Imagine this: you’re craving a quick meal, but your tiny kitchen offers no room for both a microwave and a full-sized oven. Sound familiar? For many of us, especially those living in apartments or smaller homes, finding cooking solutions that fit our space and our busy lives can feel like a culinary puzzle.
The truth is, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and sometimes, that heart feels a little cramped. You want the convenience of a microwave for speedy snacks and reheating, but you also need the cooking power of a stovetop. The problem? Finding that perfect appliance that does both without taking over your entire counter or breaking the bank. It’s a common frustration, and the search for the right “Stove Top Microwave,” or more accurately, a microwave that can sit on top of your existing stovetop, can be surprisingly tricky.
But what if we told you there’s a way to get the best of both worlds? In this post, we’re going to explore the world of microwaves designed to work harmoniously with your stovetop. We’ll break down what to look for, the different types available, and how to make sure you pick the one that’s perfect for your kitchen. Get ready to unlock more counter space and more cooking possibilities!
Our Top 5 Stove Top Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stove Top Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is an over-the-range microwave that can handle all your cooking needs. Its stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier and faster. It has a good amount of space inside for most dishes.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior is spacious. It fits a 12.4-inch turntable, perfect for larger plates and dishes. You can cook or reheat almost anything.
- 10 Cooking Levels & Quick Menus: With 1000 watts of power, you get 6 helpful quick menus. Settings for popcorn, drinks, melting, reheating, and defrosting are included.
- Speedy Cooking: Pressing buttons 1, 2, or 3 instantly starts the microwave at 100% power for 1 to 3 minutes. This is great for quick snacks.
- Multi-stage Cooking: You can set the microwave to cook in different stages. For example, it can cook at 90% power for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power for 5 minutes. This saves you time and attention.
- 300 CFM Vent Fan with Light: The powerful 2-speed vent fan sucks up smoke and smells. It keeps your kitchen air fresh. The built-in light shines brightly on your stovetop for better visibility while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ventilation Power: While the vent fan is good, it might not be strong enough for very heavy cooking or strong odors.
- Control Panel Simplicity: Some users might find the multi-stage cooking settings a bit complex at first.
The BLACK+DECKER EM044K6CE-SS is a solid choice for a kitchen upgrade. It offers convenience and power for everyday cooking tasks.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is more than just a cooking tool; it’s a convenient helper for all your meal prep needs. The bundle also includes a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. Plus, you get a charcoal filter replacement, perfect for keeping your kitchen air fresh.
What We Like:
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is great for most families.
- Convenience cooking controls make heating and cooking easy.
- It comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for added security.
- The included charcoal filter replacement helps maintain a fresh kitchen.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, ensuring quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking features.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great combination of style, function, and protection. It’s a smart choice for a more convenient kitchen experience.
3. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a generous capacity and smart features to make cooking a breeze. Its sleek design and powerful performance make it a fantastic addition to any home.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature comes with 18 Auto Menus. This makes cooking things like popcorn, pizza, or even just softening cream cheese incredibly simple. You can quickly prepare a variety of delicious meals without a lot of fuss.
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable are big enough to fit a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. This means you can easily cook larger dishes.
- With 1000W of power and 10-level power settings, you have great control over how your food is heated. This ensures perfect results every time.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong and effective. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh. You can also adjust the fan speed.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stovetop. This gives you a clear view of your cooking surface, making meal preparation safer and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more customization options for advanced cooking techniques.
- The Smart Touch Panel, while modern, could have a slight learning curve for those less familiar with touch interfaces.
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a powerful and user-friendly over-the-range microwave. It simplifies cooking with its smart features and keeps your kitchen air clean with its strong ventilation.
4. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave is designed to make cooking and cleaning a breeze. It comes with a special bundle that includes a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind. You’ll also get everything you need to install it, like a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
What We Like:
- You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus an extra 2-year extended protection plan from CPS. This means your microwave is covered for a long time.
- The 1.9 cu. ft. capacity is big enough to heat up large dishes or cook for your whole family.
- The melt feature takes the guesswork out of melting butter, chocolate, and other ingredients. It prevents burning.
- Cleaning is simple thanks to the easy-clean interior and steam clean option. Just add water and let it do the work.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product, so you know you’re getting quality.
- The recirculating charcoal filter kit is included, which is handy for kitchens without an outside vent.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are quite specific. Make sure to measure your kitchen space carefully before buying to ensure it fits perfectly.
- While the extended protection plan is great, it’s important to understand what it covers specifically.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience for any kitchen. Its smart features and excellent protection plan make it a wise choice.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cu. ft. stainless steel microwave packs a punch with 1000W of cooking power, making it perfect for busy families. Its smart features and space-saving design help you cook, reheat, and defrost with ease.
