Imagine a kitchen appliance that can bake crispy cookies, roast a chicken, and reheat leftovers all in one sleek package. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the promise of an over-the-range convection microwave, a true kitchen workhorse. But let’s be honest, navigating the world of these multi-talented machines can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. You want to upgrade your kitchen, save space, and cook faster, but the sheer number of features, brands, and price points can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to even start.
Choosing the right over-the-range convection microwave is about more than just picking a shiny new gadget. It’s about finding a reliable partner that fits your cooking style, your budget, and the unique needs of your kitchen. You’re probably wondering about things like how much power you really need, what size will fit perfectly above your stove, and if all those extra convection settings are truly worth it. We get it. The confusion is real, and the fear of making the wrong choice can be a real buzzkill.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. We’re here to cut through the jargon and confusion, offering clear, easy-to-understand advice that will empower you to make a confident decision. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, what features matter most, and how to find an over-the-range convection microwave that will truly transform your cooking experience. Get ready to discover how this one appliance can simplify your kitchen and elevate your meals.
Our Top 5 Over The Range Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance does more than just heat food; it offers convection cooking and air frying for versatile meal preparation. Plus, this special bundle includes a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind on top of the standard manufacturer warranty. It’s designed to fit conveniently above your range, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy the benefits of convection baking and air frying, making it a true multi-tasker in your kitchen.
- Generous Capacity: The 1.7 cu. ft. interior easily fits larger dishes and family-sized meals.
- Fast Cook Feature: Save time with quick cooking presets designed for common food items.
- Complete Bundle: It comes ready to install with a recirculating charcoal filter and includes a 2-year extended service protection plan for added security.
- Sleek Design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen.
- Authorized GE USA Seller: You’re getting a genuine GE product with full manufacturer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Might Require Help: Like most over-the-range microwaves, installation can be a bit tricky and might need two people or professional help.
- Learning Curve for New Features: While the features are great, it may take some time to learn how to best use the convection and air fry settings.
This GE microwave bundle offers a fantastic combination of features and protection. It’s a smart investment for any home chef looking to expand their cooking capabilities.
2. CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven: 1.6 Cu.Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
The CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven, model RV-450BK-OTR, is a fantastic addition to any RV kitchen. Its sleek black design fits right in, and it packs a punch with its powerful cooking features. This microwave is designed to make meal prep on the go easy and efficient.
What We Like:
- Powerful Convection Cooking: The RapidCook Power Convection function cooks food quickly and evenly, saving you time.
- Family-Friendly Design: With a large 1.6 cu.ft. capacity, 10 power levels, and preset cooking options, it handles family meals with ease.
- Bright LED Lighting: The LED lights illuminate the cooking area, making it simple to see your food as it cooks.
- Easy Cleaning: The dishwasher-safe rotating glass tray ensures your meals cook consistently and cleanup is a breeze.
- Effective Ventilation: The 300 CFM dual-speed fan and vent system get rid of smoke, steam, and smells, keeping your RV kitchen fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description doesn’t mention specific dimensions, which could be important for RV installations.
- Information on the warranty is not provided in the feature list.
Overall, the CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven offers a great combination of cooking power and convenience for life on the road. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their RV kitchen.
3. Sharp R1874T 1.1 cu. ft. 850W Sharp Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Sharp R1874T is an over-the-range microwave that does more than just heat food. It’s a convection oven too! This means it can brown, bake, broil, crisp, and even roast your meals. It’s a great space-saver for your kitchen, fitting right above your stove. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, convection oven, broiler, and roaster.
- The Smart and Easy sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1.1-cubic-foot interior is roomy enough for most dishes.
- The 13-inch turntable ensures your food cooks evenly.
- The built-in exhaust system with a powerful fan and hood light helps keep your kitchen air clean and bright.
- It comes with low and high racks for different cooking needs.
- The 2-color, 7-digit interactive display is easy to read and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many features, some users might find the learning curve for all the convection settings a bit steep initially.
- The 850 watts of power is good, but might not be as fast as some higher-wattage microwaves.
This Sharp R1874T convection microwave is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering multiple cooking functions in one convenient appliance. It’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their cooking capabilities.
4. KoolMore 30-inch 1.5 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the KoolMore 30-inch 1.5 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless-steel appliance offers both microwave and convection cooking, giving you more ways to prepare your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- It cooks food using microwaves and convection heat, letting you bake and roast.
- You can choose from 10 power levels for precise cooking.
- The digital control panel is easy to use with one-touch settings.
- The special diamond-shaped interior helps cook food evenly.
- It looks sleek and modern in your kitchen.
- It is safe and energy-efficient, meeting important standards.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation requires specific cabinet sizes and measurements.
- It only has a 1.5 cu. ft. capacity, which might be small for very large dishes.
This KoolMore microwave is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easier and looks great while doing it.
5. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers 1.5 cubic feet of cooking space and brings the power of convection cooking to your travels. It’s built tough for the road, making it a smart addition to any camper or motorhome.
