Imagine this: you’re craving a quick snack, a reheated meal, or even popcorn for movie night. You reach for the button, but your old microwave is a relic that barely gets the job done. Or perhaps you’re building your dream kitchen and need a sleek, efficient oven that fits perfectly above your range. Choosing a new over-the-counter microwave can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces.
The sheer number of models, features, and brands out there can be overwhelming. You want something that heats evenly, looks good, and doesn’t break the bank. But how do you find that sweet spot? That’s where we come in. We understand the frustration of wading through endless specifications and confusing jargon.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about over-the-counter microwaves. We’ll guide you through the essential features to look for, the different types available, and how to choose one that truly fits your needs and your kitchen space. Get ready to say goodbye to microwave confusion and hello to perfectly heated meals!
Our Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Counter Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100W Over-the-Counter Microwave in Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Sharp R1214TY 1.5 Cu. Ft. 1100W Over-the-Counter Microwave in Stainless Steel is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers ample space and powerful cooking, all while saving you precious counter space. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great and it’s packed with smart features to make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.5 cu. ft. cooking space fits large dishes.
- The 14-1/8″ Carousel turntable easily handles 9″ x 13″ baking pans.
- 1100 watts of power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Smart & Easy sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Minute Plus key provides instant one-minute cooking bursts.
- The over-the-counter design frees up your counter space.
- Built-in task lighting is a handy feature.
- The hidden control panel keeps the microwave looking clean.
- The 7-digit, 2-color display is easy to read.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger capacity microwave for very large meals.
- The control panel is hidden, which might be a slight inconvenience for some.
This microwave truly simplifies cooking and reheating. Its thoughtful design and powerful performance make it a standout choice for busy households.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.6/10
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 and a powerful 400 CFM venting system. It makes cooking and meal prep a breeze with its convenient One Touch features and auto cooking options.
What We Like:
- Effortless Cooking: Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and frozen breakfasts take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Powerful Performance: 1000 watts of power and ten adjustable power settings ensure quick and even cooking.
- Bright Cooktop Light: The LED cooktop lighting provides excellent visibility for preparing meals below the microwave.
- Strong Ventilation: The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Flexible Cooking Space: The Turntable On/Off function is perfect for accommodating larger dishes.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for safety.
- Ample Capacity: The 1.9 cu.ft interior provides plenty of room for family-sized meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Complexity: While installation instructions are provided, some users might find the over-the-range installation process challenging and may require professional help.
- Noise Level: The powerful 400 CFM fan, while effective, might be noticeable during operation.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience for your daily cooking needs. It simplifies meal preparation and enhances your cooking experience.
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 appliance that offers a lot of power and convenience for everyday cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: This microwave has a big interior, so you can fit larger dishes and cook more food at once. The 12.4-inch turntable spins your food evenly for better cooking.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food fast. It also has special buttons for common foods like popcorn, beverages, and even defrosting, making cooking super simple.
- Speedy Cooking: Need food in a hurry? Just press 1, 2, or 3 for instant 100% power cooking for up to 3 minutes. It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush.
- Multi-stage Cooking: This feature lets you set up different cooking times and power levels all at once. You can microwave at 90% power for a while, then switch to 50% power for a bit longer, all without you having to do anything in between.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The strong vent fan pulls out cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. The built-in light shines brightly on your stovetop, making it easy to see what you’re cooking underneath.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the vent fan is powerful, some users might find the noise level noticeable.
- The “One-Touch Auto Cooking” might require a little practice to get used to all the different settings.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a lot of useful features for busy kitchens. Its large size and smart cooking options make preparing meals easier and faster.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.9/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove. This microwave makes cooking a breeze with its smart features.
What We Like:
- It has 18 auto cooking menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato. It makes preparing meals quick and simple.
- The 1.7 cu.ft. capacity is large. It fits big dishes like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can adjust the power with 10 different settings. This is great for all your heating needs, especially with its powerful 1000W output.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It removes cooking smells and smoke effectively.
- It has adjustable fan speeds for the ventilation. This helps keep your kitchen air fresh.
- A bright light shines on your cooktop. You can see clearly while you cook.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use. It lets you select your cooking options with just a touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some of the advanced settings.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might want more customizable options.
