Imagine this: you’re whipping up a quick meal, and your kitchen feels a little… cramped. You glance at your countertop, wishing for more space. Sound familiar? For many home cooks, finding that balance between functionality and a spacious kitchen is a constant challenge. That’s where the over-the-stove microwave, also known as a microwave range hood, swoops in to save the day.
But let’s be honest, navigating the world of these kitchen workhorses can feel overwhelming. With so many brands, features, and sizes to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the details. You want a microwave that not only heats your food efficiently but also vents your kitchen air effectively and fits seamlessly into your cooking space. Finding the perfect match can feel like a treasure hunt, and the wrong choice can lead to frustration and a less-than-ideal kitchen experience.
Fear not! This guide is here to be your trusty compass. We’ll break down what makes a great over-the-stove microwave and help you understand the key features that matter most. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a model that makes your cooking easier, your kitchen air cleaner, and your culinary adventures more enjoyable. Get ready to discover the perfect partner for your stovetop!
Our Top 5 Over The Stove Microwave Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Stove Microwave Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This powerful 1.9 cu.ft. microwave boasts 1000 watts of cooking power and smart auto-cooking features. It’s designed to make meal prep a breeze for any busy household.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for many common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking simple.
- The 1000-watt power and ten different power settings allow for precise cooking.
- The bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop. You can see your cooking clearly.
- A powerful 400-CFM venting fan system effectively removes smoke and odors from your kitchen.
- The Turntable On/Off function is great for cooking larger dishes that might not fit on the turntable.
- It includes convenient features like 30-second express cooking and a child lock for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The installation instructions are only available online. Some users might prefer a printed manual.
- While it has many auto menus, a few more specialized options could be useful for some cooks.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a great combination of power and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for everyday cooking needs.
2. GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with Premium 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM7195SKSS 1.9 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Sensor Microwave Oven. This stylish stainless steel microwave offers a generous 1.9 cubic feet of space, perfect for heating up family meals or snacks. It comes with a special bundle that includes a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack, giving you extra peace of mind. This bundle adds a 2-year extended protection plan on top of the full manufacturer’s warranty, so you’re covered for a total of four years! It’s a smart choice for any home chef.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles large dishes easily.
- Special melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more a breeze.
- Easy clean interior with steam clean means less scrubbing.
- The included Recirculating Charcoal Filter Kit is ready to install.
- You get a fantastic 2-year extended protection plan in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, totaling four years of coverage.
- GE USA Authorized ensures you’re buying from a trusted source.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) might require careful measurement for some kitchen spaces.
This GE microwave bundle offers great value and advanced features for your kitchen. The extended protection plan makes it an even smarter investment for long-term use.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle. This bundle includes everything you need for convenient cooking and peace of mind. It’s a perfect fit for busy households.
What We Like:
- This microwave is GE USA authorized, meaning you get genuine quality.
- It comes with a 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack. This is in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, giving you extra security.
- You also get a charcoal filter replacement. This keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The 1.6 cu. ft. capacity is generous. It fits most common dishes.
- Convenience cooking controls make it easy to heat up food.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- The compact dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) are designed for over-the-range installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention specific cooking presets.
- More details on the “convenience cooking controls” would be helpful.
- The exact type of charcoal filter isn’t specified.
This bundle offers great value and extended protection for your new microwave. It’s a smart choice for adding functionality and style to your kitchen.
4. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 8.7/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel is a great addition to any kitchen. It helps you cook and reheat food quickly and easily. Its stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus makes cooking a breeze. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even defrost food. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity. This means it can hold big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.5-inch turntable is spacious.
- With 10 power levels and 1000W of cooking power, you can heat food just right.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It quickly removes cooking smells and smoke from your kitchen. You can adjust the fan speed too.
- A bright cooktop light shines on your stove. This lets you see clearly while you cook underneath.
- The smart touch panel is easy to use and understand.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the installation process a bit tricky without professional help.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some advanced users might want more customization options for specific recipes.
This Midea microwave oven is a solid choice for busy kitchens. It offers convenience and power for everyday cooking tasks.
5. 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the ThermoMate 30″ Over the Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty offers a spacious 1.9 cubic feet of cooking room, perfect for busy families. It packs a powerful 1000 watts for quick meals and has 11 power levels so you can cook anything just right. Plus, it helps clear your air while you cook!
What We Like:
- It has 1000 watts of cooking power and 11 power levels. This means you can adjust the heat from 0% to 100%, giving you great control.