What We Like:
- The convection cooking feature is a game-changer. It has 10 temperature settings, so you can bake and brown your food just right, just like at home.
- The bright LED display clearly shows the timer, clock, and what functions are currently on. It’s easy to see and use.
- You have options for ventilation! It can vent air outside your RV or recirculate it inside, giving you flexibility.
- It comes with 30-watt appliance bulbs to light up your cooking area.
- This microwave is built to last. It’s durable and vibration resistant, meaning it can handle all the bumps and shakes of RV travel without a problem.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the capacity is good, some larger RV families might wish for a bit more room for bigger meals.
- The installation process can be a bit tricky for some DIYers, and professional help might be needed.
Overall, the Furrion 2022007898 is a fantastic choice for RV owners seeking a versatile and reliable microwave. It adds convenience and a touch of home cooking to your adventures.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: The Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Buying Guide
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen? An over-the-range (OTR) convection microwave can be a fantastic addition. It saves counter space and offers more cooking options than a regular microwave. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Convection Microwave?
These appliances do more than just reheat leftovers. They combine the speed of a microwave with the baking and roasting power of a convection oven. This means you can bake cookies, roast chicken, or brown pizza, all in one handy appliance above your stove.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- **Capacity:** How much food can it hold? Microwaves come in different sizes. A larger family might need a bigger capacity, while a smaller household can get by with a smaller one.
- **Wattage:** This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- **Convection Settings:** Does it have different convection modes? Some models offer specific settings for baking, roasting, or broiling.
- **Ventilation:** This is super important! OTR microwaves have built-in vents to suck up smoke and steam from your stovetop. Check if the fan is powerful enough for your cooking style. It should also have filters that you can clean.
- **Sensor Cooking:** This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- **Turntable:** A rotating turntable ensures even cooking. Some models have a large turntable, which is great for bigger dishes.
- **Pre-programmed Settings:** Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These can make cooking quick and easy.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and cleaning:
- **Stainless Steel Interior:** This is a popular choice. It’s durable and easy to wipe clean. It also looks sleek.
- **Ceramic Enamel Interior:** This is another good option. It’s scratch-resistant and can handle high temperatures.
- **Exterior Finish:** Most OTR microwaves come in stainless steel, black stainless steel, or white. Choose a finish that matches your other kitchen appliances.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an OTR convection microwave a joy to use or a frustration:
What Makes a Microwave Great?
- **Strong Ventilation System:** A powerful fan clears out cooking smells and smoke effectively. This keeps your kitchen fresh.
- **Even Cooking:** Good heating elements and a reliable turntable ensure food cooks evenly.
- **User-Friendly Controls:** Simple buttons and a clear display make it easy to operate.
- **Quiet Operation:** A quieter fan and microwave operation are always a plus.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Great?
- **Weak Ventilation:** A weak fan won’t clear out odors. This can leave your kitchen smelling like last night’s dinner.
- **Uneven Heating:** If food doesn’t cook evenly, you might end up with hot spots and cold spots.
- **Complicated Controls:** Confusing buttons can make even simple tasks difficult.
- **Poor Build Quality:** If the microwave feels flimsy or parts break easily, it won’t last long.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your OTR convection microwave.
Everyday Cooking
Microwaves are perfect for quick meals. You can reheat leftovers in minutes. They are also great for defrosting frozen food.
Convection Cooking
The convection feature opens up many possibilities. You can bake small batches of cookies or muffins. Roast vegetables or small cuts of meat. Even crisp up frozen pizzas. It’s like having a second oven!
Saving Space
The biggest win for many people is the space-saving design. It frees up valuable counter space. It also puts the ventilation fan right where you need it – above the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need to install an OTR microwave myself?
A: Most people hire a professional for installation. It involves electrical work and mounting the unit securely. It’s important to do it safely.
Q: How powerful should the vent fan be?
A: Look for a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of at least 300 CFM. Higher CFM is better for powerful stovetops.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can use oven-safe metal cookware in convection mode. However, never use metal in microwave-only mode. It can cause sparks.
Q: How do I clean the filters?
A: Most filters are removable and dishwasher safe. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Q: Are OTR convection microwaves noisy?
A: They can make some noise, especially the fan. Reading reviews can give you an idea of how loud a specific model is.
Q: What’s the difference between convection and regular microwave cooking?
A: Microwave cooking uses electromagnetic waves to heat food. Convection cooking uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air, like a regular oven.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for an OTR microwave?
A: Most OTR microwaves are designed to fit standard cabinet widths. Check the dimensions and your cabinet height.
Q: Can I use this instead of a full-size oven?
A: For small tasks, yes. But for large meals or baking multiple dishes, a full-size oven is still needed.
Q: How long do OTR convection microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care, they can last 10-15 years.
Q: What is the average price range?
A: Prices can range from $300 to over $1000, depending on features and brand.
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!