This Midea microwave oven is a powerful and convenient appliance. It’s a smart choice for busy kitchens.
5. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle brings you a stylish and functional microwave, plus peace of mind with an extended protection plan. It’s designed to make your daily cooking and reheating tasks a breeze.
What We Like:
- GE USA AUTHORIZED: You’re getting a genuine GE product.
- 2 Year Extended Protection Plan: This plan adds two years of coverage on top of the standard warranty, so you’re covered for a good while.
- Charcoal Filter Included: A charcoal filter replacement is included. This helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh by capturing cooking odors.
- 1.6 cu. ft. Capacity: This is a good size for most kitchens. It can handle family-sized meals and larger dishes.
- Convenience Cooking Controls: The controls are easy to use. They make it simple to heat up leftovers or cook specific foods.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions: The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) are for the microwave itself. You’ll need to check if it fits your existing over-the-range space.
- Specific Control Details: While it says “convenience cooking controls,” the exact types of pre-programmed settings aren’t listed here.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of style and practical features. The extended protection plan gives you extra confidence in your purchase.
Microwave Ovens: Your Quick Guide to a Kitchen Essential
Microwave ovens make cooking and reheating super fast. They are a must-have in almost every kitchen. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the best microwave oven for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a microwave, check these important things.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For everyday use, 900-1000 watts is a good choice.
- Capacity: This is the size of the inside of the microwave. It is measured in cubic feet. Small microwaves are good for one or two people. Larger ones can cook bigger meals or batches of food. Think about what you will cook most often.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most microwaves have one. Some have a larger turntable for bigger plates.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost Settings: This feature lets you thaw frozen food quickly. Some defrost by weight, others by time.
- Child Lock: This safety feature stops little hands from turning on the microwave by accident.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of a microwave are made from different materials.
- Interior: Most microwaves have a stainless steel or ceramic interior. Stainless steel is durable and looks nice. Ceramic is easy to clean and scratch-resistant. Avoid microwaves with painted interiors, as they can chip.
- Exterior: The outside is usually plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to wipe down. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave better, while others make it worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive. A cheap-feeling microwave might not last as long.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a microwave with a smooth interior that is easy to wipe clean. Some interiors have special coatings to make cleaning even easier. A microwave that is hard to clean can become messy quickly.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Some models are quieter than others. If you are sensitive to noise, check reviews for information on how loud the microwave is.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. This is often due to good design and higher wattage. Uneven cooking means some parts of your food might be hot while others are cold.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave affects which one you should buy.
- Busy Individuals: If you are always on the go, a microwave with quick-cook buttons and a powerful wattage will save you time.
- Families: Larger families might need a microwave with a bigger capacity to heat up family-sized meals. A child lock is also a good idea.
- Apartment Dwellers: Small apartments often need compact appliances. Look for a smaller, countertop model that fits your space.
- Simple Reheating: If you only use your microwave to reheat leftovers, a basic model with a few essential buttons will be perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a microwave?
A: The most important feature depends on your needs. For fast cooking, look for high wattage. For families, capacity and safety features are key.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors better than ceramic?
A: Both are good. Stainless steel is very durable. Ceramic is easy to clean and resists scratches well.
Q: How do I know if a microwave cooks evenly?
A: Check product reviews. Good wattage and a well-designed interior usually lead to even cooking.
Q: Can I put metal in my microwave?
A: No, never put metal in a microwave. It can cause sparks and damage the oven.
Q: What is the difference between wattage and capacity?
A: Wattage measures how strong the microwave is. Capacity measures how much food it can hold inside.
Q: How often should I clean my microwave?
A: It’s best to wipe up spills as they happen. A deep clean every week or two will keep it fresh.
Q: Are expensive microwaves always better?
A: Not always. A more expensive microwave might have more features, but a simpler, well-made model can be just as good for basic needs.
Q: What are preset cooking options for?
A: These buttons are programmed for specific foods, like popcorn or potatoes. They help you cook things correctly without guessing.
Q: Is a turntable necessary?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly by spinning it. Most people find it very useful.
Q: Where is the best place to put a microwave?
A: Microwaves are usually placed on a countertop or mounted above a stove. Make sure there is enough space around it for ventilation.
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!