Does your kitchen feel a little cramped? Are you tired of juggling appliances and losing valuable counter space? If so, you’re not alone! Many homeowners face the same challenge when trying to create a more functional and stylish kitchen. The Over The Range (OTR) microwave oven is a popular solution, but navigating the world of these powerful kitchen helpers can feel like a maze. From confusing features to fitting it just right, choosing the perfect OTR microwave can be a real headache.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! By diving into this guide, you’ll learn exactly what makes a great OTR microwave. We’ll break down the essential features, explain what those buttons actually mean, and help you figure out which one will fit your kitchen and your cooking needs. Get ready to transform your kitchen workflow and say goodbye to counter clutter!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1000-watt microwave offers a spacious 1.9 cu.ft. capacity, making it easy to heat up meals or cook your favorite dishes. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, saving valuable counter space. With one-touch auto cooking and a variety of pre-programmed settings, meal preparation becomes a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has 10 power settings for precise cooking.
- The auto cooking menus are great for popcorn, potatoes, and more.
- The 400 CFM venting fan keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- The bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop.
- You can turn the turntable on or off to fit larger dishes.
- It has a 30-second express cook button for quick reheating.
- A child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features.
- The installation instructions, while available, might require careful reading.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It combines convenience and power to simplify your cooking experience.
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
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers plenty of space for your cooking needs. It’s designed for easy use with convenient cooking controls. Plus, this bundle includes a special charcoal filter replacement and a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking features make meal prep simple.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- It’s from GE USA, a trusted brand.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While convenient, some advanced features might be missing for expert chefs.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of style, functionality, and long-term value. It’s a solid choice for busy households.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, a 1.7 cu. ft. powerhouse designed to simplify your kitchen routine. This sleek stainless steel appliance boasts 1000 watts of cooking power, making it a speedy and efficient helper for busy households. Its over-the-range design is a smart space-saver, fitting neatly above your stovetop and adding a modern touch to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000W cooking heats food evenly and quickly.
- Generous 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits large plates and dishes.
- Many cooking options like vegetables, snacks, and potatoes make meal prep easy.
- Smart defrosting by time or weight thaws food perfectly.
- Quick +30 seconds and melt/soften features are super handy for everyday tasks.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The built-in vent fan and stovetop light are practical additions.
- Volume control lets you adjust alert sounds.
- Its over-the-range style saves valuable counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some advanced features.
- Some users might find the beep alerts a bit loud, even with volume control.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
4. 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, a spacious 1.9 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave. This stainless steel beauty is packed with smart features and comes with an amazing protection plan. It’s designed to make cooking and cleaning easier, all while looking great above your stove.
What We Like:
- Generous Capacity: The 1.9 cu. ft. size easily fits large dishes and family-sized meals.
- Smart Melting: The special melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and more. No more burnt messes!
- Easy Cleaning: The interior is a breeze to clean, especially with the steam clean option.
- Complete Package: This bundle includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit and a fantastic 2-year extended protection plan, adding to the already included manufacturer warranty.
- Trusted Brand: It’s from GE USA, a brand known for reliable appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Not Included: While it’s a bundle, professional installation isn’t part of the package, so you might need to arrange that separately.
- Learning Curve: Some of the advanced sensor features might take a little time to get used to.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich microwave with excellent long-term protection.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.7/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power. This over-the-range microwave boasts a sleek stainless steel finish and a smart touch panel for easy operation. It’s designed to make your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient, handling everything from quick snacks to full meals.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus makes cooking simple. You can easily prepare popcorn, pizza, or even defrost items. It also has settings for rice, potatoes, and softening cream cheese. This makes creating delicious meals quick and easy.
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable easily fit big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- With 1000W of cooking power and 10-level power settings, you can control the heating precisely for all your needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds powerfully removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright cooktop light shines on your stovetop, giving you a clear view while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the smart features a little challenging at first.