- The 1.9 cu. ft. capacity is large. It can fit lots of food. A removable rack lets you cook more items at once.
- One-touch cooking buttons make meal prep easy. It has 9 auto-cook programs for things like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 400 CFM ventilation fan is strong. It removes smoke, steam, and smells from your kitchen.
- Built-in LED lighting shines on your stovetop. This helps you see what you’re cooking better.
- Sensor cooking automatically sets the best power and time for your food. This helps ensure your meals are heated perfectly.
- The removable glass turntable rotates food for even heating.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions are slightly different from the external dimensions, which might be confusing for some.
- While it has great features, the user interface for some of the advanced settings might take a little getting used to.
This ThermoMate microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both power and convenience.
Your Guide to Over-the-Stove Microwaves
Why Choose an Over-the-Stove Microwave?
An over-the-stove microwave, also called a range microwave or over-the-range (OTR) microwave, is a great way to save counter space. It sits right above your cooktop. This frees up room on your counter for food prep. These microwaves often have a built-in vent and light to help you while you cook. They are a popular choice for many kitchens.
Key Features to Look For
1. Venting System
This is super important. A good venting system pulls smoke, steam, and smells away from your stove. Some vents blow air up and out of your house (external venting). Others recirculate air through a filter (recirculating venting). Check if the microwave has a powerful fan. Look for CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings. Higher CFM means more air is moved.
2. Size and Capacity
Measure the space above your stove. Microwaves come in different widths, usually 30 inches. Also, think about how much food you cook. Smaller families might be fine with a 1.5 cubic foot capacity. Larger families or those who cook bigger meals might need 2.0 cubic feet or more.
3. Power (Wattage)
Wattage tells you how fast the microwave heats food. Most OTR microwaves are between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means quicker cooking. For most everyday tasks, 1000 watts is a good starting point.
4. Cooking Presets and Features
Many microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or pizza. Some have sensor cooking, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power. Other useful features include a turntable that rotates food for even heating, and child lock to keep little hands safe.
Important Materials
Most over-the-stove microwaves have an exterior made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean. Painted metal can be less expensive. The interior is usually a durable enamel coating or stainless steel. These materials are chosen because they are easy to wipe clean and can handle heat.
Factors That Affect Quality
Good Quality:
- Strong Vent Fan: A powerful fan that effectively removes cooking smells.
- Even Cooking: A turntable or inverter technology that cooks food evenly.
- Durable Build: Solid construction that feels sturdy and well-made.
- Easy Controls: Simple buttons and a clear display that are easy to use.
Reduced Quality:
- Weak Vent Fan: A fan that doesn’t clear the air well, leaving smells behind.
- Uneven Heating: Food that is hot in some spots and cold in others.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly.
- Confusing Controls: Buttons that are hard to understand or a display that is difficult to read.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using an over-the-stove microwave is very convenient. You can quickly reheat leftovers or cook a meal without taking up valuable counter space. The built-in vent helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh while you cook on the stovetop. Home cooks love having the microwave handy for quick tasks. It’s also great for small kitchens where space is limited. Families use them for heating up snacks for kids or preparing quick weeknight dinners. The light above the stove is also a nice bonus for seeing your cooking better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main purpose of an over-the-stove microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to cook food and save kitchen counter space. It also usually includes a vent fan and light for the stovetop below.
Q: How important is the venting system?
A: The venting system is very important. It removes smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen.
Q: What does CFM mean for a vent fan?
A: CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM means a stronger fan.
Q: What size microwave do I need?
A: You need to measure the space above your stove. Most are 30 inches wide. Consider how much food you usually cook for capacity.
Q: What is a good wattage for an over-the-stove microwave?
A: A good wattage is usually between 900 and 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
Q: What are cooking presets?
A: Cooking presets are special buttons on the microwave that are programmed for cooking specific foods easily.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect steam and automatically adjust the cooking time and power level for your food.
Q: What materials are common for over-the-stove microwaves?
A: Common materials for the outside are stainless steel or painted metal. The inside is usually enamel or stainless steel.
Q: How do I know if a microwave is good quality?
A: Good quality microwaves have strong vents, cook food evenly, are built solidly, and have easy-to-use controls.
Q: Are over-the-stove microwaves good for small kitchens?
A: Yes, they are excellent for small kitchens because they free up valuable counter space.
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!