Tired of your kitchen counter being cluttered with appliances? Do you wish you had more space to chop vegetables or set down a hot pot? For many of us, finding a microwave that fits our needs and our kitchen layout feels like a puzzle. That’s where an over-the-range microwave comes in handy.
Choosing the perfect over-the-range microwave can be tricky. You want one that heats food well, looks good, and is easy to use. But with so many brands and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might worry about getting one that’s too big, too small, or doesn’t have the power you need. This guide is here to help you sort through it all.
By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a great over-the-range microwave. We’ll explore the important features to look for and what makes some models stand out from the rest. Get ready to find the microwave that will make your cooking life easier and give you back valuable counter space!
Our Top 5 Rated Over The Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Over The Oven Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This spacious 1.9 cu.ft. microwave packs a powerful 1000-watt punch and offers a variety of features to make cooking easier. It fits right over your stove, saving counter space. The sleek design looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food quickly.
- Pre-programmed auto menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The 400 CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- Bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop, making cooking safer and easier.
- The turntable On/Off function lets you fit larger dishes, perfect for family meals.
- Ten power settings give you control over your cooking.
- The 30-second express cooking is great for quick reheating.
- A child lock feature provides peace of mind for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online, which might be less convenient for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for busy kitchens, offering convenience and power. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
2. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is perfect for cooking meals and warming up leftovers. It comes as a special bundle, including a 2-year extended protection plan, giving you peace of mind. You also get a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Plenty of space with its 1.6 cu. ft. capacity for all your cooking needs.
- Easy-to-use controls make it simple to select cooking times and options.
- The bundle includes a 2-year extended protection plan, so you’re covered for longer.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement for better air quality.
- The stainless steel finish looks modern and fits well in most kitchens.
- Convenience cooking features help you prepare meals quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, while good, might be too small for very large dishes or multiple items at once.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable over-the-range microwave with added protection.
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: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for heating family-sized meals or preparing snacks. It comes bundled with a premium 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. This bundle ensures you’re covered with an extended service plan on top of the already included manufacturer’s protection, making it a smart and secure investment for your home.
What We Like:
- Massive 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles big dishes easily.
- Special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more a breeze.
- Steam clean interior makes cleanup simple and quick.
- It’s an authorized GE USA product, so you know it’s genuine.
- You get a full manufacturer’s warranty plus an extra 2-year extended protection plan for total security.
- Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit, ready for installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are quite large, so measure your space carefully before buying.
- While it has a melt feature, it doesn’t have a popcorn button, which some users might miss.
This GE microwave bundle provides great capacity and convenient features. The extended protection plan makes it an excellent value for long-term kitchen confidence.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel microwave is packed with features to make cooking a breeze. Its smart touch panel and auto cooking menu take the guesswork out of preparing your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus is super convenient. You can easily make popcorn, heat up pizza, defrost food, soften cream cheese, and cook rice or potatoes. It helps you make tasty dishes fast.
- Its large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and 12.5-inch turntable easily fit big items like a rotisserie chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You get 10 levels of power settings, including a powerful 1000W output, so you can heat food exactly how you need it.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system with adjustable fan speeds is strong. It quickly gets rid of cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen.
- A bright cooktop light shines down, giving you a clear view of your stovetop while you cook.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are great, some users might prefer more customization options for specific recipes.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints and may require frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This Midea microwave oven offers a great combination of convenience and power for any kitchen. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking for efficient cooking and ventilation.
5. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek black is a powerful and space-saving addition to any busy kitchen. Its 1.7 cu. ft. capacity and 1000W cooking power handle everything from quick snacks to full family meals with ease. This microwave is designed for convenience and safety, making meal prep simpler and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly and evenly with its 1000W power.
- The large 1.7 cu. ft. interior fits many dishes.
- It has many cooking options like auto cook and a potato program.
- Defrosting is smart with time and weight settings.
- The Quick +30 seconds button is handy.
- The melt/soften feature is great for butter or cheese.
- A child safety lock keeps little hands out.
- The LED display and vent fan are helpful.
- You can adjust the volume of the alerts.
- It saves counter space by mounting over the stove.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a microwave with more advanced smart features.
- The user manual could be clearer for complex functions.
This Farberware microwave offers a fantastic blend of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s an excellent choice for families looking to maximize kitchen space while enjoying efficient cooking.
Choosing the Best Over-The-Oven Microwave: Your Ultimate Guide
An over-the-oven microwave, also known as a range microwave, is a super handy appliance. It cooks, reheats, and defrosts food. Plus, it frees up your counter space. This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooking Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 800 to 1200 watts. 1000 watts or more is great for most tasks.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food can fit inside. Small kitchens might need a 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet model. Larger families or those who cook big meals will want 1.6 cubic feet or more.
- Ventilation System: This is crucial! Over-the-oven microwaves vent cooking fumes from your stovetop. Look for adjustable fan speeds and good CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings. Higher CFM means better air clearing.
- Convenience Features: Many microwaves come with helpful extras like sensor cooking (adjusts time and power automatically), turntable (for even cooking), presets for popcorn or baked potatoes, and child lock.
- Lighting: A good light under the microwave helps you see what’s cooking on your stovetop.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and ease of cleaning.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is popular. It looks sleek and resists fingerprints. Other options include enamel-coated steel.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic or porcelain enamel interiors are also common and resist scratches and stains.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a microwave better or not so good.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer service.
- User Reviews: Read what other people say. Reviews highlight common problems or things people love.
- Build Quality: A sturdy feel, smooth door operation, and well-integrated controls suggest good build quality. Flimsy parts can be a sign of lower quality.
- Warranty: A longer warranty usually means the manufacturer stands behind their product.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use the microwave.
- Everyday Reheating: If you just reheat leftovers, a basic model with good power is fine.
- Stovetop Cooking: If you do a lot of stovetop cooking, a powerful ventilation system is a must.
- Baking and Roasting: Some over-the-oven microwaves have convection cooking, which lets you bake and roast like a regular oven. This is a great feature if you have limited oven space.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls make daily tasks quick. Sensor cooking takes the guesswork out of preparing certain foods.
By considering these points, you’ll find an over-the-oven microwave that fits your kitchen and your cooking style perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of an over-the-oven microwave?
A: The main benefit is saving counter space. It also acts as a vent for your stovetop.
Q: How much cooking power do I need?
A: Most people are happy with 1000 watts or more. It cooks food faster.
Q: What does “cubic feet” mean for microwave size?
A: Cubic feet measures how much food can fit inside the microwave. Bigger numbers mean a larger interior.
Q: Why is the ventilation system so important?
A: It pulls smoke, steam, and smells from your stovetop cooking up and out of your kitchen.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam and automatically adjust cooking time and power for perfect results.
Q: Is stainless steel better for the exterior?
A: Stainless steel looks nice and is often resistant to fingerprints, making it easier to keep clean.
Q: Should I worry about the microwave’s noise level?
A: Yes, some microwaves can be noisy, especially the fan. Check reviews for comments on noise.
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, allowing you to bake and roast foods like in a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Stainless steel interiors may need a special cleaner.
Q: How long should an over-the-oven microwave last?
A: With proper care, an over-the-oven microwave can last 7 to 10 years or even longer.
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!