Ever wonder how that sleek appliance above your stove magically heats up your leftovers or roasts a potato in minutes? That’s the magic of a microwave oven over range, a true kitchen workhorse. But when it comes time to buy one, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want one that fits your kitchen, cooks food perfectly, and looks good, but sifting through all the features and brands can be a headache.
Choosing the right microwave oven over range is more than just picking a box that heats food. It’s about finding a balance between powerful cooking, efficient ventilation for your kitchen, and a design that complements your space. Many people struggle with deciding on the right size, the best ventilation power, or even the simplest controls. It’s easy to get lost in the jargon and end up with an appliance that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great microwave oven over range and guide you through the key features to consider. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing an appliance that makes cooking and ventilation a breeze. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these over-the-range models so essential for modern kitchens.
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Over Range Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Over Range Detailed Reviews
1. GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE JVM3160RFSS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This stainless steel beauty is a fantastic addition for busy households. It’s designed to make cooking and reheating meals quick and easy. Plus, this bundle gives you extra peace of mind with a 2-year extended protection plan!
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What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity handles family-sized meals.
- Convenience cooking controls simplify meal preparation.
- Comes with a charcoal filter replacement, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- The included 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack offers excellent value and security.
- It’s a GE USA Authorized product, meaning quality you can trust.
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What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions (13″D x 16″W x 9″H) might be a bit snug for some cabinet spaces, so measure carefully.
- While it offers convenience cooking, advanced features for gourmet chefs are not its focus.
This GE microwave bundle is a solid choice for anyone seeking reliable performance and added protection. It’s a practical upgrade that simplifies your daily cooking routine.
2. BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven with One Touch
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER EM044KB19 Over The Range Microwave Oven. This 1.9 cubic foot microwave offers 1000 watts of cooking power. It makes meal prep a breeze with its one-touch features and auto-cooking options. The sleek design fits perfectly over your stove, giving your kitchen a modern look.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed auto menus for all your favorite foods like popcorn, pizza, and frozen dinners.
- The 1000-watt power and ten different power settings let you cook exactly how you want.
- A handy 30-second express cooking button is great for quick reheating.
- The bright LED cooktop lighting illuminates your stovetop for safer cooking.
- The two-speed, 400-CFM venting fan effectively removes smoke and odors.
- You can turn the turntable on or off, which is perfect for cooking larger dishes.
- A child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The interior dimensions might feel a bit cramped for very large or bulky items.
- While the auto menus are helpful, some users might prefer more manual control over cooking times and temperatures for certain foods.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for most kitchens. It offers a good balance of features and convenience.
3. Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Farberware Over-the-Range Microwave Oven is a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel design not only looks great but also saves valuable counter space. With 1000 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly and evenly. The 1.7 cubic foot capacity is large enough for most family meals, and it comes with helpful features like auto reheat and multi-stage cooking.
What We Like:
- HIGH-POWER COOKING: Cooks food fast and evenly with 1000W of power.
- SPACIOUS INTERIOR: 1.7 cu. ft. fits a good amount of food.
- MULTIPLE COOKING OPTIONS: Great for veggies, snacks, and even potatoes!
- SMART DEFROSTING: Thaws food perfectly using time or weight.
- QUICK COOKING FEATURES: The +30 seconds button is super handy.
- CHILD SAFETY LOCK: Keeps little hands safe.
- USEFUL EXTRAS: Includes a bright LED display, vent fan, and stovetop light.
- ADJUSTABLE VOLUME: You can control how loud the beeps are.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Mounts over the stove, freeing up counter space.
What Could Be Improved:
- The vent fan could be more powerful for heavy cooking.
- Some users might prefer more advanced sensor cooking options.
This Farberware microwave is a powerful and practical choice for modern kitchens. It offers great performance and smart features that make cooking easier.
4. GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel
Rating: 9.1/10
The GE JVM3160RFSS 30″ Over-the-Range Microwave Oven in Stainless Steel is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s designed to make cooking and reheating food simple and efficient. This microwave offers a good balance of features and performance for everyday use.
What We Like:
- Generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity fits most dishes.
- Powerful 1000 Watts cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Auto and time defrost options make thawing food easy.
- Turntable On/Off control lets you decide if it spins.
- A two-speed, 300-CFM venting system effectively clears smoke and odors.
- Sleek stainless steel finish looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While powerful, some users might prefer even more precise power level adjustments.
This GE over-the-range microwave is a solid choice for busy households. It efficiently handles daily cooking needs while keeping your kitchen air fresh.
5. Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven with Smart Touch Panel
Rating: 9.4/10
The Midea MOR17BSA-SS 1.7 Cu.ft. Over The Range Microwave Oven brings convenience and power to your kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish and smart touch panel make it a stylish and easy-to-use appliance. This microwave is designed to simplify your cooking with a variety of helpful features.
