Imagine a kitchen where every inch counts. You’re whipping up a quick meal, but your counter space is already crowded with appliances. Sound familiar? For many of us, especially those in apartments or smaller homes, finding smart ways to maximize kitchen space is a daily challenge. That’s where the humble over-the-range microwave steps in, but choosing the *right* small one can feel like a puzzle.
The problem is, not all small over-the-range microwaves are created equal. You want something that fits perfectly, heats efficiently, and doesn’t look out of place, but wading through confusing specs and endless choices can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s easy to get lost in the details and wonder if you’re truly getting the best value for your money and your precious kitchen real estate.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to make your decision much easier. We’ll break down what really matters when you’re shopping for a small over-the-range microwave. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for, helping you find a model that saves space, cooks your food just right, and makes your kitchen work better for you. Let’s dive in and find your perfect fit!
Our Top 5 Small Over The Range Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Over The Range Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack brings convenience and peace of mind to your kitchen. This bundle not only includes a stylish stainless steel microwave but also a 2-year extended protection plan, ensuring your appliance is covered for longer. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, which is important for keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- You get a 2-year extended protection plan, which is awesome for added security.
- It comes with a charcoal filter replacement, so you’re ready to go.
- The microwave has a good 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, fitting most of your dishes.
- It offers easy convenience cooking controls for quick meals.
- The stainless steel look is sleek and modern for any kitchen.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, meaning you’re getting a genuine item.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) are for the filter grille, not the full microwave, which might cause confusion.
- More details about the “convenience cooking controls” would be helpful.
This bundle offers a solid microwave with great protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable kitchen appliance.
2. COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan
Rating: 8.8/10
The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS 24 in. Stellar Collection 1.34 cu. ft. Over the Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Vent Fan is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those looking for a space-saving and powerful appliance. It offers a generous 1.34 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for family meals or entertaining. The sleek stainless steel finish adds a modern touch, and it’s even RV friendly, making it a versatile choice for various living situations.
What We Like:
- It packs a punch with 1000 watts of power, letting you cook food quickly and evenly across 10 different power levels.
- The integrated range hood is a real lifesaver, it sucks up smoke, smells, and steam, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- You get handy touch presets for common tasks like melting butter, softening ice cream, defrosting ingredients, and popping popcorn.
- The sensor reheat and cook mode is super smart; it knows when your food is perfectly done and stops itself.
- It’s designed to fit over your range, saving valuable counter space.
- The RV friendly feature opens up a lot of possibilities for campers and travelers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a good capacity, some larger dishes might be a tight fit.
- The vent fan, while effective, could potentially be a bit noisy for some users.
This COSMO microwave is a powerful and convenient appliance that will simplify your cooking. It’s a smart choice for anyone seeking an efficient and stylish over-the-range microwave.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking is a versatile kitchen helper. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly above your stove. This microwave makes cooking and reheating meals a breeze with its powerful 1000-watt output and smart features.
What We Like:
- Large 1.7 cu. ft. capacity fits plenty of food, including a 12.4-inch turntable for bigger dishes.
- 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus make it easy to prepare popcorn, beverages, melt butter, reheat leftovers, and defrost food.
- Speedy cooking lets you set 1, 2, or 3 minutes of full power with just one touch.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for a single cooking cycle, saving you time.
- The 300 CFM vent fan quickly clears smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- A bright light shines down on your stovetop for better visibility while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan might be a bit loud for some users.
- The control panel could be more intuitive for advanced users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers convenience and power for all your cooking needs.
4. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, in a clean white finish, is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its generous 1.7 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals with ease. With a powerful 1000W cooking power, it heats and cooks food quickly and evenly, saving you precious time. This microwave offers a range of smart cooking options, from automatic reheating to specialized programs for veggies and potatoes. Plus, its over-the-range design frees up valuable counter space, making your kitchen feel more open and organized. It’s built for convenience and everyday use.
What We Like:
- Powerful Cooking: 1000W output cooks food fast.
- Large Capacity: 1.7 cu. ft. fits big dishes.
- Versatile Cooking: Many options like Veggies, Snack Menu, and Potato programs.
- Smart Defrost: Time and weight defrost work well.
- Quick Features: Speedy +30 seconds and Melt/Soften are very handy.
- Safety First: Child safety lock keeps kids safe.
- Kitchen Helpers: Includes an LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light.
- Adjustable Sound: You can control the volume of alerts.
- Space Saver: Mounts over the range, saving counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some users.
- The vent fan, while efficient, can be a bit noisy on the highest setting.
This Farberware microwave is a reliable and feature-rich appliance that simplifies meal preparation. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with efficiency and style.
5. Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Introducing the Midea MMO12S3ASTZ Over the Range Oven, a sleek and powerful addition to any kitchen. This 1.2 cubic foot microwave boasts a slim design that maximizes your cabinet space, offering a cleaner look and more room for storage. Its stainless steel finish adds a touch of modern style, while the 1000W heating power ensures fast and efficient cooking. Plus, with a 400 CFM vent fan, it effectively tackles kitchen odors and steam, keeping your cooking environment fresh.
