Imagine this: you’re cooking a delicious meal, and you need to quickly reheat something. But your kitchen counter is overflowing with appliances, and there’s no free space! This is a common problem for many home cooks. That’s where the Over The Stove Microwave, also known as an Over-the-Range (OTR) microwave, comes in. It’s a smart solution that saves precious counter space and adds convenience to your kitchen.
Choosing the right OTR microwave can feel overwhelming. There are so many different sizes, features, and brands. You might wonder about things like how much power it needs, if it will fit your stove perfectly, or what kind of ventilation it has. These are all important questions, and finding the answers can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the best Over The Stove Microwave for your kitchen. We’ll guide you through the important features to consider, explain what all those buttons mean, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to upgrade your cooking experience.
Our Top 5 Over The Stove Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Stove Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cubic feet stainless steel microwave is a true workhorse, offering powerful cooking and efficient ventilation all in one sleek appliance. It’s designed to make your meal prep faster and easier.
What We Like:
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable easily fit large dishes, making it perfect for family meals or cooking adventures.
- Versatile Cooking Options: With 10 power levels and 6 quick-touch menus (Popcorn, Beverage, Melt/Soften, Reheat, Defrost), you can cook a variety of foods with precision.
- Speedy Cooking: The 1000-watt power cooks food fast. You can even set it for 1, 2, or 3 minutes of full power with just a few button presses.
- Smart Cooking Features: Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time and effort.
- Powerful Ventilation: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes cooking fumes and odors. An integrated light illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- User Manual Clarity: Some users found the instruction manual a bit difficult to understand for advanced features.
- Ventilation Noise: While powerful, the vent fan can be a bit noisy on its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, blending powerful performance with user-friendly features. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their 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: 9.1/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. This microwave offers a good amount of space for cooking and reheating your favorite meals. It also comes with a special protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. This bundle makes upgrading your kitchen simple and smart.
What We Like:
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, so you know it’s made with quality.
- You get a 2-Year Extended Protection Plan, which is a great bonus.
- It includes a charcoal filter replacement for clean air.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is good for most families.
- Convenience cooking controls make using it easy.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are listed as 13″D x 16″W x 9″H, which might be a bit small for very large dishes.
- While it has convenience controls, a more advanced touch screen might appeal to some users.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable over-the-range microwave with added protection.
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: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is not just a microwave; it’s a kitchen helper. It offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. Plus, it comes with an amazing bundle that includes a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. This is a GE USA authorized product, meaning you get the full manufacturer’s protection along with an additional 2-year enhanced service plan.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.9 cu. ft. capacity, so you can fit bigger dishes inside.
- The melt feature makes it easy to melt butter, chocolate, and more without burning.
- Cleaning is a breeze with the steam clean option for the interior.
- It includes a recirculating charcoal filter kit, which is handy for over-the-range installations.
- You get a fantastic bundle with a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty.
- This is a GE USA authorized product, ensuring quality and support.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While the steam clean is helpful, some baked-on messes might still require a bit of scrubbing.
This GE microwave bundle offers excellent value and convenience for any kitchen. It’s a reliable appliance with great features and the added benefit of extended protection.
4. 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The ThermoMate 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse that makes cooking a breeze. With its spacious 1.9 Cu. Ft. capacity, powerful 1000-watt cooking, and smart sensor cooking, it handles everything from quick snacks to family meals with ease. The sleek stainless steel design looks great above any stove, and its built-in ventilation and LED lighting add both function and style to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of power and 11 power levels. This lets you cook food just right.
- The large 1.9 Cu. Ft. capacity fits big dishes and even multiple items with its extra rack.
- One-touch cooking buttons and 9 auto-cook programs like popcorn and pizza make meal prep super simple.
- The 400 CFM ventilation fan quickly removes smoke and smells, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power for perfectly heated food every time.
- The bright LED light above the stove helps you see what you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions are slightly different from the external ones, which might be confusing for some.
- While powerful, the 2-speed ventilation might not be enough for very heavy cooking smells for some users.
This ThermoMate microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience for everyday cooking needs.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, 1.7 Cu. Ft. in sleek black, is a powerful kitchen assistant that cooks food quickly and evenly. Its 1000 watts of cooking power mean less waiting time for your meals. This microwave is designed to fit right over your stove, saving valuable counter space and adding a modern look to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- It has 1000W of power for fast and even cooking, perfect for busy families.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. interior holds plenty of food, from snacks to family dinners.
