Imagine this: You’re in your kitchen, ready to heat up leftovers, but your countertop is already packed with appliances. Where can your microwave go without taking up precious space? This is a common kitchen dilemma, and it’s where under-cabinet microwaves shine.
Choosing the perfect under-cabinet microwave can feel like a puzzle. You want something that fits your kitchen’s style, has the right features, and, most importantly, mounts securely and safely. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices, from different sizes and brands to ventilation styles.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from measuring your space to understanding ventilation options. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking an under-cabinet microwave that makes your kitchen more functional and looks great too.
Our Top 5 Microwave Under Cabinet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Under Cabinet 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 spacious 1.9 cu.ft microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power, making it a powerhouse for all your heating and cooking needs. Its sleek design fits perfectly over your range, saving valuable counter space. Enjoy effortless cooking with pre-programmed auto menus and a powerful venting system.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu.ft capacity handles large dishes and family meals.
- 1000 watts of power cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus simplify cooking for popular items like popcorn, pizza, and vegetables.
- A 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop.
- The Turntable On/Off function provides flexibility for cooking larger items.
- Easy-to-use controls with 30-second express cooking and a child lock feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be inconvenient for some users.
- While it has many features, some users might prefer more advanced customization options for cooking times and power levels beyond the preset menus.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for anyone looking for a feature-rich and powerful over-the-range option. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen fresh.
2. 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 Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle gives you a sleek, stainless steel microwave and a 2-year extended protection plan. It’s designed for convenience and makes cooking easier. Plus, it comes with a charcoal filter replacement, so you’ll always have fresh air in your kitchen. This microwave fits right over your stove, saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for cooking family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make it simple to heat and prepare food.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for peace of mind.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- Sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- Over-the-range design saves counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit tight for some kitchen spaces, so measure carefully.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their kitchen’s functionality and style.
3. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is designed for convenience and performance. It offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals or reheating leftovers. Plus, this bundle includes a fantastic 2-year extended protection plan on top of the manufacturer’s warranty, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Huge 1.9 cu. ft. capacity to fit all your food.
- Special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more super easy.
- Steam clean interior makes cleaning a breeze.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit.
- Includes a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for some smaller kitchens.
- The extended protection plan, while a great bonus, adds to the overall cost.
This GE microwave bundle is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering ample cooking space and a great protection plan. You’ll love how easy it is to cook and clean.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It brings convenience and power right to your stovetop, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great, and the smart touch panel makes it easy to use.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus is incredibly helpful. You can easily make popcorn, cook a potato, or even soften cream cheese with just a touch. This makes cooking and preparing food much faster and simpler.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft capacity. This means you can fit big dishes inside, like a whole rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.5-inch turntable ensures even cooking for these larger items.
- With 1000W of power and 10 different power levels, you can heat your food exactly how you want it. Whether you need a gentle warm-up or a quick reheat, this microwave handles it all.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is powerful. It effectively removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh. You can adjust the fan speed too.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view of your cooking, which is very useful when you’re preparing meals on the stovetop below.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are great, some users might want more customization options for advanced cooking.
- The stainless steel finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping to maintain its shine.
This Midea over-the-range microwave is a smart choice for busy households. It combines powerful cooking, effective ventilation, and user-friendly features to simplify your kitchen routine.
5. GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven 700 Watts
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE JEM3072SHSS Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a good balance of power and size, making it ideal for everyday cooking needs without hogging counter space. Its sleek stainless steel design also looks great on your countertop.
What We Like:
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: The 700-watt power and 0.7 cubic feet capacity cook food well and efficiently. It doesn’t take up much room, which is great for smaller kitchens. The glass turntable spins food for even cooking.
- FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION: You can simply place it on your counter, or you can install it under a cabinet for even more space savings.
- CONVENIENT CONTROLS: It’s easy to use with one-touch buttons. The Instant On feature lets you start cooking quickly. It also has a kitchen timer, a child lock for safety, and alarms that let you know when your food is ready.
- EASY AUTO OR MANUAL DEFROST: Defrosting is a breeze. You can choose automatic settings or set the time and power yourself for perfect results every time.
- SOLID, SLEEK DESIGN: The microwave looks very nice. It has clean lines, an electronic keypad, and a stainless steel finish with black glass that makes it stand out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple items at once.
- While it offers flexible installation, the under-cabinet mounting might require specific hardware not always included.