- While the stainless steel looks good, it can show fingerprints and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
Overall, this Midea microwave oven is a powerful and feature-rich appliance that simplifies everyday cooking tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with modern convenience and performance.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
An over-the-range (OTR) microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It saves counter space and often combines the functions of a microwave with a ventilation system for your stovetop. This guide will help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an OTR microwave, consider these important features:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove and how much food you usually heat. A capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet is common and works for most families.
- Ventilation System: This is crucial for an OTR microwave. It pulls smoke and steam from your cooktop. Check the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. Higher CFM means better ventilation. Also, see if it vents outside or recirculates air back into the kitchen.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a turntable that rotates food for even heating. Some offer a larger, rectangular turntable, which can fit bigger dishes.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically detects how long to cook your food based on steam. It takes the guesswork out of reheating leftovers or cooking popcorn.
- Preset Cooking Options: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like baked potatoes, pizza, or beverages.
- Convection Cooking: Some OTR microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great space-saving option if you don’t have a separate oven.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how easy the microwave is to clean.
- Stainless Steel: This is a very popular choice. It looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable and resists rust. However, it can show fingerprints.
- Painted Steel: This is usually less expensive than stainless steel. It comes in various colors to match your kitchen. It can be more prone to chipping or scratching over time.
- Interior Coating: The inside of the microwave is usually coated with porcelain enamel or a non-stick material. These are easy to wipe clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an OTR microwave better or worse.
What Makes a Microwave Better?
- Build Quality: A sturdy, well-built microwave will last longer. Check how solid the door feels and if the buttons are responsive.
- Quiet Operation: A loud fan or microwave hum can be annoying. Look for reviews that mention quiet performance.
- Easy Controls: The control panel should be easy to understand and use. Clear labels and a logical layout are important.
- Good Lighting: The light inside the microwave helps you see your food. The light above the cooktop should also be bright enough to illuminate your cooking surface.
What Can Reduce Quality?
- Cheaply Made Parts: If the door feels flimsy or the buttons stick, it might not last long.
- Ineffective Ventilation: If the fan doesn’t pull enough air, your kitchen will still get smoky.
- Uneven Cooking: Some microwaves don’t heat food evenly, leaving cold spots.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your microwave matters.
- Everyday Heating: Most people use OTR microwaves to reheat leftovers, heat up drinks, or defrost frozen foods.
- Cooking Assistance: With sensor cooking and preset options, it can help cook simple meals or sides.
- Stovetop Ventilation: The ventilation system is used every time you cook on your stovetop. A good system keeps your kitchen cleaner and fresher.
- Baking and Roasting (Convection Models): If you have a convection OTR microwave, you can use it for small baking tasks or roasting vegetables, especially if you want to save space.
Choosing the right OTR microwave oven means balancing features, quality, and your budget. Think about how you cook and what you need from both a microwave and a ventilation system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature of an over-the-range microwave?
A: The most important feature is the ventilation system. It keeps your kitchen air clean by removing smoke and steam from your stovetop.
Q: How do I know if the ventilation is good enough?
A: Look at the CFM rating. A higher CFM means it pulls more air. For most stovetops, a CFM of 300 or higher is recommended.
Q: Do I need a vented or recirculating microwave?
A: A vented microwave sends air outside your home. A recirculating one filters the air and sends it back into the kitchen. Vented is usually better if you can install it.
Q: Can I use an OTR microwave without venting it outside?
A: Yes, you can use it with a recirculating system. However, it won’t remove smoke and odors as effectively as an outside vent.
Q: How much space do I need for an OTR microwave?
A: Measure the width of your stove. Most OTR microwaves are 30 inches wide. Also, check the height and depth requirements.
Q: What does “sensor cooking” do?
A: Sensor cooking uses steam to figure out how long to cook your food. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: They can show fingerprints easily. You’ll need to wipe them down regularly with a microfiber cloth to keep them looking nice.
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, like a regular oven. This allows you to bake and roast foods, not just microwave them.
Q: How long do over-the-range microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care, most OTR microwaves can last between 7 to 15 years.
Q: Should I choose a microwave with a lot of preset buttons?
A: Preset buttons can be convenient for common tasks. However, if you prefer to set the time and power yourself, they might not be as important.
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!