Tired of juggling multiple kitchen appliances? Imagine a single device that can bake cookies, roast a chicken, and reheat leftovers, all while fitting neatly above your stove. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s exactly what an Over-the-Range (OTR) convection microwave offers!
But with so many models on the market, choosing the perfect OTR convection microwave can feel overwhelming. You want something that cooks evenly, has enough space, and fits your budget. Plus, figuring out which features are actually useful can be a real headache. We get it!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a great OTR convection microwave and feel confident picking the one that best suits your cooking needs and kitchen style. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen clutter and hello to a more versatile cooking experience!
Our Top 5 Otr Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Otr Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. CONTOURE RV Convection Microwave 1.6 cu.ft.
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your RV cooking experience with the CONTOURE RV Convection Microwave. This appliance offers powerful cooking and convenient features, making meal prep on the go a breeze. Its generous 1.6 cubic feet of space means you can easily heat up leftovers or cook full meals. The 1000-watt convection power cooks food quickly and evenly, giving you delicious results every time.
What We Like:
- Spacious 1.6 cu. ft. Interior: It fits larger dishes, so you can cook more or reheat bigger meals without a problem.
- 1000W Convection Power: This means your food cooks faster and gets nicely browned, just like in a regular oven.
- 4 Auto-Cook Menu Options: These presets make cooking simple. Just select your food, and the microwave does the rest.
- Express Cooking Function: Need food fast? The 30-second option heats things up in a flash.
- Even Heating with Removable Turntable: Your food heats up evenly all around. Plus, the turntable is easy to take out and clean.
- Easy Install: Setting it up in your RV is straightforward and hassle-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Auto-Cook Menus: While four options are helpful, more variety could be even better.
- LED Display Brightness: Some users might find the LED display a bit too bright in a dark RV.
The CONTOURE RV Convection Microwave is a solid choice for any RVer looking for a versatile and user-friendly cooking appliance. It simplifies meal preparation, allowing you to enjoy more time exploring.
2. Furrion 1.5 cu.ft OTR Convection Microwave Oven – Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Furrion 1.5 cu.ft OTR Convection Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel. This oven does more than just heat food; it’s a versatile cooking companion that offers convection baking alongside microwave power for faster, tastier meals. Its user-friendly design makes cooking a breeze for everyone.
What We Like:
- Multi Microwave Convenience Cooking Controls: These controls make using the oven quick and simple. You can easily select the right setting for your food.
- Automatic or Manual Defrosting: Get perfect results when defrosting. The oven can do it automatically or you can set it yourself.
- Speed Bake Convection and Microwave: This feature cooks food faster and gives you oven-quality results. It’s like having a mini oven in your microwave.
- Powerful Venting System: The two-speed, 300-CFM venting system effectively removes smoke, steam, and smells from your kitchen. Your kitchen stays fresh and clean.
- Universal Fit: With its dimensions of 99-1/2″ long x 19-1/8″ wide x 8-1/4″ deep, this microwave is designed to fit most over-the-range spaces. Installation is straightforward.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overall size, while designed for universal fit, might still be a tight squeeze for some specific kitchen layouts.
- While the controls are easy to use, a more detailed printed manual could be helpful for exploring all the advanced features.
The Furrion OTR Convection Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and advanced cooking capabilities. It simplifies meal preparation and keeps your kitchen air clean.
3. Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in sleek stainless steel. This microwave is more than just a way to heat food; it’s a smart cooking assistant that makes meal preparation a breeze. Its spacious interior and powerful features handle everything from quick snacks to full meals.
What We Like:
- Sensor Cooking Controls: These smart sensors automatically adjust cooking time and power levels for perfect results every time. No more guessing!
- Stainless Steel Interior: This durable and easy-to-clean surface looks great and stands up to tough messes.
- Convection Cooking: Bake, roast, and broil right in your microwave! This feature gives you more cooking options.
- Three-Speed, 300-CFM Venting System: Keep your kitchen air fresh and clean with powerful ventilation that handles steam and odors effectively.
- Over-the-Range Design: Save valuable counter space by mounting it above your stove. It also adds a professional look to your kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Convection: While versatile, mastering all the convection settings might take a little practice.
- Fingerprint Resistance: The stainless steel exterior, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily and requires regular wiping.
This Profile microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and advanced cooking capabilities. It’s a solid choice for those looking to improve their cooking experience.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a super versatile 4-in-1 microwave that’s more than just a microwave! It’s also an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven, all packed into one stylish stainless steel appliance. With 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, it’s perfect for busy kitchens, small apartments, or even dorm rooms. Plus, it has a handy child-lock feature to keep little ones safe.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: Get your favorite foods crispy and delicious without all the oil. It cooks faster too!
- Convection Mode: This mode uses a special rack to circulate air, making your food golden brown and evenly cooked, just like a regular oven.
- Broil Mode: Want that perfectly seared or caramelized finish? The built-in broiler does just that, giving you grill-like results.
- Preset Controls: Simple buttons for things like fries and nuggets make cooking a breeze, ensuring perfect results every time.
- Compact and Powerful: It fits easily on your countertop but still packs a punch with 1,050 watts of power for quick cooking.
- Two-Step Child Lock: This safety feature prevents accidental use, giving you peace of mind. You can turn it off if you don’t need it.
- Glass Turntable: It spins your food around for even cooking, so no more cold spots in your meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- The air fryer might take up some of the internal space, potentially limiting the size of larger items you can cook.