This GE microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and stylish appliance. It makes cooking and defrosting simple and convenient.
Your Smartest Kitchen Upgrade: The Under-Cabinet Microwave Buying Guide
Tired of your countertop being cluttered? An under-cabinet microwave can be a real kitchen game-changer. It frees up valuable counter space and keeps your cooking area looking neat and tidy. Let’s dive into what makes a great under-cabinet microwave.
Why Choose an Under-Cabinet Microwave?
Under-cabinet microwaves are perfect for smaller kitchens or for anyone who wants a more organized cooking space. They mount right above your stove or a dedicated cabinet, so they don’t take up any precious counter real estate. This makes your kitchen feel bigger and look much cleaner.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features. They will make your microwave easier and more enjoyable to use.
- Ventilation System: This is super important! A good ventilation system sucks up smoke and steam from your stovetop. Look for microwaves with powerful fans and good grease filters. This keeps your kitchen air fresh.
- Size and Capacity: Measure your space before you buy! Microwaves come in different widths and depths. You need to make sure it fits comfortably and still leaves enough room for cooking. Think about how much food you usually heat up. A family might need a larger one than a single person.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most under-cabinet microwaves have around 1000 watts, which is plenty for most tasks.
- Control Panel: Some control panels are simple and easy to use. Others have lots of fancy buttons. Choose one that makes sense to you. Touch screens can look modern but might be tricky for some.
- Lighting: A good light under the microwave helps you see what you’re cooking on the stovetop below.
- Turntable: A turntable rotates your food for even heating. Most microwaves have this, but check if it’s removable for easy cleaning.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave affect how it looks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is pretty durable. Stainless steel is also easy to wipe clean.
- Plastic: Some parts of the microwave might be made of plastic. Look for good quality, sturdy plastic that won’t warp or crack easily.
- Glass: The door window and the turntable are usually made of glass. Tempered glass is strong and safe.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make a big difference in how good your microwave is.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels solid. The doors should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive. If it feels flimsy, it might not last long.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be loud when they run or when the fan is on. Read reviews to see if people complain about noise. A quieter microwave is more pleasant to have in your kitchen.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for smooth surfaces inside and out. Removable filters and turntables make cleaning much simpler.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with well-known brands. They often have better customer service and make more reliable products.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave every day.
- Everyday Heating: For reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or heating up drinks, most microwaves will do the job well.
- Stovetop Ventilation: If you cook a lot on your stovetop, the ventilation is key. A strong fan will keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
- Easy Meal Prep: With the extra counter space, you’ll have more room to chop veggies or prepare ingredients.
- Small Kitchen Solutions: For apartments or small homes, an under-cabinet microwave is a smart way to save space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: The most important key features are a good ventilation system for your stovetop, the right size for your kitchen space, sufficient wattage for fast cooking, an easy-to-use control panel, good lighting for your stovetop, and a functional turntable for even heating.
Q: How do I know what size microwave I need?
A: Measure the space where you plan to install the microwave. Check the width, height, and depth of the opening. Also, consider how much food you typically heat to choose the right internal capacity.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for an under-cabinet microwave?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a popular choice because it looks modern, is durable, and is easy to clean. It often resists fingerprints better than other finishes.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage refers to the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means it can heat food faster and more efficiently. Around 1000 watts is standard and works well for most needs.
Q: How important is the ventilation system?
A: The ventilation system is very important for under-cabinet microwaves, especially if you plan to use it over your stovetop. It helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Q: Can I install an under-cabinet microwave myself?
A: Installation can be tricky and often involves working with electrical wiring and mounting securely. It’s usually recommended to have a qualified professional install it to ensure safety and proper function.
Q: What are the benefits of an under-cabinet microwave over a countertop model?
A: The main benefit is saving valuable counter space. It also keeps your kitchen looking tidier and can integrate nicely with your kitchen’s design.
Q: How do I clean an under-cabinet microwave?
A: Most under-cabinet microwaves have smooth interior surfaces. You can usually wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables and grease filters should be cleaned separately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Are under-cabinet microwaves noisy?
A: Noise levels can vary between models. Reading customer reviews can give you an idea of how loud a particular microwave is during operation and when its fan is on.
Q: What should I do if my microwave stops working?
A: First, check your circuit breaker. If that’s not the issue, consult your owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps. If problems persist, contact the manufacturer’s customer support or a qualified appliance repair technician.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!