What We Like:
- One-touch-cook with 18 Auto Menus: Easily prepare popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes. It also has settings for defrosting and softening cream cheese, making cooking efficient and simple.
- Large 1.7 cu.ft. Capacity: This microwave can fit big items like a whole rotisserie chicken and a 12-inch pizza, thanks to its spacious interior and 12.5-inch turntable.
- Powerful 1000W Cooking: With 10-level power settings, you can precisely control the heating for all your cooking needs.
- Strong 300 CFM Ventilation: The powerful fan with adjustable speeds quickly removes cooking smells and smoke, keeping your kitchen fresh.
- Bright Cooktop Light: A clear light shines on your stovetop, so you can see exactly what you’re cooking below.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart touch panel might require a slight learning curve for some users.
- While powerful, the ventilation fan can be a bit noisy on its highest setting.
Overall, the Midea MOR17BSA-SS is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a great blend of performance and user-friendly features.
Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend: Buying a Microwave Oven Over the Range
Tired of your countertop looking cluttered? A microwave oven that mounts over your range is a fantastic way to save space and add a powerful cooking tool to your kitchen. These handy appliances do more than just reheat leftovers. They can bake, broil, and even act as a powerful exhaust fan. Let’s dive into what makes a great over-the-range microwave and how to pick the perfect one for your home.
Key Features to Look For:
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Aim for at least 900 watts.
- Capacity: How much food can you fit inside? Consider the size of the plates and dishes you use most often.
- Ventilation: This is crucial! Over-the-range microwaves have built-in fans to clear smoke and odors from your stovetop. Look for CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ratings. Higher CFM means better ventilation.
- Cooking Presets: Many microwaves come with buttons for common foods like popcorn, baked potatoes, or pizza. These can make cooking easier.
- Turntable: A rotating plate ensures even cooking by turning your food as it heats.
- Sensor Cooking: This smart feature detects moisture and humidity to automatically adjust cooking time and power.
- Convection Cooking: Some models can actually bake and roast food like a regular oven. This is a great bonus if you have limited oven space.
Important Materials:
Most over-the-range microwaves have exteriors made of durable stainless steel or enamel-coated steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern, but it can show fingerprints. Enamel is easier to clean. Inside, the cooking cavity is usually coated with a non-stick material for easy wiping.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality:
What makes a microwave oven over the range great?
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built microwave will feel solid and last longer.
- Efficient Ventilation: A powerful fan with good CFM rating makes a big difference in keeping your kitchen air clean.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and a clear display make using the microwave a breeze.
- Even Cooking: A good turntable and even heat distribution are key for delicious results.
What can make it less than ideal?
- Weak Ventilation: If the fan isn’t strong enough, your kitchen will still get smoky.
- Uneven Heating: Cold spots in your food are frustrating.
- Flimsy Parts: A cheap-feeling door or control panel can be a sign of lower quality.
- Difficult Installation: While not a quality issue of the appliance itself, if it’s hard to install, it can impact your overall experience.
User Experience and Use Cases:
These microwaves are perfect for small kitchens where counter space is precious. They are ideal for quickly reheating meals, cooking frozen dinners, and melting butter. If your model has convection features, you can even bake cookies or roast chicken. The ventilation system helps keep your kitchen free from cooking smells and grease, making it a dual-purpose appliance. Many people find the convenience of having a microwave right above their stove incredibly useful for everyday cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What is the average size of an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most over-the-range microwaves are about 30 inches wide, which is the standard size for most stovetops.
Q: Do I need to vent my over-the-range microwave to the outside?
A: It’s best to vent it to the outside for the most effective removal of smoke and odors. However, some models can recirculate air through charcoal filters if outside venting isn’t possible.
Q: How do I know if my cabinets are high enough for an over-the-range microwave?
A: Most are designed to fit between standard upper cabinets, typically with about 18-20 inches of space between the stovetop and the bottom of the microwave.
Q: Can I use my over-the-range microwave as a regular oven?
A: Only if it has a convection cooking feature. Standard microwaves only use microwave energy.
Q: How much power (wattage) do I need?
A: For efficient cooking, aim for at least 900 watts. Higher wattage cooks food faster.
Q: What’s the difference between CFM ratings?
A: CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. A higher CFM means the fan can move more air, which is better for clearing smoke and odors.
Q: Are over-the-range microwaves difficult to install?
A: Installation can be a bit tricky as they need to be securely mounted. It often requires two people and basic electrical knowledge. You might consider professional installation.
Q: What kind of cookware can I use in an over-the-range microwave?
A: You can use microwave-safe glass, ceramic, and plastic dishes. Avoid metal, as it can cause sparks.
Q: How do I clean my over-the-range microwave?
A: Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The exterior can be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually with a stainless steel cleaner or all-purpose cleaner.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses built-in sensors to detect the humidity of the food and automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level for perfect results.
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!