What We Like:
- Slim for more space: The microwave’s slim body frees up valuable overhead space, giving you more room for your cabinets.
- Voice control & Smarthome compatible: You can control the microwave using your voice or the SmartHome APP, making cooking more convenient.
- Notifying and remotely control: The app lets you easily control cooking and ventilation from anywhere, and it even tells you when your food is ready.
- Sensor Cook & Sensor Reheat: For the best taste: Smart steam sensing technology figures out the best cooking time and power automatically, so your food tastes great every time.
- Auto cook menu: Easily make delicious meals with just the touch of a button using the pre-programmed auto cook options.
- Powerful Vent Fan: The 400 CFM vent fan efficiently removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart features might require a stable Wi-Fi connection for full functionality.
- While slim, some users might prefer a larger capacity microwave for bigger meals.
The Midea MMO12S3ASTZ is a fantastic option for those seeking convenience and space-saving design in their kitchen. Its smart features and efficient performance make cooking and ventilation a breeze.
Finding Your Perfect Small Over-the-Range Microwave
Why Choose a Small Over-the-Range Microwave?
Small over-the-range (OTR) microwaves are a fantastic choice for kitchens where space is tight. They save precious counter space by mounting right above your stove. This keeps your cooking area clear and organized. They also often include a built-in vent to help clear smoke and smells from your stovetop. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
This is the most important factor for a “small” OTR microwave. Measure the space above your stove carefully. You need to know the width, height, and depth. Small microwaves typically range from 20 to 24 inches wide. Their interior capacity is usually around 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet. Think about what you’ll be cooking. Do you just reheat leftovers, or do you want to cook a whole chicken?
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a small OTR microwave, 900 to 1000 watts is a good range. This is enough for most everyday tasks.
3. Venting Options
Most OTR microwaves have a fan to vent smoke and steam. You’ll need to decide if you want to vent it outside your home (external venting) or recirculate the air inside your kitchen (recirculating venting). External venting is more effective at removing odors and smoke. Check if the microwave is convertible for both options.
4. Cooking Presets and Sensor Cooking
Many microwaves come with preset cooking options for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. Sensor cooking is a great feature. It uses sensors to detect moisture and humidity to automatically adjust cooking time and power. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
5. Turntable and Interior Light
A turntable helps food cook evenly by rotating it. Most small OTR microwaves have a turntable. An interior light lets you see your food as it cooks. This is helpful for monitoring progress.
Important Materials
The exterior of most OTR microwaves is made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. Painted metal can be more affordable. The interior is usually a ceramic enamel or stainless steel. Ceramic enamel is easy to clean and scratch-resistant. Stainless steel interiors are very durable but can be harder to clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Microwave Great:
- Solid Construction: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Efficient Venting: A powerful fan that effectively removes smoke and odors is key.
- Even Cooking: The microwave should heat food consistently without hot spots.
- Easy Controls: Buttons should be clearly labeled and easy to understand.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy fan can be distracting. Look for models known for quiet performance.
What Can Make a Microwave Less Ideal:
- Flimsy Build: Thin materials and wobbly parts can indicate lower quality.
- Weak Venting: If the fan is not strong enough, your kitchen might still fill with smoke.
- Uneven Heating: Food that is cold in the middle and hot on the edges is frustrating.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or unclear labels can make it hard to use.
- Loud Fan Noise: A very loud fan can be unpleasant.
User Experience and Use Cases
A small OTR microwave is perfect for singles, couples, or small families. It’s ideal for reheating meals, making quick snacks, and cooking simple dishes. If you have a smaller kitchen or want to maximize counter space, this is a smart choice. Users appreciate the convenience of having a microwave readily available without it taking up valuable counter real estate. It also offers a clean look, especially when integrated with your kitchen design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the standard width for a small over-the-range microwave?
A: The standard width for small OTR microwaves is usually between 20 and 24 inches.
Q: How much interior space do small OTR microwaves typically offer?
A: Small OTR microwaves generally have an interior capacity of about 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet.
Q: Is 900 watts enough power for a small microwave?
A: Yes, 900 watts is generally considered good power for a small OTR microwave and can handle most cooking needs.
Q: What’s the difference between external and recirculating venting?
A: External venting pushes air outside your home, while recirculating venting filters and returns air to your kitchen.
Q: Should I choose a model with sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking is a great feature that automatically adjusts cooking times, making it easier to get perfect results.
Q: How do I know if a microwave will fit above my stove?
A: You need to measure the space above your stove carefully and compare it to the microwave’s dimensions.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to clean?
A: Stainless steel exteriors can show fingerprints, but they are usually easy to wipe clean. Interior stainless steel can require more scrubbing than ceramic.
Q: What are the benefits of a turntable?
A: A turntable rotates your food, which helps it cook more evenly.
Q: Can I cook complex meals in a small OTR microwave?
A: While you can cook many things, very large dishes or complex recipes might be challenging due to the smaller size.
Q: How important is the fan speed on an OTR microwave?
A: Fan speed is very important for effective ventilation. Higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings mean more air is moved.
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!