Imagine a kitchen helper that can bake cookies, reheat leftovers, and cook a whole chicken, all while saving precious counter space. Sounds amazing, right? But when it’s time to actually buy one, the choices can feel overwhelming. What makes one convection microwave over the range better than another? It’s tough to know where to start when you want the best for your cooking needs.
Choosing the perfect Rated Convection Microwave Over The Range can be a real puzzle. You want something that cooks well, looks good, and fits your budget. But sifting through all the features and brands can lead to confusion and frustration. You might worry about spending too much money on something that doesn’t quite do what you need it to.
That’s why we’re here to help! This guide will break down what you need to know. We’ll explore what “rated convection” really means and how it can change your cooking game. You’ll learn what features to look for and how to pick a model that’s just right for your kitchen and your family. Get ready to discover how a great convection microwave can make your cooking easier and more delicious.
Our Top 5 Rated Convection Microwave Over The Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Convection Microwave Over The Range 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: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance is more than just a microwave. It’s a convection oven, an air fryer, and a fast cook all in one. This bundle also comes with an extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It bakes, broils, and air fries, making it a true kitchen workhorse.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily handles family-sized meals and large dishes.
- Convenient Features: Air Fry and Fast Cook modes simplify meal prep.
- Built-in Ventilation: The included charcoal filter kit helps keep your kitchen air fresh.
- Extended Protection: You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus a 2-year extended CPS protection plan for added security.
- Stylish Design: The stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation: Over-the-range microwaves can be tricky to install; professional help might be needed.
- Learning Curve: With multiple cooking functions, there might be a small learning curve to master all its features.
This GE Profile microwave bundle offers a fantastic combination of performance and value. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking to enhance their cooking capabilities.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven is a powerful and convenient addition to any kitchen. With 1.9 cubic feet of space and 1000 watts of cooking power, it handles everything from quick snacks to full meals with ease. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your stovetop, offering both cooking and ventilation solutions.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: 1000 watts of power heats food quickly and evenly.
- One-Touch Convenience: Pre-programmed auto menus for popcorn, pizza, vegetables, and more make cooking simple.
- Efficient Ventilation: A two-speed, 400-CFM fan system effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright Cooktop Light: The LED lighting illuminates your stovetop for safer and easier cooking.
- Spacious Interior: 1.9 cu.ft capacity and an optional turntable-off function accommodate large dishes.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Complexity: While instructions are provided, over-the-range installation can be challenging for some.
- Venting System Noise: Some users might find the fan noise noticeable on higher settings.
This microwave oven offers a great balance of features and performance for busy households. It simplifies meal preparation and enhances your kitchen’s functionality.
3. Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven – 1.5 cu. ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Furrion 2022007898 Over-The-Range Convection RV Microwave Oven is a game-changer for your RV kitchen. This stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.5 cubic feet of space, giving you plenty of room to cook your favorite meals on the go. It’s designed to handle the unique demands of RV living, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Convection cooking is a big plus! It has 10 temperature settings, so you can bake and brown your food just right.
- The bright LED display clearly shows the timer, clock, and what functions are on.
- You have a choice for ventilation: it can exhaust air outside your RV or recirculate it inside.
- It comes with 30-watt appliance bulbs, which are handy for lighting up your cooking area.
- This microwave is built tough. 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 it’s great for most things, some users might find the 1.5 cu. ft. capacity a bit small for very large dishes or for cooking for a crowd.
- The installation process might require some basic electrical and ventilation knowledge, which could be a challenge for some RV owners.
Overall, the Furrion 2022007898 is a high-quality addition to any RV kitchen. It offers versatile cooking options and is built to last through your adventures.
4. CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven: 1.6 Cu.Ft.
Rating: 9.5/10
The CONTOURE RV Over-the-Range Convection Microwave Oven (RV-450BK-OTR) is designed to make cooking in your RV easier and more enjoyable. This black, 1.6 cubic foot microwave packs a lot of power and features into its over-the-range design, helping you prepare delicious meals no matter where your travels take you.
What We Like:
- The RapidCook Power Convection function cooks food quickly and evenly, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Its large 1.6 cu.ft. capacity is great for cooking meals for the whole family.
- You get 10 different power levels and helpful preset options for easy cooking.
- Bright LED lighting keeps your food and the cooking space clearly visible.
- The dishwasher-safe rotating glass tray makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your food heats up evenly.
- The powerful dual-speed 300 CFM fan efficiently removes smoke, steam, and odors, keeping your RV kitchen fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- While convection cooking is fast, some users might find the initial learning curve for convection settings a little steep.
- For smaller RVs, the over-the-range size might be a consideration for installation space.
