Is your kitchen feeling a little… cramped? Do you find yourself constantly wishing for more counter space, or maybe just a more organized cooking area? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us dream of a kitchen that’s both functional and stylish, but finding the right appliances to make that happen can feel like a puzzle.
One appliance that often sits right in the middle of this kitchen dilemma is the rated over-range microwave. It’s a fantastic space-saver, combining a microwave with a range hood, but choosing the *perfect* one can be surprisingly tricky. You want it to cook your food well, vent smoke and steam effectively, and look good with your kitchen’s style. But with so many models and features out there, where do you even begin? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and make a choice you might regret later.
This guide is here to make that decision a whole lot easier! We’ll break down what makes a great over-range microwave, what to look for, and help you understand all the options so you can pick one that truly fits your needs and makes your kitchen life better. Get ready to discover the secrets to finding your ideal kitchen workhorse!
Our Top 5 Rated Over Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Over Range Microwave 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 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power and smart features designed for modern living. It sits conveniently over your stove, saving valuable counter space and offering powerful ventilation.
What We Like:
- One-Touch Convenience: Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking for popcorn, potatoes, vegetables, pizza, snacks, bacon, frozen dinners, rice, and even frozen breakfast items.
- Powerful Performance: 1000 watts deliver fast and efficient cooking. Ten power settings give you precise control.
- Bright Cooktop Lighting: The LED lighting below the microwave illuminates your stovetop, making cooking and meal prep easier and safer.
- Effective Ventilation: The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan system efficiently clears smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Generous Capacity: At 1.9 cu.ft., it easily fits large dishes. The turntable can even be turned off to accommodate bulky items.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes a clock, kitchen timer, 30-second express cooking, and a child lock for added safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Learning Curve: While English installation instructions are available online, some users might prefer a physical manual included in the box.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 is a fantastic addition for any busy kitchen, offering both power and smart features to simplify your cooking experience.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel appliance offers a spacious 1.7 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for large meals and family dinners. Its powerful 1000-watt output and 10 cooking levels make preparing your favorite dishes a breeze. Plus, the built-in vent fan and light keep your cooking area clean and well-lit.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable.
- 1000 watts of power with 10 cooking levels and 6 quick-touch menus for easy cooking.
- Speedy cooking options like 1, 2, or 3-minute power boosts are super convenient.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle.
- A strong 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- The integrated light brightens your stovetop for safer and more enjoyable cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while strong, could be quieter for some users.
- Some users might prefer more advanced smart features or digital display options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen, blending powerful performance with user-friendly features. It simplifies meal prep and enhances your cooking experience significantly.
3. 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
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, offering convenience and peace of mind. This bundle provides a sleek stainless steel microwave with a generous 1.6 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking meals, or even just popping popcorn. It’s designed for easy use with intuitive controls. Plus, it comes with a special charcoal filter replacement for behind-the-door grilles, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh. The real highlight is the included 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra security on your investment.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep simple and fast.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan offers great value and security.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement, a thoughtful bonus.
- 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 snug for some over-the-range spaces.
- While convenient, the controls could be more advanced for some users.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of features and protection for your kitchen.
4. 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 1.7 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave Oven. This powerful microwave is designed to be your kitchen’s new best friend, handling everything from reheating leftovers to cooking full meals. Its sleek white finish fits into any kitchen decor, and its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.7 cubic feet of space easily fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- Six one-touch auto-cook menus simplify common cooking tasks like popcorn and defrosting.
- Speedy cooking options let you set 1, 2, or 3 minutes of full power with a single button press.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you program two different power levels and times for more complex recipes.
- A powerful 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- The built-in light illuminates your stovetop for safer and easier cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit loud for some users.
- The white finish, while classic, can show smudges and require frequent cleaning.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. It offers a great balance of features, capacity, and power for everyday cooking needs.
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 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design looks modern. This microwave makes cooking and reheating food simple and fast. It also helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature has 18 auto menus. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. The 12.5-inch turntable fits big dishes like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can choose from 10 power levels. This lets you heat food just the way you want it. The 1000W power heats food quickly.
- The 300 CFM ventilation fan is strong. It removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen effectively. The fan speed is also adjustable.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view while you cook on the stovetop.
- The Smart Touch Panel is easy to read and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the large size takes up a lot of space above the stove.
- While the auto menus are helpful, advanced cooks might prefer more manual control options for very specific recipes.
This Midea microwave oven is a fantastic appliance for busy households. It combines convenience with powerful performance, making meal prep a breeze.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Over-the-Range Microwave
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen with a new over-the-range microwave? These handy appliances do more than just heat up leftovers. They also act as a vent hood for your stovetop, helping to clear out smoke and smells. Choosing the right one can make cooking easier and your kitchen cleaner.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an over-the-range microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts.
- Ventilation Power: This is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). A higher CFM can clear out more smoke and odors. Look for at least 300 CFM for most kitchens.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically adjusts cooking time and power based on the food’s steam. It helps prevent over or undercooking.
- Turntable Size: A larger turntable can fit bigger dishes. Standard sizes range from 12 to 14 inches.
- Lighting: Good under-microwave lighting helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop. Some have bright LED lights.
- Convection Cooking: Some microwaves can also bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great space-saver!
- Control Panel: Look for a panel that is easy to read and use. Some have touch controls, while others have buttons.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave affect its durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to wipe clean. Porcelain enamel is another good option.
- Exterior: Stainless steel exteriors look sleek and resist fingerprints. Other options include black or white enamel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an over-the-range microwave better or worse.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better quality and customer service.
- Build Quality: A sturdy feel and well-fitting parts suggest a well-made appliance.
- Noise Level: Microwaves can be noisy. Check reviews for information on how loud they are.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth interiors and fingerprint-resistant exteriors make cleaning much easier.
- Installation: While not a direct quality factor, a microwave that’s hard to install can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
An over-the-range microwave can be a real kitchen workhorse.
- Quick Meals: Use it to reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, or pop popcorn.
- Stovetop Helper: The vent hood clears smoke, grease, and odors from your cooking. The light helps you see your pots and pans.
- Space Saver: It combines two appliances into one, freeing up counter space.
- Versatile Cooking: Models with convection cooking let you bake cookies or roast chicken.
Choosing the right over-the-range microwave means finding one that fits your cooking needs, kitchen size, and budget. Think about what you’ll use it for most and what features will make your life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-range microwave?
A: An over-the-range microwave heats food and also acts as a vent hood to remove smoke and smells from your stovetop.
Q: How powerful should the microwave be?
A: Most microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: What does CFM mean for the vent hood?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It measures how much air the vent hood can move. A higher CFM is better for clearing smoke and odors.
Q: Is sensor cooking useful?
A: Yes, sensor cooking is very useful. It senses steam from food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically, preventing overcooking.
Q: What is the best material for the inside of a microwave?
A: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Porcelain enamel is also a good choice.
Q: How do I know if the vent hood is strong enough?
A: For most kitchens, a vent hood with at least 300 CFM is recommended for good air circulation.
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking means the microwave can also bake and roast food like a regular oven, using a fan to circulate hot air.
Q: Should I worry about how loud the microwave is?
A: Yes, noise level can be important. Checking reviews can tell you if a microwave is unusually loud.
Q: Are stainless steel exteriors worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel exteriors look nice and are often fingerprint-resistant, making them easier to keep clean.
Q: Can an over-the-range microwave replace my oven?
A: An over-the-range microwave with convection cooking can handle some baking and roasting, but it usually doesn’t replace a full-sized oven for large meals.
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!