powerful vent. Sensor cooking can save time.
- Small Kitchens: The OTR design is perfect for saving counter space.
- Home Cooks: If you use your stove a lot, a strong ventilation system is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wattage for an over-the-range microwave?
A: For good performance, look for at least 1000 watts. This helps food cook quickly and evenly.
Q: How important is the CFM rating for the vent?
A: The CFM rating shows how well the vent cleans the air. A higher CFM means it removes smoke and smells better. Aim for 300 CFM or more.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. Most people find them very useful. Some large models let you turn it off if you need to fit a big dish.
Q: How do I measure my space for an OTR microwave?
A: Measure the width, height, and depth of the space above your stove. Also, check the height of your stove to make sure the microwave will fit comfortably.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints. However, many models have a special coating that resists them. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild cleaner usually works well.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam from your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results.
Q: Can I install an OTR microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting it securely to the wall and connecting it to your home’s electrical system and ventilation. Many people hire a professional for this.
Q: How loud are over-the-range microwaves?
A: Noise levels vary. Some are quieter than others. Check reviews for information on how noisy a specific model is, especially the fan.
Q: What is the average lifespan of an OTR microwave?
A: With good care, an OTR microwave can last about 10 years. Regular cleaning and not overloading it can help it last longer.
Q: Should I choose a microwave with presets?
A: Preset buttons can be convenient. They offer quick ways to cook common items like popcorn, potatoes, or beverages. It’s a nice feature to have.
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!