What We Like:
- High-Power Cooking: It has 1000W of power. This cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.7 cu. ft. size fits many dishes. You can reheat large meals or cook snacks.
- Multi-Functional Cooking: It offers special programs for vegetables, snacks, and potatoes. Auto cook is also an option.
- Advanced Defrosting: Time and weight defrost settings make thawing simple. Your food thaws just right.
- Rapid Cooking Features: The Quick +30 seconds button is super handy. Melt and soften functions are great for everyday tasks.
- Child Safety Lock: This feature keeps little hands safe. Your kitchen stays secure.
- User-Friendly Additions: An LED timer, vent fan, and stovetop light add convenience. It’s easy to use.
- Volume Control: You can adjust the sound alerts. Set it to your preference.
- Optimized Design: It installs over the range. This saves valuable counter space. It also looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Specifics on Vent Fan Power: The description mentions a vent fan, but doesn’t specify its CFM (cubic feet per minute). This is important for effective ventilation.
- Multi-Stage Cooking Detail: While “Multi-Stage Cooking” is listed as a feature, the description doesn’t explain how it works or its benefits in detail.
This Farberware microwave is a strong contender for any kitchen needing power and space-saving efficiency. It offers a great balance of features for everyday cooking needs.
Your Guide to Stove Top Microwaves: Cook Smart, Save Space
Tired of a cluttered kitchen? A stove top microwave, also known as an over-the-range microwave, is a fantastic solution. It mounts above your stove, freeing up valuable counter space. This guide helps you find the perfect one for your cooking needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Ventilation System: This is crucial. A good vent pulls smoke, steam, and cooking smells away from your kitchen. Look for powerful CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. Higher CFM means better ventilation. Some models offer recirculating vents if you can’t vent outside.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts.
- Capacity: Think about what you cook. Do you heat up leftovers or cook full meals? Microwaves come in different sizes, measured in cubic feet. A standard size is around 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures even heating. Most microwaves have this, but check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
- Lighting: A light under the microwave illuminates your stovetop. This is very handy for cooking.
- Control Panel: Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens. Choose what feels easiest for you to use.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and cleaning.
- Exterior: Most are made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable, but can show fingerprints.
- Interior: The inside cavity is usually made of painted metal or stainless steel. Stainless steel is easier to clean and more resistant to scratches.
- Door: The door has a glass window so you can see your food. The glass should be strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a stove top microwave great or not so great.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer support. Do a little research on brands you’re considering.
- Build Quality: A sturdy feel is a good sign. If it feels flimsy, it might not last long.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. Read reviews to see what users say about noise.
- Ease of Cleaning: Smooth interior surfaces and removable turntables make cleaning much easier.
- Installation: While not a direct quality factor of the microwave itself, a complicated installation process can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Stove top microwaves are perfect for small kitchens. They are ideal for:
- Heating and Reheating: Quickly warm up meals or drinks.
- Quick Cooking: Cook vegetables, melt butter, or make simple snacks.
- Defrosting: Thaw frozen foods before cooking.
- Stovetop Lighting and Ventilation: They provide light for your stove and vent steam and smells.
The user experience should be straightforward. You want to be able to set the time and power easily. Cooking presets make it simple for busy people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stove Top Microwaves
Q1: What is a stove top microwave?
A: A stove top microwave, also called an over-the-range microwave, is a microwave oven that mounts above your stove. It saves counter space.
Q2: Do I need special ventilation for a stove top microwave?
A: Yes, most models have a ventilation system. You can choose between models that vent outside or ones that recirculate air within your kitchen.
Q3: How much power does a stove top microwave need?
A: Most models range from 900 to 1200 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q4: How do I choose the right size?
A: Consider how much food you usually cook. Sizes are measured in cubic feet. Around 1.7 to 2.0 cubic feet is common for families.
Q5: Are cooking presets useful?
A: Yes, presets help you cook common foods like popcorn or potatoes without guessing. They simplify cooking.
Q6: What material is best for the interior?
A: Stainless steel interiors are generally easier to clean and more durable than painted metal.
Q7: How important is the ventilation CFM rating?
A: The CFM rating tells you how much air the vent can move. A higher CFM means it’s better at removing smoke and smells.
Q8: Can I install a stove top microwave myself?
A: Installation can be complex. It often requires mounting to wall studs and connecting to electrical and ventilation systems. Professional installation is recommended for safety.
Q9: How do I clean a stove top microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Removable turntables can be washed in the sink. Stainless steel exteriors may need a special cleaner to avoid streaks.
Q10: Are stove top microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels vary. Reading user reviews can help you find a quieter model. The fan for ventilation can also make noise.
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!