Imagine this: You’re craving a quick, hot meal, but your kitchen feels too cramped. Or maybe you’re tired of your old microwave taking up precious counter space. Choosing a stove top microwave can feel like a puzzle, with so many models and features to consider. It’s a common kitchen dilemma, especially when you want to save space without sacrificing convenience.
Finding the perfect stove top microwave means finding one that fits your kitchen, your cooking style, and your budget. You want it to be easy to use, powerful enough for your needs, and look good too. This can be tricky because there are so many choices! But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know. We’ll explore different types of stove top microwaves, what makes them special, and how to pick the best one for your home. Get ready to find a kitchen helper that makes mealtime a breeze!
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
Upgrade your kitchen with the sleek and powerful BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven. This 1.7 cu. ft. stainless steel microwave is designed to be your go-to appliance for quick meals and efficient cooking, all while saving valuable counter space.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.7 cu. ft. capacity easily fits large dishes and a 12.4-inch turntable handles family-sized meals.
- 1000 watts of power and 10 cooking levels, including handy presets for popcorn, beverages, and defrosting, make cooking simple.
- Quick Start buttons (1, 2, 3) let you microwave at full power for 1 to 3 minutes with a single touch.
- Multi-stage cooking lets you set different power levels and times for one cooking cycle, saving you time.
- A strong 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively clears smoke and odors from your kitchen, and the built-in light illuminates your stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan, while powerful, might be a bit noisy for some users.
- The control panel, while functional, could be more intuitive for users unfamiliar with multi-stage cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and performance. It’s a solid choice for busy households that need a reliable and feature-rich over-the-range microwave.
2. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.3/10
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 and faster. This microwave offers a spacious interior and powerful features, all wrapped up in a sleek stainless steel finish.
What We Like:
- The one-touch-cook feature with 18 auto menus makes cooking simple. You can easily make popcorn, pizza, or even cook a potato without guessing.
- It has a large 1.7 cu.ft. capacity and a 12.5-inch turntable. This means you can fit bigger items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside.
- With 10 power levels and 1000W of cooking power, you get precise control for all your heating needs.
- The 300 CFM ventilation system is strong. It quickly removes smoke and odors from your kitchen, keeping the air fresh.
- A bright cooktop light shines down on your stove. This gives you a clear view while you’re cooking on the stovetop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the auto menus are convenient, some users might prefer more control over exact cooking times and temperatures for certain dishes.
- The ventilation fan, while powerful, can be a bit noisy on its highest setting.
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS microwave oven offers a lot of convenience and power. It’s a solid choice for busy households that want to simplify meal preparation.
3. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 8.5/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers plenty of space for your meals and comes with a helpful extended warranty for your peace of mind. Plus, it includes a charcoal filter to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most meals.
- Convenience cooking controls make meal prep easy.
- Comes with a 2-year extended protection plan for extra security.
- Includes a charcoal filter replacement for fresh air.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern.
- It’s from GE, a trusted brand in appliances.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- The “convenience cooking controls” could be more detailed in their description.
This bundle provides excellent value with its spacious microwave and long-term protection plan. It’s a smart choice for upgrading your kitchen and ensuring worry-free use.
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: 9.5/10
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 families. It comes with a special bundle that includes a premium 2-year extended protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. This microwave makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.9 cu. ft. capacity handles large meals and dishes.
- Special Melt feature makes melting butter, chocolate, and more simple and mess-free.
- Easy clean interior with steam clean makes wiping up spills quick and effortless.
- The included 2-year extended protection plan offers fantastic value and security.
- It’s a GE USA authorized product, ensuring quality and support.
- The recirculating charcoal filter kit is included, ready for installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (16 5/16 H x 29 7/8 W x 15 9/16 D) require specific cabinet space.
- While the steam clean is easy, some very tough stains might still need manual scrubbing.
This GE microwave bundle is a smart investment for any kitchen. Its user-friendly features and extended warranty make it a reliable and convenient choice.
5. COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent Fan
Rating: 8.9/10
The COSMO COS-2413ORM1SS Over the Range Microwave Oven with Vent Fan is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of space at 1.34 cubic feet and powerful cooking with 1000 watts. This microwave helps you cook and reheat food quickly and efficiently. It also looks sleek with its black and stainless steel finish, fitting nicely above your stove.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking capability heats food evenly.
- The 1.34 cu. ft. capacity holds a good amount of food.
- The integrated vent fan effectively removes smoke, odors, and steam from your kitchen.
- Convenient touch presets make tasks like melting, softening, and defrosting simple.
- Sensor reheat and cook modes automatically stop cooking when food is ready, preventing overcooking.
- The RV-friendly design makes it a versatile option.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 24-inch width might be a tight fit for some standard cabinets.
- While powerful, some users might prefer even more wattage for very fast cooking.
