Imagine a kitchen where cooking is a breeze, not a chore. That’s the promise of a wall microwave, but choosing the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. Do you go for sleek stainless steel or a cool black finish? How much power do you really need? Many people find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, worried about picking one that doesn’t fit their style or their cooking habits.
Don’t let the confusion stop you from upgrading your kitchen! This post is here to guide you through the maze of wall microwaves. We’ll break down what to look for, from size and features to how they actually perform. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick a wall microwave that makes your cooking easier and your kitchen look fantastic.
Let’s dive in and discover the best wall microwave for your home!
Our Top 5 Wall Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Wall 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: 9.3/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is more than just a cooking appliance; it’s a bundle designed for your convenience and peace of mind. It offers ample space for your meals and comes with features to make cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking presets simplify meal preparation.
- The bundle includes a 2-year extended protection plan for worry-free ownership.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, meaning quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This GE microwave bundle offers a great mix of capacity, convenience, and added protection. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen experience.
2. Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF 2.2 cu. ft. Built-in Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Frigidaire Gallery Series GMBS3068BF Built-in Microwave Oven. This spacious microwave offers a generous 2.2 cubic feet of cooking space, making it easy to heat up large meals or cook several items at once. Its smart sensor technology takes the guesswork out of cooking, automatically adjusting power and time for perfectly delicious results every time. The sleek design fits seamlessly into your cabinetry, giving your kitchen a modern, built-in look.
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What We Like:
- Generous 2.2 cu. ft. capacity fits big dishes.
- Smart sensors automatically set cook time and power for perfect meals.
- Built-in design offers a clean, integrated look in your kitchen.
- Fits standard cabinet openings with specific cutout dimensions.
- Available trim kits (sold separately) in 27″ and 30″ match your cabinetry.
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What Could Be Improved:
- Trim kit must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.
- The specific dimensions for installation require careful planning.
This Frigidaire microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking both style and smart functionality. It makes everyday cooking simpler and more efficient.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re looking to save counter space. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great and it packs a punch with 1000 watts of power for fast, even cooking. This microwave offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, so you can fit larger dishes easily. It also comes with helpful features like auto reheat and multi-stage cooking, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 1000W power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- The 1.7 cu. ft. capacity is large enough for most meals.
- It has many useful cooking options like auto cook and potato programs.
- The time and weight defrost is very smart.
- The Quick +30 seconds and melt/soften features are super handy.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The LED display, vent fan, and stovetop light make it easy to use.
- You can adjust the volume of the alerts.
- It saves space by mounting over the stove.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan could be more powerful for heavy cooking.
- More advanced cooking presets might be desired by some users.
This Farberware microwave offers a great mix of power, capacity, and user-friendly features. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting a reliable and space-saving cooking appliance.
4. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent and One-Touch Auto Cooking
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.7 cubic feet of space, making it easy to heat up meals or cook your favorite dishes. Its powerful 1000-watt output and 10 cooking levels handle everything from popcorn to defrosting with ease. Plus, the built-in vent fan and light keep your stovetop clean and well-lit.
What We Like:
- Large Capacity: The 1.7 cubic feet interior easily fits large dishes and includes a 12.4-inch turntable for even cooking.
- Versatile Cooking Options: With 10 cooking levels and 6 quick menus, you can easily prepare popcorn, beverages, reheat leftovers, and more.
- Speedy Cooking Features: Use the 1-3 minute quick cook option for instant heating needs.
- Multi-stage Cooking: Save time by programming two different power levels and cooking times in one go.
- Effective Venting and Lighting: The 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds efficiently removes smoke and smells, while the integrated light illuminates your cooking surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer on explaining all the advanced cooking features.
- Some users might find the 300 CFM vent fan a bit loud on its highest setting.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and power. It’s a great choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range microwave.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.5/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to make cooking easier with its smart features and powerful performance. This microwave helps you whip up meals quickly and efficiently, making busy weeknights much simpler.
What We Like:
- The “One-touch-cook” feature with 18 Auto Menus makes cooking simple. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost items. It helps you create delicious food without a lot of effort.
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable can hold big items like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. This means you don’t have to worry about fitting your favorite foods inside.
- With 10 different power levels and a strong 1000W output, you can control how your food heats up. This gives you flexibility for various cooking needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds is very effective. It quickly removes smoke and smells from your cooking, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- A bright light under the microwave lets you see your stovetop clearly while you’re cooking. This is helpful for safe and efficient meal preparation.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might find that they need to adjust cooking times or power levels for perfect results.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints and may require frequent cleaning to maintain its shine.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS offers a great combination of convenience and power for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Wall Microwave
Why Choose a Wall Microwave?
Wall microwaves are a smart choice for kitchens that want to save counter space. They look sleek and modern. You can install them above your range or in a cabinet. This keeps your countertops clear for cooking and prepping food. Wall microwaves often have powerful fans to help clear smoke and smells from your stove. They also have bright lights to illuminate your cooking area.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually heat. For families, a larger capacity microwave is better. For singles or couples, a smaller one might be enough.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. Over 1000 watts is good for quick reheating and cooking.
- Ventilation: If you plan to install it above your stove, look for a microwave with a good ventilation system. This helps remove cooking fumes and steam. Check the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rating. Higher CFM means better ventilation.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier and more precise.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some microwaves have a large turntable, while others have a smaller one. Some even have a turntable off option if you need to heat large rectangular dishes.
- Child Lock: This is a safety feature that prevents children from accidentally turning on the microwave.
Important Materials
Most wall microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or enamel-coated steel. Stainless steel looks very modern and is easy to clean. Enamel coatings are also durable and come in various colors. The inside is usually made of a non-stick coating, which makes cleaning spills much easier.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave will feel sturdy. Buttons should press smoothly. The door should open and close without feeling flimsy.
- Even Heating: A good microwave heats food evenly. You can test this by placing a mug of water inside and running it for a minute. Check if the water is hot all the way through.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite noisy, especially the fan. Look for reviews that mention the noise level if this is important to you.
- Ease of Cleaning: A microwave with a smooth interior and a removable turntable is much easier to clean.
User Experience and Use Cases
Wall microwaves are great for heating leftovers, making popcorn, or defrosting meat. They are also useful for cooking quick meals. Families can use them for reheating snacks for kids. Busy professionals can use them to prepare lunches quickly. If you love to cook on your stovetop, a wall microwave above it frees up valuable counter space. It also adds a professional look to your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best wattage for a wall microwave?
A: Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. Over 1000 watts is good for faster cooking.
Q: Do I need a microwave with good ventilation if I don’t put it over a stove?
A: No, good ventilation is mainly important if you install it above your stove to remove cooking smoke.
Q: How do I know if a wall microwave will fit my kitchen?
A: You need to measure the space where you plan to install it. Check the microwave’s dimensions before buying.
Q: Are stainless steel microwaves hard to clean?
A: Stainless steel can show fingerprints, but it’s generally easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Q: What does CFM mean for a microwave vent?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move. Higher CFM means better air cleaning.
Q: Can I cook full meals in a wall microwave?
A: Yes, many wall microwaves have advanced cooking features that let you cook various meals.
Q: Is a turntable important?
A: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some people prefer microwaves without one if they often cook large dishes.
Q: What is a good capacity size for a family?
A: For a family, a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet or larger is usually recommended.
Q: Are wall microwaves more expensive than countertop ones?
A: Generally, yes. They often have more features and a built-in design, which can increase the cost.
Q: What is the most important factor when buying a wall microwave?
A: The most important factor depends on your needs, but capacity and wattage are usually key considerations.
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!