- While it has many functions, some users might find the learning curve for all the different modes a little steep initially.
This GE microwave is a true kitchen multitasker, offering convenience and great cooking performance. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone looking to save space and expand their cooking options.
5. ZLINE Over the Range Convection Microwave Oven in Black Stainless Steel with Modern Handle and Sensor Cooking
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the ZLINE Over the Range Convection Microwave Oven. This stylish appliance in Black Stainless Steel offers powerful ventilation and versatile cooking options. Its modern handle adds a touch of elegance, while sensor cooking ensures your food is perfectly prepared every time.
What We Like:
- The 2-speed ventilation system powerfully removes smoke and grease with up to 300 CFM airflow. You can set it up for external ducting or recirculating with extra filters.
- It has both microwave and convection modes. This lets you choose the best way to cook different foods for great results.
- One-touch cooking makes heating snacks and meals super easy. Just press a button!
- The DiamondTech Interior helps cook food evenly. It scatters microwaves to avoid cold spots.
- Built-in cooktop lighting makes it easy to see your stovetop.
- The durable glass turntable provides even heat distribution.
- An included convection rack helps you get golden-brown results when using convection.
- The Black Stainless Steel finish looks sleek and modern. It’s made with a strong coating that lasts.
- It comes with a 2-year parts warranty from the manufacturer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The charcoal filters for ductless conversion are sold separately.
This ZLINE microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It combines style, performance, and ease of use for a great cooking experience.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your OTR Convection Microwave Companion
So, you’re thinking about getting an Over-the-Range (OTR) convection microwave? That’s a smart move! These handy appliances do more than just reheat leftovers. They can bake, broil, and even roast, all while saving counter space. Let’s dive into what makes a great OTR convection microwave.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Convection Cooking: This is the star of the show! It means the microwave has a fan that circulates hot air. This helps food cook evenly and brown nicely, just like a regular oven. Look for models with adjustable temperature settings for convection.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a good balance, aim for 900-1000 watts.
- Capacity: How much food do you need to cook? Microwaves come in different sizes, usually measured in cubic feet. A 1.6 to 2.0 cubic feet capacity is pretty standard and works for most families.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures your food cooks evenly. Some larger models have a larger turntable or even a turntable-off option for bigger dishes.
- Ventilation: Since it’s over the range, good ventilation is a must. Look for powerful CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings to effectively remove smoke and steam from your stovetop. Also, check if it can recirculate air if you can’t vent it outside.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These can be very convenient.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature senses the moisture in your food and adjusts cooking time automatically. It takes the guesswork out of cooking.
- Interior Lighting: A bright interior light lets you see your food cooking without opening the door.
- Child Lock: This is a great safety feature to prevent little hands from accidentally turning the microwave on.
Important Materials
The materials used can affect durability and how easy the microwave is to clean.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is generally the best choice. It’s durable, easy to wipe clean, and doesn’t absorb odors as much as plastic.
- Glass Turntable: Most turntables are made of glass, which is sturdy and easy to clean.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel is popular for its sleek look and durability. Other options include black or white finishes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one microwave better than another?
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave will feel solid. Buttons should press smoothly, and the door should open and close with a satisfying click. Cheaply made microwaves can feel flimsy.
- Even Cooking: This is crucial. A good convection microwave will cook your food evenly, without hot spots or undercooked areas. Reviews often mention this.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior surface and removable turntable make cleaning much simpler. Stubborn stains can be a pain.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are reviewed as being quieter.
- User Interface: A confusing control panel can be frustrating. Look for a layout that makes sense and is easy to navigate.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you actually use your OTR convection microwave?
- Everyday Reheating: Of course, it’s great for reheating leftovers quickly.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or even make a small pizza. It’s like having a second oven!
- Broiling: Some models have a broil function, perfect for browning the tops of dishes.
- Saving Space: For smaller kitchens, mounting it over the range frees up valuable counter space.
- Quick Snacks: Need to toast a bagel or melt some cheese? It’s perfect for those quick jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave adds a fan and heating element to circulate hot air, allowing it to bake, roast, and brown food like a conventional oven.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can often use oven-safe metal cookware in convection mode. However, always check your microwave’s manual, as some manufacturers have specific guidelines.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my OTR convection microwave?
A: You can usually clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water can be effective. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
Q: What does CFM stand for in ventilation?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. It measures how much air the fan can move. A higher CFM rating means better ventilation for removing smoke and odors.
Q: How large of a dish can I fit in an OTR convection microwave?
A: This depends on the capacity of the microwave. Larger capacity models (around 2.0 cubic feet) can typically fit a 13-inch dinner plate or a small casserole dish.
Q: Do I need to vent my OTR microwave outside?
A: It’s best to vent outside for the most effective smoke and odor removal. However, if that’s not possible, many OTR microwaves can recirculate the air with a charcoal filter.
Q: How long do OTR convection microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and use, an OTR convection microwave can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
Q: Are OTR convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: They are generally quite energy efficient for their size and functionality. Using the convection feature can sometimes be more efficient than using a full-sized oven for smaller tasks.
Q: What are the benefits of sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking helps prevent overcooking or undercooking by automatically adjusting the cooking time and power based on the moisture released from the food.
Q: Is it difficult to install an OTR convection microwave?
A: Installation can be a bit tricky as it involves mounting it securely and connecting to your home’s ventilation. Many people hire a professional for installation, especially if they are not comfortable with electrical or mounting tasks.
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!