- You can cook many different foods with presets for veggies, snacks, and potatoes.
- It has smart defrosting that works by time or weight, making thawing easy.
- The Quick +30 Seconds button and melt/soften features make cooking simple.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out when you don’t want them using it.
- It includes a bright LED timer, a vent fan, and a light for your stovetop.
- You can adjust the sound volume so it’s not too loud or too quiet.
- Its over-the-range design saves space and looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup a bit complex.
- The vent fan might not be powerful enough for extremely smoky cooking.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience. It’s a smart choice for saving space and getting meals ready in a flash.
Your Go-To Guide for Over-The-Stove Microwaves
An over-the-stove microwave, also known as an over-the-range microwave, is a super handy appliance. It saves counter space and often acts as a range hood. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Why Choose an Over-The-Stove Microwave?
These microwaves do more than just heat food. They also have a built-in vent fan and light to help you while you cook on the stovetop. This means you get two appliances in one!
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
- Width: Most are 30 inches wide. Make sure it fits your space.
- Interior Capacity: This is how much food it can hold. Measured in cubic feet. A larger family might need 1.7 to 2.2 cubic feet. Smaller households can get by with 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet.
2. Wattage and Cooking Power
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves have 900 to 1200 watts. This is plenty for most cooking tasks.
3. Venting Options
- Recirculating (ductless): Air is cleaned by a filter and sent back into the kitchen. These are easier to install.
- Venting (ducted): Air is pushed outside through a vent. This is better at removing smoke and smells. Check if your kitchen is set up for this.
4. Special Cooking Features
Look for helpful settings like:
- Sensor Cooking: This automatically adjusts cooking time and power. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating plate helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this.
- Convection Cooking: Some models can bake and roast like a regular oven. This adds more cooking options.
5. Lighting and Fan Speeds
- Cooktop Light: A light shines down on your stove. Make sure it’s bright enough.
- Vent Fan Speeds: More speeds give you better control over ventilation.
Important Materials
Most over-the-stove microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel. This is strong and looks nice. The inside is usually made of metal or a special coating that’s easy to clean. High-quality materials help the microwave last longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means it won’t break easily.
- Quiet Operation: A good fan and motor won’t be too loud.
- Easy Controls: Buttons and touchpads should be simple to use.
- Effective Venting: The fan should clear the air well.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Good:
- Flimsy Construction: Parts that feel cheap might break.
- Weak Fan: A weak fan won’t remove smoke or smells effectively.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or unclear labels can be frustrating.
- Uneven Cooking: If the turntable doesn’t work well, food might not cook evenly.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-stove microwave is perfect for small kitchens. It frees up counter space for food prep. Families use them for quick meals like reheating leftovers or making popcorn. Busy individuals appreciate the speed and convenience for lunches and dinners. Some people use the convection feature for baking small items like cookies or roasting vegetables.
When you install it, make sure it’s at the right height. You should be able to reach the controls easily. It should also be high enough so you don’t bump your head while cooking on the stove.
Cleaning is usually simple. Wipe down the inside and outside with a damp cloth. The filter for the vent fan might need cleaning or replacing, depending on the model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if an over-the-stove microwave will fit my kitchen?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most are 30 inches wide. Also, check the height requirements for installation.
Q: What is the difference between recirculating and ducted venting?
A: Recirculating vents clean air and return it to the kitchen. Ducted vents push air outside. Ducted is usually more effective at removing smells.
Q: How much wattage do I really need?
A: 900 to 1200 watts is good for most tasks. More wattage means faster cooking.
Q: Is sensor cooking really helpful?
A: Yes, sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power. It helps prevent over or undercooking.
Q: Can I bake in an over-the-stove microwave?
A: Some models have a convection cooking feature. This lets you bake and roast like a regular oven.
Q: How often do I need to clean the vent filter?
A: This depends on how often you use the fan. Check your microwave’s manual. Usually, it’s every few months.
Q: Are over-the-stove microwaves hard to install?
A: Installation can be tricky. It often involves mounting to the wall and connecting to electrical and venting systems. Many people hire a professional.
Q: What is the best way to clean the inside of the microwave?
A: You can use a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, then wipe.
Q: Do I need a special electrical outlet for an over-the-stove microwave?
A: Yes, they usually need a dedicated 3-prong outlet. Make sure your kitchen has one.
Q: What are the most common problems with these microwaves?
A: Common issues include the vent fan not being strong enough, uneven cooking, and control panel problems.
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!