This COSMO microwave oven is a smart choice for those seeking both cooking power and kitchen ventilation. It makes meal preparation easier and keeps your cooking space fresh.
Stove Top Microwave: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Thinking about a stove top microwave? This guide will help you choose the perfect one.
A stove top microwave, also known as an over-the-range microwave, sits above your stove. It’s a smart way to save counter space. These microwaves do more than just heat food. Many also act as range hoods to clear smoke and smells. Let’s dive into what makes a great stove top microwave.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Measure the space above your stove before you buy. Most over-the-range microwaves are about 30 inches wide. The inside capacity is measured in cubic feet. A larger family might need a bigger microwave, like 1.7 to 2.2 cubic feet. Smaller households can get by with 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most stove top microwaves have between 900 and 1200 watts. For everyday tasks like reheating leftovers or making popcorn, 900 watts is usually enough. If you plan to cook more complex meals, aim for 1000 watts or more.
3. Venting Options
This is a big one! Stove top microwaves often have a built-in vent. This vent pulls smoke, steam, and smells from your stove.
- Recirculating: This type uses a filter to clean the air and blows it back into the kitchen. It’s easier to install.
- Vented to the Outside: This is the best option. It pushes air outside your home. It needs a duct to connect to an exterior wall or your roof.
Check if the fan speed is adjustable. A quieter fan is always a plus.
4. Cooking Presets and Sensor Cooking
Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or pizza. Sensor cooking is even smarter. It detects the moisture in your food and adjusts cooking time and power automatically. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
5. Turntable or Recessed Turntable
A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some microwaves have a large, fixed glass tray. Others have a smaller, recessed turntable that can be turned off for larger dishes. If you cook a lot of bulky items, this feature matters.
6. Interior Lighting
Good lighting inside the microwave makes it easy to see your food as it cooks. Many models also have a light that shines down onto your stovetop. This is very helpful when you’re cooking on the stove.
Important Materials
The outside of most stove top microwaves is made of stainless steel. This material looks sleek and is easy to clean. Some models might have plastic parts, especially on the control panel. Stainless steel is generally more durable and resists fingerprints better.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better parts and have more reliable products.
- Build Quality: A microwave that feels solid and well-made will likely last longer. Check for sturdy doors and smooth controls.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy fan or microwave can be annoying. Look for reviews that mention how quiet the unit is.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: A non-stick interior coating makes cleaning up spills much easier.
Reducing Quality:
- Flimsy Construction: If the microwave feels wobbly or the door doesn’t close properly, it might not be built to last.
- Weak Ventilation: A weak fan won’t clear smoke and smells effectively.
- Complex Controls: If the buttons are hard to understand or use, it can be frustrating.
- Poor Heating: Some microwaves just don’t heat food evenly or quickly, no matter the wattage.
User Experience and Use Cases
A stove top microwave is perfect for small kitchens where counter space is precious. It’s great for quick meals, reheating, and defrosting. If you often cook on your stovetop, the built-in range hood is a game-changer. It keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
Families use them for everything from heating up kids’ snacks to making popcorn for movie nights. Busy professionals appreciate the speed and convenience for preparing meals after a long day. Even aspiring chefs can use the sensor cooking features for more precise results.
Installation can be a bit tricky, especially for vented models. You might need professional help. But once it’s in, the convenience is well worth it.
Choosing the right stove top microwave means thinking about your needs. Consider how much you cook, the size of your kitchen, and what features are most important to you. With this guide, you’re ready to find a microwave that makes your kitchen life easier!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a stove top microwave?
A: Its main purpose is to heat and cook food quickly while also saving valuable counter space in your kitchen. Many also act as a range hood to remove smoke and odors.
Q: How do I know what size microwave to buy?
A: Measure the space above your stove. Most are about 30 inches wide. Also, consider the inside capacity in cubic feet based on how much food you usually heat.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better?
A: Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most tasks, 900-1000 watts is good. If you cook a lot, more wattage can be helpful.
Q: What’s the difference between recirculating and externally vented microwaves?
A: Recirculating microwaves filter and return air to the kitchen. Externally vented microwaves push air and smells outside your home, which is more effective.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect moisture and automatically adjust cooking time and power for better results.
Q: Do I need a turntable in my microwave?
A: A turntable helps food cook more evenly. Some microwaves have a fixed one, while others have a removable or recessed option for larger dishes.
Q: Can a stove top microwave replace my current range hood?
A: Yes, most stove top microwaves have a built-in range hood that can vent smoke and smells from your stove.
Q: How do I clean a stainless steel microwave?
A: Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water or a specialized stainless steel cleaner. Always wipe in the direction of the grain.
Q: Are stove top microwaves difficult to install?
A: Installation can be complex, especially for vented models that require ductwork. Professional installation is often recommended.
Q: What are the benefits of having a microwave above the stove?
A: The biggest benefit is saving counter space. It also keeps your cooking area organized and provides a convenient ventilation system for your stove.
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!