Imagine a kitchen appliance that can reheat leftovers, bake a cake, and even roast a chicken – all without taking up precious counter space! Over the range microwave convection ovens are exactly that. But with so many models boasting different features, picking the perfect one can feel overwhelming. You want a machine that cooks evenly, fits your kitchen’s style, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of specifications and confusing jargon.
This guide is here to help you navigate the world of over the range microwave convection ovens. We’ll break down what makes them so special and what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident choosing the right one for your home. Get ready to discover how this versatile appliance can transform your cooking experience and give you back valuable counter space!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Convection Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Convection Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes, 1.5 cu.ft., Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, EC942K6CE-SS is a kitchen game-changer. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a multi-functional appliance that can handle almost any cooking task. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, and it offers a lot of cooking power with 900 watts.
What We Like:
- **Spacious Interior:** The 1.5 cubic feet of space is large enough for big meals. The 13.6-inch turntable fits many dishes.
- **Versatile Cooking Options:** It has six cooking modes: microwave, air fryer, convection, combi (grill), bake, and roast. This means you can cook almost anything with it.
- **Healthy Air Frying:** The air fry function makes your favorite foods crispy and delicious with less oil. It’s an easy way to enjoy healthier meals.
- **Smart Reheating:** The sensor reheat mode keeps leftovers tasting fresh. You won’t have to worry about dry or unevenly heated food.
- **Powerful Ventilation:** The 300 CFM vent fan quickly removes smoke and smells from your kitchen. The built-in light helps you see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- **Learning Curve:** With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn how to use all of them.
- **Counter Space Saver:** While it’s over the range, it does take up significant space above your stovetop.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and convenience. You’ll love how it simplifies your cooking and expands your culinary possibilities.
2. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 8.5/10
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’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking tool that makes meal prep a breeze. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, fitting into most kitchen styles. Plus, the “great tools at a great price” promise holds true with this model, offering a lot of features without breaking the bank.
What We Like:
- The air fry function is a game-changer! You can make crispy fries and chicken wings right in your microwave.
- It has a spacious 1.7 cu. ft. interior, so you can fit larger dishes and cooking containers.
- The sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically for perfectly cooked food.
- It’s surprisingly quiet when running, which is nice if you’re in the same room.
- The price point is very competitive for all the features it offers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be a bit clearer with instructions for some of the more advanced settings.
- While the air fry is good, it might not be as powerful as a dedicated air fryer for very large batches.
- The interior light could be a little brighter.
This GE Profile microwave is a smart buy for anyone looking for a feature-rich appliance that delivers excellent value. It truly offers great tools at a great price.
3. Sharp R1874T 1.1 cu. ft. 850W Sharp Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Sharp R1874T 1.1 cu. ft. 850W Stainless Steel Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven. This appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking tool that saves space above your stove. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, and it offers a variety of cooking functions to make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 850-watt convection feature lets you brown, bake, broil, crisp, and roast, giving you many cooking options.
- The interactive 2-color display makes it easy to choose settings.
- Smart and Easy sensor settings take the guesswork out of cooking.
- The 1.1-cubic-foot capacity and 13-inch turntable ensure your food heats evenly.
- It comes with a built-in exhaust system and hood light to keep your cooktop clear and well-lit.
- Low and high racks are included, adding to its cooking versatility.
- The stainless steel interior is easy to clean and looks good.
What Could Be Improved:
- The outer dimensions are quite large, so measure your space carefully before buying.
- While it offers many features, some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all functions a bit involved.
This Sharp convection microwave oven is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to maximize their kitchen space and cooking capabilities. It offers a wide range of functions in one compact unit.
4. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers more than just microwave power. Its convection cooking feature lets you bake and brown food with 10 temperature settings, making it a versatile addition to your mobile home. The bright LED display keeps you informed with the timer, clock, and other settings.
What We Like:
- It bakes and browns food like a regular oven thanks to its 10 convection temperature settings.
- The LED display clearly shows the time and cooking functions.
- You can choose to vent air outside your RV or recirculate it inside, giving you options.
- It comes with built-in 30-watt appliance bulbs to light up your cooking area.
- This microwave is built tough to handle the bumps and shakes of RV travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.5 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or extensive meal prep.
- While durable, the installation process could be more straightforward for some users.
This Furrion convection microwave oven brings home-style cooking convenience to your RV. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their culinary possibilities on the road.
5. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven is a game-changer for any kitchen, dorm room, or office. This sleek stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its four cooking functions: microwave, air fry, convection, and broil. It’s designed to make cooking faster, healthier, and more convenient for everyone.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It cooks like a microwave, but also air fries for crispy food, uses convection for even baking, and broils to sear and caramelize.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy your favorite fried foods with less oil. It makes them crispier and healthier.
- Safe for Families: The two-step child lock feature keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on. You can turn it off when you don’t need it.
- Easy to Use: Preset controls for things like fries and nuggets make cooking simple. You get perfectly cooked food every time.
- Space-Saving Design: It’s compact at 1.0 cubic feet, but still powerful with 1,050 watts. It fits well in smaller spaces.
- Even Cooking: The glass turntable rotates your food for consistent cooking throughout.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While presets are easy, mastering all four cooking modes might take a little practice.
- Size for Some: For larger families or those who cook big meals, the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity might feel a bit small.
This GE oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy individuals and families. It simplifies meal prep while offering healthier cooking options.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Over-the-Range Microwave Convection
So, you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with an over-the-range microwave convection oven! These handy appliances do more than just reheat leftovers; they can actually bake, roast, and broil too. Let’s break down what you need to know to find the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Convection Cooking: This is the star of the show! It uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food evenly and giving you crispy results like a regular oven.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts.
- Capacity: Think about how much food you usually cook. Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. A family might need a larger one, while a single person might be fine with a smaller model.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food around so it cooks evenly. Most microwaves have this, but some newer models offer a “turntable off” option if you need to fit a large rectangular dish.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature senses the humidity from your food and automatically adjusts cooking time and power. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Ventilation: Since it’s over your stove, good ventilation is a must. Look for powerful fans that can clear smoke and smells.
- Presets and Cooking Modes: Many microwaves have buttons for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. Some also have special modes for baking, roasting, or broiling.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave can affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to wipe clean. Some have non-stick coatings, which are also great for cleaning.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is a popular choice for the outside because it looks sleek and resists fingerprints. Other options include black stainless steel or white enamel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a microwave great, and what can make it less so?
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The control panel should be responsive.
- Even Cooking: This is crucial. A good microwave cooks food all the way through without hot spots or cold spots.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that advertise quiet operation.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave that’s hard to clean will quickly become a nuisance. Look for smooth interiors and easy-to-wipe surfaces.
- Ventilation Power: A weak fan won’t do much to clear the air. Make sure the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating is high enough for your needs.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use your new microwave?
- Quick Meals: For busy families, a microwave is a lifesaver for reheating leftovers or quickly cooking frozen meals.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature opens up a world of possibilities. You can bake cookies, roast a chicken, or crisp up vegetables.
- Space Saving: If you have a small kitchen, an over-the-range microwave is a smart way to get a microwave and an oven without taking up extra counter or floor space.
- Easy to Reach: Being mounted over the stove means it’s easily accessible for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and an over-the-range microwave convection?
A: An over-the-range microwave convection does everything a regular microwave does, plus it has a fan and heating element that lets you bake, roast, and broil food like a regular oven.
Q: Do I need special cookware for convection cooking?
A: You can use most oven-safe cookware, like glass, ceramic, and metal baking pans. Check your microwave’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q: How powerful should the ventilation be?
A: For most kitchens, a ventilation system with at least 300 CFM is a good starting point. If you do a lot of high-heat cooking, you might want something stronger.
Q: Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky because it involves electrical work and mounting. It’s often best to have a qualified professional install it for safety.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. For tough stains, try heating a bowl of water with lemon slices inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are over-the-range microwaves noisy?
A: Some can be, especially the fan. Look for models that mention quiet operation or check reviews for noise level feedback.
Q: What is sensor cooking, and is it worth it?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam and automatically adjust cooking time and power. It can make cooking easier and prevent over or undercooking.
Q: How much space do I need above my stove for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most standard over-the-range microwaves need about 18 inches of clearance between the cooktop and the bottom of the microwave. Always check the specific model’s dimensions.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection functions at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking for faster, crispier results. This is often called “combination cooking.”
Q: What is the lifespan of an over-the-range microwave convection?
A: With proper care and maintenance, most over-the-range microwaves can last between 7 to 10 years.
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!