Imagine this: you’re cooking a delicious meal, and your stovetop is busy with pots and pans. Where can you quickly heat up leftovers or melt some butter? If you’re like many people, the answer is your over-the-range microwave. It’s a kitchen workhorse, saving precious counter space and making meal prep a breeze. But with so many models on the market, choosing the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze!
The sheer number of features, sizes, and brands can be overwhelming. Do you need a powerful fan? What about a convection oven option? And how do you make sure it fits perfectly above your stove? These are common questions that can leave you scratching your head. You want a microwave that works well, looks good, and makes your life easier, not harder.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about over-the-range microwaves. By the end, you’ll feel confident in understanding the different types, essential features, and what to look for. Get ready to discover how to find the best over-the-range microwave that will become your new favorite kitchen helper.
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a powerful 1000-watt punch, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. Enjoy effortless cooking with its one-touch features and auto-cooking options. This microwave is built to handle all your culinary needs.
What We Like:
- The 1000-watt power cooks food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking.
- A bright LED cooktop light illuminates your stovetop.
- The 400-CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors.
- The Turntable On/Off function lets you fit larger dishes.
- It has ten power settings for precise control.
- The child lock feature adds safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online.
- The 1.9 cu.ft. capacity might be too large for very small kitchens.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great combination of power, convenience, and style for any modern kitchen. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for efficient cooking solutions.
2. 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. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers plenty of space for your cooking needs. It’s a smart choice for busy families. The bundle also includes a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for family meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep easy.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek in any kitchen.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- It is GE USA authorized, ensuring quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- The description doesn’t specify if there are any advanced smart features.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of capacity, convenience, and protection. It’s a solid addition to any kitchen looking for an upgrade.
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: 8.9/10
The GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel is more than just a microwave; it’s a kitchen upgrade. This bundle comes with a fantastic 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind on top of the standard manufacturer warranty. It offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking meals for your family. Plus, its smart sensor cooking adjusts time and power for delicious results every time. Cleaning is a breeze with the steam clean feature, and the melt function makes preparing sweet treats super easy.
What We Like:
- Large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles big meals.
- The melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and more.
- Steam clean makes tidying up quick and simple.
- Includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit for better air quality.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty for maximum security.
- Attractive stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While the sensor cooking is great, sometimes manual settings are preferred for specific recipes.
This GE microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a spacious, easy-to-use appliance. The added protection plan makes it an even smarter investment for your kitchen.
4. FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave with 1.8 cu. ft. Capacity
Rating: 8.7/10
The FRIGIDAIRE FFMV1846VS 30″ Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a spacious 1.8 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for family meals or reheating leftovers. With 1000 cooking watts, it heats food quickly and evenly. The sleek stainless steel design looks great above your stove, and the 300 CFM ventilation helps keep your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.8 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes.
- Powerful 1000 cooking watts means faster heating.
- 300 CFM fan quickly removes cooking smells and smoke.
- Easy-to-use controls with 27 touch pad buttons.
- Child Lock feature provides extra safety for families.
- Auto Defrost takes the guesswork out of thawing frozen foods.
- Sleek stainless steel finish complements modern kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recirculating kit is sold separately, adding an extra cost.
- It’s designed for non-ducted venting, which might not work for all kitchens.
This Frigidaire microwave offers great value with its ample space and powerful performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any busy kitchen. It offers a powerful 1000-watt cooking system that heats food evenly and quickly. The large 1.7 cubic foot interior can hold plenty of food, from small snacks to big family meals. This microwave is designed to save you space by mounting right over your stove, and its sleek black finish looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It cooks food fast and evenly with its 1000-watt power.
- The big 1.7 cu. ft. space fits all your dishes, big or small.
- You can cook many different things with special settings for veggies, snacks, and potatoes.
- It thaws food perfectly using time or weight settings.
- The quick +30 seconds button and melt/soften feature make cooking easy.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands safe.
- It has a bright LED display, a helpful vent fan, and a light for your stovetop.
- You can change how loud the alerts are to suit your preference.
- Mounting it over the range saves valuable counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about some of the more advanced cooking modes.
- While the vent fan is functional, it might not be powerful enough for very smoky cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a space-saving and powerful appliance. It makes cooking and reheating simple and efficient.
Your Guide to Over-the-Range Microwave Ovens
Over-the-range (OTR) microwave ovens are super handy. They save counter space and help cook your food faster. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Why Choose an Over-the-Range Microwave?
OTR microwaves do two jobs. They microwave food and act as a vent hood. This is great for small kitchens. They also have lights to see your stovetop. You get a cleaner look in your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove. A 1.7 cubic foot microwave is good for most families. Smaller ones work for singles or couples. Bigger ones can cook more food at once.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how strong the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts. Some go up to 1200 watts. This cooks food evenly and quickly.
3. Venting Options
OTR microwaves need to vent smoke and steam. Some vent outside your house. Others recirculate air with a filter. Check if your kitchen can vent outside. If not, a recirculating model works. Make sure the fan is strong enough.
4. Sensor Cooking
Sensor cooking is a smart feature. It detects steam and adjusts cooking time. This stops food from getting overcooked. It’s easy to use. Just press a button for popcorn or potatoes.
5. Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Most OTR microwaves have one. Some have larger turntables for bigger dishes. You can often turn it off if needed.
6. Presets and Special Modes
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods. These are called presets. You might see buttons for pizza, baked potatoes, or defrosting. Some have special modes like melting butter or softening ice cream. These make cooking easier.
Important Materials
Most OTR microwaves have a stainless steel exterior. This looks nice and is easy to clean. The inside is usually a painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable. Some have glass doors. Make sure the glass is strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great
- Strong fan for good ventilation.
- Even cooking with good wattage.
- Easy-to-use controls.
- Durable materials like stainless steel.
- Quiet operation.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good
- Weak fan that doesn’t clear the air.
- Uneven cooking.
- Confusing buttons.
- Cheap materials that scratch easily.
- Noisy fan or turntable.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR microwave is perfect for busy families. You can heat up leftovers quickly. It’s great for making popcorn for movie night. The vent hood helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh. It’s a space-saver for small apartments. People who like to cook often use the presets for simple tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I measure the space for my OTR microwave?
A: Measure the width and height of the space above your stove. Also, measure the depth. Check the manufacturer’s specs for the microwave’s dimensions. Make sure it fits with some wiggle room.
Q: Do I need professional installation?
A: Yes, it’s usually best to have a professional install it. They make sure it’s mounted securely. They also connect the venting properly. This keeps your kitchen safe.
Q: How often should I clean the vent filter?
A: Clean the vent filter every 1-3 months. This keeps the fan working well. Check your manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q: Can I use metal in an OTR microwave?
A: No, you should not use metal in most microwaves. Metal can cause sparks and damage the oven. Always check the manual for what you can and cannot put inside.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food with waves. A convection microwave also has a heating element and fan. This allows it to bake and roast like a small oven.
Q: How long do OTR microwaves usually last?
A: OTR microwaves typically last 7-10 years. Good care and cleaning can help them last longer.
Q: What are the benefits of a stainless steel interior?
A: A stainless steel interior is more durable. It’s also easier to clean than painted interiors. It can help reflect microwaves for better cooking.
Q: How important is the fan power?
A: The fan power is very important. A strong fan quickly removes smoke, steam, and odors from your kitchen. Look for a fan with a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating.
Q: Can I install an OTR microwave if I don’t have an outside vent?
A: Yes, you can. You will need a model with a recirculating vent. This uses charcoal filters to clean the air before sending it back into the kitchen.
Q: What is the best way to clean an OTR microwave?
A: Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam will loosen grime. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
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!