This CONTOURE convection microwave oven offers a fantastic combination of power, convenience, and family-friendly features for your RV. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their mobile kitchen experience.
5. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 8.7/10
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 combines the convenience of a microwave with the exciting feature of an air fryer, all in a sleek stainless steel finish that looks great above your stove. This appliance is designed to make cooking faster and more versatile.
What We Like:
- This microwave is very easy to use.
- The air fry function lets you make crispy foods without a lot of oil.
- It has a good amount of space inside for most meals.
- The stainless steel look is modern and stylish.
- It offers great value for the price.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the air fry basket a little small for larger batches.
- The control panel could be a bit more intuitive for first-time users.
If you’re looking for a kitchen appliance that does more than just heat up leftovers, this GE Profile microwave is a smart buy. You get excellent features without breaking the bank.
Your Guide to Choosing a Stellar Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
Why Over-the-Range?
An over-the-range (OTR) microwave is a smart choice for many kitchens. It saves valuable counter space. It also doubles as a vent hood, pulling smoke and smells away from your cooking area. When you add convection cooking, you get a powerful appliance that can do it all: bake, broil, roast, and microwave.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Power
This is the star of the show! A good convection microwave has a powerful convection fan and heating element. This lets it cook food evenly and brown it like a regular oven. Look for wattage in the convection mode. Higher wattage means faster and more efficient cooking.
2. Capacity and Size
Measure your space before you buy! OTR microwaves come in different widths, usually 30 inches. Check the interior capacity (measured in cubic feet). A larger capacity is great for families or cooking bigger meals. A smaller one might be fine for singles or couples.
3. Venting Options
Most OTR microwaves can be vented in a few ways:
- Externally Vented: This pushes air outside your home. It’s the best for removing smoke and odors.
- Recirculating: This uses charcoal filters to clean the air and blow it back into the kitchen. It’s good if you can’t vent outside.
Make sure the microwave you choose has the venting type that works for your kitchen setup.
4. Cooking Presets and Sensor Cooking
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. Sensor cooking uses humidity sensors to detect when food is done. This helps prevent overcooking. Look for presets that match what you cook most often.
5. Cleaning Features
A clean microwave is a happy microwave. Some models have steam clean functions. Others have non-stick interiors. These make wiping up spills much easier.
Important Materials
The exterior of your OTR microwave is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. It’s also durable. Painted metal is a more budget-friendly option. The interior is typically made of coated metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel interiors are easier to clean and more resistant to scratches.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Even Cooking: The convection fan distributes heat well.
- Powerful Performance: It heats and cooks food quickly.
- Easy Controls: The buttons and display are simple to understand.
- Good Ventilation: It effectively clears smoke and smells.
- Durable Build: It feels sturdy and well-made.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Than Ideal:
- Uneven Heating: Some spots are cooked more than others.
- Weak Convection: It doesn’t brown food well.
- Confusing Controls: The buttons are hard to figure out.
- Poor Ventilation: It doesn’t remove odors effectively.
- Flimsy Construction: It feels cheap and might not last long.
User Experience and Use Cases
An OTR convection microwave is super versatile. You can use it for:
- Quick Meals: Zap leftovers or cook frozen dinners in a flash.
- Baking Small Batches: Bake cookies or a small cake when you don’t want to heat up your big oven.
- Roasting: Roast chicken pieces or vegetables for a delicious meal.
- Broiling: Get a nice char on your meats or toast bread.
- Ventilation: It keeps your kitchen smelling fresh while you cook.
Think about how you cook. If you need a do-it-all appliance that saves space, an OTR convection microwave is a fantastic choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is convection cooking in a microwave?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This helps food cook more evenly and brown, just like a regular oven.
Q: How much space do I need for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most are about 30 inches wide. You also need to consider the height and depth to fit above your stove.
Q: Can I use a convection microwave as a regular oven?
A: Yes, it can do many of the same things as a regular oven, like baking and roasting. It’s great for smaller items or when you don’t want to heat up a large oven.
Q: How do I vent my over-the-range microwave?
A: You can vent it outside your home or recirculate the air using filters. Check your kitchen’s setup to see what works best.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to keep clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints. However, many models have special coatings that resist smudges. Wiping it down regularly keeps it looking good.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element to cook food like a regular oven.
Q: How long do over-the-range microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, an over-the-range microwave can last for 7 to 10 years.
Q: Do I need special cookware for convection cooking?
A: You can use most oven-safe cookware, like glass, ceramic, and metal pans. Avoid plastic and delicate items.
Q: Is an over-the-range microwave noisy?
A: They can make some noise, especially when the fan is running. The noise level varies by model.
Q: Can I install an over-the-range microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky. It’s often best to have a professional install it, especially for the electrical and venting connections.
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!